Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide is the world's most influential restaurant and hotel rating guide, famous for its anonymous inspectors and coveted stars.
Last updated October 30, 2026
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Overview
The Michelin Guide (Le Guide Michelin) is a restaurant and hotel guide published by the French tyre company Michelin. First created in 1900 by André and Édouard Michelin as a free handbook for motorists, it evolved into the world's most prestigious culinary rating system. Its anonymous inspectors award one to three stars, with three stars denoting 'exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.' The guide also publishes the Bib Gourmand (good food at moderate prices) and the Green Star (sustainable gastronomy). Today the Michelin Guide operates globally, with editions covering Europe, Asia, North America and beyond, and has expanded into hotel selection. It is owned by Michelin and remains a powerful marketing and cultural asset for the group.
History
The Michelin Guide was founded in 1900 by the Michelin brothers, André and Édouard, as a free guide for French motorists. It included maps, tyre-changing instructions, and lists of places to eat and stay. In 1920 the guide began charging for the first time. In 1926 the star system was introduced, initially with a single star for good food. In 1931 the hierarchy of one, two, and three stars was established. The guide expanded internationally, with the first English-language edition in 2005 and the first U.S. edition in 2006. In 2016 the Michelin Guide acquired a majority stake in the British restaurant guide Bookatable. In 2019 the guide announced it would stop printing the paper edition in some markets and focus on digital. In 2020 the Michelin Guide launched a hotel selection. The guide remains owned by Michelin and continues to expand its global coverage.
- 2020
Michelin Guide launches hotel selection.
- 2019
Guide announces digital-first strategy in some markets.
- 2016
Michelin Guide acquires majority stake in Bookatable.
- 2006
First U.S. edition published.
- 2005
First English-language edition published.
- 1931
The one-, two-, and three-star hierarchy is established.
- 1926
The star system is introduced.
- 1920
The guide begins charging for the first time.
- 1900
Michelin brothers create the first Michelin Guide for French motorists.
Products and positioning
Premium, authoritative culinary and hospitality rating brand, synonymous with excellence and gastronomic prestige.
Michelin star ratings
One to three stars awarded to restaurants for exceptional cuisine.
Bib Gourmand
Recognizes good food at moderate prices.
Green Star
Awarded for sustainable gastronomy.
Michelin Guide hotels
A selection of outstanding hotels.
Controversies
2019
South Korean chef files complaint against Michelin over restaurant listing
Chef Eo Yun-gwon filed a criminal complaint against Michelin Travel Partner, the company behind the Michelin guides, over the inclusion of his restaurant in the Seoul Guide despite his request that it not be featured. The article reports the complaint, not a court determination.
Recent events
Reported
Michelin and TripAdvisor enter content and licensing partnership[7]
Michelin and TripAdvisor, together with TripAdvisor subsidiary TheFork, entered a content and licensing partnership. Michelin Guide restaurant selections and distinctions will be featured on TripAdvisor, and the agreement provides for Michelin-selected restaurants to be accessible and bookable through TheFork and Michelin Guide digital platforms.
Reported
Michelin Guide completes acquisition of The Wine Advocate[8]
Michelin acquired The Wine Advocate in its entirety; the full acquisition was announced at a press conference on 22 November during the Matter of Taste event in New York.
Reported
South Korean chef files complaint against Michelin over restaurant listing[3]
Chef Eo Yun-gwon filed a criminal complaint against Michelin Travel Partner, the company behind the Michelin guides, over the inclusion of his restaurant in the Seoul Guide despite his request that it not be featured. The article reports the complaint, not a court determination.
Reported
Chef files complaint over Michelin Guide listing[5]
Chef Eo Yun-gwon took legal action against Michelin Travel Partner, accusing it of insult after the Michelin Guide included his restaurant despite his request not to be listed. The article reports the accusation, not a court determination.
Reported
Chef takes legal action against Michelin Travel Partner over restaurant listing[4]
Chef Eo Yun-gwon said he had taken legal action against Michelin Travel Partner, accusing it of insult after his restaurant was included in the Michelin Guide Seoul 2020. He objected to the restaurant being listed without definite standards.
Reported
Marc Veyrat sues Michelin Guide over restaurant rating[6]
Chef Marc Veyrat said he sued the Michelin Guide after it removed his restaurant’s third star, alleging that inspectors botched the evaluation, including by mistaking the color of a cheese soufflé for evidence that it contained Cheddar. Michelin said it would study his demands and respond.
Sources13 sources
- 1Michelin Guide official websiteguide.michelin.com
- 2Michelin Guide - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- 3South Korean chef files complaint against Michelin over restaurant listingindependent.co.uk
- 4South Korean chef files complaint against Michelin over restaurant listingrestaurantonline.co.uk
- 5South Korean chef files complaint against Michelin over restaurant listingkoreaherald.com
- 6South Korean chef files complaint against Michelin over restaurant listingmalaymail.com
- 7Michelin与TripAdvisor达成内容与许可合作traveldailymedia.com
- 8米其林指南完成对《葡萄酒倡导家》的收购thedrinksbusiness.com
- 9Chef Sues Michelin For The Insult Of Recommending His Restaurant - The Takeoutthetakeout.com
- 10Michelin Guide buys The Wine Advocatedecanter.com
- 11Seoul chef sues Michelin Guide for including his restaurantnine.com.au
- 12South Korean chef sues Michelin Guide for including restaurant in 2020 edition, calls it an 'insult'foxnews.com
- 13South Korean Chef Sues Michelin Over ‘Insult’ of Being Included in Guideeater.com
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