How to get a Michelin Star, Bib Gourmand or Become Michelin Recommended

Michelin stars are one of the most prestigious accolades in the culinary world, representing excellence in cuisine and service. Originating from the famous Michelin Guide, these stars have long been a symbol of quality and sophistication in food, sought after by chefs and restaurateurs globally. The Michelin Guide has expanded in more recent years to offer even more accolades for deserving restaurants, including the Bib Gourmand, which awards establishments for providing good food for a moderate price. There’s also being Michelin Recommended, which means being in the Michelin Guide but without a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand. 

So, how do you get a Michelin star, Bib Gourmand, or become Michelin Recommended? To help you stand the best chance possible of getting into this prestigious guide, we’ve put together the essential information and tips you’ll need to help your restaurant succeed. Read on to discover the meaning of a Michelin star, Bib Gourmand, and Michelin's Recommended accolade, and use our tips to improve your chances of getting one of these awards. 

What is a Michelin Star?

Any restaurateur knows the value of one of these prestigious awards, but what exactly are Michelin stars and how did the system start? To put it simply, a Michelin star is a mark of recognition awarded to restaurants offering exceptional cuisine. The system was developed by the Michelin tyre company as part of their guidebooks for travellers, which began in the early 1900s. Originally intended to encourage more road travel (and thus tyre sales), the Michelin Guide has evolved into one of the most respected authorities on fine dining worldwide.

The Michelin Guide states that the food is the only factor taken into account when it comes to deciding whether an establishment should be awarded a star. However, other factors such as service and atmosphere are taken into account by inspectors and will be mentioned in the Michelin Guide if your establishment does feature. The award is given to restaurants, not individual chefs, although a chef’s reputation can heavily influence a restaurant's standing.

How are Michelin stars awarded?

Unless your restaurant is already in the guide, you must apply for a Michelin star to start the process. To do this, you must contact Michelin who will send you a questionnaire for you to complete. After this, you may get a visit from a Michelin inspector, although they are completely anonymous so you won’t be aware of this until you are sent the result of the inspection. Readers can also recommend eateries to be included in the prestigious Michelin Guide, so there is a small chance you may be inspected without sending in a questionnaire. 

There is a lot of mystery surrounding the exact details of the Michelin star rating system, with a lot of rumours circulating around the industry about what exactly the inspectors look for. However, Michelin has released a broad criteria which covers five of the most important factors the inspectors will be evaluating. The five factors in the Michelin star criteria are:

1. Quality of products
2. Mastery of flavour and cooking techniques
3. The personality of the chef represented in the dining experience
4. Harmony of the flavours
5. Consistency between inspectors’ visits

Who gives Michelin stars?

Michelin stars are awarded by the Michelin Guide's team of anonymous inspectors. These inspectors are highly trained culinary professionals, often with extensive backgrounds in the food industry. They visit restaurants anonymously, paying for their meals like any other customer, and they adhere to strict standards in their evaluations. Their assessments are then discussed collectively, ensuring that each restaurant is judged fairly and consistently before stars are awarded.

There are five core values Michelin takes into account when hiring the inspectors who give out Michelin stars: 

1. Anonymity: All inspectors ensure their identities are completely anonymous in order to have as authentic an experience as possible.
2. Independence: The inspectors are all employed by the Michelin Group, who also cover all the dining expenses, meaning that they do not receive special treatment or need to pay for the food themselves. This is so they can provide a completely unbiased review. 
3. Expertise: Every Michelin inspector is an expert on catering and hospitality, and usually has hands-on experience in the industry. 
4. Reliability: Michelin ensures the results of the inspection are reliable as the decision is made by a group of experts and never just one person’s judgement. 
5. Passion: Every inspector is an avid and passionate foodie. 

How many Michelin stars can you get?

A restaurant can be awarded between one and three Michelin stars. The number of stars awarded signifies the following:

• One star: This signifies a very good restaurant in its category. This level recognises dishes with distinct flavours and high-quality ingredients that are consistently well-executed.
• Two stars: This denotes excellent cooking “that is worth a detour." Restaurants with two stars are known for their superior techniques, refined and inspired menus, and distinct culinary identity. 
• Three stars: The highest Michelin star rating, three stars represent "exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey." Achieving three stars is the pinnacle of culinary achievement, signifying world-class dishes that are remarkable in every aspect.

