There are hundreds of thousands of restaurants in the world. Of these, under 4,000 restaurants have received a highly coveted Michelin star. In the U.S., there are fewer than 200 restaurants that have earned at least one Michelin star. A Michelin star indicates that a restaurant is high quality and serves great food. It also allows a restaurant to be listed in the Michelin Guide, which can lead to increased sales and greater profits. Restaurants are scored with either zero, one, two, or three stars, with three stars being the highest honor. At Budget Branders, we know that getting a Michelin Star isn’t possible for every restaurant – but you can still run a profitable business that consistently puts out amazing food without a star. While we can’t get you a Michelin Star, we can help you optimize your marketing efforts with a full line of custom-printed disposable products for your restaurant. Read on to learn more about the Michelin Guide – and to view our list of the most highly rated restaurants in the U.S.
Why The Michelin Guide Is So Important
If you typically associate the name “Michelin” with tires, you may be wondering what the brand has to do with fine dining. It turns out that the famous Michelin guide is related to the tire company. Michelin launched its guidebook in the early 1900s as a way for people to learn about some of the best restaurants in the world. Restaurants can be awarded 0 to 3 stars, with 3 stars being the best possible rating. A 3 star restaurant indicates that they have exceptional cuisine. Most restaurants have no stars at all, which makes getting a star incredibly important. Restaurants may also be awarded the title of Bib Gourmand, which indicates that they offer a worthwhile meal at a great price point.
Unlike Yelp and other user-generated review sites, Michelin uses a team of professional restaurant reviewers to determine who will be granted a star. When deciding whether a restaurant will earn one or more stars, Michelin reviewers consider several factors, including:
- The use of quality products
- Mastery of flavor and cooking techniques
- Personality of the chef in the cuisine
- Value for money
- Consistency of food
Michelin is based in France. While the company reviews restaurants around the world, it cannot cover every region. In the United States, Michelin currently reviews just five areas: California, Illinois, New York, Florida, and Washington, D.C.
Given the geographical limitations, it is not possible for many restaurants in the U.S. to even be considered for a Michelin star. For those lucky enough to have been reviewed and to have earned a star, however, it can be a great promotional tool that can bring in lots of new business.
A Guide to Michelin Star Restaurants in the U.S.
California Michelin Star Restaurants
Unlike New York and Illinois, in California, the hottest restaurants aren’t limited to one geographic area. Instead, they can largely be found in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego – with a few award-winning restaurants in more rural areas, such as the Napa Valley. Michelin-starred restaurants in California include:
- Quince: Based in San Francisco, this 3 star restaurant offers local, seasonal fare.
- Benu: This 3 star restaurant is known for its pricey and innovative tasting menu featuring American cuisine.
- Atelier Crenn: This French restaurant earned 3 stars for its artfully presented meals.
- The French Laundry: This famed 3 star Thomas Keller restaurant in Yountville draws food-lovers for its fixed price meals.
- Manresa: At this 3 star restaurant, you can enjoy an extravagant New American tasting menu.
- SingleThread: This 3 star restaurant is known for its hyperlocal Californian-Japanese food.
- Coi: This minimalist 2 star restaurant uses local ingredients for its French-Californian menu.
- Acquerello: Enjoy high-end Italian cuisine at this 2 star restaurant.
- Saison: This 2 star restaurant is renowned for its luxe French-American tasting menus.
- Californios: You can enjoy Mexican tasting menus at this 2 star restaurant.
- Lazy Bear: This pop-up transitioned to a permanent 2 star restaurant offering New American cuisine.
- n/naka: This 2 star Japanese restaurant features the culinary art form kaiseki.
- Providence: At this 2 star restaurant, you can enjoy innovative seafood dishes.
- Sushi Ginza Onodera: This branch of a Tokyo sushi spot has earned 2 stars.
- Campton Place: This 2 star restaurant serves refined California cuisine inspired by India.
- Vespertine: At this 2 star restaurant, dining is elevated into an art form.
- Shin Sushi: Dine directly at the sushi counter at this Los Angeles-based 2 star restaurant.
- Commis: Watch the chefs work in the open kitchen of this 2 star New American restaurant.
- Baumé: Based in Palo Alto, this 2 star restaurant offers modern French cuisine.
- Michael Mina: If you enjoy Middle Eastern food, don’t miss this 1 star San Francisco eatery.
- Mourad: At this 1 star restaurant, you can sample modern Moroccan fare.
