France
France has the most Michelin 3-star restaurants in the world, with a total of 29 establishments. Some of the most famous ones include:
– Mirazur (Menton): Chef Mauro Colagreco’s restaurant is located on the French Riviera overlooking the Mediterranean sea. It was named the World’s Best Restaurant in 2019 by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and offers a unique blend of French and Italian cuisine.
– Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée (Paris): Alain Ducasse is one of the most respected chefs in the world, and his restaurant in the iconic Plaza Athénée hotel in Paris is a true experience in luxury dining. The menu is mostly based on organic and sustainable ingredients.
– Arpège (Paris): Chef Alain Passard’s Arpège is one of the most famous vegetable-focused restaurants, and it showcases the best of French cuisine with a twist. The menu changes according to the season and the chef’s inspiration.
Japan
Japan is the country with the second-most Michelin 3-star restaurants, with a total of 28. Japanese cuisine is renowned for its precision and attention to detail, which is reflected in these three-star restaurants:
– Sukiyabashi Jiro (Tokyo): Chef Jiro Ono is a living legend in the sushi world, and his tiny restaurant in the Ginza district of Tokyo has been awarded three Michelin stars for over a decade. The experience is said to be life-changing, with the freshest fish and the most delicate flavors.
– Kitcho Arashiyama (Kyoto): Kitcho is one of the most respected traditional Japanese restaurants, and its Kyoto branch in the Arashiyama district is a masterpiece of harmony and beauty. The kaiseki menu is based on seasonal ingredients and the chef’s skills to highlight each flavor and texture.
– Nihonryori Ryugin (Tokyo): Chef Seiji Yamamoto’s restaurant in the Roppongi district of Tokyo is a celebration of the senses, with a modern and playful approach to Japanese cuisine. The dishes are based on traditional techniques but are presented in a contemporary fashion.
USA
The USA has 14 Michelin three-starred restaurants, which is a great achievement for the American culinary scene. Some of the top ones are:
– The French Laundry (California): Chef Thomas Keller’s restaurant in Yountville is a temple of gastronomy, with a focus on seasonal California ingredients and innovative techniques. The tasting menu is a journey through flavors and textures that will leave you speechless.
– Per Se (New York): Another Thomas Keller restaurant, this one in New York, is known for its stunning views of Central Park and the Hudson River, as well as its impeccable service and attention to detail. The cuisine is contemporary American with French influences.
– Eleven Madison Park (New York): Chef Daniel Humm’s restaurant in the Flatiron district of Manhattan is a tribute to New York City, with its urban chic decor and playful menu. The dishes are based on local and seasonal produce, and the service is outstanding.
Other countries that have Michelin 3-star restaurants include Spain, with seven establishments, Italy, with 11, and Germany, with 11. There are also two Michelin three-starred restaurants in the UK, one in Hong Kong, and one in South Korea.
In conclusion, the Michelin three-star rating is the ultimate recognition of culinary excellence, and these restaurants have earned their place in the gastronomic hall of fame. If you have the opportunity to dine at one of them, prepare yourself for a unique and unforgettable experience that will awaken your senses and leave you wanting more.