A Michelin star is an award given to restaurants based on culinary excellence, interior design, and service standards. Achieving this level of recognition will require hard work and dedication along with taking risks in order to become known amongst competitors.
From learning about undercover inspectors to the official ranking system, there are a few things every entrepreneur, manager, or expert in hospitality should know about the Michelin restaurant guide.
Understanding Michelin Star ratings: What do they say about restaurants?
Michelin is a company famously known for bestowing ‘star’ ratings on restaurants to indicate their expertise and excellence. Featured restaurants in the Michelin guide fall into one of the following ranking categories:
- One, two, or three stars Michelin
- Plate Michelin
- Bib Gourmand
Restaurants can only officially be considered Michelin if they’ve earned at least one star. However, the Plate Michelin and Bib Gourmand awards recognise excellent restaurants that might only just miss the mark for a Michelin star.
What are the benefits of having a Michelin-starred restaurant?
World-leading chefs claim that with just one Michelin star, restaurants attract up to 20% more business. And if they’re awarded two stars, restaurants gain twice as much attention and double those extra profits too. Economic value is a major advantage of holding a Michelin star, which ultimately means a healthier, more successful business.
Once your restaurant has been awarded a star, you’ll also be featured in the official Michelin guide – which is available to the general public. Along with being a marker of prestige and recognition, a Michelin star effectively serves as one of the best forms of advertising you can get.
What should I expect after being awarded a star?
If you’re featured in the Michelin guide, you should expect to receive more reservations – along with high expectations from guests dining with you.
But despite an increase in popularity, regard and reputation, restaurants can still be exposed to a variety of risks. Accidents can either be down to technical or human error; therefore, restaurant insurance should also be included in your plan to achieve this step towards the best possible standards.
The unique challenges of working towards a Michelin star might present in different ways. Depending on the type of restaurant you run, you might be aiming for criterion with rigorous training in place for your staff.
How can I earn Michelin stars for my restaurant?
There is no official guide to instruct or explain how restaurants should try to earn a Michelin star. The organisation is known for sending anonymous judges – known as mystery guests – to eat in selected restaurants. These incognito inspectors might visit a restaurant several times in one year to confirm their impressions before reaching a decision.
However, restaurant managers, chefs, and front of house staff can still be proactive. Working towards a star might mean that your team should always:
- Ensure impeccable service standards
- Pay close attention to food presentation
- Only serve the best, freshest food
- Be in the right location
- Stay true to an authentic, unique style
- Encourage strong feedback on platforms like Tripadvisor
Final thoughts…
The more Michelin stars a restaurant earns, the more esteemed it will be in the fine dining sphere. A rule of thumb claims that any restaurant with three Michelin stars was worth a special journey to experience its exceptional cuisine, but it’s important to remember that this level takes time and commitment to achieve.