- Mister Jiu’s: Enjoy contemporary Chinese American cuisine at this 1 star restaurant.
- Sons & Daughters: This 1 star restaurant features seasonal Californian fare.
- Luce: At this 1 star restaurant, you can enjoy modern, seasonal cuisine.
- Hashiri: This luxury 1 star restaurant features sushi and Japanese main dishes.
- Kin Khao: At this 1 star restaurant, you can enjoy fantastic Thai food.
- Gary Danko: You can sample American cuisine via a tasting menu at this 1 star restaurant.
- Omakase: At this Japanese 1 star restaurant, the chef chooses what to serve you.
- Birdsong: If you like Pacific Northwest cuisine, check out this 1 star restaurant.
- Lord Stanley: This Californian-European 1 star restaurant is a Bay Area favorite.
- Octavia: This elegant 1 star restaurant offers New American dishes.
- Rich Table: Californian dishes using local ingredients are the star of this 1 star restaurant.
- Bar Crenn: Located next to Atelier Crenn, this 1 star bistro serves French small plates.
- SPQR: This San Francisco eatery earned 1 star for its Italian entrees and tasting menus.
- The Progress: A 1 star restaurant from the State Bird Provisions team, this establishment features New American food.
- State Bird Provisions: At this 1 star restaurant, you can sample small plates of American fare served dim-sum style.
- ju-ni: This 1 star restaurant serves elevated sushi, omakase style.
- Sorrel: At this 1 star San Francisco restaurant, you can eat Californian-Italian dishes.
- Spruce: This 1 star restaurant serves seasonal, contemporary American fare.
- Angler SF: With incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, this 1 star restaurant is known for its seafood.
- Orsa & Winston: Based in L.A., this 1 star restaurant features Asian-Italian food.
- Hayato: Pull up a seat at the counter of this omakase-style 1 star sushi restaurant.
- Q Sushi: This 1 star restaurant features imaginative sushi rolls.
- Shibumi: Enjoy kappo-style dining and kaiseki menus at this 1 star Japanese restaurant.
- Le Comptoir: This counter-style French restaurant has 1 star – and just 10 seats.
- Osteria Mozza: If you enjoy upscale Italian cuisine, be sure to check out this 1 star restaurant.
- Shunji: Chef Shunji Nakao serves seasonal omakase sushi at this 1 star restaurant.
- Kato: This 1 star Japanese restaurant serves omakase-style multi-course feasts.
- Kali: Head to Hollywood to taste the contemporary California cuisine of this 1 star restaurant.
- Protégé: Founded by veterans of French Laundry, this upscale casual 1 star restaurant features New American fare.
- Nozawa Bar: This 1 star restaurant is known for its sushi – as well as its sister restaurant, SUGARFISH.
- Maude: Celebrity chef Curtis Stone earned 1 star for his locally-inspired seasonal menu.
- CUT: Wolfgang Puck’s steakhouse holds 1 star for its upscale cuts of beef.
- Madera: This 1 star restaurant features Northern California fare in a fine dining setting.
- Addison: The only Michelin starred restaurant in San Diego, this 1 star restaurant features New French food.
- The Kitchen: This high-end 1 star eatery offers fixed New American dinners.
- Sushi Yoshizumi: With just 2 seatings per night, it can be hard to get into this 1 star sushi restaurant.
- La Toque: This 1 star Napa Valley restaurant features New French cuisine.
- Kenzo: At this 1 star restaurant, you can enjoy authentic Japanese kaiseki dining.
- The Village Pub: This 1 star restaurant offers gourmet seasonal menu items.
- Bistro Na’s: If you’re into Manchurian food, be sure to check out this 1 star restaurant in Temple City.
- Hana re: Check out this 1 star sushi restaurant in Costa Mesa for incredible omakase sushi.
- Taco María: This 1 star restaurant features locally sourced Californian-Mexican food.
- Rustic Canyon: At this 1 star restaurant, you can sample casual Californian small plates.
- Auberge du Soleil: This 1 star restaurant was Napa Valley’s first fine-dining establishment, with a full menu of French cuisine.
- Bouchon: This Thomas Keller restaurant has earned 1 star for its French bistro food.
- Chez TJ: This 1 star restaurant offers contemporary French cuisine in Mountainville.
- Plumed Horse: This 1 star special occasion restaurant offers Californian fare.
