News & Views 2 minutes 17 December 2025

The MICHELIN Guide Expands in Greece for 2026

Santorini and Thessaloniki will join Athens in The MICHELIN Guide in 2026, highlighting the diversity and growing dynamism of Greece’s culinary landscape.

Michelin is pleased to announce the expansion of The MICHELIN Guide in Greece, now encompassing the island of Santorini and the city of Thessaloniki alongside Athens. As the selection expands in 2026 to include these new destinations, there will be no new Athens selection in 2025. The inaugural selection for all three destinations will be unveiled in the second half of next year.

Three Greek MICHELIN Guide Destinations, Three Distinct Culinary Identities

Athens

A timeless meeting point between ancient heritage and contemporary creativity, Athens continues to evolve at a steady pace. Its dining scene mirrors the city itself: layered, energetic and full of contrasts. Time-honored tavernas coexist naturally with modern, chef-driven restaurants, many of which reinterpret classic Greek dishes through contemporary techniques while remaining deeply rooted in local ingredients.

Santorini

Shaped by its volcanic soil and surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea, Santorini’s cuisine is closely tied to its land and environment. Iconic local ingredients — such as Santorini cherry tomatoes, yellow fava and Assyrtiko wines — define a style of cooking that values clarity of flavor and a strong sense of place. The island appeals to travelers seeking authenticity, striking landscapes and a cuisine that favors simplicity, freshness and exceptional produce.

Thessaloniki

As Greece’s historic northern port, Thessaloniki tells its story through food. Centuries of trade, migration and cultural exchange have shaped a generous and diverse culinary identity, drawing influences from the Balkans, Asia Minor, the Mediterranean and the city’s Sephardic Jewish heritage. Today, Thessaloniki’s food scene feels vibrant and approachable, deeply connected to popular cuisine, mezedes and markets, while remaining open to contemporary reinterpretation.

The view of Thessaloniki from the Aegean Sea reveals the city’s blend of past and present. © Greek National Tourism Organization
The view of Thessaloniki from the Aegean Sea reveals the city’s blend of past and present. © Greek National Tourism Organization

A New Chapter for The MICHELIN Guide in Greece

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide, comments: “By expanding our selection to Athens, Santorini and Thessaloniki, we reaffirm the remarkable vitality of Greece’s gastronomic landscape. Each of these destinations expresses a unique identity shaped by history, local produce and the creativity of its culinary talent. This upcoming selection will shine a light on a dynamic country where gastronomy continues to inspire, enrich and attract travelers from around the world.”

Mr. Andreas Fiorentinos, Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, adds: “We are delighted to welcome MICHELIN to Athens in partnership with the GNTO for the third consecutive year and even more thrilled to introduce two new Greek destinations to the global gastronomy community. Santorini, one of the world’s most iconic destinations, is also home to a sophisticated and distinctive culinary scene. Thessaloniki, in turn, will showcase its rich gastronomic heritage, shaped over centuries as a historic crossroads of civilizations.”

The creative cuisine of Makris Athens explores ingredients sourced from its own farm and from trusted local producers. © Kostantinos Kosmidis/Makris Athens
The creative cuisine of Makris Athens explores ingredients sourced from its own farm and from trusted local producers. © Kostantinos Kosmidis/Makris Athens

Restaurants and Hotels Recognised by The MICHELIN Guide Across Greece

The MICHELIN Guide Athens has been a benchmark since its first edition in 1987. The gastronomic diversity of Greece’s capital offers outstanding dining experiences at every level, from humble favorites to refined destinations. In partnership with the Greek National Tourism Organization, The MICHELIN Guide is now taking a further step by including the coastal city of Thessaloniki and the celebrated island of Santorini. This expansion beyond the capital aims to uncover new culinary talents and hidden gems across the region.

Alongside its restaurant selection, The MICHELIN Guide also highlights a curated list of hotels across Greece and around the world. The MICHELIN Keys, introduced in 2024, are awarded to the most outstanding hotels in the Guide and are celebrated in the same way that the world’s best restaurants are recognized with Stars. All hotels are evaluated by anonymous Inspectors based on design, architecture, service and character.

The iconic Four Seasons Astir Palace, just outside Athens, awarded Three MICHELIN Keys. © Four Seasons Astir Palace
The iconic Four Seasons Astir Palace, just outside Athens, awarded Three MICHELIN Keys. © Four Seasons Astir Palace

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Hero Image: The volcanic and authentic landscape of Santorini, bathed by the Aegean Sea. © Greek National Tourism Organization

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