What are Michelin stars?

The dream of earning Michelin stars accompanies many restaurateurs and chefs from around the world, and it’s hardly surprising – it’s one of the most prestigious honors in the industry. Restaurants boasting at least one star are beginning to attract a much wider and more affluent clientele, who expect an exceptional taste experience. What are Michelin stars? What are the criteria for awarding them and which restaurants can boast this distinction? If you are bothered by these questions, keep reading – you will find the answers in the article below.

What are Michelin stars and what is their history?

If you associate the Michelin brand with automobiles, it’s no surprise – tire manufacturing is its foundation, and drivers were the first group of readers of the Michelin guide. It was created to provide drivers with typically useful information. So the first editions of the guide included space for maps, addresses of hotels, garages and restaurants. Probably no one imagined at the time that the Michelin guides would have such a strong impact on the restaurant industry. That’s why today people who are looking for an idea for a 30th birthday gift or for their wedding anniversary, they often go to restaurants to celebrate these occasions. Many of them then choose Michelin-starred establishments.

Michelin star system

Although it wasn’t until the 1920s that Michelin stars began to be awarded to restaurants that distinguished themselves from others by the exceptional quality of the food they served, it is still an award today. Restaurants can earn between 1 and 3 stars depending on how impressed the Michelin inspectors are.

• 1 Michelin star – is awarded to very good restaurants in its category. Restaurants with one star serve very good food that is prepared with the highest quality ingredients.
• 2 Michelin stars – are awarded to outstanding establishments that serve dishes that reflect the personality, sophistication and finesse of the chef.
• 3 Michelin stars – is the highest possible distinction in the Michelin star system. As such, it is awarded only to establishments that serve dishes that deserve to be called true culinary art.

Without a doubt, a visit to a restaurant with 1, 2 or 3 Michelin stars is a unique experience that can be treated as a kind of gift. If you need gift idea for a man who already has everything, it could be a hit!

Criteria for awarding Michelin stars

The exact criteria for these awards are shrouded in an aura of secrecy. The identity of the Michelin inspectors themselves is also not public – they are often people who have been involved in the restaurant industry for years. As a result, restaurants are officially evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Quality of ingredients used and dishes served – Michelin stars are awarded only to restaurants that use the best fresh produce. These are often high-end products, such as most expensive caviar or fresh seafood, but more important than the price is the real quality.
• Harmony of flavors – The menu must delight in every way.
• Masterful cooking and serving techniques – The food served should be exceptionally cooked and equally impressive served.
• The personality of the chef – should be discernible in the food served at the establishment.
• Consistency of all the elements that make up the experience when visiting the property -. Issues such as decor, the quality and price of the food served, and even service standards must harmonize with each other.

It is worth noting that Michelin stars are not awarded only to the most expensive restaurants, which serve world’s most expensive champagne, but also bistro-type establishments – excellent dishes don’t always have to be the most expensive ones.

Who has Michelin stars in Poland?

The first Michelin star in the world was awarded back in 1926, and the first star in Poland was awarded in 2013 to Atelier Amaro restaurant from Warsaw. Since then, however, a lot has changed on the Polish culinary map, and more establishments have received stars from Michelin. Some of them serve sophisticated dishes, others are famous for their local flavors. If you want to try new trends, such as golden food, fusion or molecular cuisine, then start by looking at the menus of restaurants that made it into the latest edition of the Michelin Guide.

Which restaurants in Poland have a Michelin star?

In 2024, the following 5 establishments in Poland were awarded one Michelin star:

• Arco by Paco Pérez – Gdansk
• Giewont – Koscielisko
• Muga – Poznań
• NUTA – Warsaw
• Rozbrat 20- Warsaw

Since Michelin stars are not awarded indefinitely, individual restaurants that have been awarded them may gain more stars or lose them over time.

See also: The 5 most luxurious places in the Tri-City.

How many restaurants have 2 Michelin stars in Poland?

Currently, only one restaurant in Poland can boast two Michelin stars – this is Bottiglieria 1881 from Krakow. So if you are looking for an original idea for gift for a cooking fan, then a visit to such an establishment can be an extraordinary experience.

