"In a whirlwind of stars, Bib Gourmands, and one anthropomorphic stack of tires, the Michelin Guide announced the contents of its 2025 Northeast Cities edition on November 18. Boston was included in the international set of where-to-eat guides for the first time, along with another newbie, Philadelphia, and returning cities New York, Chicago, and D.C. Our region emerged with a single star (congrats to 311 Omakase!), a special cocktail award for Mahaniyom co-owner Chompon "Boong" Boonnak, six Bib Gourmands, and 19 recommended restaurants."
"In the wake, Greater Boston's food lovers and restaurant industry workers are feeling a mix of emotions: There's lots to be excited about, but many hoped the region would earn more stars and more restaurants recognized overall, with several seemingly obvious omissions coming up again and again (Sarma, for example). It's only the first year in what will be at least a three-year partnership between local tourism bureaus and Michelin, so there's room to grow."
"But in addition to restaurants upping their game in the coming year, we hope the Michelin inspectors dig deeper, too, particularly when it comes to scouting potential Bib Gourmand and recommended restaurants. While Michelin stars typically go to fine-dining, tasting-menu-type destinations, the other two categories spotlight a broader swath of restaurants. Bib Gourmands are awarded to restaurants with "good quality" and "good value cooking"-sometimes affordable hole-in-the-wall types of spots, and sometimes moderate-to-kinda-upscale neighborhood staples that exemplify value."
Michelin's 2025 Northeast Cities edition added Boston and Philadelphia to its international where-to-eat guides alongside New York, Chicago, and D.C. Greater Boston earned one star (311 Omakase), a special cocktail award for Mahaniyom co-owner Chompon "Boong" Boonnak, six Bib Gourmands, and 19 recommended restaurants. Reactions blended excitement and disappointment as many locals expected more stars and broader recognition, with notable omissions cited. The launch marks at least a three-year partnership between local tourism bureaus and Michelin. Observers urge inspectors to scout more widely, especially to identify potential Bib Gourmand and recommended-category candidates.
Read at Boston Magazine
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