The new Michelin Guide for France was released on Monday, March 18, 2024, sparking excitement with its mix of surprises and letdowns.
The Michelin Guide, one of the most influential restaurant reviews worldwide, stirs excitement annually upon its release. This prestigious guide, originally created by the French tire company Michelin to help drivers find remote restaurants, has become a definitive resource in the culinary world, significantly impacting the recognition of chefs and their restaurants.
For 2024, the Michelin Guide has recommended a total of 639 restaurants in France, with 30 earning the top accolade of three stars. Among these, two newcomers were highlighted: Le Gabriel - La Réserve Paris, led by chef Jérôme Banctel, and La Table du Castellet in southern France’s Var region, under the direction of chef Fabien Ferré. Taking over as head chef in 2023, Ferré impressively clinched three stars immediately, an achievement few chefs have managed. His cooking is noted for its emphasis on local Provencal ingredients, especially fish and shellfish.
A total of eight restaurants received the second star, including Frédéric Anton, who runs the restaurant Le Jules Verne on the Eiffel Tower. "It is an excellent selection that showcases France's culinary dynamism on the world stage, both qualitatively and quantitatively," commented Guide Director Gwendal Poullennec. He pointed out that this year "a whole new generation emerges," as evidenced by the high number of new star chefs under the age of 40.
52 French restaurants were awarded a Michelin star for the first time, 23 of which opened just last year. Most of these top establishments are situated in Paris and the southeast of France.
Meanwhile, the Michelin Guide Germany 2024 is pending release. The "star ceremony", announcing new restaurant recommendations, is scheduled for March 26, 2024, in Hamburg. Additionally, for the first time, Michelin Guide will be published for the whole of Austria.
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