Michelin star is a pinnacle of excellence in the restaurant industry. Receiving one is like receiving an Oscar — it gives status to an establishment and provides it with public recognition. Michelin has a three-star grading system:
- one star — a very good establishment;
- two stars — an establishment with outstanding cuisine that you definitely should try if you are ever in that area;
- three stars — an establishment that provides a one-of-a-kind experience with exceptional cuisine.
There are 3,153 establishments that can brag about having a Michelin star. In today’s article, we are going to go around five places that are crème de la crème of that list.
Alinea: Chicago, Illinois
There is only one establishment in The Windy City that has three stars — it’s Alinea. Established in 2005, the restaurant gained all three Michelin stars by 2010.
The exterior of the restaurant is commonplace in that area of Chicago. There is nothing special about the interior as well. A distinctive feature of this establishment is the food itself and the way it’s presented to guests. You can’t just visit this place out of the blue. You have to buy a ticket a couple of months in advance. Once you are there, the whole thing feels more like an exciting performance rather than a mundane food intake.
The restaurant is known for its tasting menu. The menu usually contains from 18 to 22 dishes. It includes some unique options like balloons made of taffy and edible tablecloths. It’s been called molecular gastronomy, but the owner and chef of Alinea Achatz calls it “progressive American cuisine.” A ticket to this out-of-this-world performance ranges in price between $190 and $390 per one person.
Exact location: 1723 North Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Azurmendi: Larrabetzu, Spain
Our next restaurant can be found in the heart of the Spanish countryside. The restaurant’s building has a remarkable glass exterior, superb views, and a splendid layout. The atmosphere of the place won’t leave you feeling indifferent. The chief purpose of the restaurant is to create a sustainable environment with a modern customized look at serving food. The restaurant is located in the beautiful city of Larrabetzu.
The restaurant’s staff invites guests to have a picnic in the rooftop garden. Then visitors walk through the kitchen to the restaurant’s greenhouse. Azurmendi uses geothermal energy and rainwater; plus, it recycles its waste. If you are into sustainable energy and delicious food — this is your paradise!
Azurmendi opened in 2012 and received its first star in less than a year. The place earned the second and third stars in 2013 and 2015 accordingly. Azurmendi’s menu consists of Mediterranean, European, and Basque cuisine. The menu’s full of salads and other vegan options. An average cost for two visitors would be about $140.
Exact location: Legina Auzoa, s/n, 48195 Larrabetzu, Vizcaya, Spain
Eleven Madison Park: New York City
If you are looking for the very best food in the Big Apple, this place might be it. Founded in 1998, the restaurant received its third star in 2012. It often tops the rankings of the world’s best restaurants and even won the title of the best restaurant in the world in 2017.
The restaurant sits at the base of a historic Art Deco building with green marble and a glass front. The restaurant overlooks one of the most beautiful parks in Manhattan. Inside, each table has a team of four servers that will be responsible solely for creating a memorable experience for you.
The place is famous for its 11-course menu. It is based on seasonal and local ingredients found in the city area. The meal must be pre-paid and costs $335 per person. There is also a six-course menu option that goes for $175.
Exact location: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States
Per Se: New York City
This establishment is located in one of the modern buildings of Manhattan, the Time Warner Center. Opened in 2004, the place managed to earn all Michelin stars just in two years.
Per Se is a French and America restaurant that features a serene and intimate environment with incredible views of Central Park. You will enjoy the stunning cityscape at your feet and the restaurant’s genius design whereby all tables face large windows.
The restaurant offers a nine-course menu. Waiters present the dishes using a classic French technique and the finest quality of ingredients available. Per Se also has an award-winning wine list featuring over 2,000 bottles. There are two pre-fixed menus — one that’s the chef’s choice and one that focuses on vegetables. Both of these menus cost $335 per person.
Exact location: 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019, United States
Osteria Francescana: Modena, Italy
Last but not least is an Italian restaurant called Osteria Francescana. Established back in 1995, the restaurant received its third star in 2012. It also gained the title of the best restaurant in the world in 2016 and 2018.
The inconspicuous exterior of the restaurant resembles an entranceway to an apartment building. Once you are in, you get overwhelmed with the cozy interior and unmatched warmth of Italian hospitality. The whole idea of the restaurant is to create a thought-provoking experience by combining art and cuisine in one place.
At the restaurant, you will taste traditional Italian cuisine with a modern touch to it. The restaurant’s signature dish is “Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano.” It features parmesan aged to five different levels. It is also prepared in five different ways. There, you will find lunch and dinner menus for about $290 to $315.
Exact location: Via Stella, 22, 41121 Modena MO, Italy