Michelin Guide unveiled the restaurants featured in its Northeast Cities edition on Tuesday, with Boston making the cut for the very first time.
In addition to the Hub, the City of Brotherly Love made its Michelin debut, with Boston and Philadelphia joining previously-recognized entrants Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C. in the guide’s new edition honoring eateries in the Northeast. The list of restaurants was announced during a ceremony at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
311 Omakase is the only local restaurant to get a star, though Boston cleaned up in other categories. See the full list here.
Check out below for highlights from the ceremony.
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Read more coverage:
- Boston Michelin Guide: See the full list of local restaurants that earned recognition
- Devra First: These Boston restaurants might fly under the radar, but they still deserve a nod from Michelin
- Devra First: The Michelin Guide is a game changer for Boston
- Shirley Leung: The Michelin Guide is coming to town. What does that mean for Boston?
- A mix of opinions from chefs as the Michelin Guide comes to Boston
- How does the Michelin Guide work?
311 Omakase is having a moment — 8:48 p.m.
By Chris Morris, Globe Staff
Devra First wrote about 311 Omakase in May of 2024 in a story called “In Boston, omakase is having a moment.” Read the full story here and an excerpt below.
Just before 8:30 p.m. on a recent Friday, I arrive at a basement apartment in the South End. “Welcome,” says the man who opens the door. “Did you have any trouble finding us?” The entryway smells like incense, and Pachelbel’s Canon plays quietly in the background. A few soothing minutes later, I find myself seated at a cypress wood counter, watching as chef Weifa Chen slices perfect sections of tuna with an extremely sharp knife.
This is 311 Omakase, a restaurant serving 18-course sushi tasting menus for $250 per person (plus tax, tip, kitchen fee, and beverages). It opened in August, and since then has become one of the most coveted reservations in town. There are two seatings a night, at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., with just 10 seats at the sushi bar. This scarcity coupled with Chen’s resume — he worked in New York at Masa, the only Michelin 3-star omakase restaurant in the country — makes 311 a must-visit for diners who seek out rarefied food experiences.
Reservations can be made here. Good luck!
There are no two-star restaurants for Boston — 8:48 p.m.
By Chris Morris, Globe Staff
As the list of restaurants that maintained their two-star status filled the screen, it became clear that Boston wasn’t going to see a restaurant awarded two stars. And three-star restaurants are very rare.
A look at the Boston selections so far — 8:38 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
Boston thus far has one starred restaurant: 311 Omakase received one star. As expected, the city shone in the Bib Gourmand category, and did very, very well in the recommended restaurant category. Gwendal Poullennec, international director for the Michelin Guide, said in an earlier interview: “Definitely Boston is a place with a lot of food lovers and a place with some incredible products. The reason why Boston is part of the selection this year is because we do believe the Boston culinary scene needs to be promoted. Chefs need to be acknowledged. But there is also room for more in the years to come. I do expect in a place like Boston, putting it under the spotlight of the Michelin Guide will play a role as a catalyst to push restaurants to elevate their game and to raise the bar.” These results jibe with that statement.
Boston’s first star goes to 311 Omakase — 8:24 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
Located in a basement apartment in the South End, 311 Omakase is part of a wave of sushi-focused tasting menu restaurants opening in Boston in recent years. Michelin Guide has had a presence in Japan since 2007, and it clearly values the country’s culinary tradition. Omakase restaurants have been frequently rewarded there and beyond, so it seemed likely a local one would be recognized. 311 chef Weifa Chen also has previous Michelin experience; he worked at Masa in New York when it had three stars. It was demoted to two in this guide, as announced last week — a reminder of the need for restaurants to eternally stay on their game.
See the list of Boston restaurants earning Bib Gourmands — 8:15 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
The Boston Bib Gourmands are Bar Volpe, Fox & the Knife, Jahunger, Mahaniyom, Pagu, and Sumiao Hunan Kitchen.
Karen Akunowicz earns pair of Bib Gourmand — 8:06 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
Two not one Bib Gourmand for chef Karen Akunowicz, with Bar Volpe and Fox & the Knife.
Michelin unveils recommended list for Boston — 8:00p.m.
By Kara Baskin, Globe Correspondent
The following restaurants were named Recommended Restaurants: Asta, Carmelina’s, Giulia, La Padrona, Lenox Sophia, Moeca, Mooncusser, Neptune Oyster, Nightshade Noodle Bar, Oleana, Pammy’s, Select Oyster Bar, Somaek, Thistle & Leek, Toro, Urban Hearth, Wa Shin, Woods Hill Pier 4, and Zhi Wei Cafe. Michelin Recommended means a restaurant has been recognized by the guide for serving food to a high level but hasn’t yet been awarded a star.
It’s time, Boston — 7:55 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
“Is Boston in the house? Is Philly in the house?” Recommended restaurants are about to be announced.
Michelin honors José Andres with mentor award — 7:52 p.m.
