No. The Michelin Guide awards stars to fine dining spots, casual bistros, family-run eateries, street food stalls, and experimental kitchens.
It’s a myth that Michelin-star restaurants are expensive. Some meals can cost just a few dollars. Michelin dining values quality over price.
This guide explores the different types of Michelin-star restaurants. By the end, you’ll want to go beyond fine dining.
Types of Michelin-Star Restaurants
Fine Dining Restaurants
Fine dining restaurants focus on high-quality ingredients, elegant presentation, and polished service. Chefs carefully balance flavours and textures. Staff follow strict etiquette.
What to expect?
- Multi-course meals in a set order.
- Rare, seasonal, or premium ingredients.
- Guidance from staff with meal selection and drink pairings.
- Formal dress code in some restaurants.
Who are these for?
- Diners who enjoy refined dining.
- People who love to celebrate special occasions through food.
Examples:
- Sorn, Bangkok, Thailand — Three Michelin stars in the 2025 Michelin Guide Thailand.
- Shang Palace at Shangri-La Paris, Paris, France — One Michelin star (2025).
Contemporary Restaurants
Contemporary Michelin-star restaurants serve high-quality food in a relaxed setting. They do not follow fine dining rules. Chefs focus on bold flavours and creative dishes. The atmosphere is informal.
What to expect?
- Open kitchens, shared tables, or casual seating.
- Seasonal menus.
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Modern cooking methods.
- Professional but relaxed service.
Who are these for?
- People who want great food in a casual setting.
- Those who enjoy a social atmosphere.
Examples:
Street Food Stalls and Hawker Centres
Some Michelin-star restaurants serve everyday food that’s affordable. They stress speed and simplicity.
What to expect?
- Simple stalls or food courts.
- A short menu with one or two signature dishes perfected over time.
- Shared seating.
- Fast service. Dishes are prepared in minutes.
- Long queues, especially at famous stalls.
Who are these for?
- People who want affordable Michelin-star food.
- Diners who enjoy authentic, no-frills meals.
- Those who prefer quick service.
Examples:
- Hawker Chan, Singapore — Previously awarded a Michelin star
- Jay Fai, Bangkok, Thailand — One Michelin star (2025)
Family-Run Eateries and Local Gems
Some Michelin-star restaurants are small, family-owned spots. They have been running for generations. They serve authentic, home-style food using traditional recipes.
What to expect?
- Simple interiors
- Recipes passed down through families
- Classic cooking methods.
- A welcoming atmosphere.
- A slow-paced dining experience.
- A loyal local customer base.
Who are these for?
- Diners who appreciate homemade food.
- People who value family traditions in cooking.
Examples:
- Tim Ho Wan, Hong Kong — One Michelin star in the past.
- Kyo Aji, Tokyo, Japan — Recognised by the Michelin Guide.
Experimental and Conceptual Dining
Some Michelin-star restaurants break traditional dining rules. They focus on surprise.
What to expect?
- Unexpected textures, colours and flavours.
- Playful or tricky presentation.
- Bold ingredient pairings
- Interactive elements like tableside cooking and edible smoke.
- Multi-sensory experiences using sound, scent, or visual effects.
Who are these for?
- Diners who like out-of-the-box dining surprises.
- Those who seek a theatrical dining experience.
Examples:
- Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, Shanghai, China — Three Michelin stars (2025)
- Alinea, Chicago, USA — Three Michelin stars (2025)
Note: Michelin stars are reviewed every year and can be gained or lost.
How Restaurants Earn Michelin Stars
Michelin inspectors visit restaurants anonymously. They follow five key criteria to judge the food:
- Ingredient quality:
Inspectors focus on freshness, seasonality, and quality. It doesn’t have to be luxury items. Straightforward dishes can impress if made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Flavour and taste:
Flavours must be balanced. Inspectors look for focused tastes where nothing overpowers the dish. Whether a complex sauce or a simple broth, it should leave a lasting impression.
- Cooking technique:
Technique shows the chef’s skill and precision. Inspectors expect cooking to bring out the best in each ingredient. Even simple methods are judged carefully. Mistakes like overcooking or poor texture can cost a star.
- Consistency:
A Michelin-star restaurant must deliver the same quality every time. The food, presentation, and service rhythm must be consistent. A single off day can affect the final decision.
- The chef’s personality:
The best restaurants show the chef’s style. This can be originality in presentation or a new take on a traditional dish. Inspectors want to feel the food is not generic. It should tell a story or reflect the chef’s vision.
These factors help inspectors decide whether a restaurant deserves a star — or even two or three.
- One star: A very good restaurant in its category. Worth a stop.
- Two stars: Excellent cooking. Worth going out of your way for.
- Three stars: Exceptional cuisine. Worth a special journey.
Why Explore Michelin-Star Restaurants Beyond Fine Dining?
- You’ll experience a wider range of food styles.
Many casual and family-run Michelin restaurants serve simple dishes done exceptionally well. These might be a single bowl of noodles, grilled meats, or local street food favourites. You’ll get to try food that’s closer to everyday local life, yet still of the highest quality.
- It’s more accessible.
Casual Michelin spots are easier to visit. You don’t always need a reservation months in advance. The atmosphere is relaxed. There’s no dress code. Meals can be quick and affordable. These places make Michelin dining more approachable. They’re perfect for everyday food lovers.
- You’ll connect with local food culture.
Family-run kitchens and street food stalls serve dishes that have been part of local traditions for generations. Eating at these places is a way to experience a city’s authentic flavours. You’ll find recipes and cooking styles that aren’t part of fine dining menus but are just as special.
How To Find Michelin-Star Restaurants Beyond Fine Dining?
- Check the official Michelin Guide website. You can search by country and city. The website often mentions if a place is casual, family-run, or street food.
- Look for the Bib Gourmand list. This is the Michelin Guide’s special award for restaurants that serve great food at reasonable prices.
- Follow food vloggers and travel blogs. Many of them review hidden gems — the small, lesser-known Michelin spots that locals love. They often give tips on what to order and how to avoid long queues.
