When it comes to Michelin star restaurants, European countries top the list. Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants by the Michelin Guide, a series of guidebooks published by the French tire company Michelin.
The awards are given to restaurants which serve high-quality cuisine and are considered to be among the best in the world. The number of stars that a restaurant is awarded is determined by a panel of anonymous judges who visit and inspect the restaurant, and take into account factors such as food quality, presentation, ambiance and service.
The country with the highest number of Michelin starred restaurants in Europe is France. This isn’t surprising, considering that France has long been regarded as one of the culinary capitals of the world.
As of 2021, there are a total of 543 restaurants in France with one or more Michelin Stars. Many of these restaurants can be found in Paris, which has no less than 140 starred eateries – more than any other city in Europe.
The runner up is Italy, with 495 starred restaurants across the country. Italy is renowned for its diverse gastronomy and it’s no surprise that many Italian establishments have been recognized by Michelin inspectors. The two cities with most starred eateries are Rome (86) and Milan (71).
Spain also has an impressive tally when it comes to Michelin stars, coming in third place with 246 starred restaurants. Spain’s capital city Madrid alone has 45 starred establishments – making it one of the premier destinations for fine dining in Europe.
Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Austria round out the top six countries on Europe’s list of most Michelin Starred Restaurants; each boasting over 100 establishments between them.
It’s clear that Europe is home to some truly remarkable eateries – from classic French cuisine to modern Italian dishes – all guaranteed to provide an unforgettable culinary experience.
Conclusion: When it comes to Michelin star restaurants, France leads the way with 543 establishments across the country; followed closely by Italy with 495 starred eateries.