If you’re comparing Chef Hat and Michelin Star, you’re likely wondering how these prestigious culinary awards differ and which matters more for your dining choices. Both signify excellence, but they evaluate restaurants in different ways.
This guide will break down the key differences between Chef Hat and Michelin Star so you can better understand what each award represents. But most importantly, these differences can help you appreciate fine dining more. You can end up making more informed dining decisions.
Aspect | Chef Hat | Michelin Star |
Regional Focus | Chef Hats are awarded only in Australia and New Zealand. They are highly respected in these regions but have less international recognition. | Michelin Stars are awarded and recognised globally. They have entered most countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. But they are not yet in Australia and New Zealand. |
History | The Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) initiated the Chef Hat Award in 1982 to promote local culinary talent. | Michelin Stars originated in 1900 in France. The Michelin tyre company created it as part of a travel guide known as Michelin Guide. This guide evaluates fine dining worldwide. |
Criteria | Chef Hats are awarded for the food alone. However, it considers other aspects like setting and décor, service and wine through the crossed fork-and-spoon options. AGFG states the following criteria for evaluation: -Use of high-quality, local, and seasonal ingredients and how these are integrated to create outstanding meals. -Balanced dishes without over-complicated or pretentious presentations. -Excellent presentation without over-garnishing. -Creativity and individual interpretation of each dish by the chef. -Consistency in the overall dining experience. -Evaluation of the restaurant’s cuisine, ensuring that the quality matches the price and customer expectations. For example, nouveau cuisine and traditional cuisine are evaluated differently. | Michelin Stars, too, are awarded for food on the plate. The Michelin Guide doesn’t regard a restaurant’s style, service, and degree of formality or informality for the award. The Michelin Guide has laid five criteria for evaluation: -Using the best, fresh ingredients is important. Inspectors check how well the chef works with these ingredients. -Creating balanced flavours in dishes. No single ingredient must overpower the others. -Cooking and presenting food with attention to detail. The chef’s technique matters a lot. Demonstrating the chef’s ability to create unique and interesting dishes. Michelin values innovation and new ideas in cooking. -Maintaining the same high standard of food every time diners visit and across the entire menu. |
Rating System | AGFG uses a 0 to 20-point system to award restaurants their Chef Hats. –12-13 points: A good restaurant with solid dishes but nothing too extraordinary. –14-15 points (One hat): A restaurant worth visiting. It delivers a memorable experience with good food and service. –16-17 points (Two hats): A restaurant offers outstanding food and is worth making a special trip for. –18-19 points (Three hats): A restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience with excellent food and presentation. | Michelin Stars are awarded in 1 to 3 stars. –One Michelin star: The restaurant uses top-quality ingredients. It prepares dishes with distinct flavours to a consistently high standard. –Two stars: The chef’s personality and talent are reflected in their expertly crafted dishes. The food is consistently refined and inspired. –Three stars: The cooking is superlative. It reflects chefs at the peak of their profession. Their cooking is elevated to an art form. Some of their dishes are classics. |
Judging Process | AGFG appoints inspectors based on their qualifications and experience. They evaluate restaurants based on a transparent, published score system. Their reviews and diners’ comments determine these results. | Michelin inspectors are full-time employees who visit restaurants multiple times. They are former restaurant and hospitality professionals. Their detailed process is never disclosed to the public. Only their reviews are considered for the award. |
Note: When dining in Australia or New Zealand, don’t think of the Chef Hat as the Michelin Star of these regions. Both awards focus on different aspects of a dining experience. Your time at a Chef Hat restaurant may offer something different than a Michelin-starred one. Avoid making direct comparisons. Instead, enjoy every moment of your experience to the fullest.
Although Michelin has not officially visited Bali, Michelin has quoted Apéritif Restaurant as ‘upping the fine dining game’. Often considered one of Bali’s best fine dining, Apéritif frequently collaborates with Michelin Star chefs to bring diners unrivalled dining journeys.
If you are visiting Ubud and looking for a Michelin experience, don’t forget to add Apéritif to your bucket list of dining experiences.