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

The Michelin stars are among the most coveted honors in the culinary world, representing the highest levels of excellence in food and service. Originating from the famous Michelin Guide, these stars have become a global benchmark for quality and sophistication in dining. Over time, the Michelin Guide has expanded its offerings beyond just stars, introducing additional distinctions such as the Bib Gourmand, which highlights restaurants offering excellent value for money, and the Michelin Recommended label, which recognizes establishments that provide a solid dining experience but don't quite meet the criteria for stars or Bib Gourmands.

 

If you're looking to earn a Michelin star, Bib Gourmand, or Michelin Recommendation, here’s everything you need to know to boost your chances. Understanding the significance of these accolades and following some key tips can make a big difference. Keep reading to learn what it takes to secure one of these prestigious awards.

What is a Michelin Star?

For restaurateurs, securing a Michelin star is a major milestone. But what exactly does a Michelin star represent, and how did this system come about? Simply put, a Michelin star is an acknowledgment of exceptional culinary expertise. The system originated with the Michelin tyre company, which began publishing travel guides in the early 1900s. Initially designed to encourage more car travel (and thus increase tyre sales), the Michelin Guide has transformed into the ultimate authority on fine dining worldwide.

The Michelin Guide specifies that food is the sole criterion considered when determining whether a restaurant deserves a star. However, other aspects like service and ambiance are also taken into account during inspections and may be mentioned in the guide if the restaurant qualifies. 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 start the process, a restaurant must first apply to be included in the Michelin Guide by completing a questionnaire sent by Michelin. Afterward, the restaurant may be visited by a Michelin inspector, who remains anonymous throughout the process. There’s also a chance that readers of the Michelin Guide may recommend a restaurant for inspection, even without an application. 

The exact details of the Michelin star rating system remain somewhat mysterious, with various rumors circulating in the culinary world about what inspectors look for. However, Michelin has provided a general outline of the five primary factors inspectors assess:

1. Quality of ingredients
2. Masterful flavor execution and technique
3. Chef’s personality reflected in the dining experience
4. Flavor harmony
5. Consistency across inspector visits

Who gives Michelin stars?

Michelin stars are awarded by a team of anonymous inspectors employed by the Michelin Guide. These inspectors are highly trained professionals with extensive backgrounds in the food industry. They dine anonymously, paying for their meals just like any other customer, and follow strict guidelines in their evaluations. Final decisions are made collectively to ensure fairness and consistency in the star-awarding process.

When hiring inspectors, Michelin considers five core values:

1. Anonymity: Inspectors maintain anonymity to guarantee an authentic dining experience.
2. Independence: Inspectors are fully supported by the Michelin Group, eliminating bias and ensuring unbiased reviews.
3. Expertise: All inspectors possess deep knowledge of the culinary arts and hospitality.
4. Reliability: Decisions are made collectively to ensure accuracy and consistency.
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 indicates the following:

• One star: Denotes a very good restaurant in its category, with distinct flavors and high-quality ingredients executed consistently.
• Two stars: Represents excellent cooking "worth a detour," featuring superior techniques, refined menus, and a distinct culinary identity.
• Three stars: The highest honor, indicating "exceptional cuisine worth a special journey." Achieving three stars is the ultimate culinary achievement, signifying excellence in every aspect.

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

How hard is it to get a Michelin star?

Securing a Michelin star is extraordinarily difficult and demands excellence in every facet of the dining experience. The competition is fierce, with countless restaurants vying for recognition annually. The standards are incredibly high, and the evaluation process is rigorous, involving multiple visits to ensure consistency. Following the five factors outlined in the Michelin star criteria gives you the best shot at success, but achieving it still requires years of persistence, patience, and unwavering commitment to quality. 

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

What is a Bib Gourmand and Michelin Recommended?

Beyond the prestigious star ratings, the Michelin Guide celebrates restaurants that excel in different ways. Two of the guide’s other accolades are the Bib Gourmand and the Michelin Recommended designation. These awards recognize establishments that deliver outstanding dining experiences without necessarily being the most luxurious or expensive. While these achievements may be more attainable for many restaurants, they still require considerable effort and dedication. Let’s delve deeper into what these accolades mean.

What is a Bib Gourmand?

