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

A star is a symbol used to rate the quality of a restaurant, hotel, or other hospitality establishment. It is generally seen as a sign of quality and is often awarded by government-approved organizations such as the Michelin Guide.

A Michelin star, on the other hand, is an accolade given by the Michelin Guide, one of the most respected and influential travel guidebooks in the world.

The star system has been around since 1926 when it was first introduced by André Michelin and his brother Edouard. The original system consisted of three stars with each one representing a different level of quality and service.

The highest rating was three stars, which indicated that it was an “exceptional” restaurant worth going out of one’s way to experience.

Today, the Michelin star system is still in use but has evolved over time. The current system consists of three stars with each one representing a different level of excellence: one star indicates “a very good restaurant”; two stars indicate “excellent cooking that is worth a detour”; and three stars indicate “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey”.

The key difference between a star and a Michelin star, then, comes down to who awards it: while any organization can give out stars, only the Michelin Guide awards Michelin stars.

Overall, both ratings are used to signify quality in hospitality establishments but there are important differences between them. While any organization can award stars based on their own criteria for quality, only the Michelin Guide can award Michelin stars based on their own criteria for excellence.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between a star and a Michelin star helps travelers identify establishments that provide excellent dining experiences according to respected standards. A single star signifies quality while multiple Michelin stars signify excellence.