MICHELIN Guide: Which Philadelphia restaurants will earn a star?

ByAlicia Vitarelli and 6abc Digital Staff WPVI logo

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- READ MORE: The MICHELIN Guide Northeast Ceremony | List of Philadelphia winners

Philadelphia is about to learn which local restaurants will earn recognition from the MICHELIN Guide.

The city will host the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Northeast Cities Ceremony on Tuesday night at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The event will stream live on 6abc.com starting at 7:15 p.m.

"It's huge. It is absolutely huge. I mean, Philly is such a food town. I think we've been clamoring for it and working toward it for a long time, and our day is now," said Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Recognition from the MICHELIN Guide is widely considered the gold standard in the restaurant industry. Philadelphia eateries will receive the city's first-ever accolades.

"It's huge for each restaurant that's actually going to be in that room, and it's huge for the city," Caren said.

Honorees will include restaurants from five cities featured in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Northeast Cities edition: Philadelphia, Boston (also a first-time city), Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C.

MICHELIN inspectors have been visiting Philadelphia for months, covertly evaluating the dining scene.

"The beauty of this process is how secretive it is, and I think there are whispers and murmurs maybe out there between chefs and restaurant owners about maybe who's invited, but we have no idea who's invited. We certainly have no idea who's going to win," Caren said.

To learn more about the guide, click here or read more from MICHELIN below.

What is a MICHELIN Star?

MICHELIN Stars are awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. Five universal criteria are taken into account: ingredient quality, harmony of flavors, the mastery of culinary techniques, how the chef's personality shines through their cuisine and, crucially, consistency across the entire menu and over time.

Are MICHELIN Stars annual awards?

Yes. In addition to scouring the globe for new Star-worthy spots, existing Star restaurants are reassessed to ensure they continue to serve diners the same excellent standard of cooking year after year.

Who are the judges?

All decisions are made by MICHELIN Guide Inspectors who travel the globe. They are all full-time employees and former restaurant and hospitality professionals.

Can any restaurant qualify?

Yes, any restaurant can qualify for a Star.

Do you have set criteria that the kitchen must adhere to?

There is no secret recipe for a MICHELIN Star - judges are looking for exceptional cooking, whether it's innovative or traditional, a tasting menu or à la carte, an artful presentation or something more rustic. Not every Starred restaurant will suit every taste, and that's how it is intend to be. The goal is to highlight the restaurants with the best food and spotlight where you can savor the most outstanding culinary experiences.

Is there a limit on how many Stars awarded in one year?

No, there is no limit.

Can Stars be taken away?

Yes. If cooking at a restaurant is no longer at the same level that it was, then the business would not re-award the Star the following year.

What is the difference between One, Two and Three MICHELIN Stars?

One MICHELIN Star recognizes restaurants that use top-quality ingredients and prepare dishes with distinct flavors to a consistently high standard.

Two MICHELIN Stars are awarded to restaurants where the team's personalities and talents shine through in expertly crafted dishes, with food that is both refined and inspired.

Three MICHELIN Stars represent the highest honor. Stars are awarded to restaurants, not chefs, but Three-Star establishments tend to have chefs at the peak of their profession, where the cooking elevates the craft to an art form, with some dishes destined to become classics.