Top 5 U.S. Cities with the Most Michelin-Starred Restaurants 2025

Michelin stars are among the most prestigious awards in the culinary world. For food enthusiasts, travelers, and gastronomes alike, a Michelin-starred restaurant represents the pinnacle of dining excellence. These stars—whether one, two, or the coveted three—signify more than just good food; they indicate meticulous service, superior quality ingredients, masterful technique, and an unforgettable dining experience.

The United States has steadily expanded its Michelin Guide coverage over the last two decades, growing from just New York City and the Bay Area to now covering multiple states and regions. If you have ever wondered which U.S. cities boast Michelin-Starred Restaurants, this comprehensive 2025 guide is here to answer that question in depth.

The Evolution of Michelin in the U.S.

When Michelin first entered the U.S. market in 2005, its initial guide focused solely on New York City. This was followed by the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, and later Los Angeles (though LA was briefly dropped and reinstated in 2019).

Over time, Michelin expanded to Washington, D.C., and more recently, to entire states like Florida and Texas. In 2025, Michelin introduced an even broader regional guide—the American South—highlighting culinary destinations in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This expansion is a testament to how diverse, innovative, and globally relevant the American dining scene has become Michelin-Starred Restaurants.

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The Top Five U.S. Cities with the Most Michelin Stars

While Michelin now rates restaurants across multiple states, five cities consistently rank at the top in terms of the total number of Michelin stars. These culinary capitals have not only numerous one- and two-star Michelin-starred restaurants but also several highly coveted three-star establishments.

These five cities consistently dominate Michelin-starred restaurant U.S. coverage, but emerging regions like Miami, Austin, Denver, and Atlanta are catching up quickly. From the Daily Passport article: these five are singled out as the U.S. cities “with the most Michelin-starred restaurants” Daily Passport.

Three-Star Michelin Restaurants in the U.S. (2025)

As of 2025, there are sixteen restaurants in the U.S. with three Michelin-starred restaurants. These represent the absolute best in American dining, with each establishment offering a truly exceptional experience that is “worth a special journey,” according to Michelin’s own rating criteria Michelin-starred restaurants.

Emerging Michelin Regions

Beyond the traditional powerhouses, other areas are now gaining recognition. Florida has restaurants in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and surrounding cities earning stars. Texas now boasts a Michelin presence in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas, with Houston leading in the number of starred spots. The brand-new American South Guide highlights culinary excellence in cities like Charleston, New Orleans, and Nashville, which had long been praised for their food scenes but never officially rated by Michelin until now.

Most Affordable Michelin-Starred Restaurants in the U.S. (2025)

Michelin-starred dining doesn’t always have to mean breaking the bank. Here’s a city-wise list of some of the most affordable starred restaurants where you can enjoy world-class cuisine at a reasonable price.

These restaurants prove that Michelin dining can be both accessible and memorable. They are ideal entry points for first-time Michelin diners or anyone looking to experience fine dining without committing to a multi-hundred-dollar tasting menu.

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Colorado and Atlanta were added to Michelin’s coverage in 2023, giving recognition to Denver’s burgeoning culinary scene and Atlanta’s mix of modern Southern and international influences. By 2025, these are integrated into the larger Southern guide, making it easier for travelers to explore a variety of starred restaurants across multiple states in one journey.

Read this also: Orlando’s Best Michelin-Star & Family-Friendly Restaurants (2025)

What makes a Michelin-starred restaurants Special

Michelin stars are awarded based on five primary criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine, and consistency over time and across the entire menu. A one-star restaurant is “worth a stop,” two stars mean “worth a detour,” and three stars indicate a dining experience that is “worth a special journey.”

Many of these restaurants also have features that elevate them far beyond simply serving excellent food. They offer curated wine pairings, artful presentations, and in some cases, even immersive experiences where the décor, music, and plating all contribute to a narrative. Reservation systems for these establishments can be highly competitive, with tables sometimes booked out months in advance.

Michelin Dining Trends for 2025

The 2025 Michelin Guide in the U.S. reflects several major dining trends shaping the culinary landscape:

• Plant-Based Fine Dining: With Eleven Madison Park leading the way, more starred restaurants are offering fully vegan or vegetarian tasting menus.
• Hyper-Local Ingredients: Many chefs are sourcing ingredients from within 50 miles of their kitchens, focusing on sustainability and supporting local farms.
• Interactive Dining Experiences: Restaurants like Alinea and Somni continue to innovate with immersive, theatrical dining experiences that go beyond the plate.
• Accessible Luxury: While three-star dining is still expensive, there is an increasing emphasis on casual fine dining, giving guests Michelin-quality food at a lower price point.
• Wine and Zero-Proof Pairings: Beverage programs now include creative non-alcoholic pairings, catering to a growing sober-curious audience.

These trends show that the Michelin Guide is not just about exclusivity but also about evolving with diner expectations and global food movements.

