08 December 2025
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It's been a big year for The MICHELIN Guide with new destinations and expansions including the American South and Northeastern cities like Philadelphia and Boston. But the year isn't over yet, and today brings the exciting announcement of the latest regional addition: The MICHELIN Guide Southwest which includes Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.
By embarking on this regional approach, the anonymous Inspectors at The MICHELIN Guide will be able to experience the Southwest’s culinary richness in its entirety, from celebrated metropolitan hubs to distinctive communities across the region. The Southwestern U.S. offers a dynamic and growing culinary community, with an emphasis on local ingredients and international influences, providing dining experiences for every type of traveler both near and far.
“Our anonymous Inspectors have been eager to expand further into the Southwest and share their discoveries with the world,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide. “We are excited to showcase the distinct cuisine styles that are representative of the cultures throughout the Southwest, which blends a rich mix of traditions and culinary talent.”
The MICHELIN Guide’s anonymous Inspectors are already in the field, making dining reservations and scouting for culinary gems throughout the region. The full restaurant selection will be revealed during the annual 2026 MICHELIN Guide Southwest Ceremony, which will be announced at a later date next year.
The MICHELIN Guide is constantly observing the evolution of culinary destinations around the world. The Guide’s selection process is determined by anonymous Inspectors and remains completely independent. The MICHELIN Guide is working with these destination marketing organizations on marketing and promotional activities only.
History and methodology
The upcoming restaurant selection will follow The MICHELIN Guide's historical methodology, based on five universal criteria, to ensure each destination’s selection equity: 1) quality products; 2) the harmony of flavors; 3) the mastery of cooking techniques; 4) the voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; 5) consistency between each visit and throughout the menu (each restaurant is inspected several times a year).
The MICHELIN Guide remains a reliable companion for any traveler seeking a great meal. The Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage tire sales by giving practical advice to French motorists. Michelin’s Inspectors still use the same criteria and manner of selection that were used by Inspectors in the very beginning, now applied in destinations around the world.
Michelin announced its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have also been added in Chicago (2011); Washington, D.C. (2017); California (San Francisco in 2007, statewide 2019); Florida (Greater Miami, Orlando and Tampa in 2022, adding Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches and St.Pete-Clearwater in 2025, statewide in 2026); Toronto (2022); Vancouver (2022); Colorado (2023); Atlanta (2023), Mexico (2024), Texas (2024), Quebec (2024), the American South (2025), Philadelphia (2025), Boston (2025) and now the Southwest (2026).
About Michelin North America, Inc.
Michelin is the leading mobility company and manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. For more than 130 years, Michelin has made contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications for demanding fields, including mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies and healthcare and offer the finest experiences, from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America has approximately 23,500 employees and operates 36 production facilities in the United States (michelinman.com) and Canada (michelin.ca).
Collage image: ©Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority/Strip North Bellagio Caesars Paris | ©Visit Tucson/Night domes at Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter | ©New Mexico True/Taos Pueblo | ©Visit Salt Lake/Salt Lake City
