TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For travelers looking for exceptional dining experiences, Michelin-starred restaurants are often among the most sought-after destinations. While Michelin recognition is awarded to individual restaurants, some countries are home to far more starred establishments than others.
According to World Population Review, France ranks first in 2026, with 641 Michelin-starred restaurants, according to the figures provided for this list. Japan, Italy, Germany, and Spain also rank among the countries with the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide.
10 Countries With the Most Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Here are the 10 countries with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in 2026:
10. China — 138 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
China ranks 10th with 138 Michelin-starred restaurants.
The figure includes restaurants in Hong Kong and Macau, as well as other major culinary destinations such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.
9. Switzerland — 143 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Switzerland has 143 Michelin-starred restaurants, placing it ninth on the list.
The country's culinary scene combines traditional Swiss cuisine with French, Italian, and other European influences, contributing to its strong presence in the Michelin Guide.
8. United Kingdom — 193 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
The United Kingdom ranks eighth with 193 Michelin-starred restaurants.
London is a major center of the country's Michelin-starred dining scene, while restaurants across other parts of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland also contribute to the total.
7. United States — 276 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
The United States has 276 Michelin-starred restaurants, ranking seventh worldwide.
Michelin-recognized restaurants can be found in several major U.S. culinary destinations, including California, New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.
6. Spain — 283 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Spain ranks sixth with 283 Michelin-starred restaurants.
The country is widely recognized for its innovative culinary traditions, with Michelin-starred establishments spread across major cities and regions.
5. Germany — 336 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Germany has 336 Michelin-starred restaurants, placing it fifth.
Its Michelin-recognized dining scene extends beyond major cities, reflecting the country's broad and diverse culinary landscape.
4. Japan — 351 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Japan ranks fourth with 351 Michelin-starred restaurants.
The country has one of the world's most prominent Michelin dining scenes, with its restaurants known for meticulous preparation, high-quality ingredients, and distinctive culinary traditions.
3. Italy — 376 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Italy ranks third with 376 Michelin-starred restaurants.
The country's regional culinary traditions provide a wide range of dining styles, from sophisticated interpretations of classic Italian cuisine to innovative contemporary restaurants.
2. United Arab Emirates — 469 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
The United Arab Emirates ranks second with 469 Michelin-starred restaurants in the figures provided for 2026.
The country's rapidly developing luxury dining scene has attracted chefs and restaurant concepts from around the world, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
1. France — 641 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
France has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in 2026, with 641 establishments.
Of those, 83 restaurants have earned two Michelin stars, while 34 have received the coveted three-star distinction. Three stars are the highest rating awarded by the Michelin Guide.
France's leading position reflects its longstanding influence on fine dining and its deep culinary traditions.
How Do Restaurants Earn Michelin Stars?
Michelin stars are awarded for outstanding cooking, with inspectors evaluating restaurants according to several key criteria.
These include the quality of the ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, and consistency of the food over time. Inspectors assess the overall quality of a restaurant's cooking rather than simply focusing on one signature dish.
The Michelin Guide awards one, two, or three stars, with three stars representing the highest distinction.
Are Michelin Stars Awarded to Chefs or Restaurants?
Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants, not chefs.
The chef's skills and culinary vision naturally play an important role in determining whether a restaurant earns a star. Michelin also considers whether the chef's personality and creativity are reflected in the food.
If a chef moves to another restaurant, the Michelin star does not automatically follow. The new restaurant must be evaluated on its own merits and can earn Michelin recognition independently. For those looking for a romantic dining experience, check out our list of the 6 Most Romantic Restaurants in Singapore for Date Nights.
Read: Michelin Guide Names 16 Best Culinary Tourism Destinations for 2026
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