What Countries Have Michelin Star?

Michelin stars are perhaps the most coveted award in the culinary world. The Michelin guide was founded in 1900 by French tire manufacturer Andre Michelin and his brother Edouard as a way to promote the sale of their tires. Since then, Michelin stars have become the most sought-after symbol of excellence in restaurants around the world.

The criteria for attaining a Michelin star are stringent and require a restaurant to demonstrate an exemplary level of quality in terms of its food, service, ambiance, and overall experience. To qualify for a single star, a restaurant must offer an outstanding dining experience, while two stars signify exceptional cuisine and three stars denote nothing short of extraordinary cuisine that is worth a special journey.

At present, there are over 3,000 restaurants with Michelin stars located across 23 countries worldwide. The majority of these restaurants are located in Europe with France leading the way with 495 establishments awarded at least one star. Other European countries that feature prominently on this list include Italy (380 establishments), Germany (281), Spain (229), Switzerland (179), and the United Kingdom (152).

Outside Europe, Japan has the highest number of restaurants boasting at least one star (274 establishments), followed by the United States (209). Other non-European countries with Michel-starred restaurants include Canada (17), Brazil (10), Taiwan (9), South Korea (8), Thailand (6), China (3) and Mexico and Peru each having two establishments with at least one star.

Conclusion: In summary, there are currently over 3,000 restaurants around the world that have been awarded at least one Michelin star. France leads the way with 495 establishments having earned this prestigious accolade followed by Italy and Germany with 380 and 281 respectively.

Other European countries that feature prominently on this list include Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom who have 229; 179; 152 starred restaurants respectively. Outside Europe, Japan has 274 establishments with at least one star while 209 can be found in the United States. Other non-European countries such as Canada, Brazil, Taiwan, South Korea Thailand China Mexico and Peru also boast several starred establishments each.