Earning a Michelin star (or stars) is one of the highest honors a restaurant can receive. However, getting onto the Michelin Guide is not something a restaurant can simply apply for, as one might do for other types of recognition or endorsement. The Michelin Guide has its own process and criteria, which are often kept quite secretive.
Here’s a general outline of how the Michelin inspection process typically works:
- Anonymous Inspections: Michelin inspectors, who are anonymous and pay their bills like regular customers, visit restaurants and hotels without revealing their identity. They judge the quality of the ingredients used, the skill of the chef and his or her team, the combination of flavors, the creativity, the consistency, and the overall value.
- Multiple Visits: Inspectors will visit a potential restaurant multiple times to ensure consistency.
- Internal Review: After a visit, the inspector writes a thorough, detailed report, which is then reviewed with the inspector’s colleagues. They collectively decide whether to award or take away a star.
- Criteria for Stars: Michelin stars are awarded based on the quality of the food alone. The décor, ambiance, and service are judged separately and do not impact the number of stars a restaurant receives.
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- One star: “High-quality cooking, worth a stop!”
- Two stars: “Excellent cooking, worth a detour!”
- Three stars: “Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey!”
- Bib Gourmand and The Plate: Besides the stars, Michelin also has other classifications, such as the Bib Gourmand, which recognizes restaurants offering “good quality, good value cooking”, and The Plate which signifies “fresh ingredients, carefully prepared: a good meal”.
- Voluntary Delisting: If a restaurant does not wish to be included in the Michelin Guide, it can request to be removed. However, this does not guarantee that Michelin will comply with the request.
There is no way for restaurants to apply to be listed on the Michelin Guide website. Restaurants are anonymously inspected by Michelin inspectors, who are trained to look for five key criteria:
- Excellent quality of ingredients: The ingredients used should be of the highest quality and be sourced from reputable suppliers.
- Mastery of cooking techniques: The chef should have a mastery of cooking techniques and be able to prepare the food in a way that brings out the best flavors.
- Taste: The food should taste delicious and be well-seasoned.
- Savoir-faire: The restaurant should have a well-trained staff who are able to provide a consistently excellent dining experience.
- Consistency: The food and service should be consistently excellent, regardless of the day of the week or the time of day.
If a restaurant meets these criteria, it may be awarded one, two, or three stars in the Michelin Guide. Restaurants that do not meet the criteria may still be listed on the website as “Michelin Recommended.”
Here are some tips for restaurants that want to be considered for a Michelin star:
- Use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.
- Hire a talented chef who is passionate about food and has a mastery of cooking techniques.
- Train your staff to provide excellent service.
- Create a dining experience that is memorable and consistently excellent.
- Be patient. It can take years for a restaurant to earn a Michelin star.
Here are some of the benefits of being listed on the Michelin Guide website:
- Increased visibility and exposure to diners.
- Increased credibility and reputation.
- Increased customer traffic and sales.
- Increased opportunities for collaboration with other businesses.
- Increased opportunities for marketing and promotion.
If you are a restaurant owner or manager, I encourage you to strive to achieve the highest level of excellence in your food and service. If you do, you may be rewarded with a MICHELIN star, which is one of the highest honors in the restaurant industry.
If you’re a restaurateur aiming for Michelin recognition:
- Focus on Quality and Consistency: Ensure that your dishes are consistently of the highest quality. Use the best ingredients you can find and ensure that every dish sent out meets your standards.
- Seek Out Reviews: While you can’t apply to be in the Michelin Guide, being recognized in other guides, media, and platforms can bring attention to your establishment.
- Stay True to Your Vision: While it’s tempting to tailor your offerings to what you think the Michelin Guide might look for, it’s essential to have a clear, authentic culinary vision and stick to it.
- Patience and Persistence: Recognize that it can take time. Some restaurants receive recognition within a few years, while others may take much longer.
