Inaugural selection arriving 2027 as anonymous inspectors begin exploring the region’s vibrant food scene for MICHELIN Star consideration

CINCINNATI (June 18, 2026) – Visit Cincy, in partnership with the MICHELIN Guide, has officially announced that the destination will proudly be included in the inaugural restaurant selection for the MICHELIN Guide American Great Lakes Edition. Originally unveiled in April 2026, this highly anticipated expansion places local establishments in the running to secure coveted MICHELIN Star status or another distinction, validating Cincy's exceptional culinary talent.

Anonymous MICHELIN Guide Inspectors are already in the field, quietly securing reservations to unearth local culinary treasures. Restaurant selections for the region will be unveiled at an official MICHELIN Guide American Great Lakes Ceremony in 2027, with the date and venue to be announced soon. This regional edition will showcase Cincinnati alongside six other cities: Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh.

"Securing a spot in the newest expansion of the MICHELIN Guide is a huge opportunity for our region," said Julie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of MeetNKY and Interim President & CEO of Visit Cincy. "National and international food critics have already begun tuning in to the unique culinary energy across our community, but this recognition officially solidifies the incredible momentum that has been building here for years. It proves that our food scene is fueled by an authenticity, passion and artistic brilliance that commands a global audience. Beyond honoring our incredible chefs on a global stage, being included in the MICHELIN Guide generates sustainable economic momentum that lifts up our neighborhoods and creates opportunities for all of us."

Globally recognized as a definitive voice in fine dining, the MICHELIN Guide curates a selection of the world's most exceptional restaurants. Their honors are split into unique categories:

  • The famous one, two and three MICHELIN Stars identify establishments serving exceptional cuisine that’s rich in flavor, remarkably executed and infused with the personality of a talented chef.
  • The Bib Gourmand is a designation given to select restaurants that offer good quality food for a good value – often known as personal favorites among the Inspectors when dining on their own time.
  • Recommended restaurants and special professional awards are also highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors.

To ensure the playing field is entirely level, Michelin’s anonymous Inspectors judge every menu based on time-tested methods used for many decades throughout the world. To further guarantee objectivity, Michelin inspectors pay all their bills in full and only the quality of the cuisine is evaluated. Five strict global criteria are applied through the process: product quality; mastery of cooking techniques; harmony of flavors; the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; and consistency over time and across the entire menu. This rigorous process guarantees that local standouts receive an honor of identical prestige to those awarded around the globe.

The MICHELIN Guide remains a reliable companion for any traveler seeking an unforgettable meal and hospitality experience. The Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage the development of car mobility as well as tire sales by giving practical advice to motorists. Progressively, the Guide has specialized in restaurant and hotel recommendations. Michelin’s inspectors still use the same criteria and manner of selection that were used by the inspectors in the very beginning.

To learn more about the MICHELIN Guide, visit guide.michelin.com/us/en or download the free app for iOS and Android.

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About Visit Cincy

Visit Cincy connects the Cincinnati region's people and experiences with visitors and meeting attendees from around the world through sales, marketing, communications, and community-building strategies. The destination marketing organization is supported by nearly 500 businesses that join together in making Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the Cincy region a world-class destination by offering their services, attractions, and facilities to visitors, meeting planners, and convention attendees. For more information, go to VisitCincy.com.

About Michelin North America, Inc.
Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America, Inc. has approximately 22,000 employees and operates 36 production facilities in the United States (michelinman.com) and Canada (michelin.ca).