By Kara Baskin, Globe Correspondent
Aw, Washington, D.C.’s José Andres wins the Michelin mentor award. Not a Boston chef, but it’s hard not to be happy for this humanitarian-philanthropist-chef extraordinaire who runs World Central Kitchen.
A spoiler-free look at the Boston-area chefs in attendance — 7:49 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
While we sit through a message from our sponsor, I’ll note that I have seen so many Boston-area chefs at the reception and in the crowd. I won’t spoil anything, but it looks like it’s going to be a great night for the area’s culinary scene.
Read the Globe’s review of Mahaniyom — 7:46 p.m.
By Chris Morris, Globe Staff
First reviewed Mahaniyom on Nov. 2, 2022, in a Dining Out review headlined “Five stars for Mahaniyom, the Thai food we deserve.”
Here is an excerpt:
The Boston area has a handful of Thai restaurants that stand out against a backdrop of oversweet pad thai and curry-from-a-can. Of late, that number is growing. Mahaniyom, opened in February 2020, is an exemplar. It brings us the Thai food we deserve, with a beverage program to match.
MAHANIYOM★★★★★
236 Washington St., Brookline, 617-487-5986, www.mahaniyomboston.com
Reservations here
★★★★★ Extraordinary | ★★★★ Excellent | ★★★ Very good | ★★ Good | ★ Fair | (No stars) Poor
Brookline’s Mahaniyom takes first award of the night — 7:41 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
Mahaniyom wins this cocktail award, the first award of the night, deservedly. Boong Boonnak and team don’t just run Mahaniyom but also Merai, a “dive bar.” The cocktails are as much a part of the Mahaniyom experience as the food. And Boong gets some sort of special jacket to wear.
Brookline Thai spot wins best cocktail award — 7:37 p.m.
By Kara Baskin, Globe Correspondent
The Michelin cocktail award goes to Boong Bonnak from Mahaniyom in Brookline, known for innovative Thai food and, of course, cocktails.
Before opening Mahaniyom, Boonnak worked at Golden Temple in Brookline and at Shojo in Boston. Fun fact: He went to Boston University and concentrated in financial economics, so you might say that he shook things up.
Who is tonight’s host, Java Ingram? — 7:34 p.m.
By Chris Morris, Globe Staff
She’s not new to Michelin Guide ceremonies. According to herwebsite, she’s emceed the ceremonies for California, Florida, Texas, NYC, D.C., and Chicago, and she’s been featured in in Apple TV+ show “Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars.”
More than just stars — 7:33 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
In addition to the stars and Bib Gourmands, there are special awards with sponsors — for instance, the Michelin Cocktail Award, sponsored by Tokaj.
A look back at Michelin history — 7:31 p.m.
By Kara Baskin, Globe Correspondent
The first Michelin edition was released in 1900 in France, according to Poullenec. The food scene has surely changed since then. Poullenec offers a hint about who these mysterious inspectors are: passionate professionals who are full-time Michelin employees and who share a love for cooking and restaurants (one would hope!). They award stars based on quality, technique, creativity, and consistency.
Michelin Guide ceremony kicks off in Philadelphia — 7:28 p.m.
By Kara Baskin, Globe Correspondent
Here we go! The ceremony has commenced with remarks from Michelin International Director Gwendal Poullenec and host Java Ingram.
How does the Michelin Guide work? — 6:39 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
Tonight the Michelin Guide announces the restaurants recognized in its new Northeast Cities edition. This marks the first time the Boston area will be included in one of Michelin’s prestigious dining guides. In advance of the announcement ceremony in Philadelphia, the Globe spoke with Gwendal Poullennec, international director for the Michelin Guide, about Michelin’s process, the swiftly changing restaurant landscape, and Boston’s seat at the table.
These Boston restaurants might fly under the radar, but they still deserve a nod from Michelin — 6:15 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
This year, for the first time, Boston restaurants will be included in one of the prestigious Michelin Guides, focused on dining excellence around the world. On Tuesday, Michelin will announce the restaurants in its Northeast Cities edition, which also includes Philadelphia, another newcomer, along with Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.
It has been a fun game to speculate which restaurants will make the cut. Will O Ya, the highly regarded omakase restaurant near South Station, get a rare and coveted star? Will Ostra, the Theatre District showcase for seafood? Or will Boston shine best in Michelin as it does in real life — a city often more heart than haute? There are many excellent candidates for the guide’s Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognizes a less codified kind of excellence; Bib Gourmands have been described as places Michelin judges might go on their own time. (If I have to place one bet, it is that Neptune Oyster will appear here.)
But the guide’s inspectors can’t get to every restaurant in a region. I hope they look at less immediately obvious candidates: the excellent, to-the-beat-of-their-own-drums Asta and Brassica Kitchen + Cafe; the slightly out-of-the-way Chickadee; the fairly new high achiever Kaia; and some that fly under the radar altogether. Here are a few of the deserving restaurants that could get overlooked for Michelin recognition, be it a star or another nod.