Illinois Michelin Star Restaurants
When people think of fine dining, the Midwest might not be the first region that comes to mind. But Chicago has earned a reputation as a city for foodies due to its wide range of truly great places to eat. It also has a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, including:
- Alinea: At Chicago’s only 3 star restaurant, Chef Grant Achatz offers creative New American tasting menus.
- Oriole: This 2 star restaurant features new American tasting menus in an intimate space.
- Smyth: This rustic restaurant offers New American cuisine, and has earned 2 stars.
- Topolobampo: Acclaimed Chef Rick Bayless serves refined Mexican cuisine at this 1 star restaurant.
- North Pond: Located in Lincoln Park, this 1 star restaurant serves creative American food.
- Sepia: This 1 star restaurant offers upscale, seasonal American food.
- Boka: At this 1 star restaurant, you can enjoy seasonal American food from Chef Lee Wolen.
- Omakase Yume: With just 8 seats, it can be hard to get a reservation for this 1 star Japanese restaurant.
- Mako: This 1 star restaurant offers elaborate sushi presentations.
- Next: Also from Chef Grant Achatz, this 1 star restaurant is a high-end destination for foodies.
- Elske: At this 1 star restaurant, you can get both a la carte and tasting menus of Danish-influenced American fare.
- Schwa: Here, you can enjoy fixed priced menus of inventive New American food that is good enough for 1 star.
- Temporis: With just 20 seats, you’ll need a reservation to enjoy this 1 star New American restaurant.
- Elizabeth: This 1 star restaurant features communal dining based on foraged ingredients.
- Goosefoot: Don’t forget to bring the wine of your choice to this 1 star contemporary American BYOB restaurant.
- EL Ideas: Featuring American fare, this 1 star restaurant offers fixed price menus.
- Parachute: This 1 star restaurant is known for its funky Korean-American foods.
New York Michelin Star Restaurants
The greater New York City area has one of the highest concentrations of restaurants of anywhere in the U.S. It is little wonder, then, that so many Michelin star restaurants can be found in NYC. In fact, there are a whopping 55 restaurants in New York City that have earned a Michelin star. They include:
- Masa: This 3 star Japanese restaurant features some of the best sushi that you can find outside of Japan.
- Per Se: The famed Thomas Keller’s flagship restaurant in New York City earned 3 stars for its contemporary menu.
- Le Bernardin: With Eric Ripert at the helm of this 3 star French seafood restaurant, you can’t go wrong
- Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare: This contemporary 3 star restaurant is located in the back of a grocery store and features Japanese-inspired cuisine with French technique.
- Eleven Madison Park: This innovative 3 star restaurant is consistently lauded as one of the top restaurants in New York City.
- Daniel: When you visit this 2 star French restaurant from chef Daniel Boulud, keep in mind that jackets are required!
- Aquavit: This minimalist 2 star restaurant serves inspired Nordic food.
- Jean-Georges: Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s critically acclaimed 2 star restaurant is considered one of the top French restaurants in the U.S.
- The Modern: Located in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), this 2 star restaurant offers French/New American fare with garden views.
- Blanca: A reservation-only restaurant, Blanca earned its 2 star ranking with its New American cuisine tasting menus.
- Gabriel Kreuther: This luxurious Alsatian restaurant was awarded 2 starts for its modern French fare.
- Atomix: A follow up to Atoboy, Atomix is a 2 star restaurant that features a 10 course tasting menu of modern Korean food.
- Aska: Located near the Williamsburg Bridge, this 2 star Brooklyn restaurant is known for its seasonal Scandinavian tasting menus
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon: Acclaimed chef Joël Robuchon offers a modern French menu, including vegetarian options, at this 2 star restaurant.
- Atera: If you want an immersive experience in Tribeca, this 2 star restaurant is a great choice.
- Jungsik: This high-end Korean restaurant earned its 2 stars for its innovative cuisine.
- Blue Hill at Stone Barns: Located in Tarrytown, this farm-to-table restaurant is one of the few establishments outside of NYC to have earned 2 stars
- Ko: Celebrity chef David Chang serves multiple courses of Asian-accented American meals at this tiny 2 star restaurant.
- Sushi Noz: This 1 star sushi restaurant serves seasonal sushi and nigiri omakase style (leaving the details up to the chef).
- Casa Enrique: A casual cantina-style restaurant received 1 star for its refined Mexican classics.
- Le Jardinier: This 1 star restaurant is known for its use of sustainable proteins and heavy focus on vegetables.
- Caviar Russe: If you’re into caviar, you can’t miss this 1 star restaurant on Madison Avenue.
