Chefs say Michelin Guide at risk of ‘losing credibility’ over suspected lack of inspectors
While Michelin keeps its staff numbers secret, industry insiders say the guide cannot keep up with the thousands of restaurants in the guide
TL;DR
- Chefs and industry insiders claim the Michelin Guide may be losing credibility due to a suspected lack of inspectors.
- The number of global entries in the Michelin Guide has grown significantly, with over 19,653 entries by August 2026.
- Some chefs suspect that certain starred restaurants have not been inspected for years.
- Michelin states that it invests in its inspection teams and that reviewers conduct 250-300 meals annually.
- The secretive nature of Michelin's operations makes it difficult for the industry to hold the guide accountable.
- The guide, founded in 1900, introduced its star-ranking system in 1931 to denote restaurant quality.