The Michelin star is a prestigious rating awarded to restaurants by the Michelin Guide, which is a guidebook published by the French tire company Michelin. The guide was originally created to help early motorists find places to eat and stay during their travels.
A Michelin star is a way of recognizing and honoring exceptional dining experiences. Restaurants are awarded stars based on the quality, creativity, and overall excellence of their food, the skill and artistry of the chef, the ambiance of the restaurant, and the service provided.
- One Star (★): A restaurant with one Michelin star indicates high-quality cooking, skillfully and carefully crafted dishes, and a unique flavor profile.
- Two Stars (★★): A restaurant with two Michelin stars signifies excellent cuisine, where diners can expect dishes that are worth a detour due to their exceptional quality and taste.
- Three Stars (★★★): The highest accolade, three Michelin stars, represents exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey. These restaurants offer sublime dishes, exceptional ingredients, and often, a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
To earn a Michelin star, a restaurant needs to consistently meet the guide’s stringent criteria. The quality of ingredients, skill in preparation, creativity, presentation, value for money, and the overall dining experience are all considered. However, the exact formula and criteria used by Michelin are a closely guarded secret.