What’s the Difference Between a Michelin Plate and Star?

Michelin is an iconic French tire company and restaurant rating guide. Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants that provide an exceptional dining experience. The Michelin Plate is a new award introduced in 2020 to recognize restaurants that are deemed to be of “good quality”.

Michelin Stars are the most prestigious honor a restaurant can receive and are awarded based on five criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of flavor, cooking techniques, value for money and consistency across multiple visits. A three-star rating is the highest accolade and indicates exceptional cuisine worthy of a special journey.

The Michelin Plate award was created as an alternative to the star system for restaurants that offer good quality food but don’t quite meet the exacting standards required for a star rating. Restaurants that receive the Michelin Plate award have been deemed to have “excellent cooking” but may not necessarily have a “uniquely signature dish or concept” or provide a level of service that could merit them a star rating.

The Michelin Guide also awards Bib Gourmand awards, which recognize establishments offering good food at reasonable prices. These awards are separate from both the star and plate ratings, and they do not reflect the same level of culinary excellence as either one.

So What’s The Difference Between A Michelin Plate And Star?

The main difference between a Michelin Plate and Star is based on how they are awarded. The Star ratings are based on five criteria while the Plate awards recognize restaurants with excellent cooking but may lack certain qualities required for a star rating such as unique signature dishes or concepts or high-level service. Bib Gourmand awards are also separate from both ratings and signify good food at reasonable prices rather than excellence in culinary artistry.

Conclusion:

Achieving any type of recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide is an honor for any restaurant, be it a Star, Plate or Bib Gourmand Award. While all signify quality dining experiences, there is still a clear distinction between each award that must be taken into consideration when making reservations at any establishment listed by Michelin.