A Bib Gourmand is an award given by the Michelin Guide to restaurants that offer high-quality food at affordable prices. Named after Bibendum (the iconic Michelin Man), this distinction highlights eateries that provide excellent value for money. Although the exact price criteria vary by region, Bib Gourmand recipients typically offer a complete meal—usually including a starter, main course, and dessert—at a set price that is more budget-friendly than that of a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Many people mistakenly assume that receiving a Bib Gourmand means a restaurant lacks the quality necessary for a Michelin star. However, the Bib Gourmand is far from a consolation prize; it is a prestigious honor in its own right. Restaurants earning this accolade are recognized for their creativity, skill, and commitment to delivering memorable dining experiences without the high price tag. While the dishes may be simpler than those found in starred restaurants, they are no less delicious or impressive, showcasing the chef’s mastery of flavors and techniques.

In some cases, having a Bib Gourmand may work better for your restaurant than a Michelin star. These establishments often resonate more with locals and can provide a more relaxed and approachable dining experience.

What does it mean to be Michelin Recommended?

Being Michelin Recommended is a designation given to restaurants that the Michelin inspectors believe are worth visiting, even if they don’t meet the criteria for a star or Bib Gourmand. This recommendation suggests that the restaurant offers 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, being recognized as a Michelin Recommended establishment is still a significant achievement that distinguishes a restaurant from its peers.

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

 

Whether you’re striving to become a Michelin-star chef or aiming for a Michelin Recommended designation, achieving these accolades requires more than just good food—it involves crafting an exceptional dining experience that consistently exceeds expectations. Here are some strategies to consider to help your restaurant earn Michelin recognition.

Invest in top-tier equipment and ingredients

One of the best pieces of advice for anyone aspiring to earn a Michelin star, Bib Gourmand, or Michelin Recommendation is to invest in quality. Michelin inspectors look for precision and consistency in every dish, which is impossible to achieve without the right tools and the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.

When it comes to kitchen equipment, seek out products that enable your chefs to innovate and experiment, creating something truly unique. For instance, a dehydrator can elevate garnishes and introduce unexpected textures to a dish. Vegetable slicers and food processors are essential for consistency, a key factor Michelin inspectors evaluate, while a thermal blender can enhance the texture of baked goods. Read our blog post to learn more about how a thermal blender can benefit your baking.

Similarly, investing in premium kitchenware can make a big difference. High-quality can openers, portioners, knives, and sharpeners ensure your chefs can execute their craft flawlessly. Equally important is sourcing the best ingredients, focusing on freshness, seasonality, and sustainability. Building strong relationships with trusted suppliers guarantees you receive the finest produce, meats, and seafood. This commitment to quality will shine through in your dishes and is crucial for impressing Michelin inspectors. Moreover, buying locally is not only environmentally friendly but also helps make your restaurant more sustainable.

Create a unique menu

A standout menu is one of the most critical elements when it comes to achieving Michelin recognition. Your menu should reflect the creativity, skill, and vision of your team and offer something truly distinctive. This could involve developing innovative dishes, exploring unique flavor combinations, or perfecting modern interpretations of classic recipes.

To create a unique menu, consider what sets your restaurant apart. Are you specializing in a particular cuisine or theme? Maybe you focus on farm-to-table dining, fusion cuisine, or molecular gastronomy. Whatever your niche, ensure your menu is cohesive and reflects a clear culinary identity. Regularly updating your menu with seasonal ingredients and new creations while maintaining consistency in quality is essential.

Ensure value for money

If you’re aiming for a Bib Gourmand, value for money is a key factor. Michelin inspectors will evaluate whether the food you provide justifies the cost. While the food still needs to be of the highest quality, you’ll be assessed based on the five factors in the Michelin star criteria, and you must also ensure your excellent-quality food is available at a more accessible price point.

To achieve this, carefully 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 a fair cost. Balance creativity with practicality to ensure each dish impresses and provides value. Sourcing local ingredients, negotiating prices with suppliers, and using portion control tools can help reduce costs in the kitchen.

Support your chefs

The talent and passion of your kitchen team are at the heart of your restaurant’s success, and the key to earning a Michelin star, Bib Gourmand, or Michelin Recommendation. To achieve Michelin recognition, it’s vital to create an environment where your chefs can grow and reach their full potential. This involves providing ongoing training, encouraging creativity, and fostering collaboration among all kitchen staff.

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

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

Pay attention to your drinks menu

A well-designed drinks menu is an integral part of the dining experience and plays a key role in Michelin’s evaluation. In fact, the Michelin Guide includes several symbols denoting 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 get a Michelin star, Bib Gourmand, or Michelin Recommended status. The path to achieving any of these prestigious culinary accolades is long and demanding, requiring unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and consistency. By remaining 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 can provide you with 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 can provide.

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