Chicago is home to a wide range of Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are currently no three-star establishments in the city. Michelin stars are awarded by the Michelin Guide, which was established in 1900 to provide travelers with information about the best restaurants and hotels in various cities around the world. A Michelin star is considered an international mark of excellence, and it is an indication that a restaurant offers an exceptional culinary experience.
The highest recognition that can be earned from the Michelin Guide is three stars, however, as of 2021 there are no such establishments in Chicago. While several Chicago restaurants have earned one or two stars from Michelin, only two-star restaurants remain in the city: Acadia, Chicago; Alinea; and Smyth & The Loyalist. All three offer exquisite cuisine and impeccable service that make them worthy of their two-star accolades.
In contrast to other cities with three-star establishments, such as Paris and Tokyo, Chicago has yet to earn its first three-star restaurant. This could be attributed to a variety of factors including the relatively new status of many fine dining establishments in the city compared to those found in other parts of the world. Furthermore, many high-end restaurants rely on tourists for business and with travel restrictions still in place due to COVID-19 this could have a negative impact on their chances of achieving a three-star rating from Michelin.
Despite this fact, some experts suggest that Chicago could soon earn its first Michelin three-star restaurant as many chefs are pushing boundaries and creating innovative dishes that could reach such heights. Additionally, some new restaurants have opened recently that could potentially become contenders for the coveted rating. These include Pacific Standard Time, Band of Bohemia, Kokkaku and Roister which all offer unique takes on classic dishes as well as modern cuisine.
Ultimately it will be up to Michelin inspectors to decide when Chicago’s first three-star restaurant will arrive but until then foodies can still find excellent dining experiences at one or two star establishments throughout the city.
Conclusion
Are There Any Three Michelin Star Restaurants in Chicago?
No, currently there are no three-Michelin star restaurants located in Chicago; however several one and two star establishments offer incredible culinary experiences for food lovers visiting or living in the city. With innovative chefs pushing boundaries with their cuisine it is possible that a three star establishment may open its doors soon.