When it comes to fine dining, Michelin-starred restaurants are the cream of the crop. The Michelin Guide awards one to three stars for restaurants that demonstrate “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.”
Established in 1926, the guide is now internationally recognized and highly coveted. Restaurants that receive two stars demonstrate “excellent cooking, worth a detour” and are seen as some of the best in the world.
The number of two-star restaurants varies from year to year, with new restaurants earning stars and old ones sometimes losing them. As of 2019, there were a total of 145 two-star restaurants around the world.
Of those 145 restaurants, France had the most at 55, followed by Japan with 44 and Germany with 17. Other countries with two-star establishments include Austria (3), Belgium (3), China (9), Hong Kong (7), Italy (8), Macau (1), Monaco (1), Portugal (2), Singapore (2), Spain (9) and Switzerland (6).
In Europe, France is home to the most Michelin two-star restaurants—55 in total—spread across all regions of the country from Paris to Provence. In Italy, there are 8 Michelin two-stars located mainly in Rome and Florence but also in Piedmont and Puglia.
Germany has 17 two-star establishments scattered throughout its regions including Frankfurt, Hamburg and Cologne. Other countries in Europe that have multiple Michelin two-stars include Austria which has 3; Belgium which has 3; Portugal which has 2; Spain which has 9; and Switzerland which has 6.
In Asia, Japan is home to 44 Michelin two-star establishments spread across its various prefectures from Tokyo to Fukuoka. China also has 9 two-star establishments primarily located in Beijing but spread throughout other cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hangzhou.
Hong Kong is home to 7 Michelin two-stars while Macau has 1 establishment with a two star rating. Singapore also has 2 two-star establishments.
In conclusion, there are currently 145 Michelin Two Star Restaurants located around the world across Europe, Asia and other countries such as Monaco and Singapore. France is still reigning supreme when it comes to these elite eateries with 55 establishments throughout various regions of the country while Japan follows closely behind with 44 establishments across its prefectures.