MICHELIN Stars – 10 things you always wanted to know (but were afraid to ask)
Beef dish from MICHELIN star restaurant Source at Gilpin Hotel - Image: Deanna Thomas
You like to eat, but don’t really consider yourself a foodie. That’s ok, but what if you wanted to push the boat out and book somewhere really special to celebrate a milestone…or a lottery win?
If you’re looking to experience a top-level fine dining experience, you might want to check out a MICHELIN star restaurant.
But what exactly does it all mean?
Here is everything you need to know about MICHELIN stars.
What is a MICHELIN star?
The MICHELIN Guide is seen as one of the most respected and influential culinary guides in the world, so a star is one of the most prestigious accolades a restaurant can get. Receiving one (or more) MICHELIN stars can be a game changer for restaurants and chefs. MICHELIN starred restaurants attract both high-end customers and the most talented chefs. A star is given to the restaurant, not the chef, and three stars is the maximum possible accolade. There are only NINE three MICHELIN star restaurants in Great Britain & Ireland.
Fun Fact - The MICHELIN Guide was first created by the French tyre company in 1900 as a handy guide for motorists. It contained maps and recommendations for hotels worth stopping off at along the way. It didn’t add restaurants until 1926, which is when the star system was first introduced.
Scallop dish at MICHELIN star Northcote in Lancashire. Image: Deanna Thomas
Who decides who gets a MICHELIN star?
MICHELIN employs a professional panel of experts who have all worked in the hospitality industry and have experience dining all over the world. They make several mystery visits over the year to make sure one visit wasn’t just a fluke. They might dine on their own, with a plus one, or even in a group, so the restaurant doesn’t know who they are and can’t give them special treatment.
What are the judges looking for?
They consider five universal criteria:
- the quality of ingredients
- the balance of flavours
- technical skill
- the ‘tone of voice’ or personality of the cuisine and how it makes diners feel
- consistently high standards over time.
How much does a meal cost at a MICHELIN star restaurant?
It varies. You can shell out hundreds of pounds per person for some multi-course tasting menus, and even more for wine. MICHELIN starred restaurants often have a small number of covers, they use the best ingredients and – although the awards aren’t judged on décor, tableware, or service - they are often of the highest standard.
It’s comparable to what you’d spend on theatre or concert tickets and the experience of a MICHELIN star meal will be something you hold dear for a long time.
But a MICHELIN starred meal needn’t break the bank. Some restaurants offer great value set menus at lunch time. Take a look at this list of the most affordable fine-dining experiences from Squaremeal.
MICHELIN also awards Bib Gourmands to less expensive restaurants they recommend.
Black pudding and apple at two MICHELIN star restaurant Moor Hall in Aughton Lancashire. Image: Deanna Thomas
Do you get enough food at a MICHELIN star restaurant?
Come on, this is what we’re all thinking. Will you be spending hundreds of pounds on fluff, foams, spumes and spoonfuls of things that are essentially posh air? Will you need to stop for a kebab on the way home?
To be fair, the dining experience is usually very well considered. Although portions tend to be relatively small, the menu usually comprises of several different courses of intensely flavoured and technically brilliant dishes. It’s unlikely you’ll need to undo your top button, but I guarantee you’ll come away satisfied.
Are MICHELIN star restaurants quite stuffy and formal?
At these sorts of fine-dining establishments, the customer experience is paramount. There’s usually a dress code, but it’s likely to be smart/smart casual. You could get away with wearing nice clean jeans, but not really a onesie. Think of it as you would any special occasion.
Servers and front of house staff are highly trained and very welcoming. They also read the room, almost imperceptively floating around your table, filling water glasses and being there exactly when you need them. If you drop some cutlery, don’t be embarrassed, they’ll simply replace it without judgement or a fuss. Seriously, in the unlikely event you started choking, they’d probably sort you out with a quick Heimlich manoeuvre and replace your napkin on your lap before anyone notices.
What is a wine flight, and should I get it?
MICHELIN star restaurants are where you’ll find some of the best sommeliers in the business. They work closely with the chefs to choose the best wines to match each course. Feel free to choose your own wines by the glass, or treat yourself to a bottle, but it won’t necessarily match the flavours of each different course. Opting for the wine flight isn’t cheap, but it’s an opportunity to try a wide range of different and interesting wines of all ages from all over the world. In the unlikely event one of the wines is not to your taste, the sommelier might even swap it out. They love wine enough to make a career out of it and they want customers to enjoy their choices.
Tapas from El Gato Negro Manchester which has held a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand since it opened. Image: Deanna Thomas
What’s a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand?
This award was created in 1997 to recognise restaurants that display 'good quality, good value cooking'. MICHELIN don’t stick to a concrete price limit, but recommend dining establishments which offer a high standard, value for money experience.
Fun Fact – These awards are named after ‘Bibendum’, which is the actual name of the MICHELIN Man, the company’s official mascot.
What is a MICHELIN Green Star?
These were first introduced in 2021 across several MICHELIN guides around the world. A Green Star is a relatively new benchmark which recognises restaurants that are committed to a more sustainable approach to running their restaurant. It highlights ethical and environmental standards, whether they work with sustainable producers and local growers, what actions they implement to reduce waste, and even how they recycle.
Caviar and crackers at MICHELIN star Mana in Ancoats, Manchester. Image: Deanna Thomas
When did the MICHELIN Guide 2024 come out?
The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2024 launch ceremony happened on 5th February, broadcast live via the MICHELIN Guide YouTube channel.
The current and new restaurants and hotels recommended by The MICHELIN Guide can be found on The MICHELIN Guide app. Click on the links to access the UK and Republic of Ireland websites.
