Which city has the most Michelin stars
If you’ve ever asked which city has the most Michelin stars, the short and clear answer is Tokyo, Japan. As of June 2025, Tokyo leads the world with 194 restaurants awarded at least one star, and a total of 251 Michelin stars across those establishments. (Metropolis Japan)
Below you’ll find a more detailed look at why Tokyo holds the top spot, how it compares to other global cities, and what that might mean for food-lovers planning a trip.
Why Tokyo stands out
Massive restaurant scene
Tokyo is one of the world’s largest cities, with a vast number of restaurants — from tiny sushi counters to fine-dining temple-like establishments. This sheer volume gives it an edge when it comes to accumulating many starred places.
Gastronomic culture + standards
In Tokyo, long tradition meets modern innovation. The culture of excellence in food service and hospitality is very strong. According to the data, Tokyo’s star count is higher than any other city. (Guinness World Records)
Recognised officially
The entity Michelin Guide and record-keeping sources concur: For example, Guinness World Records lists Tokyo as having the most Michelin-star restaurants for a city, with 200 restaurants and 263 stars (in a past update). (Guinness World Records)
Comparing with other top cities
| City | Number of starred restaurants | Total stars |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo, Japan | ~194 (as of June 2025) | ~251 stars (Metropolis Japan) |
| Paris, France | ~123 restaurants | ~160 stars (Stripes Japan) |
| Kyoto, Japan | ~103 restaurants | ~134 stars (Metropolis Japan) |
| Osaka, Japan | ~95 restaurants | ~110 stars (Stripes Japan) |
So, while Paris and Kyoto also rank very high, they trail Tokyo on the total number of stars/ restaurants.
What it doesn’t mean (and caveats)
- Having “the most stars” doesn’t automatically mean every meal is world-class in the same way, or that the highest category (three-star) dominates.
- Metrics like stars per capita or stars per square kilometre might show different cities coming out ahead. For example, when you compare size and population, smaller cities with strong star density may outperform larger ones in those ratios. (Time Out Paris)
- The coverage of the Michelin Guide varies by region. Some major cities and countries are not covered yet or frequently get updates, so data changes.
- “Starred restaurants” means restaurants awarded at least one star; some stars are one-star, two-star or three-star. The total stars figure accumulates all those.
Why travellers should care
- If you’re looking for a culinary-destination city where fine dining crosses world-class levels, Tokyo is hard to beat.
- But choosing a starred restaurant still requires research: style of cuisine, price, reservation difficulty, dress code, etc.
- If you prefer more accessible, less formal fine dining or even great meals without stars, other cities like Paris or Kyoto also offer stellar gastronomic experiences with their own unique local flavours.
- For a richer travel experience, pairing high-end starred meals with local food culture (street food, local markets, regional specialties) often gives the best value and insight.
Final word
So yes—when someone asks “which city has the most Michelin stars?”, you can confidently answer: Tokyo is the world leader. It combines a large-scale food ecosystem, deep culinary tradition, and a concentration of top-level restaurants recognised by the Michelin Guide. That said, “most” doesn’t always equal “best for you”, so it’s worth exploring what each city offers in terms of cuisine style, atmosphere and travel logistics.
🏙️ FAQ: Which City Has the Most Michelin Stars
1. Which city has the most Michelin stars in the world?
As of 2025, Tokyo, Japan, has the most Michelin stars in the world. The city holds around 194 Michelin-starred restaurants with a total of more than 250 stars across one-, two-, and three-star categories.
2. Why does Tokyo have so many Michelin stars?
Tokyo has a huge number of restaurants, a deep respect for culinary craftsmanship, and a culture that values precision and perfection in cooking. The Michelin Guide also covers the city extensively, helping it maintain its global lead.
3. Which city comes second after Tokyo?
Paris, France, usually comes second, with over 120 starred restaurants. Paris remains a world capital of gastronomy and is home to some of the most iconic chefs and dining establishments.
4. What is the difference between one, two, and three Michelin stars?
- ⭐ One Star – A very good restaurant in its category.
- ⭐⭐ Two Stars – Excellent cooking, worth a detour.
- ⭐⭐⭐ Three Stars – Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.
These ratings reflect food quality, mastery of technique, consistency, and creativity.
5. Does having the most Michelin stars mean Tokyo has the best food?
Not necessarily. Having the most stars means Tokyo has more starred restaurants, but taste is subjective. Smaller cities might have a higher density of stars or offer different dining experiences that suit other preferences.
6. Are Michelin stars only given to fine-dining restaurants?
No. While many Michelin-starred restaurants are high-end, the Guide has also awarded stars to casual eateries, ramen shops, and even sushi counters in Tokyo that seat only a few guests.
7. How often are Michelin stars updated?
Michelin updates its restaurant ratings annually. The number of starred restaurants in each city can rise or fall depending on inspections and new openings.
8. Which country has the most Michelin-starred restaurants overall?
Japan leads overall, followed closely by France. Japan’s cities — especially Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka — consistently rank among the top globally for the number of Michelin stars.
9. Can a restaurant lose its Michelin stars?
Yes. If quality or consistency drops, Michelin inspectors can remove one or more stars in the next edition of the guide.
10. Is dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant expensive?
Not always! While three-star restaurants are often luxury experiences, Tokyo and Kyoto have many affordable one-star spots offering world-class meals for under $50.
