How to get a Michelin Star, Bib Gourmand or Become Michelin Recommended

Michelin stars are among the most prestigious honors in the culinary world, symbolizing excellence in food and service. Originating from the Michelin Guide, these stars represent the highest standards of quality and sophistication in dining, sought after by chefs and restaurateurs worldwide. The Michelin Guide has expanded over the years to include additional accolades like the Bib Gourmand, which recognizes establishments offering great food at reasonable prices. There’s also the Michelin Recommended distinction, which acknowledges a restaurant’s inclusion in the guide without a star or Bib Gourmand status.

 

So, how do you earn a Michelin star, Bib Gourmand, or Michelin Recommended status? To maximize your chances of gaining recognition from this esteemed guide, we’ve compiled essential insights and tips to help your restaurant succeed. Read on to learn about the significance of these accolades and how to boost your chances of securing one of these coveted awards.

What is a Michelin Star?

Every restaurateur understands the value of these prestigious awards, but what exactly are Michelin stars, and how did the system originate? Simply put, a Michelin star is a mark of excellence awarded to restaurants offering exceptional cuisine. Created by the Michelin tire company as part of their travel guides in the early 1900s, the Michelin Guide initially aimed to promote road travel (and thus tire sales). Over time, it evolved into one of the most respected authorities on fine dining worldwide.

According to the Michelin Guide, food quality is the sole criterion for determining whether a restaurant earns a star. However, other aspects such as service and ambiance are considered during inspections and may be mentioned in the guide if the restaurant is featured. Stars are awarded to restaurants rather than individual chefs, though a chef’s reputation can significantly influence a restaurant's standing.

How Are Michelin Stars Awarded?

To begin the process, your restaurant must apply for a Michelin star by contacting Michelin and completing a questionnaire. Following this, a Michelin inspector may visit your restaurant anonymously, and you won't know about this until you receive the inspection results. Additionally, readers can recommend restaurants for inclusion in the Michelin Guide, so there’s a slim chance you might be inspected without submitting a questionnaire.

The exact details of the Michelin star rating system remain somewhat mysterious, with many rumors circulating within the industry about what inspectors look for. However, Michelin has outlined five key criteria that inspectors evaluate:

1. Quality of ingredients
2. Masterful execution of flavors and techniques
3. Chef’s personality reflected in the dining experience
4. Harmonious balance of flavors
5. Consistency across multiple visits

Who Awards Michelin Stars?

Michelin stars are awarded by the Michelin Guide’s team of anonymous inspectors. These inspectors are highly trained culinary professionals with extensive backgrounds in the food industry. They visit restaurants incognito, paying for their meals just like any other customer, and adhere to strict evaluation standards. Their assessments are discussed collectively to ensure fairness and consistency before stars are awarded.

When hiring inspectors, Michelin considers five core values:

1. Anonymity: Inspectors maintain their anonymity to ensure authenticity in their dining experience.
2. Independence: Inspectors are employed by the Michelin Group, which covers all dining expenses, ensuring unbiased reviews.
3. Expertise: Each inspector is an expert in catering and hospitality, often with hands-on industry experience.
4. Reliability: Results are reliable since decisions are made collectively by a group of experts.
5. Passion: Every inspector is a passionate food enthusiast.

How Many Michelin Stars Can You Get?

A restaurant can earn between one and three Michelin stars. The number of stars awarded corresponds to the following:

• One star: Recognizes a very good restaurant in its category. This level emphasizes dishes with distinct flavors and high-quality ingredients executed consistently.
• Two stars: Denotes excellent cooking “worth a detour.” Restaurants with two stars are known for their superior techniques, refined menus, and unique culinary identity.
• Three stars: The highest rating, representing “exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.” Achieving three stars is the pinnacle of culinary excellence, signifying remarkable dishes in every aspect.

While restaurants can earn up to three stars, they can also lose them if standards decline. Maintaining Michelin stars requires consistent dedication and excellence.

