The difference between 1, 2 or 3 Michelin stars
Although one star is a huge achievement for a chef, Michelin emphasizes that the stars are for the consumer, not the chef. But still: many a chef dreams of a Michelin star. Or two. Or three. But what exactly is the difference between those stars?
The Michelin Guide does explain the differences, but let’s be honest, they aren’t exactly clear.
- One star: high-quality cooking, worth a stop
- Two stars: excellent cooking, worth a detour
- Three stars: exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
All well and good, Michelin, but a little more clarity would be nice. Now, the guide is known for not being overly forthcoming, but they have provided a little more information from time to time:
Criteria
One star is supposedly awarded for ‘top-quality ingredients’ and ‘distinctive flavors’. Two stars are awarded for ‘the chef’s personality and talent’, and three stars when ‘cooking has been elevated to an art form’. Still a little vague, but apparently it’s difficult to provide truly hard-and-fast criteria.
Conclusion
In 2016, culinary journalist Andy Lynes tried to figure it out for The Telegraph by dining at Galvin at Windows in London (one star), Librije’s Zusje in Amsterdam (two stars) and La Pergola in Rome (three stars).
His conclusion: “The higher you climb the Michelin ladder, the smaller the dishes become, the bigger the chairs and the longer the meal. Oh, and the higher the bill.” Although a meal at a starred restaurant doesn’t necessarily have to be incredibly expensive: these are Europe’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants, quite a delicious list to work your way through.
Bib Gourmand restaurants
One rung below Michelin-starred restaurants are the so-called ‘Bib Gourmand’ restaurants. According to Michelin, every award-winning restaurant guarantees ‘an irresistible combination of price, quality and enjoyment.’ At these restaurants, you get almost Michelin quality, but still exceptionally good and affordable food, namely a fantastic three-course dinner for less than forty euros.
And something special: there is even a dessert restaurant with a Michelin star.
Also read:
- I, a Michelin virgin, went to eat at a two-star restaurant
- Michelin stars 2020: the winners and losers
- Incredibly expensive Michelin Guide: more than 30,000 euros for an old booklet
