A Michelin star restaurant is a type of restaurant that has been awarded a coveted Michelin star by the Michelin Guide. The guide is a series of books published by the Michelin tire company since 1900, which evaluate restaurants on standards such as food quality, preparation techniques, ambiance and service.
Earning a single Michelin star is an immense honor for any restaurant. It signals to diners that the establishment serves high-quality cuisine. Achieving two stars is even more prestigious and means that the food is excellent, while three stars signify that the restaurant offers “exceptional cuisine worth a special journey” according to the guide.
In order to be eligible for consideration, restaurants must have been in business for at least one year and serve lunch and dinner at least five days a week. The criteria used by the inspectors are based on several factors including quality of ingredients; mastery of flavor; skill in preparation; value for money; consistency over time and menu choice. The inspectors dine anonymously and pay in full for their meals in order to maintain impartiality.
The process used by Michelin to evaluate restaurants requires strict secrecy and can take up to two years before awards are announced. Inspectors will visit each establishment multiple times throughout this period in order to properly assess it before awarding any stars. Restaurants can also lose their stars if they fail to maintain the same high standards over time or if they close their doors permanently.
Conclusion: Earning a Michelin star is an incredible achievement for any restaurant as it signifies excellence in food quality, preparation techniques, ambiance and service. It requires strict secrecy from inspectors who visit establishments multiple times over two years before any awards are announced or taken away if standards are not maintained over time.