How Do Michelin Star Ratings Work?

Michelin star ratings are a globally recognized symbol of excellence in cuisine, and have been awarded to restaurants since the early 1900s. Michelin stars are one of the most sought after awards for restaurants, and are seen as a prestigious honor for chefs. Restaurants that receive a Michelin star rating have achieved the highest standards of culinary excellence in their respective countries.

Michelin stars are awarded by anonymous inspectors who visit each restaurant and rate it based on five criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, value for money, consistency between visits, and overall dining experience. Each criterion is judged on a scale from one to three stars. A one-star rating signifies a “very good restaurant”; two stars signify “excellent cooking”; and three stars signify “exceptional cuisine worth a special journey”.

In order to receive a Michelin star rating, the restaurant must demonstrate excellence across all five criteria.

The inspector must be convinced that the restaurant is worth recommending for its food quality alone, without taking into account any additional factors such as service or atmosphere. The inspector also takes into consideration the type of cuisine served by the restaurant; for example, an Italian restaurant is judged against other Italian restaurants while an Asian restaurant is judged against other Asian restaurants.

The number of Michelin-starred establishments around the world has grown significantly over the years, with more than 3,000 receiving at least one star in 2019. While Michelin ratings are only awarded in certain regions around the world (primarily Europe), they remain coveted by chefs and restaurateurs alike.

Conclusion:

Michelin star ratings are highly sought after by restaurants due to their stringent criteria for awarding the coveted accolade. Restaurants must demonstrate excellence across all five criteria judged by an anonymous inspector in order to receive one or more stars. The number of starred establishments has grown significantly over time, making Michelin star ratings increasingly competitive – but also increasingly prestigious.