Cities with the Most Michelin-Starred Restaurants (2025)

Tokyo continues to hold the crown as the global leader for Michelin-starred dining. As of June 2025:

• Tokyo, Japan – 194 Michelin-starred restaurants, the highest number for any city in the world. Tokyo’s culinary diversity spans sushi, kaiseki, French, and innovative fusion dining.
• Paris, France – 119 Michelin-starred restaurants, cementing its status as Europe’s fine dining capital.
• Kyoto, Japan – 97 Michelin-starred restaurants, known for its traditional kaiseki cuisine and historic teahouses.
• Osaka, Japan – 90 Michelin-starred restaurants, celebrated for casual fine dining and street-food-inspired Michelin meals.
• New York City, USA – 70+ Michelin-starred restaurants, the most in the United States and featuring a mix of global cuisines.

Japanese cities dominate the top five, reflecting the country’s commitment to culinary excellence and its strong influence on global gastronomy.

Countries with the Most Michelin-Starred Restaurants (2025)

Michelin stars are awarded worldwide, but a few countries consistently dominate the list. Here’s a table showing the countries with the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in 2025:

France continues to lead the world as the birthplace of the Michelin Guide, followed closely by Japan, which has seen explosive growth in fine dining. The United States ranks sixth overall but continues to climb as more regions are added to Michelin’s coverage.

How Many Michelin Stars Does Gordon Ramsay Have?

Gordon Ramsay, one of the most famous chefs in the world, has been awarded a total of 16 Michelin-starred restaurants throughout his career. However, not all of them are currently active. As of 2025, he holds 7 Michelin stars across 4 restaurants:

• Restaurant Gordon Ramsay (London) – 3 ⭐ (held since 2001, the longest-running three-star restaurant in London)
• Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay (London) – 1 ⭐
• Le Pressoir d’Argent (Bordeaux, France) – 2 ⭐
• Gordon Ramsay au Trianon (Versailles, France) – 1 ⭐

Over the years, some of Ramsay’s restaurants have lost stars (including the closure of some U.S. locations), which is why the current count is lower than his career total. Nevertheless, his legacy in fine dining and his impact on global culinary culture remain significant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do all U.S. states have Michelin-starred restaurants?
No. Michelin currently covers selected regions such as California, New York, Illinois, Washington, D.C., Florida, Texas, Colorado, and the American South. Many states still do not have a Michelin guide.

What is the difference between 1, 2, and 3 Michelin stars?
One star means very good restaurant, two stars mean excellent cooking worth a detour, and three stars signify exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.

Is there a Michelin Guide in Alaska or Hawaii?
Currently, Michelin does not publish guides for Alaska or Hawaii, so there are no Michelin-starred restaurants there yet, although both states have outstanding dining scenes.

Which chef holds the most Michelin stars?
As of 2025, Alain Ducasse holds the record with more than 20 Michelin stars across his restaurants worldwide.

What is a Michelin Green Star?
The Green Star is a relatively new award that highlights restaurants demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility.

Do Michelin stars affect local tourism?
Yes. Studies have shown that when cities gain Michelin recognition, there is a notable increase in culinary tourism, hotel bookings, and international visitors.

Read this also: Best 5-Star Resorts in Southern California

Tips for Booking Michelin-Starred Restaurants

1. Book Early: Many three-star restaurants open their reservations several weeks or even months in advance. Set reminders to secure your spot on the day they open bookings.
2. Consider Off-Peak Times: Lunch reservations or mid-week bookings can be easier to get and sometimes offer a more affordable menu.
3. Join Mailing Lists: Many top restaurants notify their subscribers about reservation openings, special menus, or cancellations.
4. Use Concierge Services: If you are staying at a luxury hotel, their concierge team may have priority access to hard-to-get reservations.
5. Be Flexible: Last-minute cancellations do occur. Follow restaurants on social media or use reservation platforms to grab last-minute openings.

Final Thoughts

The United States is no longer just an afterthought in the world of haute cuisine. With Michelin stars awarded across multiple regions and cities, the U.S. now stands as a culinary destination worthy of global attention. Whether you are visiting the iconic dining rooms of New York, the serene wine-country settings of Northern California, or the cutting-edge kitchens of Los Angeles and Chicago, there is no shortage of extraordinary gastronomic adventures waiting to be experienced.

For travelers and food lovers, planning a culinary tour across these cities offers a unique way to experience the cultural diversity of America. Each city’s Michelin-starred restaurants tell a story about its people, produce, and passion for pushing the boundaries of what dining can be.

Resources for Further Exploration:

• Michelin Guide – United States – The official Michelin Guide for the U.S., where you can browse restaurants by state, city, and star rating.
• Oysterlink Michelin Stars Report 2025 – Comprehensive statistics and trends on Michelin-starred restaurants in the U.S. and worldwide.

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