How Many Michelin Star Restaurants Are in the United States?

Michelin star restaurants are the creme de la creme of the culinary world. They have been recognized for their exceptional cuisine and service, a reputation that is hard-earned and deserves to be celebrated. But, how many Michelin star restaurants are there in the United States?

In 2020, there were 159 restaurants across the United States that held Michelin stars. This number has grown significantly since the first Michelin Guide was published in 1906; however, it is still dwarfed by the 1,600+ Michelin-starred eateries located in Europe.

The vast majority of US-based Michelin stars are located on the East and West coasts, with California boasting 44 starred restaurants alone. Other states with high numbers of starred establishments include New York (24), Illinois (15), Texas (13) and Massachusetts (11).

The most coveted of all Michelin stars is the coveted three-star rating, awarded only to those establishments considered to be “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey”. Currently there are only 11 three-star restaurants in the United States; five of which are located in California and two each in New York and Illinois. The remaining two three-star restaurants can be found in Washington and Pennsylvania respectively.

Although Michelin stars can be a prestigious accolade for any establishment to receive, they also come with a lot of pressure and expectation. Each year inspectors visit all 159 starred restaurants to assess their performance against strict criteria – no mean feat! To retain its status as a Michelin star restaurant requires an ongoing commitment from all involved to maintain high standards at all times.

Conclusion
In conclusion, there are currently 159 Michelin star restaurants across the United States with 11 of these being awarded three stars for ‘exceptional cuisine’. Whilst this number has increased significantly since 1906 it still pales in comparison to Europe’s 1,600+ starred establishments. To retain their place amongst this elite group requires a commitment from chefs, waiting staff and management teams alike to ensure that they consistently deliver on their promise of world class cuisine