How Difficult Is It to Get a Michelin Star?

Earning a Michelin star is incredibly challenging and demands excellence in every aspect of the dining experience. The competition is fierce, with thousands of restaurants competing for recognition annually. Standards are exceptionally high, and the process is rigorous, with inspectors visiting multiple times to ensure consistency. Adhering to the five criteria for a Michelin star improves your chances, but achieving this honor still requires years of persistence, patience, and unwavering commitment to quality.

Even earning one star is a significant accomplishment, reflecting a restaurant's dedication to quality and innovation. Advancing to two or three stars is even more demanding, requiring not only technical perfection but also creativity, originality, and sustained excellence over time. Many chefs and restaurateurs dedicate their careers to earning Michelin stars, so patience is key if this is your goal.

What Is a Bib Gourmand and Michelin Recommended?

The Michelin Guide is renowned for its prestigious star ratings, but it also acknowledges restaurants that excel in different ways. Two of the guide’s other accolades are the Bib Gourmand and being Michelin Recommended. These awards recognize establishments that provide exceptional dining experiences without necessarily being the most luxurious or expensive. While these awards are more attainable for many restaurants, they still require considerable effort. Below, we’ll delve deeper into the meaning of the Bib Gourmand and being Michelin Recommended.

What Is a Bib Gourmand?

A Michelin Bib Gourmand is an accolade given to restaurants that offer high-quality food at a reasonable price. Named after Bibendum (or the familiar Michelin Man), this award highlights establishments that provide great value for money. While the specific price criteria vary by region, a Bib Gourmand typically represents a complete meal (starter, main, and dessert) priced affordably compared to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Many mistakenly believe that receiving a Bib Gourmand implies a lower standard of food quality compared to Michelin stars. However, the Bib Gourmand is a prestigious award in its own right. Restaurants earning this accolade are recognized for their creativity, skill, and dedication to delivering memorable dining experiences at accessible price points. Dishes are often simpler than those found in starred restaurants but are no less delicious or high-quality, showcasing the chef’s mastery of flavors and techniques.

Having a Bib Gourmand can work better for some establishments than a Michelin star. These restaurants are often loved by locals and offer a more relaxed and approachable dining experience.

What Does It Mean to Be Michelin Recommended?

Being Michelin Recommended means that the Michelin inspectors believe the restaurant is worth visiting, even if it doesn’t meet the criteria for a star or Bib Gourmand. This distinction indicates that the restaurant provides a solid dining experience with well-prepared dishes and a pleasant atmosphere.

The Michelin Recommended label applies to a wide range of dining establishments, from casual eateries like food trucks to more formal restaurants. While not as prestigious as a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand, this distinction still sets a restaurant apart from its competitors and is a significant achievement.

How to Earn a Michelin Star, Bib Gourmand, or Michelin Recommended Award

 

Whether you aim to become a Michelin-star chef or simply want your restaurant to be Michelin Recommended, earning these honors requires more than just serving good food—it demands creating an exceptional dining experience that consistently exceeds expectations. Below are some strategies to consider to help your business achieve Michelin recognition.

Invest in Quality Equipment and Ingredients

One of the best tips for aspiring to earn a Michelin star, Bib Gourmand, or Michelin Recommended status is to invest in quality. Michelin inspectors seek precision and consistency in every dish, which cannot be achieved without the right tools and the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.

When it comes to kitchen appliances, look for products that empower your chefs to innovate and experiment, creating something truly unique. For instance, a dehydrator can help elevate garnishes and introduce unexpected textures to dishes. Vegetable slicers and food processors are essential for consistency, a key factor Michelin inspectors look for, while a thermal blender can enhance the texture of baked goods. Learn more about how a thermal blender can benefit your baking in our blog post.

Similarly, investing in premium kitchenware can make a big difference. From high-quality can openers and portioners to top-tier knives and sharpeners, the equipment in your kitchen should enable your chefs to execute their craft flawlessly.