Other Michelin accolades and recommendations for restaurants in Poland

Finally, an important note: Michelin stars are not the only decorations awarded to restaurants. A tremendous distinction for dining establishments are also decorations Bib Gourmand, green stars and Michelin recommendations. Summary: In Poland, the above distinctions have been awarded to many establishments. You’ll find all sorts of cuisine, drinks and unique beverages in them – for example non-alcoholic whisky, a selection of sophisticated wines and liquors from around the world.

Restaurants with Bib Gourmand distinction in Poland:

• Luneta & Lorneta Bistro Club – Ciekocinko
• Hewelke – Gdansk
• Treinta y Très – Gdansk
• Folga – Cracow
• MOLÁM – Kraków
• Fromażeria – Poznań
• SPOT. – Poznan
• TU.REStAURANT – Poznan
• 1911 Restaurant – Sopot
• Vinissimo – Sopot
• alewino – Warsaw
• Ceviche Bar – Warsaw
• Glasses on Próżna Street – Warsaw
• Koneser Grill – Warsaw
• Contact – Warsaw
• Le Braci – Warsaw

Michelin-recommended restaurants in Poland:

• Elixir – Gdansk
• Fino – Gdansk
• Mercato – Gdansk
• Non-art – Gdansk
• Piwna47 – Gdansk
• Ritz – Gdansk
• True – Gdansk
• Crucibles – Gdansk
• Butchery & Wine – Gdynia
• Oberża 86 – Gdynia
• Albertina – Krakow
• Amarylis – Kraków
• Artesse – Cracow
• Copernicus – Kraków
• Farina – Krakow
• Filipa 18 – Cracow
• Fiorentina – Kraków
• Hana Sushi – Krakow
• Karakter – Krakow
• Kogel Mogel – Kraków
• Dot. – Cracow
• Mazi – Cracow
• Nami Beef and Reef – Krakow
• NOTA_RESTO by Tomasz Leśniak – Cracow
• Under the Nose – Cracow
• Under the Rose – Cracow
• Gray – Krakow
• ZaKładka – Kraków
• Zazie – Cracow
• 62 Bar & Restaurant – Poznan
• A knife fork – Poznań
• Cucina – Poznań
• Delicia – Poznań
• Marino Bistrot – Poznań
• NOOKS – Poznań
• Papavero – Poznań
• PASODOBRE – Poznań
• Port Sołacz – Poznan
• The Time – Poznań
• Zen On – Poznań
• Café Xander – Sopot
• Fisherman – Sopot
• L’Entre Villes – Sopot
• Without Stars – Warsaw
• Butchery & Wine – Warsaw
• Dilettantes – Warsaw
• elixir by Dom Wódki – Warsaw
• Epoch – Warsaw
• European Grill – Warsaw
• hub.praga – Warsaw
• Muzealna – Warsaw
• Nolita – Warsaw
• Noriko Omakase – Warsaw
• The Farm – Warsaw
• Tuna – Warsaw

Green Michelin-starred restaurants:

• Elixir – Gdansk

As you can see, the culinary map of Poland with distinctions, recommendations and Michelin stars is clearly dominated by larger cities: Krakow, Warsaw, Gdynia, Poznan and Gdansk. If you visit mainly exclusive restaurants in the capital, maybe it’s time to take a peek at the other localities and venues on the list as well.

Are Michelin-starred restaurants worth visiting?

Perhaps you are still asking yourself this question, and if you are one of the lovers of refined flavors and excellent service, there can be only one answer: yes! Without a doubt, you can consider that visits to restaurants that have been awarded stars or other Michelin accolades are a true feast of flavors. By the way, you can share this time with your loved ones or…. gift them a trip to such an establishment. For what occasion? If only as gift for newlyweds instead of flowers Or as an anniversary gift. In fact, any excuse is good enough to visit an elegant restaurant in pleasant company, and Michelin-starred establishments are a guarantee of taste and good service.