Restaurant Michelin Stars Statistics [2025 Data]

Key Takeaways:

• As of 2025, there are 151 Michelin 3-star restaurants worldwide
• France and Japan continue to lead in 3-star establishments, with 30 and 20 respectively
• The United States holds 14 Michelin 3-star restaurants, all located in New York, California, Chicago and Washington D.C.
• The Michelin Guide now covers 40+ countries and regions globally
• Michelin stars are awarded by anonymous inspectors using strict criteria: ingredient quality, mastery of flavor, consistency, and value
• Several restaurants lost or gained stars in the 2024–2025 cycle, reflecting Michelin's evolving focus on sustainability and innovation

The Michelin star is one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary world. For Chefs and restaurateurs, earning a Michelin star can elevate a career, draw international attention, and significantly increase business. 

This article explores the latest data on Michelin star restaurants worldwide, focusing on the most recent 2025 updates and providing key insights into where the stars are, how they’re awarded and what they mean for the global food scene.

What Are Michelin Stars?

Michelin stars are prestigious ratings awarded to restaurants that meet the Michelin Guide’s strict culinary standards. A star rating reflects not only the quality of a restaurant's food but also its overall consistency, originality and technique. Restaurants can receive one, two or three stars based on the level of excellence:

• 1 Star: A very good restaurant in its category
• 2 Stars: Excellent cooking worth a detour
• 3 Stars: Exceptional cuisine worth a special journey

The Michelin Guide employs anonymous inspectors who dine unannounced and assess restaurants using five specific criteria:

• Quality of the ingredients
• Mastery of cooking techniques
• Harmony of flavors
• Consistency of the dining experience
• The Chef's personality expressed through the cuisine

These elements are evaluated collectively to determine whether a restaurant meets the high standards for a Michelin star. Unlike other ratings, Michelin does not consider service or ambiance when awarding stars, which ensures the focus remains on the food and the Chef’s culinary vision.

History of the Michelin Guide

The Michelin Guide was first introduced in 1900 by the Michelin tire company in France. Its initial purpose was to encourage motorists to travel more by providing them with useful information about roads, service stations and places to eat and stay. The guide was distributed for free and included maps, tire repair instructions and listings of accommodations and restaurants across the country.

In 1926, the Michelin Guide began awarding stars to fine dining establishments to recognize excellence in cooking. Initially, only a single star was given. The now-famous three-star system was officially introduced in 1931.

Since then, the Michelin Guide has evolved from a practical road companion into the gold standard of global culinary recognition. Over the decades, it has expanded its coverage beyond France to include major culinary cities across Europe, Asia and the Americas. Today, it operates in more than 40 countries and regions worldwide.

The Guide remains unique in its use of anonymous, full-time inspectors who dine unannounced and apply strict evaluation criteria. While it has expanded its scope and adapted to new food cultures, the Michelin Guide continues to define what fine dining means in a global context.

How Michelin Stars Are Awarded

Michelin stars are awarded by full-time, anonymous inspectors employed by the Michelin Guide. Each inspector visits a restaurant multiple times before making a recommendation. Restaurants are never informed about inspection dates, and the process is rigorous and standardized.

Criteria include:

• Ingredient quality
• Technique and mastery of flavor
• Consistency of the experience
• Creativity and innovation
• Value for money

Contrary to popular belief, service and decor are not part of the star evaluation — though they are considered for Michelin’s Bib Gourmand and Plate distinctions.

Global Michelin Star Statistics in 2025

In 2025, the number of Michelin-starred restaurants has grown steadily due to the guide’s expansion into new territories. According to Michelin’s latest data:

• 3-Star Restaurants: 150+ worldwide
• 2-Star Restaurants: Approx. 500+
• 1-Star Restaurants: 3,000+

The concentration of 3-star restaurants remains highest in France, Japan and Spain. As of the 2025 guide update, these countries lead the world in 3-star Michelin restaurants:

Michelin Stars in the United States

As of 2025, there are 14 Michelin 3-star restaurants in the United States, all located in New York, California and Washington D.C., according to the Michelin Guide.

The current 3-starred restaurants include:

1. Atelier Crenn – San Francisco, California
2. Benu – San Francisco, California
3. Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare – New York City
4. Eleven Madison Park – New York City
5. Le Bernardin – New York City
6. Manresa – Los Gatos, California
7. Masa – New York City
8. The French Laundry – Yountville, California
9. The Inn at Little Washington – Washington, D.C.
10. Per Se – New York City
11. Quince – San Francisco, California
12. SingleThread – Healdsburg, California
13. The Restaurant at Meadowood – St. Helena, California (reopened with 3 stars after previous loss due to fire)
14. Addison – San Diego, California

These restaurants represent a blend of classic French technique, modern American innovation, and international influence. California continues to dominate the list with a strong concentration in the Bay Area and Napa Valley, while New York City holds the largest number of 3-star venues in a single U.S. city. Washington D.C. remains a standout with The Inn at Little Washington continuing to hold its three stars.

The list reflects Michelin’s continued focus on long-established fine dining regions, with future expansion into other U.S. culinary hubs still anticipated.

Michelin’s Expansion and Coverage in 2025

In recent years, the Michelin Guide has expanded into more countries, including:

• Thailand
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Slovenia
• Istanbul
• Seoul

This global expansion reflects both a growing interest in diverse culinary traditions and a strategic move by Michelin to reach new dining audiences.

Trends in Michelin Star Awards (2024–2025)

Several trends have emerged in the latest guide editions:

• Sustainability focus: Many new stars were awarded to restaurants emphasizing seasonal sourcing and low-waste practices
• Younger Chefs rising: A new wave of Chefs under 40 are gaining stars, especially in Asia and Europe
• Plant-based recognition: A few vegetarian and vegan restaurants received their first or second stars

These shifts show that Michelin is adapting to cultural and environmental priorities while maintaining its high standards.

Controversies and Criticisms of the Michelin System

While Michelin stars are revered, the system is not without criticism:

• Lack of transparency: The inspection process remains secretive
• Bias toward French/European cuisine: Critics argue Michelin has historically favored Western fine dining norms
• Pressure on Chefs: The pursuit of stars has been linked to stress, burnout and mental health issues in the industry

Michelin has made efforts to address some of these concerns, but the debate around inclusivity and modern relevance continues.

Final Thoughts on Michelin Star Restaurants in 2025

Michelin stars remain one of the most respected honors in the culinary world. As of 2025, the Michelin Guide continues to define standards for excellence in global dining while expanding its footprint across new markets and cuisines. With 151 three-star restaurants worldwide, the guide reflects both the legacy of fine dining and the evolving tastes of modern guests.

For Chefs, earning a Michelin star is a milestone that signals dedication to quality, precision and creativity. For diners, Michelin-starred restaurants offer a curated experience rooted in culinary mastery. Whether you're analyzing restaurant Michelin stars statistics to follow global trends or simply curious about where to dine next, the data tells a clear story: innovation, consistency and excellence are still at the heart of every star awarded.