Talk about a plot twist in the kitchen!

A humble restaurant in Manila almost missed one of the biggest moments in its journey — because they thought the Michelin Guide invitation email was a phishing scam.

The team behind El Poco, now officially part of the Michelin Guide 2025, shared the hilarious mix-up on social media after finding out they were among the selected restaurants featured by the prestigious guide.

“P.S. next time, reply to email at least 😂😂😂 It wasn’t a phishing scam,” the restaurant owner Richard Ken “Tots” Ramirez wrote in their now-viral post.

Despite missing the official event, the team’s excitement and gratitude overflowed online as they celebrated the unexpected win.

“We cannot believe our humble place would get this far. The amount of support and kindness we received today only means we did something right,” they wrote online.

The restaurant, known for its warm atmosphere and soulful dishes, credited its success to the community that supported it through the years.

“Every customer who paid, celebrated wins and losses, created memories in our seats and in your homes — you guys are the real stage of this award.”

While the El Poco team might have missed the ceremony, they definitely didn’t miss the moment because in the end, they got what every restaurant dreams of: a Michelin nod in the City of Manila, marking a proud moment not just for the establishment but for the local dining scene.

“This win is not just for us but for you, your families, and ours. Everybody ate tonight — and we’ll keep cooking as long as we can,” they said.