How to watch the Michelin ceremony live online — 6:00 p.m.
By Matt Juul, Globe Staff
Fans can follow the action on Tuesday night as the Michelin Guide ceremony unveiling the Northeast Cities edition is streaming live from Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the invite-only event is available to watch on 6abc.com, with the festivities set to begin at 7 p.m.
Which Boston restaurants will get Michelin stars? — 5:45 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
The Boston area is getting a Michelin guide. Anonymous inspectors have been eating their way through local restaurants, making determinations about which ones will be included in the Boston debut of the internationally prestigious guide.
In the immortal words of the great poet Cher: “If I could turn back time …”
To a year when, say, Barbara Lynch’s Menton and No. 9 Park were at the top of their game, L’Espalier served beautiful tasting menus in a beautiful brownstone, and restaurants such as Bondir, Clio, Craigie on Main, Hamersley’s Bistro, and Tasting Counter were all in operation. To name just a few. Might Michelin attention have changed the outcome for some restaurants that have closed? (And might some chefs currently out of the game think about getting back in?)
Regardless, our time is now, and there are plenty of exciting restaurants to consider. Which ones will Michelin include in its 2025 Boston guide?
A mix of opinions from chefs as the Michelin Guide comes to Boston — 5:30 p.m.
By Kara Baskin, Globe Correspondent
Boston and in Philadelphia will be included in the new Michelin Guide Northeast Cities edition, with Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
Tracy Chang from Cambridge’s Pagu reflected on the news in a nuanced note to the Globe.
“The Michelin Guide coming to Boston raises more questions than it answers — for now, I sit somewhere between cautious optimism and contemplative curiosity. There are obvious potential upsides: it could boost tourism, spotlight hardworking restaurants, and serve as a valuable guide for visitors. Boston is rich in diverse culinary talent and deeply rooted immigrant stories — my grandmother included — who’ve built legacy restaurants and inspired future generations."
The Michelin Guide is a game changer for Boston — 5:15 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
It’s huge news for the local dining scene: The Michelin Guide is coming to Boston. The guide, started by a French tire company more than a century ago, sends anonymous inspectors into the field to evaluate restaurants and award its rare, coveted stars.
For a long time, I did not believe that Boston should have a Michelin Guide. Which is not to say I didn’t think Boston deserved one. If I hear one more person say this is a bad restaurant town, I’m going to fling every small plate on my table at the perpetrator. There is an embarrassment of culinary talent in and around this city, which always punches above its weight. Showcase that in a guide with international reach? Sign us up.
Oh wait, we have to pay for that?
This, to me, was the rub: To get Michelin to come to a region, local tourism boards pony up substantial sums. Visit California reportedly paid Michelin $600,000 to expand its reach statewide. The Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau spent $1 million. Colorado tourism boards and resort companies joined forces, paying $70,000 to $100,000 each for consideration, according to The New York Times — in the process shutting out surrounding Colorado towns that were less endowed or less inclined.
A pay-to-play system can feel morally icky, favoring those with deep pockets (as the restaurant business already does). Boston’s participation raises many questions to be asked and answered in the coming days: What is the price tag for this? What area will the guide cover, exactly? What local restaurants meet Michelin’s standards of excellence? Inspectors come from hotel and restaurant backgrounds, and tend to favor classic, traditional aesthetics. That’s not necessarily where Boston shines the brightest. Michelin awards stars, but it also has a Bib Gourmand recognition for “good quality, good value cooking.” Boston might be more of a Bib Gourmand kind of town, even if “Bib Gourmand” sounds like something a French baby would wear and we’d probably make fun of. Speaking generally, Michelin and Boston vibes are like oil and dirty water.
I’ve still changed my mind. A Michelin Guide is good for Boston.
Boston’s Michelin restaurants will be announced tonight. Here’s what to know. — 5:00 p.m.
By Devra First, Globe Staff
The Michelin Guide will announce the restaurants included in its Northeast Cities edition on Tuesday, at a ceremony at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
For the first time, the guide includes Boston and Philadelphia. The other cities in the Northeast category are Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Michelin chooses which restaurants to include by sending anonymous inspectors out into the region. In addition to awarding one, two, and three stars to restaurants, it offers designations such as Bib Gourmand, recognizing good quality food that is a good value (in other words, places the inspectors like to eat when they’re off the clock), and a green star for sustainability.
Three star restaurants are extremely rare; among the handful in the United States, Alinea, Inn at Little Washington, and Masa all just lost their third star. Demoted to two, they remain in rarefied company. There are only about three dozen two-star restaurants in this country. Boston is likelier to see one star and Bib Gourmand awards for this year’s guide.
Devra First can be reached at devra.first@globe.com. Follow her on Instagram @devra_first. Matt Juul can be reached at matthew.juul@globe.com. Chris Morris can be reached at christine.morris@globe.com. Follow her @morrisglobe. Kara Baskin can be reached at kara.baskin@globe.com. Follow her @kcbaskin.