What is a Michelin star?
In France, in 1889, Andre and Edouard Michelin founded their tire company. With fewer than 3,000 cars in France at that time, the brothers sought to promote driving – and thus sell more tires. They put together a guide for road trips that included tips such as how to change a tire and where to buy gas, as well as lists of places to eat or stay the night. For the first 20 years of the Michelin Guide’s existence, it was free. The little red Guide as we now know it was introduced in 1920, and also featured hotels and restaurants.
In 1926, the Michelin Guide began designating restaurants with stars and, in 1936, published the criteria for its rankings.
Restaurants can be awarded one, two or three stars by the Guide. In brief: one star denotes an ‘excellent restaurant in its field’; two stars indicates that the restaurant is ‘worth changing one’s route’. A dining establishment awarded three stars ‘deserves a special trip’. Restaurant rankings are valid for one year. The rankings are conducted by “mystery diners” unknown to the restaurant’s chef or staff.
While Michelin stars are the most coveted, the Guide also ranks restaurants within its subcategories, Bib Gourmand and Plate MICHELIN. As well, the Guide introduced a new category, the “Green Star”, which recognizes restaurants at the forefront of a more sustainable approach to gastronomy.There are not yet any Michelin-starred or listed restaurants in Türkiye. This is because the Michelin Guide is not yet published in Türkiye – in order for a restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star, a Guide must be published for that country.
Austria
There are a total of 82 Michelin-starred restaurants in Austria, including one 3-star and six 2-star. There are also twelve 1-star restaurants. Most are in Vienna (58) and Salzburg (19).
You can book a ticket to Vienna or Salzburg here to explore these restaurants.
Thailand
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has the country’s most Michelin-starred restaurants; others are in Chiang Mai, Phuket and Phang-Nga. Six are 2-star and 22 have been awarded one star. Bangkok also features one of the Guide’s only star-awarded street stalls. You can purchase a ticket to Bangkok or Phuket and enjoy unforgettable tastes.
Belgium
Belgium is a motherlode of Michelin-listed restaurants, with the number rising every year. In total, there are 839 establishments, of which 102 have one star, 23 restaurants have two stars and two restaurants have been awarded three stars. Most are located in West Flanders, Antwerp, and Brussels. You can book a ticket to Brussels here.
United States of America
Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Washington are the US cities hosting the most Michelin-starred restaurants. There are 177 Michelin star rated restaurants in Chicago, 124 in San Francisco, 513 in the state of New York, and 116 in Washington DC. Most of these restaurants spotlight the cuisine of France, Japan, Mexico, or Italy, though some focus on regional flavors.
The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic hosts 26 Michelin-listed restaurants. Two of these, in Prague, the country’s capital, have one Michelin star apiece. The other 24 restaurants have been awarded in Michelin Guide subcategories.
Denmark
There are 87 Michelin-listed restaurants in Denmark. At present, only one has been awarded three stars: Geranium, in Copenhagen, which offers seasonal – and innovative – tasting menus. You can book a flight to Copenhagen here.
Finland
Finland is home to 30 Michelin-listed restaurants, of which six – all 1-star – are in the capital, Helsinki. These establishments mainly focus on seasonal and regional ingredients.
France
It seems fitting that France, where the Michelin Guide originated, is also a leader in Michelin stars. There are 3,249 restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide. Of these, 30 restaurants have been awarded three stars; 74 have been awarded two stars and 534 have one star apiece. The Michelin-starred restaurants in the cities of Paris, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, and Lyon are considered among the finest.
Germany
There are a total of 1,358 Michelin-listed restaurants in Germany. In 2018, the country was home to 250 restaurants with one star each; of these, 29 were opened that same year. These establishments are mainly found in Berlin, Munich, and Dusseldorf.
United Kingdom
England, Wales, and Scotland are home to 1,208 Michelin-listed restaurants. Of the country’s seven 3-star restaurants, five are in London and mainly focus on French or modern British cuisine.
Greece
There are 20 Michelin-listed restaurants in Greece – a country with a culinary culture similar to Türkiye’s. There is one 2-star restaurant and three 1-star restaurants. Most focus on Mediterranean cuisine and all are in Athens.
