Countries with Most Michelin Restaurants in 2024
The Michelin Guide was launched over 100 years ago, and since its inception it has expanded its coverage to more than 40 countries and territories. Recently, the Michelin Guide has expanded its coverage to even more regions (e.g. its geographic coverage in the US) and countries across the globe.
Argentina, Vietnam, Malaysia, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and Czechia are just some of the newest additions to the Michelin Guide. But which countries are home to the most Michelin-starred restaurants?
1. France
Number of restaurants: 639
France, the birthplace of the Michelin Guide, continues to be the undisputed global leader with the most Michelin restaurants in the world (639 restaurants in 2024). This is hardly surprising considering that French food has long been regarded as the epitome of fine dining.
What’s more, the Michelin Guide covers the entire French territory, a big advantage over some of its global competitors such as Japan, China, or the United States, for which the geographic coverage is more limited. More on this later.
2. Japan
Number of restaurants: 393
Japan has the second highest number of Michelin restaurants in the world. It is home to 393 Michelin-starred restaurants and Tokyo is the city with the highest number of Michelin restaurants worldwide (more than Paris, London or New York).
Japanese cuisine has risen to become the second most prominent culinary offering in Michelin restaurants globally, solidifying Japan’s position as a premier destination for fine dining around the world. Japan is also home to some of the most expensive Michelin restaurants to be found anywhere, with tasting menus priced at several hundred dollars per person.
The Michelin Guide coverage in Japan is limited to its three largest metropolitan areas – Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto – so Japan could actually do much better if it had a more comprehensive geographic coverage.
3. Italy
Number of restaurants: 392
Italian food is universally adored, and while its most renowned export may be the humble pizza, Italian culinary tradition offers a plethora of exquisite dishes that elevate it to the realm of fine dining. Italy is home to 392 Michelin restaurants, just one less than second-placed Japan.
4. Germany
Number of restaurants: 313
Home to 313 Michelin restaurants, Germany ranks 4th worldwide, and it is definitely an under-appreciated fine-dining destination.
Spain, or its smaller southern and northern neighbors of Switzerland and Denmark, respectively, are much better known internationally for their fine-dining scene, though neither can compete with Germany when it comes to sheer volume of Michelin-starred restaurants.
5. Spain
Number of restaurants: 269
Spain has 269 Michelin restaurants and is home to some of the most legendary fine-dining establishments in the world. El Bulli, the now-closed restaurant of Chef Ferran Adrià, was considered for many years the world’s best and most innovative restaurant.
But El Bulli’s rise to prominence was not an isolated incident – El Cellar de Can Roca, DiverXO, Aponiente, Disfrutar or Asador Etxebarri are just a few Spanish restaurants that are regarded as some of the best fine-dining establishments in the world.
6. United States
Number of restaurants: 228
The US is home to 228 Michelin restaurants, second among non-European nations. The Michelin Guide has expanded its local footprint in recent years to include Atlanta, Miami, or Denver, which added a significant number of new Michelin-starred restaurants to the local guide.
However, New York and San Francisco remain the cities with the highest number of Michelin restaurants in the US – two cities globally renowned for their fine-dining scenes, albeit also recognized as some of the most expensive cities for fine dining worldwide.
7. United Kingdom
Number of restaurants: 187
The United Kingdom stands out as a significant player in the world of fine dining, boasting a total of 187 Michelin-starred restaurants as of 2024. While renowned for its traditional pub fare and iconic fish and chips, the UK’s fine-dining scene is as hot as ever.
From the bustling streets of London to the picturesque countryside, diners can indulge in a rich tapestry of gastronomic experiences, ranging from contemporary interpretations of British classics to avant-garde culinary creations.
8. Belgium
Number of restaurants: 143
With a rich culinary heritage and a penchant for culinary innovation, Belgium has carved out a prominent place on the global gastronomic map. Home to 143 Michelin-starred restaurants, Belgium offers a delectable array of fine dining options that reflect its cultural diversity and culinary excellence.
It’s also one of the most affordable countries for dining out at a Michelin restaurant, so yet another reason to put Belgium on your gastronomic bucket list.
9. Switzerland
Number of restaurants: 134
With 134 Michelin-starred restaurants scattered across its picturesque cities and charming villages, Switzerland offers a gastronomic journey like no other. What’s more, Switzerland has the world’s highest density of Michelin restaurants, so you’re never too far away from a exceptional meal.
10. China
Number of restaurants: 123
Mainland China is home to 123 Michelin restaurants, which ranks China second in Asia after Japan.
There is a lot to love about traditional Chinese cooking, and its local fine-dining scene is as diverse as China itself. You can experience some fabulous Sichuan delicacies in Chengdu, superb Hangzhou cuisine in its eponymous city, Hu cuisine in Shanghai and gourmet Peking food in one of Beijing finest Michelin restaurants. Of course, there are also some exceptional Michelin restaurants in China that specialize in French or Italian cuisine.
Please find the full rankings below:
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