What Does a Michelin Star Mean?

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London has three Michelin stars / ©Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

When I was enrolled in a culinary academy, the talk in the class was that the first of the three stars was the excellence of the cooking. Other factors leading to the second star in this discussion included surprising elements such as round tables – If the restaurant has a round table, the chances of getting a Michelin star are increased if you consider this estimation. We were then told, if memory serves, that the setting of the restaurant can play a role – if the setting is spectacular, your chances increase to receive a third Michelin star, given that you have satisfied the first two requirements for stars.

Further investigation reveals the following facts: restaurants can earn a maximum of three stars. Michelin states one star as being “high-quality cooking, worth a stop”; two stars is for “excellent cooking, worth a detour”; and finally, the prestigious three stars represent “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.”

[See also: A Guide to All Three-Michelin-Star Restaurants in the USA]

Further reporting says that what might bring a restaurant from two stars to three is emotion; inspectors want unique dining experiences that create a long-lasting memory,  long after the they have left the restaurant behind.. Another factor would be a demonstration of a chef’s distinct style and personality.

Then there is the mystery element to the rating. The final rating is never decided based on just one visitor or inspector. Multiple visits to the restaurant will take place, by a variety of inspectors. They will determine in this way if the food and service quality is consistent. There will be yearly visits to make sure this remains consistent. 

The mystery criteria continue with an unreported set of factors so that chefs can’t try to do a cookie-cutter approach. However, it is generally accepted that things like the quality of ingredients, culinary expertise, taste, and value for money are all crucial elements.

The judges are told not to consider the decor of the restaurant. Your restaurant may have had an award-winning interior designer, but this won’t help you acquire a Michelin star if your food isn’t stellar.  You may have a humble-looking place, but if you have brilliant, outstanding food you may well earn a star or even more than one star.