Michelin is heading to Philadelphia
Philadelphia is taking a major step forward on the national and international culinary stage.
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) announced a partnership with Michelin, the global authority on culinary excellence, to ensure that Philadelphia restaurants and chefs will be considered for inclusion in the globally renowned dining guide.
As the Official Destination Partner for the MICHELIN Guide in Philadelphia, the PHLCVB first established its partnership with Michelin in 2022 when production began on the MICHELIN Green Guide. The Green Guide serves as a travel/destination guide spanning many categories, while the Red Guide focuses exclusively on restaurants and culinary excellence.
The MICHELIN Guide inspectors have already been dispatched to explore the culinary landscape in Philadelphia, dining anonymously and scouting exceptional restaurants using the Guide’s historic evaluation criteria. The results of the evaluations will be revealed at an inaugural selection announcement ceremony later in 2025.
Philadelphia officially joining the MICHELIN Guide is a major milestone for the city’s culinary reputation. While the MICHELIN Guide is collaborating with the PHLCVB on promotional efforts, its selection process remains entirely independent.
FAQ
What is the MICHELIN Guide?
The MICHELIN Guide is a prestigious restaurant and hotel rating system developed by the French tire company Michelin. It awards (1 to 3) Stars to exceptional restaurants, and other distinctions like the Bib Gourmand and MICHELIN Green Star.
How does this differ from the previously published Green Guide?
The PHLCVB first established its partnership with Michelin in 2022 when production began on the Green Guide. The Green Guide serves as a travel/destination guide spanning many categories, while the Red Guide focuses exclusively on restaurants and culinary excellence.
What is the Bib Gourmand and the MICHELIN Green Star rating?
The Bib Gourmand recognizes restaurants that offer exceptionally good food at moderate prices. It’s meant to highlight great value dining, places where you can enjoy high-quality, carefully prepared meals without breaking the bank. The MICHELIN Green Star is awarded to restaurants that are leading the way in sustainable gastronomy. It recognizes chefs and restaurants that are deeply committed to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
Why did MICHELIN choose Philadelphia?
Michelin selects destinations based on the maturity and diversity of its culinary scene, including innovation, quality of ingredients, local talent, and international interest.
What does this mean for local restaurants and chefs?
Michelin recognition can boost visibility, tourism, business, and attract talent. Food tourism is important for a destination because it fuels economic growth and cultural preservation. Culinary experiences are one of the top motivators for travel, drawing visitors eager to explore local flavors, traditions, and creativity. This leads to increased spending across restaurants, markets, farms, and hospitality businesses, supporting jobs and small producers. A vibrant food scene can set a destination apart in a competitive travel market, positioning it as a must-visit location for adventurous and experience-driven travelers. In short, food tourism isn’t just about eating—it’s about creating memorable, authentic, and shareable experiences that connect people to place.
How are restaurants selected or evaluated?
Anonymous MICHELIN Guide Inspectors visit restaurants multiple times, evaluating the food based on five universal criteria:
- Quality of ingredients
- Mastery of cooking and culinary techniques
- Harmony of flavors
- Voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine
- Consistency across the entire menu and between visits
Does a restaurant need to apply to be considered?
No. Michelin does not accept applications or payments for consideration. Inspectors visit restaurants anonymously and independently.
When will the first Guide for this destination be released?
The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors are currently exploring the world-class culinary landscape in Philadelphia and will announce the inaugural selection later in 2025. The official timeline will be announced later this year, on the MICHELIN Guide’s channels and digital platforms.
How does this affect tourism and the local economy?
MICHELIN Guide recognition often boosts culinary tourism, attracts international visitors, and benefits local hospitality and food service industries. It also enhances the destination’s appeal to event organizers evaluating where to host future meetings, conventions or special events.
How long do Stars last? Are they permanent?
Stars are reassessed annually. Restaurants must maintain standards to keep them, and Stars can be gained or lost year to year.
Can street food or casual dining be recognized?
Yes. The MICHELIN Guide awards Stars based on food quality, not formality. A Bib Gourmand is often given to high quality and affordable eateries.
What is the PHLCVB’s role with Michelin?
The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to be the destination partner for the MICHELIN Guide’s debut in Philadelphia. As the official tourism promotion agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and long-term sales agent for the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the PHLCVB’s role is to attract international visitors, major conventions, and global attention, including the chefs and restaurants shaping Philadelphia’s culinary identity.
How can Philadelphia restaurants prepare?
The best way for restaurants to prepare is to focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional food, service, consistency, and value.
How many years is the Philadelphia contract?
The partnership is part of a multi-year agreement with Michelin.
Is the contract funded publicly or privately?
The partnership is funded through PHLCVB resources as part of our broader international marketing efforts that align with our mission to drive tourism and economic impact for Philadelphia.
What impact will this have on Philadelphia?
An EY impact study found that the presence of the MICHELIN Guide in a destination positively influences traveler behavior. Over half of visitors would extend their stay if Michelin-starred restaurants were available, often by one or two nights, and are willing to spend more per person per meal for a Michelin dining experience.
