Here Are The Cities With The Most Michelin Starred Restaurants
Food tourism is a big reason why people visit certain countries – sampling a high-end sushi meal in Tokyo, traditional thalis in Mumbai or ceviche in Lima draws millions of people to fly half-way around the world every year. For those of a more high-end persuasion, the Michelin guide is the ultimate in foodie discovery, and some cities around the world are jam-packed with more Michelin starred restaurants than others.
From Tokyo to London and Hong Kong to Paris, here are the cities with the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world.
Numbers come from the Michelin Guide
1. Tokyo – 198 Michelin starred restaurants
The title of the ultimate foodie city goes to Tokyo, which has an incredible almost 200 Michelin starred restaurants. High-end sushi is the star, but with the sheer volume of culinary spots means there’s an endless amount of variety to be found.
Twelve of its restaurant hold three Michelin stars – the highest amount – which is also the largest amount. It has to be number one on the bucket list. Highlights include Sushi Yositake and Kohaku.
2. Paris – 130 Michelin starred restaurants
France is the home of the Michelin guide, so it’s only right that its capital Paris is high up on this list. Known for its white-tablecloth fine dining, the stuffy reputation doesn’t quite do justice to the level of innovation and creativity still on show in the city of lights.
Legendary chef Pierre Gagnaire’s eponymous restaurant and Épicure are famous for holding three stars, among nine others.
3. Kyoto – 97 Michelin starred restaurants
The second Japanese entry on the list (but not the last), Kyoto is considered the cultural capital of Japan, and is challenging Tokyo to be the culinary capital with almost 100 Michelin starred restaurants
Six restaurants hold the maximum three stars, including Maeda, Hyotei and Gion Sasaki.
4. Osaka – 92 Michelin starred restaurants
Such is the embarrassment of riches in Japan, Osaka only gets the bronze medal when it comes to the intra-country competition, and yet still cracks the top four on an international scale.
Taian, Hajime and Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama are all on our bucket list (along with the 92 others, to be honest). It also neighbours Kyoto, making the ultimate foodie tour of Japan even more convenient.
5. Hong Kong – 76 Michelin starred restaurants
Hong Kong is one of the great foodie cities in cinema – classics like Chunking Express and In The Mood For Love display food on screen that is so delicious it would make you want to book a flight straight after the film ends.
And the style is backed up by some serious substance. Featuring 76 Michelin starred restaurants, seven of which have three stars and twelve of which have two, you won’t run out of culinary inspiration any time soon.
6. London – 74 Michelin starred restaurants
Closer to home, London more than pulls its weight on the international stage with a staggering 74 Michelin starred restaurants. Obvious heavyweights like Gordon Ramsay, Claire Smyth and Heston Blumenthal feature prominently, but the Michelin star scene is as diverse and exciting as anywhere in the world.
For those looking for guides on which of the 74 to check out, we have you covered. From the cheapest restaurants, restaurants in hotels, or even Michelin starred restaurants that do delivery, take inspiration from our London guides.
7. New York – 71 Michelin starred restaurants
British Chefs have a bit of a thing about New York: They might have Michelin star, but until they conquer stateside, they aren’t fully satisfied. Big Chef’s like Gordon Ramsay and April Bloomfield have crossed the Atlantic to try their hand in the New York culinary scene, while Heston Blumenthal has seemingly had one in the works forever.
If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple anytime soon check out our guide to the city, and our picks for the best romantic restaurants and most instagrammable bars.
8. Singapore – 57 Michelin starred restaurants
A true melting pot of a city, Singapore’s culinary output is formed through influence from Malaysia, China and India, making it a unique foodie destination. It’s hawker markets are legendary, as are is fifty-plus strong Michelin starred restaurants.
Known for its street food, on 2016, Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle and Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle became the first two street food locations in the world to be awarded a Michelin star – so Singapore could be the best city for cheap a Michelin star meal.
