The Michelin Guide is a prestigious series of restaurant guides published by the French tire manufacturer, Michelin. The guide is designed to help travelers choose restaurants in their travels, and it has been in publication since 1900.
The guide awards restaurants with one to three stars based on the quality of their cuisine, service, and ambiance. It also awards some establishments with a special plate award, which indicates that the food is good but not quite up to star-level standards.
Michelin Plate
The Michelin Plate award is given to restaurants whose food offers a “good meal” but does not meet the standards for a star. The criteria for receiving a Michelin Plate are not as strict as those for stars and include factors such as freshness of ingredients, quality of cooking skills, and overall value for money. A restaurant may receive one or more plates depending on how many aspects of its menu meet the criteria.
Michelin Star
Michelin Stars are awarded to restaurants that offer an “exceptional cuisine” that is worth a detour. These restaurants have innovative menus with dishes that have an excellent flavor profile and are made from high-quality ingredients. In addition to offering excellent food, these establishments must also provide stellar service and atmosphere.
Conclusion:
The difference between a Michelin Plate and a Michelin Star is that the former indicates good food while the latter denotes exceptional cuisine worth going out of your way for. Restaurants awarded with stars must offer innovative menus featuring dishes made from high-quality ingredients along with superior service and atmosphere.