One thing that seems to appear on almost everyone’s bucket list is the dream of dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant while traveling abroad. Whether it’s about indulging in the artistry of fine dining or simply crossing it off the culinary wishlist, the experience promises unforgettable flavors — and sometimes, unforgettable bills.
The Michelin star is often regarded as the ultimate badge of honor in the culinary world. To eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant means you’re tasting the best of what global gastronomy has to offer. Yet, as thrilling as it sounds, the idea can be a bit intimidating, especially when you start wondering about the price tag.
Surprisingly, enjoying a Michelin-starred meal doesn’t always have to burn a hole in your wallet. In places like Thailand and California, you can find more affordable tasting menus or even grab world-class meals from humble street stalls. It’s all about knowing where to look.
An insightful study by Chef’s Pencil took a deep dive into the Michelin Guide, analyzing over 3,500 starred restaurants across 41 countries to find out where luxury dining is at its priciest — and where it’s more wallet-friendly.
The findings? Denmark takes the crown for being the most expensive country to dine Michelin-style, with a median cost of $314 per person for tasting menus (exclusive of drinks). And if you're headed to Copenhagen, home to the legendary Noma, be prepared for an even heftier tab — the median price there shoots up to $443 per person.
Other costly destinations include:
Hong Kong
Iceland
Singapore
United States
Sweden
United Arab Emirates
Austria
Switzerland
Norway (with a median of $204)
At the other end of the spectrum, Vietnam emerged as the most affordable destination for Michelin-starred meals, with a median tasting menu price of just $130 per person. If you want a taste of the good life at a better price, you might also consider:
Brazil
Malta
China
Greece
Slovenia
Belgium
Argentina
Türkiye
Malaysia
Another fascinating takeaway? The study found a direct correlation between the number of Michelin stars and the price: tasting menus tend to jump about $100 for each additional star a restaurant holds.
One-star Michelin restaurants have a median tasting menu price of $165.
Three-star experiences soar to a median of $356.
Overall, across all Michelin-starred restaurants globally, the median tasting menu sits around $179 per person — again, before any wine pairings, taxes, or gratuities are factored in.
Whether you're a die-hard foodie or a curious traveler, dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in culinary excellence, creative genius, and sometimes, a bit of theatrical magic. And now, armed with the knowledge of where it’s most (and least) expensive, you can plan your star-studded meal a little more wisely.
Bon appétit! 🌟