While restaurants can earn up to three stars, there is also the possibility of losing them if standards drop. Retaining Michelin stars requires continual dedication and excellence.

How hard is it to get a Michelin star? 

Earning a Michelin star is exceedingly difficult and requires a restaurant to excel in every aspect of the cuisine. The competition is intense, with thousands of restaurants vying for recognition each year. The standards are incredibly high, and the process is rigorous, with inspectors making multiple visits to ensure consistency. Adhering to the five factors set out in the criteria for a Michelin star gives you the best chance for success, but it will still take years of perseverance, patience, and dedication to quality. 

Even achieving one star is a significant accomplishment, reflecting a restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation. Moving up to two or three stars is even more challenging, requiring not only technical perfection but also creativity, originality, and a consistently outstanding performance over time. Many chefs and restaurateurs dedicate their careers to earning Michelin stars, so it is important to be patient if this is your goal. 

What is a Bib Gourmand and Michelin Recommended?

The Michelin Guide is renowned for its prestigious star ratings, but it also recognises restaurants that excel in different ways. Two of the guide’s other accolades are the Bib Gourmand and being Michelin Recommended. These awards celebrate establishments that deliver exceptional dining experiences without necessarily being the most luxurious or expensive. They are more achievable accomplishments for many eateries, but this doesn’t mean that getting one is easy. Below we’ll look closer at the meaning behind the Bib Gourmand and being Michelin Recommended. 

What is a Bib Gourmand?

A Michelin Bib Gourmand is an award given by the Michelin Guide to restaurants that offer high-quality food at a reasonable price. Named after Bibendum (or as many of us know him, the Michelin Man), this accolade highlights establishments that provide quality food for excellent value for money. While the exact price criteria vary depending on the region, a restaurant awarded a Bib Gourmand typically offers a complete, satisfying meal (usually including starter, main, and dessert) at a set price that is more affordable than that of a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Many mistakenly believe that receiving a Bib Gourmand means a restaurant doesn’t produce food that is high enough quality for a Michelin star. But the Bib Gourmand isn’t a consolation prize; it is a prestigious award in its own right. Restaurants which receive this accolade are recognised for their creativity, skill, and dedication to delivering a memorable dining experience without the premium price tag. The dishes are often simpler than those found in starred restaurants but are no less delicious or of less quality, reflecting the chef's mastery of flavours and techniques.

You may find having a Bib Gourmand works better for your establishment than having a Michelin star. These restaurants are often beloved by locals and can offer a more relaxed and accessible dining experience.

What does it mean to be Michelin Recommended?

Being Michelin Recommended is a designation given to restaurants that the Michelin inspectors believe are worth visiting, even if they do not meet the criteria for a star or a Bib Gourmand. This recommendation indicates that the restaurant offers a good quality dining experience, with well-prepared dishes and a pleasant atmosphere.

The Michelin Recommended label can apply to a wide range of dining establishments, from casual eateries like food trucks to more formal restaurants, making it a much more accessible accolade for many establishments. While not as prestigious as a Michelin star or a Bib Gourmand, being a Michelin Recommended establishment is still a significant achievement that sets a restaurant apart from its competitors.

How to get a Michelin Star, Bib Gourmand, and Michelin Recommended award

Whether you want to know how to become a Michelin-star chef or you want your eatery to be Michelin Recommended, earning these honours requires more than just cooking good food; it involves creating an exceptional dining experience that consistently exceeds expectations. Below are some strategies to take into consideration to help your business achieve Michelin recognition. 

Invest in the best equipment and ingredients

One of the best tips for those wondering how to get a Michelin star, Bib Gourmand, or become Michelin Recommended is to invest in quality. Michelin inspectors look for precision and consistency in every dish, which is impossible to achieve without the right tools and the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.

When it comes to kitchen appliances, look for products to help your chefs innovate and experiment to create something truly unique. A dehydrator for example is a great tool for this, allowing kitchen staff to not just elevate their garnishings but add new and unexpected textures to a dish. Vegetable slicers and food processors are essential tools when it comes to consistency, which is a key thing Michelin inspectors look out for, while a thermal blender can enhance the consistency of baked goods. Read our blog post to find out more about how a thermal blender can benefit your baking. 

