The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors are a rare breed. Their skillset is a unique blend of expertise and experience, and these passionate ambassadors of the industry remain steadfast in their singular mission to discover the best spots around the world. While logging thousands of meals annually, our Inspectors remain as eager for the next lunch or dinner as the last. In 2024, our Inspectors traveled from Canada to Mexico and all over the United States. From fine dining establishments to food trucks, they sampled it all, but a few experiences stood out.
Recently, we sat down with them to talk about the year in review. They shared their favorite dishes (check out those picks here) along with their top experiences. Below, discover what delighted them in 2024.
California
Hilda and Jesse
The best brunch on the job
“Rarely is weekend brunch the moment when kitchens get serious, but I was thoroughly impressed by the good people at Hilda and Jesse. There was a full-throttle nature to the cooking, with creativity and character in spades. Avocado toast, for example, was actually sweet potato tempura with a sour cream and onion sauce. Who else serves grilled beef tongue at this time of day? This was easily the best brunch I’ve had on the job.”
Canada
Fat Rabbit
A butcher off the beaten path
“Most people find themselves in St. Catharines to see Niagara Falls, but I came for this butcher shop by Chef Zach Smith. The setting is that of a casual, airy warehouse where the team takes steak and charcuterie seriously. I really appreciated their commitment and walked away wishing I could pack my suitcase with countless cuts. How lucky this town is to have such an ambitious, driven restaurant?!”
Florida
EntreNosA small kitchen with a big heart
“EntreNos was a wonderful surprise from the inside of a daytime cafe. The team’s commitment to Florida-only sourcing paid off in the form of just-caught seafood and excellent seasonal produce. You could see how dialed-in they were, and the results speak for themselves: Flavorful, creative dishes bursting with boldness and originality. It was a reminder that the food is what matters – not linens or chandeliers.”
13 of The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors’ Favorite Dishes in 2024
Mexico
AcrePastoral splendor with adorable rescue animals
The property takes gastronomic sustainability very seriously and features a 25-acre farm with mango trees, vegetables, herbs, and citrus trees, plus agave for their burgeoning mezcal production, but the goat farm and rescue animals add an adorable touch. Lunch included crudite from the farm, fish Zarandeado and frozen key lime pie with graham cracker ice cream.
New York
Café Mars
Delightful service with a personal touch
“The service is beyond delightful and there is something about the menu and concept that just feels carefree and unapologetic in design. I love that you get to pick your own glassware when you arrive, and you get a small complimentary bubbly or kombucha while you look through the menu.”
Texas
Rosemeyer Bar-B-QStanding in line and dishing on favorites with regulars
“One of my favorite memories of the year was standing in line on the side of the highway waiting for Rosemeyer Bar-B-Q to open. It was a humble little truck. Two regulars asked if this was my first time before listing off their other favorite spots. My order – a verifiable feast - came in a large aluminum tray, and we ate at the picnic tables nearby. Such is the joy of barbecue in Texas: Greatness can be anywhere.”
Hero image: Daniel Neuhaus / Fat Rabbit
