Achieving three Michelin stars is the highest accolade a restaurant can receive, symbolizing culinary excellence, innovation, and world-class dining experiences. These elite restaurants are led by visionary chefs who continuously push the boundaries of gastronomy. If you’re looking for the best dining experiences in the world, here are the top 3 Michelin-starred restaurants to visit in 2024.
1. El Celler de Can Roca – Girona, Spain
Led by the three Roca brothers, El Celler de Can Roca is a culinary institution that has redefined Spanish cuisine. With three Michelin stars, this restaurant combines traditional Catalan flavors with cutting-edge techniques, offering a creative and evolving menu that reflects the brothers' passion for innovation. Each dish is an artistic masterpiece that delights the senses.
Signature Dish: Charcoal-Grilled Lamb with Fermented Vegetables
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Girona, Spain
Website: El Celler de Can Roca
2. Osteria Francescana – Modena, Italy
Chef Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana is a world-renowned three Michelin-starred restaurant that celebrates modern Italian cuisine. Bottura’s playful approach to traditional flavors results in dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in Italian heritage. Known for creations like “Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart,” the restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that balances tradition and avant-garde techniques.
Signature Dish: Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Modena, Italy
Website: Osteria Francescana
3. The French Laundry – Napa Valley, USA
Located in California’s wine country, The French Laundry by Chef Thomas Keller is a three Michelin-starred restaurant known for its meticulous attention to detail and exceptional service. The restaurant’s nine-course tasting menu changes daily, highlighting seasonal ingredients and French-inspired cuisine. Every dish is crafted with precision, making it one of the most sought-after dining experiences in the world.
Signature Dish: Oysters and Pearls
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Yountville, Napa Valley, USA
Website: The French Laundry
4. Per Se – New York, USA
Another culinary gem from Chef Thomas Keller, Per Se is located in the heart of Manhattan and holds three Michelin stars. Known for its contemporary American cuisine with French influences, Per Se offers a refined, luxurious dining experience. The restaurant’s multi-course tasting menus showcase Keller’s commitment to excellence, with every dish designed to surprise and delight the palate.
Signature Dish: Butter-Poached Lobster
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: 10 Columbus Circle, New York, USA
Website: Per Se
5. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée – Paris, France
Alain Ducasse’s three Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris is a celebration of haute cuisine, focusing on naturality—a concept that emphasizes vegetables, fish, and grains. The menu at Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with elegance and simplicity. The luxurious setting and impeccable service make it one of the top fine dining destinations in Paris.
Signature Dish: Mediterranean Gamberoni with Caviar
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: 25 Avenue Montaigne, Paris, France
Website: Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée
6. Arzak – San Sebastián, Spain
Arzak, run by father-daughter duo Juan Mari and Elena Arzak, is one of Spain’s most iconic three Michelin-starred restaurants. Located in the Basque Country, Arzak’s menu offers modern interpretations of traditional Basque cuisine, using local ingredients and innovative techniques. The restaurant’s forward-thinking approach to flavor and presentation has made it a leader in the world of gastronomy.
Signature Dish: Lobster with Crystallized Vegetables
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: San Sebastián, Spain
Website: Arzak
7. Azurmendi – Larrabetzu, Spain
Chef Eneko Atxa’s Azurmendi is a three Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Basque Country, known for its commitment to sustainability and nature. The restaurant’s innovative tasting menu takes guests on a culinary journey through the landscapes and flavors of the region, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The eco-friendly restaurant itself is designed to be as sustainable as the cuisine it serves.
Signature Dish: Fermented Vegetables with Txakoli
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Larrabetzu, Spain
Website: Azurmendi
8. Le Bernardin – New York, USA
Le Bernardin, helmed by Chef Eric Ripert, is a seafood lover’s paradise, offering a three Michelin-starred dining experience in the heart of New York. Known for its pristine seafood dishes, Le Bernardin’s menu is a celebration of ocean flavors, with each course highlighting the natural beauty and simplicity of the ingredients.
Signature Dish: Thinly Sliced Fluke with Sea Urchin Custard
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, USA
Website: Le Bernardin
9. Geranium – Copenhagen, Denmark
Geranium is a three Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a modern Nordic dining experience. Chef Rasmus Kofoed’s creative menu focuses on seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on local, sustainable produce. The dishes at Geranium are as visually stunning as they are delicious, making it a top destination for food lovers in Copenhagen.
Signature Dish: Jerusalem Artichoke with Truffle and Caviar
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Per Henrik Lings Allé 4, Copenhagen, Denmark
Website: Geranium
10. Piazza Duomo – Alba, Italy
Chef Enrico Crippa’s Piazza Duomo is a three Michelin-starred restaurant located in Alba, Italy, in the heart of the Langhe region. Known for its modern interpretations of Piedmontese cuisine, Piazza Duomo offers a sophisticated menu that celebrates local ingredients like truffles, hazelnuts, and wine. The restaurant’s tasting menu is a journey through the rich culinary traditions of the region.
Signature Dish: Hazelnut Dessert with White Truffle
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Piazza Risorgimento, 4, Alba, Italy
Website: Piazza Duomo
Conclusion
Dining at a three Michelin-starred restaurant is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where every detail—from the ingredients to the presentation—is executed to perfection. Whether you’re savoring the artistic creations at Osteria Francescana or enjoying a seafood feast at Le Bernardin, these restaurants offer unforgettable culinary journeys that are worth traveling for. Add these exceptional destinations to your list for the ultimate fine dining experience in 2024.
