When it comes to fine dining, Michelin stars are the gold standard. They are a symbol of excellence for restaurants around the world, and many aspiring chefs dream of achieving one or more Michelin stars for their restaurant.
But not all states have a restaurant with the coveted star rating. So what states have a Michelin star restaurant?
Currently, only sixteen states have at least one Michelin-starred restaurant: California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. California has the most Michelin-starred restaurants with 21 total.
New York is next with 11 starred restaurants. Other states may have one or two starred restaurants each.
California Restaurants
California has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the United States with 21 total. San Francisco has 9 of these starred establishments including multi-starred Benu and The French Laundry; single star awardees include Coi and Saison. Los Angeles has 6 starred establishments including two triple star awardees Providence and Urasawa; other single star awardees include Q Sushi and Hinoki & The Bird.
New York Restaurants
New York follows California with 11 total starred restaurants. New York City has 7 starred establishments including four 3-star awardees Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare; Le Bernardin; Per Se; and Eleven Madison Park; other single star awardees include Marea and Sushi Ginza Onodera. Upstate New York has 4 starred establishments including 2-star awardee Blue Hill at Stone Barns; other single star awardees are Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean Georges and The Barn at Blackberry Farm.
Other States
The remaining 14 states all have 1 or 2 starred restaurants each. Illinois is home to Alinea in Chicago which holds 3 stars while Oriole in Chicago holds 2 stars. In Georgia there is 1 two-star establishment in Atlanta: Atlas; while 1 one-star establishment in Savannah: The Grey can be found in Georgia as well.
Conclusion
Michelin stars are an international symbol of excellence for fine dining establishments around the world. Only sixteen states currently have at least one Michelin-starred restaurant – California leads the pack with 21 total while New York follows closely behind with 11 total starred restaurants. Other states may have 1 or 2 starred restaurants each.