- Marea: This 1 star Italian restaurant focuses on seafood and homemade pastas.
- Sushi Amane: At this 1 star restaurant, you can get contemporary sushi served omakase-style.
- Oxomoco: Located in Brooklyn, this 1 star establishment offers creative Mexican fare.
- Sushi Yasuda: This 1 star sushi restaurant sets itself apart from the crowd by using fish flown in from Japan.
- Tempura Matsui: At this high-end 1 star Japanese restaurant, you can get seasonal omakase menus that focus on tempura.
- Satsuki: With just 10 seats at its sushi counter, you’ll need to plan ahead to get a meal at this 1 star restaurant.
- Kajitsu: This minimalist 1 star restaurant features shojin Japanese cuisine.
- Sushi Ginza Onodera: At this 1 star restaurant, you can only get omakase sushi – chef’s choice!
- Ai Fiori: This 1 star restaurant serves food from the Italian and French Riviera region.
- The Four Horsemen: If you’re into small plates, be sure to check out this 1 star restaurant and wine bar.
- Benno: Located at The Evelyn, you can experience upscale Mediterranean cuisine at this 1 star restaurant.
- Noda: Here, you can get high end omakase sushi at a restaurant that earned 1 star.
- Peter Luger: If you’re into steak, you can’t go wrong with this 1 star steakhouse.
- Meadowsweet: Featuring new American and Mediterranean dishes, this Williamsburg restaurant was awarded 1 star.
- The Clocktower: This 1 star restaurant offers high-end American food.
- Cote: New York City’s first Korean steakhouse, check out this 1 star restaurant for its smokeless grills.
- Casa Mono: This 1 star restaurant features Spanish-style small plates.
- Odo: A Kaiseki speakeasy located in the Flatiron district, this restaurant offers Japanese fare.
- Kanoyama: Sushi fans flock to this 1 star East Village favorite.
- Tuome: Serving Asian-influence contemporary American cuisine, this restaurant has 1 star.
- Kosaka: With just 18 seats, you’ll have to make a reservation to eat at this high-end 1 star sushi restaurant.
- Contra: This trendy New American 1 star restaurant offers a prix fixe menu.
- Blue Hill: Along with its sister restaurant located in Tarrytown, Blue Hill is known for its farm-to-table menu and has earned 1 star.
- The Musket Room: This celebrated neighborhood restaurant was awarded 1 star for its New Zealand style food.
- Estela: This modern American 1 star restaurant serves contemporary cuisine.
- Carbone: If you’re into classic red sauce Italian food, this 1 star restaurant can’t be missed.
- ZZ’s Clam Bar: This 1 star restaurant is the place for raw fish and oysters in Greenwich Village.
- Sushi Nakazawa: This sushi restaurant earned 1 star for its 20 course omakase meal.
- Wallsé: A 1 star restaurant, this establishment serves modern takes on Austrian cuisine.
- Jeju Noodle Bar: If you’re into Korean noodle soups, you’ll want to check out this 1 star restaurant.
- Hirohisa: This 1 star restaurant offers refined, seasonal Japanese foods.
- Oxalis: Located next to Prospect Park, this 1 star restaurant offers seasonal, produce-driven dishes.
- Le Coucou: Chef Daniel Rose offers refined French fare at this 1 star restaurant.
- Bâtard: At this 1 star restaurant, you can sample modern European dishes.
- The River Café: With its location under the Brooklyn Bridge, you can enjoy great views and a New American Menu at this 1 star restaurant.
- Crown Shy: This New American restaurant earned 1 star for its great food in a posh space.
- Claro: This 1 star Mexican restaurant serves Oaxacan cuisine.
- L’Appart: In an apartment-like setting, you can sample a French tasting menu at this 1 star restaurant.
- Gramercy Tavern: This New York classic earned 1 star for its seasonal American cuisine.
Washington, DC Michelin Star Restaurants
The nation’s capital may be best known for political gridlock and terrible traffic, but it is also a great place to go out to eat. In D.C., you can choose from an array of Michelin-starred restaurants, such as:
- The Inn at Little Washington: Located outside of D.C. in Washington, Virginia, this 3 star restaurant is known for its inspired American cuisine.
- Pineapple and Pearls: This 2 star restaurant offers playful yet elegant food in Southeast D.C.
- Minibar: From Chéf Jose Andrés, this avant-garde restaurant has earned 2 stars.
- Gravitas: This 1 star restaurant serves New American food as part of a tasting menu.