The right kitchenware can have a significant impact on your kitchen too. From premium can openers and portioners to top-grade knives and sharpeners, the equipment used in your kitchen should enable your chefs to execute their craft flawlessly. 

Equally important is sourcing the best ingredients, focusing on freshness, seasonality, and sustainability. Establish strong relationships with trusted suppliers to ensure you receive the finest produce, meats, and seafood. This commitment to quality will be evident in the dishes you serve and is crucial for impressing Michelin inspectors. Plus, buying locally comes with the added bonus of being a more environmentally friendly option, helping you make your restaurant more sustainable.

Create a unique menu

A standout menu is one of the most critical elements when it comes to how to get a Michelin star, or indeed any other accolade from Michelin. Your menu should reflect the creativity, skill, and vision of your team and offer something truly distinctive. This could be achieved in a number of ways, from creating innovative dishes and finding unique flavour combinations to perfecting modern interpretations of classic recipes.

To create a unique menu, consider what sets your restaurant apart. Is there a particular cuisine or theme that you specialise in? Perhaps you focus on farm-to-table dining, fusion cuisine, or molecular gastronomy. Whatever your niche, ensure that your menu is cohesive and reflects a clear culinary identity. Additionally, keep your menu fresh by regularly updating it with seasonal ingredients and new creations, while maintaining consistency in quality.

Find ways to ensure value for money

If you’re aiming for a Bib Gourmand, value for money is a key factor. Michelin inspectors will evaluate whether the food you provide justifies the cost. It is important to note that the food still needs to be of the highest quality, and you will still be evaluated based on the five factors in the Michelin star criteria, but with a Bib Gourmand, you must also ensure your excellent quality food is available at a more accessible price point.

To achieve this, carefully design your menu to offer dishes that are not only delicious but also well-priced. Consider offering set menus or prix fixe options that allow diners to experience a range of your offerings at a reasonable cost. Balance creativity with practicality to ensure that each dish both impresses and provides value. Buying local ingredients can help you cut costs in the kitchen, as can negotiating prices with suppliers and using portion control tools to avoid overserving your dishes. 

Help your chefs excel

The talent and passion of your kitchen team are at the heart of your restaurant’s success, and your key to getting a Michelin star, Bib Gourmand, or becoming Michelin Recommended. To earn Michelin recognition, it’s essential to foster an environment where your chefs can improve and reach their highest potential. This involves providing continuous training, encouraging creativity, and maintaining a collaborative atmosphere for every member of the kitchen staff.

There are numerous ways you can do this, from giving staff personal development time to allow them to experiment with new techniques and ingredients to providing training from chefs with experience in a Michelin-star restaurant. A passionate and motivated kitchen team is more likely to produce outstanding results consistently, which is crucial for impressing Michelin inspectors.

One of the five factors in the Michelin star criteria is that the personality of the chef should be represented in the menu and cuisine. So, ensure your head chef has the opportunity to let their personal cooking style shine through on every dish by allowing them ample time to explore and innovate. Not only does this allow them to hone their skills even further, but it ensures your menu includes dishes that are truly unique and inventive. 

Don’t forget the importance of your drinks menu

A well-thought-out drinks menu is an integral part of the dining experience and can play a key role in Michelin’s evaluation. In fact, the Michelin Guide includes a number of drink-related symbols denoting notable wine lists, interesting cocktail lists, and interesting beer lists. 

Whether your establishment specialises in providing premium wine or creative cocktails, your drinks menu should complement and enhance your food offerings. Work with a knowledgeable sommelier or beverage director to develop a drinks programme that aligns with your menu. You can do this by offering pairings that elevate the flavours of your dishes and providing guests with options that suit their preferences. 

After reading this guide, you have all the information you need to know how to get a Michelin star, Bib Gourmand, or become Michelin Recommended. The journey to achieving any of these prestigious culinary accolades is a long one, requiring unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and consistency. But by having patience, adhering to the Michelin star criteria, and using the tips above, your restaurant stands the best chance of receiving one of these awards. 

At Mitchell & Cooper, we can provide you with whatever you need on your Michelin journey. From high quality cookware to inspiring new appliances, your chefs will love the freedom and creativity that exceptional kitchen equipment can provide.

Looking for even more hospitality advice and inspiration? Make sure to check out the rest of our guides for more useful information, including our guides to EHO food safety inspections, UK alcohol licensing laws, and more.