Many people in our community are extremely passionate about food–good food. This means local cuisine and restaurants are at the top or near the top of their list when deciding a destination to visit. Hence the Michelin Guide, the most respected collection of reviews of a city’s food scene in the world, matters a lot. And this year, as the world is now open, it matters perhaps more than ever.
The Michelin Guide is a prestigious restaurant guide that awards stars to restaurants based on their quality of food, service, and atmosphere. Cities with a high number of Michelin-starred restaurants are considered foodie capitals, and offer a wide variety of culinary experiences for diners of all levels.
Here are the top 5 cities for Michelin starred restaurants in 2023, with the number of 3, 2, and 1 starred restaurants in each city:
1. Tokyo, Japan (203 restaurants)
- 3 stars: 30
- 2 stars: 63
- 1 star: 110
Tokyo is the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, with a total of 203. The city’s dining scene is incredibly diverse, with restaurants serving everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to international fare. Some of Tokyo’s most famous Michelin-starred restaurants include:
- Sukiyabashi Jiro (3 stars): This world-famous sushi restaurant is known for its impeccable service and its use of the freshest ingredients.
- Narisawa (3 stars): This innovative restaurant offers a tasting menu that showcases the best of Japanese cuisine.
- Quintessence (3 stars): This elegant restaurant offers a modern take on French cuisine.
2. Paris, France (108 restaurants)
- 3 stars: 19
- 2 stars: 38
- 1 star: 51
Paris is another city with a long and rich culinary history, and its Michelin-starred restaurants reflect that. Some of the city’s most famous Michelin-starred restaurants include:
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (3 stars): This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a casual dining experience with a focus on modern French cuisine.
- Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée (3 stars): This elegant restaurant offers a tasting menu of modern French cuisine.
- Le Cinq (3 stars): This luxurious restaurant offers a classic French dining experience.
3. Osaka, Japan (96 restaurants)
- 3 stars: 10
- 2 stars: 26
- 1 star: 60
Osaka is known for its vibrant food culture, and its Michelin-starred restaurants are no exception. Some of the city’s most famous Michelin-starred restaurants include:
- Kikunoi (3 stars): This traditional Japanese restaurant offers a tasting menu of seasonal dishes.
- Hyotei (3 stars): This elegant restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi (3 stars): This branch of the world-famous sushi restaurant is located in Roppongi, Tokyo.
4. New York City, USA (68 restaurants)
- 3 stars: 10
- 2 stars: 32
- 1 star: 26
New York City is a melting pot of cultures, and its culinary scene is just as diverse. The city’s Michelin-starred restaurants reflect the city’s wide range of influences. Some of New York City’s most famous Michelin-starred restaurants include:
- Eleven Madison Park (3 stars): This elegant restaurant offers a tasting menu of modern American cuisine.
- Per Se (3 stars): This sister restaurant to Eleven Madison Park also offers a tasting menu of modern American cuisine.
- Le Bernardin (3 stars): This seafood restaurant offers a tasting menu of fresh, seasonal seafood.
5. San Francisco, USA (57 restaurants)
- 3 stars: 7
- 2 stars: 21
- 1 star: 29
San Francisco is a city with a strong culinary identity, and its Michelin-starred restaurants are some of the best in the country. Some of San Francisco’s most famous Michelin-starred restaurants include:
- The French Laundry (3 stars): This world-famous restaurant offers a tasting menu of modern American cuisine.
- Saison (3 stars): This innovative restaurant offers a tasting menu of modern American cuisine.
- Atelier Crenn (3 stars): This female-owned restaurant offers a tasting menu of modern French cuisine.
These are just a few of the many cities around the world that offer a world-class dining experience. If you’re a foodie, be sure to add these cities to your travel bucket list.