- Masseria: A 1 star restaurant, this establishment is known for its Puglian food.
- Little Pearl: This 1 star restaurant offers a fixed price menu with wine pairings.
- Rose’s Luxury: If you’re into eclectic American food, you should check out this 1 star restaurant.
- Bresca: This French-inspired bistro has earned 1 star for its unexpected flavors.
- Métier: At this 1 star restaurant, you can order New American fare a la carte or as part of a tasting menu.
- The Dabney: This 1 star restaurant is known for its Mid-Atlantic cuisine.
- Kinship: Located in Mt. Vernon, this 1 star restaurant offers unique American fare.
- Tail Up Goat: At this 1 star restaurant, you can get Mediterranean-inspired food.
- Fiola: This high-end restaurant was awarded 1 star for its rustic Italian menu.
- Komi: Known for its Mediterranean-American fixed price menus, this restaurant earned 1 star.
- Sushi Taro: This 1 star sushi spot offers omakase-style dining.
- Plume: Inspired by the gardens at Monticello, this 1 star restaurant serves New American food.
- Sushi Nakazawa: At this 1 star sushi restaurant, you can enjoy a 20 course omakase meal.
- Maydan: If you’re into North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, you have to check out this 1 star restaurant.
Florida Michelin Star Restaurants
The Michelin Guide expanded to include Florida in 2022. Expanding to Florida made a lot of sense considering, Florida is the second most popular vacation state in the United States. There’s a lot of incredibly savory food throughout the entire sunshine state, but Michelin-Star restaurants can only be found in two cities: Orlando and Miami. The Michelin Star restaurants in Florida include:
- Elcielo Miami: This 1 star Miami restaurant features traditional Columbian fare with a modern twist.
- Kadence: This 1 star restaurant was originally a mini counter in a market that has since grown to become one of Orlando’s hottest sushi restaurants.
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami: A 2 star restaurant, this eatery by Joël Robuchon offers contemporary French cuisine in both tasting portions and large plates.
- The Den at Azabu Miami Beach: The Den is an intimate 1 star sushi restaurant in Miami.
- Knife & Spoon: This 1 star steakhouse by Chef John Tesar offers contemporary steakhouse meals in a lush, green atmosphere.
- Stubborn Seed: This 1 star contemporary American restaurant offers exquisite eats surrounded by industrial chic décor.
- Los Félix: A 1 star restaurant, Los Félix offers creative Mexican dishes in Miami.
- The Surf Club Restaurant: This 1 star restaurant offers exceptional American food in a setting that contains the style and elegance you’d expect from a member-only hangout.
- Hiden: This 1 star Japanese restaurant may be physically hidden (accessible only with a time-sensitive passcode), but flavor is far from hidden in Hiden’s dishes.
- Boia De: This 1 star Miami restaurant offers a unique contemporary take on Italian cuisine. A variety of pasta dishes is to be expected, but the way they’re served is anything but.
- Capa: This 1 star Orlando restaurant is a steakhouse with a clear Spanish influence. The food is excellent and can be enjoyed with views of the Disney World fireworks display.
- Cote Miami: This 1 star Miami restaurant offers great Korean steakhouse fare in a highly stylized atmosphere.
- Ariete: A 1 star Miami restaurant, Chef Michael Beltran has crafted an exquisite menu that binds American contemporary food and classic French influences into a culinary masterpiece.
- Le Jardinier Miami: A 1 star French contemporary restaurant with a menu designed to celebrate the seasons.
- Soseki: This 1 star sush restaurant features a menu crafted from local produce that changes monthly.
Help Your Restaurant Reach Its Full Potential with Budget Branders
Getting a Michelin star is incredibly hard – or even impossible, if you are not located in one of Michelin’s geographic regions. Yet it is still possible to have an incredibly successful restaurant even if you don’t have a Michelin star rating. Budget Branders specializes in providing the highest quality branded custom plastic cups, custom paper cups, custom coffee cups, custom stadium cups, custom coffee sleeves, custom napkins, custom paper bags, custom sandwich bags, custom deli bowls, custom soup bowls, custom dessert bowls, and custom wax deli paper to small and medium-sized restaurants throughout the United States. All of our products are sold in quantities that work for independently-owned businesses – and at prices that won’t break your budget. By adding your brand to the disposable products that you were already planning to buy, you can increase your reach for pennies on the dollar.
To learn more about our products, contact us today or submit a quote request. You can also press the live chat button to get started. Our branding experts are always available to answer questions.
