The 20 Countries With The Most Michelin-Starred Restaurants
For The Travelling Foodies
One of the greatest parts about travelling is getting to taste all the local delicacies. This is made even better at restaurants that have been recognized by the most prestigious food guide in the world. Michelin stars are awarded by inspectors who recognize culinary excellence based on ingredient quality, flavor combinations, and cooking mastery. Whether the restaurant has one star or the ever-revered three stars, travellers who get to experience these establishments are in for a memorable experience. Here are the countries with the most Michelin-starred restaurants to plan your trip around.
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1. France
It should come as no surprise that France reigns supreme when it comes to food. The country has a whopping 680 with 34 three-starred restaurants.
2. Japan
Giving Europe a run for its money is this unsuspecting south Asian country. Japan's restaurants have been quietly receiving an increasing number of accolades over the past few decades, 539 of which have been awarded Michelin stars.
3. Italy
The birthplace of pizza and pasta comes in third for number of Michelin-starred restaurants but it was only surpassed by Japan this year. Italy has a very respectable 381 Michelin-starred restaurants, 13 of which have three stars.
4. Germany
Germany's food scene is about more than just beer and pretzels. With 332 Michelin-starred restaurants, it's safe to say Germans know a thing or two about fine dining as well.
5. Spain
Rounding out the top five is the land of tapas. Spain has an impressive 267 Michelin-starred restaurants and 15 three-starred establishments.
6. United States
Often mocked for their food culture (of lack thereof), the US seems to be evolving. Their 235 Michelin-starred restaurants are a testament to the country's growing sophistication.
7. United Kingdom
The home of Gordon Ramsay, the UK may be known for fish & chips, but it also knows how to provide a white tablecloth experience that'll knock your socks off. Their 185 Michelin-starred restaurants provide the proof.
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8. Belgium
The country that has honed and elevated such foods as waffles, chocolate, and fries deserves accolades by anyone's standards. It would seem the judges agree as this small country is home to 141 Michelin-starred restaurants.
9. Switzerland
Judging by its watches, chocolate, and cheese, it's safe to say whatever the Swiss do, they do it well. Switzerland has 132 Michelin-starred restaurants which isn't shabby for such a small country.
10. Poland
Poland isn't necessarily famous for their cuisine. That being said, it has a burgeoning culinary scene that's becoming increasingly more prominent in Europe, demonstrated by its 125 Michelin-starred restaurants.
11. China
China's growing middle and upper classes have been developing a taste for fine dining in the last few decades. The country's 123 Michelin-starred restaurants are just the beginning of a rapidly growing market for creative refined cuisine.
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12. Netherlands
The Netherlands have always been known for their fish and gouda cheese. However, a growing international community has been taking the cuisine to the next level with 119 restaurants being awarded Michelin stars.
13. Singapore
This small city-state is known for being a melting pot of different cultures, resulting in some pretty amazing cuisine. Singapore has 51 Michelin-starred restaurants.
14. Taiwan
This island country is often considered to have some of the best food in the world. What's more, Taiwan gave the world bubble tea! It deserves its 42 Michelin-starred restaurants just for that.
15. Portugal
When it comes to Portuguese cuisine, port wine, pastel de nata, and piri piri come to mind. But Portugal has so much more to offer as demonstrated by their 39 Michelin-starred restaurants.
16. Thailand
Everyone knows about Pad Thai and coconut curry and would likely agree that just those dishes alone should be enough to earn the country some accolades. Thailand has 35 Michelin-starred restaurants.
17. South Korea
Korean food is quickly gaining popularity in the west and it's easy to see why with flavor bursting dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi. South Korea is home to 34 Michelin-starred restaurants.
18. Denmark
Noma put Denmark's food scene on the map when it was dubbed the number one restaurant in the world five years in a row. The country is now home to 31 Michelin-starred restaurants, three of which have been awarded the prestigious three stars.
19. Monaco
It says something about the food scene when a place as tiny as Monaco has made the top 20. The microstate has 25 Michelin-starred restaurant, two of which hold the holy grail, three stars.
20. Canada
Canada's cuisine is more than just poutine and maple syrup. Michelin only came to the country for the first time in 2022, demonstrating the country's growing finesse for food. It's home to a healthy handful of 23 Michelin-starred restaurants.
