Usually celebrated independently in their own right, Michelin has announced the 2023 stars for three cities in the same day, covering New York City, Chicago and Washington. It's not been communicated as to why the change has been put in place but a presumption could be due to the increasing number of guides now presented each year, it's more effective and timely to combine key cities together.
We took a look at the movers and shakers from each city.
New York City
The biggest winners on the night were Japanese restaurants Odo and Sushi Noz, each being upgraded from one to two stars. Earning its first star in 2023 was Torrisi Bar and Restaurant, helmed by chef Rich Torrisi, in Little Italy and part of the Major Food Group. At the top of the tree there were no additions to the three starred restaurants - Eleven Madison Park, Le Bernadin, Masa, and Per Se all maintaining their status. The only change, albeit temporary, was Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare which dropped from the three-star list following a brief closure.
In total for NYC there are four restaurants with three stars, 14 with two stars and 54 with one star to their name.
Chicago
Fulton Market tasting-menu restaurant, Smyth finally achieved its third Michelin star making it the second three-star restaurant in Chicago alongside Alinea. Smyth is one of the toughest reservations in the city, and most expensive, featuring a menu based off produce grown by some of the best farms in the Midwest. Having quickly earned its first star after opening in 2016, it leapt up to two-star status in 2017 but has been made to sweat since before finally joining the exclusive three-star club this year.
A total of 21 restaurants earned stars this month in Chicago including two new comers - Atelier, delivering a delicately compiled tasting menu focused on produce from nearby farms, and Chicago's first starred Indian restaurant, Indienne. Chef Sujan Sarkar blends contemporary plating and Indian flavours.
In total, Chicago boasts two restaurants with three stars, three restaurants with two stars and 16 with one star to their name.
Washington
D.C. saw two restaurants make the list of stars this month, with both Causa and Rania taking their first stars. Causa's prix fixe focused on showcasing the best of Peruvian cuisine, led by native chef Carlos Delgado. Rania is a destination for evolutionary Indian cuisine led by chef Chetan Shetty.
The D.C. area now plays home to 25 Michelin-starred restaurants, with one restaurant missing from last year's list - Cranes, chef Pepe Moncayo's Spanish-Japanese restaurant which earned its first star in 2021 only to lose its status just two years later.
From the 25 restaurants on the list, Washington has just one three-starred restaurant, three restaurants with two stars and 21 with one star.
For more information on the Michelin Guide, visit the official website here.