The Michelin Guide, the international guide renowned for its restaurant accolades, will for the first time begin rating dining in the Southwest.
No restaurant in Arizona has ever been awarded one of Michelin’s famous stars.
The Michelin Guide was originally started by the French tire company of the same name to encourage people to drive more — specifically, to drive to restaurants the company rated and recommended.
Published annually, Michelin ratings serve as a guide to the world’s top restaurants, awarding up to three stars to establishments that meet exceptionally high standards of cooking.
The guide first began including American restaurants in 2005, but until now, Michelin has never rated restaurants in Arizona.
In a statement, Michelin announced its inspectors are already active in the Southwest, and the company plans to publish its first Southwest guide later this year.
The Arizona Office of Tourism paid $200,000 to bring Michelin inspectors to review Arizona restaurants in 2026.
Michelin says restaurants never pay to be reviewed, but since 2016, tourism authorities pay for the Michelin Guide to review restaurants in their areas.
According to the Washington Post, South Korea commissioned Michelin $3.2 million won — the equivalent of over $1 million — to bring the guide to their country.
Other states, such as Colorado, have also paid to be included in the guide.
Josh Coddington with the Arizona Office of Tourism confirmed the commission. He said promotional efforts, such as recognition through Michelin, help promote the culinary industry in Arizona.
“This is a good play for us to be included in a Southwest guide here, especially because our competitor states are going to be in this guide as well,” Coddington said.
Coddington said foodies are a key demographic targeted for tourism in the state. He said tourists consider the availability of Michelin Guide restaurants when deciding on a vacation destination.
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