For years, our Minneapolis culinary scene has earned national acclaim – yet we’ve still been called “unexpected,” “underrated,” and even “the food world’s best kept secret.”

We know that Minneapolis has the talent, cultural diversity and hospitality to stand with any culinary destination in the world.

Joining together with the MICHELIN Guide is an incredible opportunity to promote our culinary community among food lovers and travelers. Whether it’s a MICHELIN Star, Bib Gourmand or MICHELIN Recommended restaurant, we know food lovers around the country, and around the world, will take notice.

Updated: April 8, 2026

What is the MICHELIN Guide?

According to the MICHELIN Guide’s website, it is “one of the oldest and most respected guides in the world.” “Restaurants are rated by anonymous Inspectors according to the quality of their cuisine using The Guide’s famous One- to Three-Star system to highlight those offering exceptional cooking. Meanwhile, the Bib Gourmand award shines a light on high-quality cooking at reasonable prices.”

The MICHELIN Guide is present in more than 140 countries around the world, providing travelers and diners with recommendations for different cuisines and types of restaurants, along with hotels across all styles and budgets through its website, app, articles, travel guides and newsletters.

What edition of the MICHELIN Guide will include Minneapolis?

Minneapolis will be included in the new, multi-city MICHELIN Guide for the “American Great Lakes.” Other cities in this edition will include Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh. The inaugural restaurant selection for the “American Great Lakes” edition will be revealed in 2027.

When will MICHELIN Inspectors be visiting Minneapolis restaurants?

Anonymous inspectors are already making dining reservations and scouting for culinary gems throughout Minneapolis.

How did Minneapolis land the MICHELIN Guide?

Meet Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Tourism Improvement District (MTID) developed a partnership with the MICHELIN Guide – along with the partner cities of Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh – to highlight the vibrant culinary scene evident throughout the American Great Lakes.

What restaurants will be included in the MICHELIN Guide?

Restaurants are included in the MICHELIN Guide based on anonymous, independent inspections. As this is an initiative of the MTID, whose boundaries are that of the City of Minneapolis, only restaurants within Minneapolis will be included.

Can a Minneapolis restaurant apply to be in the MICHELIN Guide?

Yes. Restaurants can apply to be visited by MICHELIN Guide Inspectors on the MICHELIN website. The application will be reviewed by the team of Inspectors.

How will being in the MICHELIN Guide’s American Great Lakes edition benefit Minneapolis?

Being in the MICHELIN Guide will bring greater awareness to Minneapolis as a global food destination. This will help attract more visitors, including first-time travelers, who will stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants, and spend money throughout the city. And that means increased visitor spending, stable and potentially even more job opportunities for workers in tourism and hospitality, and an increased awareness and positive perception of Minneapolis as a travel destination.

How does this fit with the Meet Minneapolis 10-year destination master plan?

Bringing the MICHELIN Guide to Minneapolis is a part of the Meet Minneapolis destination master plan that was unveiled in February of 2025. It is part of our goal to “Expand and diversify lifestyle experience,” and we believe this will help solidify our city’s global culinary status. Our goal is to increase tourism throughout the city – not just downtown and there is the potential opportunity to showcase restaurants throughout Minneapolis.

How will being included in the MICHELIN Guide help meet the MTID’s stated goal of attracting more overnight visitors and driving visitor spending in the city?

Food tourism and culinary experiences are significant factors for many travelers when making decisions about where to visit and how long they may stay in a destination.  According to a 2025 EY “Beyond the MICHELIN Stars” study, 74% of travelers consider the presence of the MICHELIN Guide as a decisive criterion when choosing a destination and 76% are prepared to extend their stay to enjoy an experience in a restaurant recommended by the MICHELIN Guide.