A quick rundown of (other) Michelin guidebook ratings

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In 2020, I first wrote about my interest in eating in restaurants that have been judged against the Michelin star rating system. One-star restaurants, like Bouchon Bistro, are known for high-quality food and are worth dining in if I'm in the area. Two-star restaurants, on the other hand, have excellent food and are good enough for me to make a pitstop at. Three-star restaurants, the crème de la crème among the restaurants judged by Michelin inspectors, are definitely worth making the trip for. Getting the star rating is a big achievement for restaurants and I get the impression that chefs go out of their way to make it hard for diners to visit them (if they are worth the detour, right?). Many of them are also expensive! A trip to any of the two- or three-starred restaurants can easily set anyone back by USD ~300. 

And thus I wondered if I'd ever get a chance to eat at another Michelin-rated restaurant... until I learned more about the other Michelin restaurant rating categories: the Bib Gourmand and the Plate Michelin.

Bib Gourmand

Source: To the Stars and Beyond

Restaurants awarded with the Bib Gourmand distinction are those that serve good-quality food at reasonable prices. And by reasonable, the inspectors mean that these restaurants serve a starter, a main dish, and a dessert for under USD 40. 

Plate Michelin


Source: To the Stars and Beyond

Restaurants awarded the Plate Michelin are known for delicious food, but whose quality won't get a Michelin inspector to get out of his/her way to explore the restaurants' offerings. Apparently, the Plate Michelin may be an establishment's entry into the prestigious restaurant guidebook, and will eventually earn its Bib Gourmand and/or its stars.

I'm really happy that the Michelin guidebook provides information about more affordable restaurants for consumers like me who like to experience quality dining without breaking my wallet. 

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