What Is a Michelin Star, and Why Was It Invented?

The Michelin Guide is one of the most renowned restaurant guidebooks in the world, published by the French tire company Michelin. Here’s everything you need to know about them, including why Michelin Stars where invented, what they mean, and how long they last once awarded to a restaurant. 

What is a Michelin Star?

First introduced in 1900 as a way to encourage automobile travel and boost dwindling tire sales by tire manufacturer Michelin, and now a trusted source for finding exceptional dining experiences, the Michelin Guide is now known for its prestigious Michelin stars, which are awarded to restaurants based on the quality of their food, service, and atmosphere.

The criteria for the Michelin stars are kept secret, but they are widely believed to take into account factors such as the consistency of the food, the quality of ingredients, and the skill of the chef. Restaurants are evaluated by anonymous Michelin inspectors, who dine at the establishments multiple times to ensure accuracy of their ratings.

What Does a Michelin Star Mean?

A single Michelin star signifies “a very good restaurant,” two stars are “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three stars mean “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.” Receiving a Michelin star is a significant achievement for any restaurant, and is seen as a symbol of prestige in the culinary world. 

Many chefs and restaurateurs see receiving a Michelin star as the ultimate goal, and work tirelessly to achieve it. The pressure to receive a star can be intense, and the competition to maintain a star is equally fierce — but the rewards that come with it both for the restaurant and the chef behind the scenes are vast.

How Long Do Michelin Stars Last?

The Michelin Guide is updated annually, and restaurants that fail to maintain the standards required for their stars risk losing them. This intense pressure to maintain Michelin star status has led to a focus on quality and consistency at restaurants, and has helped to drive innovation and creativity in the kitchen.

Restaurants awarded a Michelin Star are reviewed every 18 months, according to Michelin, unless they receive a specific complaint from a diner. When this happens, they’ll send an emergency reviewer over to the restaurant as soon as possible. This sort of action resulted in Gordon Ramsay at The London losing two stars. 

The impact of the Michelin Guide and its stars extends far beyond the world of food. Restaurants that receive a Michelin star often become tourist destinations, like Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck in the United Kingdom, and the guide has been credited with boosting local economies and helping to revitalize entire areas.

Today, the guide is published in over 30 countries, and its stars are recognized as a symbol of culinary excellence the world over. Whether you’re a foodie, a chef, or simply someone who loves incredible food, the Michelin Guide and its stars are a must-know. You can find a full list of all restaurants with Michelin Stars worldwide using the virtual Michelin Guide.