Does Oceans Have a Michelin Star?

The Michelin star system is one of the most sought-after distinctions in the culinary world. Every year, Michelin releases a guide that reviews restaurants around the world and awards them with one, two, or three stars, depending on the quality of their food.

The Michelin star system has become so prestigious that it’s often seen as a reflection of a chef’s skill and the quality of their establishment. But does this system apply to restaurants out in the ocean? Can an underwater restaurant earn a Michelin star?

The short answer is no: there are no underwater restaurants with Michelin stars. According to Michelin, they only award stars to “land-based” restaurants; underwater establishments simply don’t qualify. That being said, there have been some attempts to create an ocean-based version of the star system.

In 2018, a group of scientists, chefs and environmentalists launched The Oceanic Fine Dining Awards. This awards program aims to recognize those who are working towards sustainability in ocean-based cuisine. The awards are divided into five categories: Best Sustainable Seafood Restaurant; Best Sustainable Seafood Chef; Best Oceanic Experience; Most Innovative Recipe; and Highest Quality Marine Ingredient.

Though this awards program may not have the same clout as a Michelin star, it still recognizes excellence in aquatic culinary endeavors. It’s also important to note that this awards program is more focused on sustainability than just sheer quality – something that might be hard to measure when it comes to underwater dining.

Conclusion:

It’s clear that oceans cannot earn a Michelin Star due to its criteria only awarding “land-based” restaurants; however there is an alternative awards program – The Oceanic Fine Dining Awards – which focus on sustainability rather than sheer quality when it comes to aquatic culinary endeavors.