China
There are 312 Michelin-listed restaurants in China, specifically in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong. Most were included for their focus on regional cuisine, though there are two starred restaurants that specialize in vegetarian fare. For more information about Far Eastern cuisine, see 6 memorable dishes from East and Southeast Asia.
Iceland
Iceland is a small nation with five Michelin-listed restaurants, all of which are in the capital, Reykjavik. Three of these focus on modern cuisine, but one, Matur og Drykkur, specializes in traditional Icelandic cooking. The fifth offers Middle Eastern-style dishes.
Hungary
Budapest is home to Hungary’s 21 Michelin-listed restaurants. Of these, one has two stars and four restaurants have been awarded one star. You can book a ticket to Budapest here.
Ireland
In Ireland, there are 156 Michelin-listed restaurants. Of these, three have been awarded two stars and 15 have been awarded one star. Most are in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, although two newly awarded Green Star restaurants are in Galway city and one is in Inishmaan on the Aran Islands.
Italy
Italy hosts the second highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants, with 371 establishments that have been awarded stars – eleven of which have three stars. Rome, Milan, and Florence are among the cities that are home to these restaurants, standing out with a focus on regional cuisine and ingredients. To read more about Italian and European cuisine, see our Top 5 most delicious European countries blog.
Japan
Of Japan’s 863 Michelin-listed restaurants, 226 have Michelin stars. In fact, Tokyo alone has eleven 3-star restaurants. While many of these establishments focus on various aspects and traditions within Japanese cuisine, others offer tasting menus from other world cuisines. Osaka and Kyoto are also centers for fine dining.
Luxembourg
Despite being one of Europe’s smallest countries, Luxembourg hosts 57 Michelin-listed restaurants, one of which is a 2-star restaurant, and eight of which are 1-star restaurants. The cuisine focus ranges from French modern to Japanese.
Netherlands
The Netherlands hosts two 3-star restaurants, De Librije in Zwolle, and Inter Scaldes in Kruiningen. In addition, the nation is home to eight 1-star restaurants and eight Green Star restaurants.
Norway
Norway has 38 Michelin-listed restaurants, of which 10 have stars. Oslo hosts 29 of these establishments, including four Green Star restaurants offering modern and Norwegian cuisine.
Poland
Poland offers 37 Michelin-listed restaurants, including the 1-star eateries Bottiglieria 1881 in Cracow, and atelier Amaro in Warsaw, which focus on creative and modern Polish cuisine, respectively.
Portugal
In Portugal, with 157 Michelin-listed restaurants, there are seven 2-star restaurants and 21 restaurants with one star. They are located across the country, with two 2-star establishments in Lisbon and a 1-star restaurant in Porto.
Brazil
There are 164 Michelin-listed restaurants in Brazil, with Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo each hosting two 2-star establishments. The listed restaurants feature cuisines ranging from traditional Brazilian to modern Japanese, attesting to both the rich origins and influences on the country’s culinary landscape. For more about South American cuisine, see the fabulous flavors of South American cuisine.
South Korea
There are 176 Michelin-listed restaurants in South Korea. At present, there are two 3-star restaurants in Seoul, both of which focus on Korean cuisine.
Singapore
The tiny city-state of Singapore – one of the world’s most diverse culinary destinations – hosts 233 Michelin-listed restaurants. Two of these have been awarded three stars and feature French and French contemporary cuisine, respectively.
Spain
Making a name for itself with 1,251 Michelin-listed restaurants, Spain is a star in the gastronomical world. The country’s eleven 3-star restaurants focus on creative, modern and innovative dishes. While its listed restaurants are situated throughout the country, Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia in particular offer distinctive dining opportunities.
Sweden
Sweden has a total of 72 Michelin-listed restaurants. Most focus on modern iterations of dishes composed of regional Swedish ingredients, meats and seafood. The only 3-star restaurant in Sweden, the elegantly serene Frantzén, is in Stockholm.
Switzerland
Switzerland’s 536 Michelin-listed restaurants are mainly evenly distributed across the country, with its three 3-star restaurants in Basel, Crissier and Fürstenau. However, Zurich, Basel, and Lucerne also host a fair share of Michelin-awarded establishments.
BONUS: Why are there no Michelin-starred restaurants in Türkiye?
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