The Michelin guide has been an integral part of the hospitality industry since it began in 1900. Now, the guide rates over 30,000 establishments in over 30 territories across three continents, with more than 30 million Michelin Guides sold worldwide since. As the Michelin guide rose in popularity, by 1931, 3-star accreditation was added, each star meaning the following (which remains the same to this day): one star means the food is good, two means it is worth a detour, and three stars means it is exceptional. We’ll be taking a deep dive into how to gain a Michelin Star, what the company values in a restaurant, and how you could earn one for yourself.

What are The Michelin Guide’s Core Values?

  • Inspectors prioritize anonymity to ensure no special treatment is given.
  • Michelin Inspectors are independent and only employed by Michelin.
  • Inspectors are experts in the hospitality industry with many years of experience.
  • Michelin Stars are given by a collective of inspectors who visit the establishment multiple times to ensure
  • Inspectors are passionate about food and have experience working in the hospitality business.
  • Any high-quality restaurant meeting the 5 rating criteria can be reviewed by Michelin.

What are the 5 criteria you must meet to achieve a Michelin Star?

Quality Products:

  • Chefs should seek out the best ingredients, even if they have to travel for them
  • Premium ingredients aren’t necessary for Michelin recognition
  • Making simple dishes stand out can also catch the attention of inspectors

Mastery of Flavour and Cooking Techniques:

  • Chefs should balance showcasing ingredients with practicality for sustainable business
  • Attention to detail and good cooking techniques are crucial
  • Texture and flavour categories should be considered in dish design

Personality of the Chef in the Cuisine:

  • A chef’s personality can be expressed in their food, but should cater to customers’ preferences
  • A culture of experimentation can help organizations bring personality to their restaurants

Value for Money:

  • A memorable experience and wow factor are more important than price
  • All restaurants should focus on making customers happy and treating them equally

Consistency of Food:

  • Lack of consistency can result in loss of stars
  • Inspectors visit restaurants multiple times with different inspectors before making a decision
  • Cooking technology can help, but craftsmanship and human touch are crucial
  • The number of covers doesn’t necessarily affect a restaurant’s chance of Michelin recognition

Who holds the most Michelin Stars?

Joël Robuchon, 31 Michelin Stars

Joël Robuchon, the world’s best chef according to Michelin star ratings, held a record-breaking 31 Michelin stars at one point, and was named “Chef of the Century” multiple times. He specialized in French cuisine, owned 12 restaurants, and mentored renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsay. Though he passed away with 28 stars, his legacy lives on.

Alain Ducasse, 21 Michelin Stars

Alain Ducasse is one of the world’s most successful chefs, having earned and maintained 21 Michelin stars throughout his career. He is the proud owner of 3 Michelin-starred restaurants, with a total of 34 worldwide. Ducasse is well-known for his delicious French cuisine, and his meals have even been enjoyed by astronauts in space.

Gordon Ramsay, 16 Michelin Stars

Gordon Ramsay, known for his TV appearances and fiery personality, has 16 Michelin Stars. He owns almost 20 restaurants, with the most popular being his main Chelsea restaurant, which has held 3 stars for 18 years.

Martin Berasategui, 8 Michelin Stars

Martin Berasategui is the world’s top Spanish chef with 8 Michelin stars. Two of his ten restaurants are triple Michelin-starred hotels, including the Martin Berasategui Restaurant. He specializes in Basque cuisine and his cooking is considered an art.

Looking to earn a Michelin Star?

Ginger Hospitality specialises in providing top-quality hospitality staff who will contribute to the overall success of the establishment. We source expert talent with extensive experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants or fine dining. We can also provide expert advice on staffing needs and training requirements, such as ensuring that the restaurant has a sufficient number of chefs, servers, and sommeliers to deliver a high-quality dining experience. In addition, the Ginger Hospitality can assist in the recruitment process, from sourcing candidates to conducting interviews and providing pre-employment checks. By having a team of skilled and experienced professionals, the restaurant can improve its chances of earning a Michelin star and maintaining it over time.

Give us a call today on 01200 890 890 or email hospitality@ginger-recruitment.co.uk