Being awarded a Michelin star, or preferably three, is the ambition of many restaurateurs. But what does this prestigious rating really mean? The Michelin Guides, travel guides produced by French tire company Michelin, started awarding one star to fine dining establishments in 1926. Interest in these ratings grew, and the company introduced the one-to-three-star rating system, which we know today, in the 1930s. Over the past century, the guide has grown exponentially and these days, rates restaurants all over the world. In 2023, Michelin’s home nation, France, was the
, with 625. When looking at a
, only 29 of these establishments were rewarded three Michelin stars.
The current rating system for Michelin starred restaurants is as follows: 1-star “A very good restaurant in its category”, 2-stars “Excellent cooking, worth a detour”, and finally, 3-stars "Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey”.
What city has the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world?
While France may lead in terms of the most Michelin starred restaurants by country, the
city with the most Michelin starred restaurants worldwide in 2023 was Tokyo, Japan, accounting for 203 Michelin-starred restaurants, almost double that of second placed city, Paris, France. Not only does a Japanese city top the ranking, but they also make up three out of the top four cities. However, it is not only cities that gain recognition for their culinary brilliance, but also the chefs. In a day and age where talented chefs can become famous TV stars, it is often thought that the chefs themselves are awarded Michelin stars. This is a common misconception; it is actually the restaurants that are awarded stars. The
chef with the most Michelin stars awarded to their restaurants was Frenchman Joël Robuchon, with 31 stars.
The secret identities of Michelin’s inspectors
Many diners will find themselves paying a pretty penny to eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant, with a tasting course at the
most expensive Michelin-starred restaurant in the world costing a whopping 1.4 thousand U.S. dollars. As it turns out, even the Michelin inspectors must pay for their meals (although likely they charge it to the company card). The guide company is notoriously secretive about the identities of its inspectors. This is so they are treated as regular customers and therefore receive the most authentic dining experience. While many restaurants they visit will be on the expensive side, Michelin also awards restaurants the “Bib Gourmand”. This award highlights establishments that offer the best value for money and a simpler style of cooking. That said, the company does not look to be retiring from rating fine dining establishments soon.
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