Culinary excellence and prestige are rewarded with Michelin stars. As the ultimate, most exclusive accolade within the restaurant industry, only a select handful of restaurants around the world have Michelin stars. 

Michelin stars are viewed as coveted awards by many types of chefs. If you hold the title of a business owner, restaurant manager, executive chef, sous chef, or sommelier of a fine dining establishment, you know that earning one or more Michelin stars is the ultimate recognition one can recieve. 

Like with fine dining, there are many key details that contribute to Michelin restaurants. Read on to learn everything about them. 

What Is a Michelin Star? 

Michelin stars serve as badges of achievement for fine dining restaurants across the globe. The number of Michelin stars granted to an establishment is determined by undercover inspectors who gauge the quality of the food and experience. 

Unlike other rating systems, the Michelin star guide does not take customer reviews into account. This means that high-end restaurants must be ready for an anonymous inspection at all times. After all, this is how the Michelin guide can ensure the public of a restaurant’s efficacy in the business. 

Eateries with Michelin stars are where you’ll find the most luxurious dining experience. From ornate entree food to a thoughtfully chosen wine pairing with every course, you’ll certainly be served like royalty. 

Michelin Stars 

Michelin stars are the most distinguishable form of recognition a restaurant can earn. It is a true honor for any eatery to achieve such a rating. Read below to learn what it means to hold one, two, or three Michelin stars:

One Michelin Star

Don’t let the term “one star” deter you when it comes to the Michelin rating system. In fact, the Michelin guide refers to eateries with a single star as those that serve high-quality cooking and are “worth a stop.” Earning a Michelin star is quite an impressive accomplishment and will certainly enhance the restaurant’s brand and reputation. 

As of 2023, there are 2,160 restaurants worldwide with one Michelin star. Considering the vast number of restaurants that exist, this is a very small fraction. Currently, the city with the most one-star Michelin restaurants is Tokyo.

Two Michelin Stars

A restaurant with two Michelin stars offers excellent cooking and are “worth a detour.” Restaurants with two Michelin stars are owned by some of the world’s most talented chefs. It’s also very likely that every two-star restaurant boasts other awards and acknowledgements from industry experts and restaurateurs. 

As of 2023, there are only 385 restaurants worldwide with two Michelin stars. However, customers can feel confident that each and every restaurant on the list will consistently prepare high-quality dishes. 

Three Michelin Stars

If your restaurant has received three Michelin stars, then this means you serve some of the most exceptional food in the world. In fact, the Michelin guide refers to such establishments as those that are “worth a special journey.” 

Three Michelin stars are only awarded to the most critically acclaimed restaurants. They provide consumers with the most elegant and exquisite fine dining experience imaginable. Such restaurants are run by notable chefs who have been recognized for their culinary excellence. 

As of 2023, there are only 137 restaurants worldwide with three Michelin stars. Dining at a three-star Michelin restaurant may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you have the chance to dine in one, we encourage you to experience some of the finest culinary works that the world has to offer. 

Michelin Star Restaurants 

Michelin star restaurants are some of the most notable brands within the hospitality industry. Serving exceptional food in a luxury dining room is the perfect recipe for worldwide recognition. 

If you’re looking for inspiration whilst working toward your first Michelin star(s), look to the best three-star MIchelin restaurants in the world. For your convenience, here is a list of the top ten restaurants across the globe with three Michelin stars:

1. Geranium in Copenhagen, Denmark 
2. DiverXO in Madrid, Spain
3. Le Calandre in Rubano, Italy
4. Uliassi in Senigallia, Italy 
5. Reale in Castel di Sangro, Italy
6. Piazza Duomo in Alba, Italy
7. Frantzén in Stockholm, Sweden
8. Hof van Cleve in Kruishoutem, Belgium 
9. St. Hubertus in San Cassiano, Italy 
10.  Arpège In France

The restaurants that make up this list offer some of the most spectacular experiences within the culinary space. From gorgeous decor to the most delicious delicacies, their paths to earning three Michelin stars came with much preparation and dedication. The consistency in providing beautifully crafted dishes served by the most attentive wait staff is what makes earning just one Michelin star impressive–let alone three! 

Frequently Asked Questions About Michelin Stars

Earning Michelin stars is not an easy task. From high-quality ingredients to a team of superb chefs, there are numerous factors that inspectors consider. If you’d like to learn more about Michelin stars, read on!

Why Is It Called a Michelin Star? 

The Michelin name comes from two brothers, Andre and Edouard Michelin. They’re who created the Michelin guide. Over time, the Michelin guide has evolved into the star-ranking system that is often used today. 

What’s Higher Than a MIchelin Star?

When it comes to accolades within the restaurant industry, Michelin stars are the most sought-after and prestigious awards. The number of stars you receive dictate the rating; for instance:

• One Michelin star rates the restaurant as being a high-quality establishment.
• Two Michelin stars means that the restaurant is excellent. 
• Three Michelin stars means that the restaurant serves exceptional cuisine. 

Who Decides If You Get a Michelin Star?

A collection of inspectors from The Michelin Guide are responsible for giving out the prestigious accolade. Inspections from multiple members from the guide are required, which contributes to the competitiveness of becoming a Michelin restaurant. 

Do Michelin Star Chefs Make a Lot of Money?

Yes, a chef working at a Michelin star restaurant can earn an annual salary ranging from $70,000 to over $100,000. Keep in mind that annual salaries will be very dependent on the establishment, location, and your experience. 

Which Restaurant Has the Most Michelin Stars?

The Dorchester and Le Louis XV both have three Michelin stars, which is the most that a restaurant can receive. It’s also worth noting that Le Louis XV was the first restaurant to ever receive a Michelin star. 

The Michelin Star Standard

The ultimate goal of any fine dining restaurant is to receive Michelin stars. Now that you have an idea about the rigorous criteria and exclusivity of Michelin rankings, you can begin to study the guide’s requirements and see if you have what it takes to become a Michelin restaurant. 

If you want to earn Michelin stars, whether as a restaurant or a chef, always remember that stars can be taken away. If a team of Michelin inspectors discovers that your Michelin-level qualities have slipped, you’ll be at risk of losing the coveted status. Though it’s possible to gain them back after making necessary improvements, it’s quite the challenge that many do not achieve. 

As the most notable and recognizable status a restaurant or chef can hold, it’s essential that you maintain the quality of ingredients, the craft of each recipe, the stunning ambiance of your restaurant, and outstanding service. After all, these are the primary categories that are considered when awarding Michelin stars.