The Michelin Guide, renowned for its rigorous assessment of restaurants, awards its stars to establishments that consistently deliver outstanding quality. In 2024, ten cities have distinguished themselves by hosting the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants, serving as beacons for food enthusiasts everywhere. This article delves into these cities, exploring the culinary delights that have earned them a spot on this prestigious list.
10. Beijing, China – 33 Restaurants
Beijing, a city steeped in history, offers a culinary landscape that mirrors its rich cultural heritage. Known for its Peking duck and dumplings, Beijing’s Michelin-starred scene is a blend of traditional flavours and innovative dining experiences. King’s Joy, renowned for its vegetarian cuisine, and The Georg, which offers a unique blend of European and Chinese cooking, stand out among its Michelin-starred establishments, showcasing the city’s evolving gastronomic scene.
9. Shanghai, China – 51 Restaurants
Shanghai, the bustling metropolis known for its skyline, is equally famous for its culinary diversity. From the traditional xiao long bao (soup dumplings) to the innovative dishes at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (the first three Michelin-starred restaurant in the city), Shanghai’s Michelin-starred restaurants offer a taste of both the city’s rich history and its modern, cosmopolitan character. Taian Table and Ji Pin Court are notable mentions, providing unforgettable dining experiences that blend local flavours with international influences.
8. Singapore – 57 Restaurants
Singapore’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population, offering an array of flavours from Chinese, Indian, Malay, and beyond. The city-state boasts Michelin-starred restaurants like Odette and Les Amis, which highlight the finesse of French cuisine with a local twist.
Hawker Centre, the heart and soul of Singapore’s dining culture, has also received recognition. In 2016, two hawker stalls, Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle and Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, were awarded one Michelin star each, making Singapore home to the world’s first Michelin-starred street food.
7. New York, USA – 71 Restaurants
New York City, a melting pot of cultures, reflects this diversity in its gastronomic offerings. Its impressive array of Michelin-starred restaurants represent over 30 different cuisines. This diversity not only showcases New York’s multicultural identity but also its residents’ appetite for varied and authentic dining experiences.
From the innovative American cuisine at Eleven Madison Park to the exquisite sushi at Masa, New York’s Michelin-starred restaurants encapsulate the city’s dynamic dining scene. Le Bernardin, a temple of French seafood cuisine, continues to set the standard for excellence, proving that New York’s culinary prestige is well-deserved.
6. London, UK – 76 Restaurants
London’s Michelin scene is noteworthy for its rapid growth over the past decade. In the early 2010s, London had fewer than 50 Michelin-starred restaurants, a number that has increased by over 50% to its current status. This growth mirrors the city’s evolving food scene, which has increasingly embraced global cuisines while elevating traditional British fare.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester offer quintessential Michelin-starred experiences, showcasing the pinnacle of European cuisine. Meanwhile, The Clove Club and Lyle’s represent the new wave of British dining, focusing on local ingredients and simple, yet profound flavours.
5. Hong Kong – 77 Restaurants
Hong Kong’s status as a culinary capital is undisputed, with its blend of Cantonese, British, and international influences. Dim sum, roast meats, and seafood are the stars of the show, with restaurants like Lung King Heen and Caprice earning Michelin stars for their exceptional interpretations of local and French cuisines. The Chairman, celebrated for its innovative Cantonese dishes, emphasizes the city’s ability to honour tradition while embracing modernity. Indeed Hong Kong distinguishes itself with a notable ratio of Michelin stars to its geographical size, making it one of the most star-dense cities in the world.
4. Osaka, Japan – 95 Restaurants
Osaka, often referred to as “the nation’s kitchen,” lives up to this title not just in the variety of local cuisine but also in its impressive count of Michelin stars per capita, one of the highest in Japan. The city’s dedication to culinary excellence is evident in its diverse offerings, from street food to high-end dining. Specialities like takoyaki and okonomiyaki are just the beginning. Kashiwaya and Hajime, both holding three Michelin stars, exemplify the city’s mastery of Japanese culinary arts, from the subtlety of kaiseki to the precision of sushi, offering a gastronomic experience that is deeply rooted in local culture and ingredients.
3. Kyoto, Japan – 103 Restaurants
In Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, nearly one-third of its Michelin-starred restaurants specialise in kaiseki, the traditional multi-course Japanese meal. This statistic not only underscores the city’s deep-rooted culinary traditions but also its role in preserving Japan’s gastronomic heritage. The city’s Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Nakamura and Kitcho Arashiyama, serve exquisite kaiseki meals that reflect the changing seasons and the beauty of Japanese nature. Kyoto’s tofu and matcha desserts are just a glimpse into the city’s dedication to preserving and celebrating its culinary heritage.
2. Paris, France – 136 Restaurants
Paris, synonymous with culinary excellence, continues to enchant food lovers with its array of Michelin-starred restaurants. From the legendary Le Meurice by Alain Ducasse to the innovative Septime, these establishments highlight the breadth and depth of French cuisine, from its classic foundations to its modern interpretations. Paris remains a beacon of gastronomic refinement, offering experiences that are as diverse as they are sophisticated. Ind
1. Tokyo, Japan – 194 Restaurants
Tokyo, at the pinnacle of this list, boasts an unparalleled 194 Michelin-starred restaurants. This city combines respect for tradition with a relentless pursuit of innovation, as seen in establishments like Sukiyabashi Jiro and Ryugin. Tokyo’s culinary landscape is a testament to the depth of Japanese cuisine, offering everything from sushi and ramen to the intricate kaiseki, making it a true culinary capital of the world. Indeed, Tokyo’s unparalleled culinary excellence is highlighted by it having the most three Michelin-starred restaurants of any city globally.
Final Thoughts
The cities on this list are not just locations on a map; they are vibrant communities where culinary traditions are both preserved and challenged, where innovation thrives alongside reverence for the past. For food enthusiasts seeking to explore the heights of culinary excellence, these cities promise journeys filled with flavour, innovation, and tradition.
