The Green Michelin Star: A Symbol of Sustainable Excellence

The Michelin Guide is synonymous with high-quality dining and luxury experiences, known for its coveted stars that celebrate the finest chefs and restaurants around the world. But in recent years, the Michelin Guide has introduced a new, innovative symbol: the Green Michelin Star. This unique designation highlights the growing importance of sustainability in the culinary world, rewarding restaurants that are leading the way in eco-friendly practices. Here’s everything you need to know about the Green Michelin Star, how it came about, what it represents, and why it’s reshaping the future of travel and gastronomy.

The Birth of the Green Michelin Star

The Green Michelin Star was introduced in 2020 by the Michelin Guide to recognize restaurants that are committed to sustainability. With the increasing environmental challenges our world faces, such as climate change, overfishing, and food waste, it became evident that the restaurant industry needed to be part of the solution. The Green Star aims to acknowledge those establishments that go above and beyond in minimizing their environmental impact, from sourcing sustainable ingredients to reducing waste, energy consumption, and implementing eco-friendly practices.

This initiative is part of a broader trend toward sustainability in travel, as eco-conscious travelers seek experiences that align with their values. The Green Michelin Star offers a way to guide these travelers to restaurants that are not just serving exceptional food but are also making meaningful contributions to the planet's well-being.

What the Green Michelin Star Encompasses

The Green Michelin Star isn't awarded for just one isolated practice—it encompasses a holistic approach to sustainability. Restaurants must demonstrate leadership in the following areas:

1. Sustainable Sourcing: Establishments that prioritize local, seasonal, and sustainably produced ingredients are at the forefront. This includes sourcing organic and regenerative produce, as well as sustainable seafood and ethically raised meats.

2. Waste Reduction: The Green Michelin Star recognizes restaurants that minimize food waste by using leftovers creatively, composting, or repurposing food scraps. Many top restaurants also aim for zero-waste kitchens, reducing what is sent to landfills.

3. Energy and Water Efficiency: Restaurants that adopt energy-saving technologies, use renewable energy sources, and implement water-saving measures earn points towards the Green Michelin Star.

4. Supporting Biodiversity: Sustainable restaurants often contribute to local biodiversity by growing their own herbs and vegetables, supporting regenerative farming practices, or partnering with eco-conscious suppliers.

5. Social Responsibility: Beyond the environment, some restaurants also focus on fair wages, providing community engagement, and promoting diversity and inclusion within the food industry.

   
   
   
   

How Restaurants Earn the Green Michelin Star

Earning a Green Michelin Star is no easy feat, and it is not automatically granted alongside a traditional Michelin Star. Restaurants must demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through a combination of verifiable actions and long-term practices that reduce their ecological footprint. Michelin inspectors look for:

• Transparent communication about sustainability efforts.

• Proven and ongoing environmental initiatives.

• A strong connection to the local food system and community.

  
  

It is important to note that the Green Michelin Star is not an annual award like the traditional Michelin Stars but is instead part of a broader, more holistic evaluation of a restaurant’s commitment to sustainability. The designation is typically reviewed over time, as restaurants must continue to evolve their practices and adapt to new sustainability challenges.

How Many Restaurants Have Earned the Green Michelin Star?

The number of restaurants that hold the Green Michelin Star is steadily growing, though it remains exclusive. As of 2025, more than 500 restaurants worldwide have been awarded this prestigious mark of sustainable excellence. The Green Michelin Star has spread across the globe, with notable concentrations in countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and the United States. However, its reach is expanding to other countries, including Japan, Sweden, and the UK.

The Green Star is not limited to fine dining establishments—Michelin aims to include restaurants of various scales and price points, showing that sustainability can be integrated into every aspect of the culinary world, from local bistros to Michelin-starred fine dining.

Interesting Facts about the Green Michelin Star

1. Global Impact: The Michelin Guide’s decision to integrate sustainability into their rating system has had a significant impact on how the global food industry views sustainability. Many chefs and restaurateurs now see the Green Star as a benchmark for success, pushing the entire industry toward more responsible practices.

2. Increasing Popularity: With an increasing number of eco-conscious travelers and consumers, restaurants with the Green Michelin Star are becoming more desirable, with many guests seeking to align their dining choices with their environmental values.

3. Recognition for Local and Regional Contributions: The Green Michelin Star also celebrates restaurants that contribute to local food systems. It highlights the importance of community-driven sustainability efforts, such as creating partnerships with local farmers, fishermen, and artisans who practice sustainable techniques.

4. Setting New Standards: The Michelin Guide’s Green Star is raising the bar for sustainability within the restaurant industry. More and more chefs are embracing sustainable culinary practices, fostering innovation in the kitchen while considering the impact on the environment.

5. It’s Not Just About Food: While the Green Star focuses on the restaurant’s culinary practices, it also takes into account the entire dining experience. Some restaurants have enhanced their sustainability efforts by offering eco-friendly transportation options for guests or adopting green building designs.

   
   
   
   

The Future of Travel and Dining

The Green Michelin Star represents a significant shift in the way the restaurant industry operates and how we approach food as travelers. As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor for global travelers, having a clear symbol like the Green Michelin Star can help guide those who want to enjoy world-class cuisine while supporting responsible businesses.

For those looking to travel more sustainably, seeking out restaurants with the Green Michelin Star is a fantastic way to enjoy culinary delights without compromising on eco-friendly values. As the number of Green Star restaurants grows, so does the movement towards a more sustainable, conscious dining culture—one that is set to shape the future of global gastronomy for years to come.