After weeks of buzz and speculation, it’s now confirmed: Boston is getting its own Michelin Guide. The renowned restaurant ranking system announced Monday that it will begin reviewing and honoring top culinary destinations in Boston and its surrounding areas, marking a major milestone for the city’s growing food scene.
The news follows an exclusive report by the Boston Business Journal revealing that Michelin had entered a partnership with Meet Boston, the city’s official tourism bureau. The partnership signals the latest expansion of Michelin’s North American presence and underscores the international recognition of Boston’s evolving culinary reputation.
Boston will now be featured in the newly created Michelin Guide Northeast Cities, which includes Philadelphia as a new entrant and continues coverage of existing culinary powerhouses like New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
In a press release issued by the French tire company behind the prestigious guide, Michelin confirmed that its team of anonymous inspectors is already on the ground, dining in restaurants across Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and potentially farther afield.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Michelin Guide to Boston, a city with a rich culinary identity that blends historic charm with modern innovation,” said a Michelin spokesperson. “Our inspectors are currently evaluating restaurants with our globally respected criteria — quality of ingredients, mastery of technique, harmony of flavors, and consistency.”
While the names of the selected restaurants remain under wraps for now, the announcement teased a formal ceremony later this year, where the Michelin stars, Bib Gourmand recipients, and recommended spots will be unveiled for the Northeast Cities guide.
Boston’s addition marks a significant achievement for the local hospitality industry, which has worked for years to position itself on par with global food destinations. Known for its seafood, Italian neighborhoods, and a new wave of boundary-pushing chefs, the city now has a platform to compete for one of the culinary world’s most coveted honors.
The partnership with Meet Boston is expected to drive tourism and elevate the visibility of local chefs, many of whom have already drawn national acclaim. From fine dining establishments in the Back Bay to experimental kitchens in Somerville and Cambridge, the city offers a diverse and dynamic food scene that is finally gaining the international spotlight.
As Boston prepares for its Michelin moment, all eyes are on which restaurants will rise to the occasion — and which chefs will earn their first star.
Stay tuned for the Michelin Guide Northeast Cities ceremony date and the official list of Boston’s inaugural honorees.