Switzerland has recently claimed the title of the country with the most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita, overtaking Luxembourg. This culinary achievement places Switzerland as a top gastronomic destination, drawing food enthusiasts from across the world. In this article, we’ll explore how this small yet diverse country has become a hotspot for fine dining, offering a taste of luxury in every bite.
Which are the countries with the most Michelin Stars? And the cities?
Switzerland has the most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita, but which country has the most Michelin stars overall? That distinction goes to France, with 556 Michelin-starred restaurants, far ahead of second-place Italy, which has 365. Japan rounds out the top three, followed by Germany, Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Switzerland, which has 134 Michelin-starred restaurants.
You might be wondering which city has the most Michelin-starred restaurants. That honour goes to Tokyo, with 194 restaurants, followed by Paris, Kyoto, Osaka, and London. Remarkably, three of the top five cities are in Japan. Kyoto, in particular, is the city with the highest density of Michelin Restaurants, with 100 stars for its 1,463,723 citizens — that’s one Michelin star for every 14,637 people.
Switzerland: a gastronomic destination
In recent years, Switzerland has emerged as a prime gastronomic destination. Its small size and abundance of top-quality restaurants make it easy to visit multiple renowned establishments in different cities, all within a short drive. To its beautiful landscapes and cities, we now add its exceptional culinary offerings.
Best restaurants in Switzerland
As mentioned earlier, Switzerland boasts 134 Michelin-starred restaurants. Among them, four stand out: Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville (Crissier), Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl (Basel), Memories (Bad Ragaz), and Schloss Schauenstein (Fürstenau). These four restaurants hold the prestigious three Michelin stars, the highest recognition in the culinary world.
But what is the difference between a 3-star, 2-star, and 1-star restaurant? A one-star rating is considered “a very good restaurant”, while two stars mean “excellent cooking that is worth a detour”. A three-star restaurant offers “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey”. These ratings are based on five criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, the chef’s personality, value for money, and the consistency of the food.
There are only 137 restaurants in the world with three Michelin stars. Additionally, the last two mentioned — Memories and Schloss Schauenstein — have been awarded a Green Star, which highlights restaurants leading the way in sustainable practices. In fact, Switzerland is among the top 10 countries with the most three-starred restaurants, a list led by France (30), Japan (20), and Spain (15). Switzerland is also home to 23 two-star restaurants and 107 one-star restaurants!
Swiss cities with the most Michelin-starred restaurants
Switzerland’s top cities boast an impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Zurich leads with fourteen 1-star and three 2-star establishments. Basel follows with twelve 1-star, two 2-star, and one 3-star restaurant. Bern offers fourteen 1-star restaurants, while Geneva has thirteen 1-star and one 2-star. Lausanne rounds out the list with one 3-star, two 2-star, and seven 1-star restaurants.
This means that the five largest cities in Switzerland each have at least ten Michelin-starred restaurants. In fact, three of these cities rank among the top 15 mid-sized cities (with populations between 100,000 and 500,000) globally for the highest density of Michelin-starred restaurants. Geneva ranks third, Zurich ninth, and Basel fourteenth. Essentially, when visiting any of these cities, you’re likely to encounter Michelin-starred dining experiences with ease.
What to eat in Switzerland
If you’re visiting Switzerland and wondering what typical Swiss dishes to try, you’re in for a treat. The country boasts a rich culinary tradition, heavily influenced by its neighbours. While Swiss chocolate and cheese are absolute musts, there are plenty of other iconic dishes worth trying.
One of the most famous is Rösti, a crispy potato dish similar to German potato pancakes. Often eaten for breakfast or served as a side with meat, it’s a staple in German-speaking regions like Zurich, Bern, and Basel. Other German-influenced favourites include Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, a Zurich specialty of tender veal in a creamy white wine sauce that’s simply delicious, and the Berner Platte, a mix of bacon, sausages, pork, potatoes, and beans.
For cheese lovers, a trip to Switzerland wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a classic cheese fondue, and Raclette. Pair your cheese dishes with a glass of local wine—it’s true what they say: cheese and wine really is the perfect recipe for happiness.
A gastronomic trip in Switzerland
Gastronomic tours are becoming increasingly popular as more travellers want to experience a region’s culture and history through its cuisine. Switzerland is an ideal destination for this type of tourism. With Geneva and Zurich—the country’s major cities—just 172 miles apart, you can easily explore multiple cities, each offering historic landmarks, landscapes, and local dishes and world-class restaurants.
Many travellers choose to hire a car through comparison websites to save on costs. CarJet, for example, compares rental cars across Switzerland’s major cities, allowing you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and drop off the car in a different location. You can begin your journey in Basel, known for its rich art scene and museums, and dine at top-rated restaurants like Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl, Roots, or Stucki. Zurich could be your next stop, where you can explore the Old Town, stroll along the Limago River, while visiting landmarks like the Grossmünster Cathedral, the Opera House, and the National Museum of Zurich. While in Zurich, don’t miss its 17 Michelin-starred restaurants.
Next, head to Bern and wander through its beautiful city centre, home to three Michelin-starred gems: ZOE, Wein & Sein, and Steinhalle. Your final stop is Geneva, where you’ll experience the perfect blend of gourmet cuisine and breathtaking Swiss scenery, capping off your culinary journey in style.
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