Equally important is sourcing the best ingredients, focusing on freshness, seasonality, and sustainability. Build strong relationships with trusted suppliers to ensure access to the finest produce, meats, and seafood. This commitment to quality will be evident in the dishes you serve and is crucial for impressing Michelin inspectors. Moreover, purchasing locally sourced ingredients not only benefits the environment but also strengthens your restaurant’s reputation as a sustainable establishment.

Create a Unique Menu

A standout menu is one of the most critical elements in earning a Michelin star or any other accolade from Michelin. Your menu should reflect the creativity, skill, and vision of your team and offer something genuinely distinctive. This can be achieved through innovative dishes, unique flavor combinations, or modern interpretations of classic recipes.

To create a unique menu, consider what sets your restaurant apart. Do you specialize in a particular cuisine or theme, such as farm-to-table dining, fusion cuisine, or molecular gastronomy? Whatever your niche, ensure that your menu is cohesive and reflects a clear culinary identity. Regularly update your menu with seasonal ingredients and new creations while maintaining consistency in quality.

Ensure Value for Money

If you’re aiming for a Bib Gourmand, value for money is a key factor. Michelin inspectors will assess whether the food you provide justifies the cost. While the food still needs to be of the highest quality, you’ll also be evaluated based on the five criteria for Michelin stars, with the added emphasis on affordability. To achieve this, thoughtfully design your menu to offer dishes that are not only delicious but also reasonably priced. Consider offering set menus or prix fixe options that allow diners to experience a variety of your offerings at an accessible cost.

Balance creativity with practicality to ensure that each dish both impresses and provides value. Sourcing local ingredients can help reduce costs in the kitchen, as can negotiating prices with suppliers and using portion control tools to avoid overserving. Additionally, pricing transparency and clear communication about portion sizes can help manage guest expectations and build trust.

Support Your Chefs’ Success

The talent and passion of your kitchen team are at the heart of your restaurant’s success. To earn Michelin recognition, fostering an environment where your chefs can grow and thrive is essential. This involves providing continuous training, encouraging creativity, and maintaining a collaborative atmosphere for every member of the kitchen staff.

There are numerous ways to support your chefs. Offer personal development time for them to experiment with new techniques and ingredients, and provide training from experienced Michelin-star chefs. A motivated and skilled kitchen team is more likely to produce outstanding results consistently, which is crucial for impressing Michelin inspectors.

One of the five criteria in the Michelin star system is that the chef’s personality should be reflected in the menu and cuisine. Therefore, ensure your head chef has the opportunity to showcase their personal cooking style by allowing them ample time to explore and innovate. This not only helps them refine their skills but also ensures your menu includes dishes that are truly unique and inventive.

Don’t Neglect Your Drinks Menu

A well-thought-out drinks menu is an integral part of the dining experience and can significantly impact Michelin’s evaluation. The Michelin Guide features several symbols indicating notable wine lists, interesting cocktail lists, and unique beer selections.

Whether your establishment specializes in premium wines or creative cocktails, your drinks menu should complement and enhance your food offerings. Collaborate with a knowledgeable sommelier or beverage director to develop a drinks program that aligns with your menu. Offer pairings that elevate the flavors of your dishes and provide guests with options that suit their preferences.

 

After reading this guide, you now have all the information you need to understand how to earn a Michelin star, Bib Gourmand, or Michelin Recommended status. The journey to achieving any of these prestigious culinary accolades is long and requires unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and consistency. By being patient, adhering to the Michelin star criteria, and implementing the tips above, your restaurant stands the best chance of receiving one of these awards.

At Mitchell & Cooper, we offer everything you need to embark on your Michelin journey. From high-quality cookware to inspiring new appliances, your chefs will appreciate the freedom and creativity that exceptional kitchen equipment provides.

Looking for more hospitality advice and inspiration? Check out our other guides for valuable insights, including our guides to EHO food safety inspections, UK alcohol licensing laws, and more.