What is the MICHELIN Green Star?
The MICHELIN Green Star is an annual distinction which highlights restaurants at the forefront of the industry when it comes to their sustainable practices. They hold themselves accountable for both their ethical and environmental standards, and work with sustainable producers and suppliers to avoid waste and reduce or even remove plastic and other non-recyclable materials from their supply chain.
These restaurants offer dining experiences that combine culinary excellence with outstanding eco-friendly commitments and are a source of inspiration both for keen foodies and the hospitality industry as a whole.
What kind of things do Green Star restaurants do?
Every Green Star restaurant is different and works in its own unique way – but all make a difference to the world around them and act as role models to us all.
Many work directly with growers, farmers and fishermen; forage in hedgerows and woodlands; grow plants and rear animals; and use regenerative methods such as no-dig vegetable gardens and successional cover crop growing.
They also often go beyond environmental considerations to address issues related to ethics and wellbeing, as well as contributing to local, national or global charitable and educational projects.
Who is eligible for a MICHELIN Green Star?
Any restaurant in the MICHELIN Guide is eligible, whether it holds a Bib Gourmand, a MICHELIN Star, or as a recommended restaurant.
What are the Michelin Inspectors looking for when they award a MICHELIN Green Star?
There is no specific formula for awarding a MICHELIN Green Star, as every restaurant and its surrounding region has a unique set of conditions. The Inspectors are simply looking for those at the top of their game when it comes to their sustainable practices.
They consider things such as: the provenance of the ingredients; the use of seasonal produce; the restaurant’s environmental footprint; food waste systems; general waste disposal and recycling; resource management; and the communication between the team and the guests about the restaurant’s sustainable approach.
Initiatives can take various forms and no two restaurants will be alike – all our inspectors are looking for is a strong commitment to sustainable gastronomy.
When was the MICHELIN Green Star launched?
First revealed in 2020, the MICHELIN Green Star was introduced into several of the 2021 editions of the MICHELIN Guide across the world. Great Britain and Ireland saw the award celebrated for the first time at its MICHELIN Star Revelation launch event in January 2021.
How many restaurants were awarded a MICHELIN Green Star in Asia in its first year?
19 in total: 1 in Thailand, 1 in China, 1 in South Korea, 2 in Hong Kong and Macau and 13 in Japan.
Where can I find the list of MICHELIN Green Star restaurants?
For 2023, the guide is published in digital format only, both online and via the iOS and Android app.
Top Tip: Green Star restaurant entries come with quotes from the chef about their practices – but keep an eye out too for the restaurants with one line descriptions of their green initiatives. These establishments have already started on a sustainable path and are ones to watch for the future.
Click below to see what the MICHELIN Inspectors have to say about Haoma, PRU, and Jampa, the MICHELIN Green Star recipients in Thailand.
One MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop!
One MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop!
