Is Michelin a Monarch Star?

Michelin Stars are one of the most sought after awards in the culinary industry, and have been awarded since 1926. The Michelin Guide is a restaurant guidebook published by the French tire company Michelin. It is a prestigious honor, and stars are awarded to restaurants that demonstrate outstanding cuisine.

A single Michelin star signifies very good cooking, worth a stop; two stars are excellent cooking, worth a detour; and three stars are an exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey. The coveted three-star rating is reserved for restaurants that offer an “exceptional cuisine” and “splendid dining experience”.

Achieving one or more Michelin Stars is no easy feat. Chefs must have exemplary culinary skills, use only the freshest ingredients, provide impeccable service and create innovative dishes that will leave customers wanting more. The process of acquiring a star is rigorous and involves multiple visits from inspectors who judge all aspects of the restaurant.

Michelin also awards their highest distinction – the Monarch Star – to restaurants that offer an exceptional dining experience with extraordinary quality cuisine and flawless service. This rating is extremely rare, as it requires all aspects of the restaurant to be outstanding, from ambiance to haute cuisine. Currently there are only four restaurants in the world with this distinction: Paul Bocuse in France; Roanjin in Japan; Per Se in New York City; and Geranium in Copenhagen.

The Monarch Star is not to be confused with three Michelin Stars as they are two separate rankings within the Michelin Guide. While all Monarch Star recipients have earned three Michelin Stars, not all three-star restaurants receive this prestigious award – making it even more exclusive.

Conclusion: Is Michelin a Monarch Star? No – while some restaurants may receive both a 3 Michelin Star ranking as well as the rarer Monarch Star designation from the Michelin Guide, they are two separate ratings within this esteemed guidebook.