Behind the Hype: Are Michelin-Starred Restaurants Always Worth It?
How many times have you had a hankering to go out to a restaurant for a meal only to find yourself overwhelmed with the options? This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. An abundance of choices can be great. The problem is that you don’t want to go to a restaurant and have a bad experience. You’re spending the money on food, so you want to be sure it’s enjoyable.
There’s no secret process to choosing a good restaurant. There will always be an element of luck. Yet diners often believe that choosing a Michelin-star-rated restaurant will ensure exceptional food. However, that’s not always the case. Let’s take a deeper look at why a Michelin Star doesn’t always guarantee good food.
What Is a Michelin Star?
A Michelin Star is a designation for a restaurant that features outstanding cooking on its menu. To be eligible for a Michelin Star, the restaurant is graded in five separate categories: how the flavours work together, the ingredients used, the personality of the chef and how it is reflected in the dish, the techniques used, and the consistency on the menu and over time.
A Michelin Star never takes into account the decor, vibe, or theme of the restaurant. It is strictly about the food. The quality of the food matters, but not the service. Restaurants can also earn more than one Michelin Star. This means they have excelled in several categories, ranking high in each. The most stars a restaurant can earn is three. This also means that the Michelin Guide inspectors can take stars away if they see fit.
How Often Do the Michelin Guide Inspectors Follow Up?
Once a Michelin Star is awarded, that’s not the end of the evaluation. Menus can change, and head chefs may come and go, all of which could affect the quality of the food on the menu. According to Michelin, the inspectors visit the restaurants at least once every 18 months. This helps to ensure that the system stays current and accurate.
These inspectors don’t always identify themselves, especially if they are conducting a technical visit, which refers to investigating things such as the menu. All of the inspectors have been trained in top hospitality schools and aren’t biased toward a certain type of cuisine. In other words, they do not all favour French cuisine, as the myth goes. The Michelin Star is also awarded to all levels of restaurants, from fancy high-end to more casual and affordable restaurants.
Are There Many Michelin Star Restaurants in the UK?
The UK has several Michelin Star restaurants, and the list is always being updated. There are one, two, and three-star restaurants in a variety of price points. You can see the complete list by visiting the Michelin Guide website.
The website provides details such as the address, a map, a link to the restaurant’s website, contact information, the number of stars, the type of cuisine, and a general price point. You can also view pictures of the restaurant and sample dishes. There is a brief write-up that provides you with a general idea of what to expect.
All in all, you have a list to work through if it’s your goal to eat your way through all the Michelin Star establishments in the country.
Having a Michelin Star Helps Restaurants Gain Exposure
It’s a great honour for a restaurant to receive a Michelin Star. It’s an indication that the restaurant is serving fabulous food and helps to build exposure and credibility in the industry. If you notice a restaurant has a Michelin Star, it can help sway you in their direction before even looking at the menu.
Some Great Restaurants Can Be Overlooked or Undiscovered
Some posh diners may assume that if a restaurant doesn’t have a Michelin Star, it must not be good. But the lack of a star doesn’t necessarily reflect a lack of quality. New restaurants open regularly, so it can be hard to stay on top of inspections. Just because there isn’t a star doesn’t mean you’ll have a poor food experience.
There Is Still an Element of Personal Preference Involved
This final factor to consider is that there will always be personal preference involved. Sure, the Michelin Guide Inspectors know what they’re looking for, have experience, and are more than capable of reviewing restaurants.
But just because an eatery has a star doesn’t mean you will enjoy the food. Many of these restaurants are known for more ambitious menus with less common ingredients. We can compare them to online casinos. Just because a casino looks legitimate doesn’t mean it won’t steal your money. While it’s important to read reviews on a site like casinos.com to know what you’re getting into before you fork over your money, you always need to use a little caution and be sure you’re making choices that are smart, informed, and make sense for you. Similarly, an inspector may love a restaurant and its menu, but you may not agree.
Finding Great Food Isn’t Always Simple
There you have it—the Michelin Star system in a nutshell. But finding great food isn’t always simple; personal preference plays an important part, and you aren’t guaranteed to have the same experience as the inspector. Therefore, when visiting a new restaurant, it’s best to have realistic expectations. If it doesn’t meet your preferences, there’s no need to go back. On the flip side, you may just discover your new favourite eatery.
