The Michelin Guide returned to Las Vegas on Wednesday, August 26, awarding stars to the city’s top dining establishments for the first time in 17 years, according to the Michelin Guide. The tire company published its inaugural Las Vegas guide in 2008 and a second edition in 2009 before pulling out of the market entirely. The latest announcement also encompasses restaurants across Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada as part of a newly established American Southwest category.
Historic Las Vegas Return and New Southwest Regional Stars
During the initial 2008 and 2009 runs in Sin City, venues such as Nobu, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, and Wing Lei earned one star, while Picasso, Restaurant Guy Savoy, and Alex secured two stars. Joël Robuchon stood alone as the sole recipient of the coveted three-star rating. Several of those early establishments, including Aureole and Mesa Grill, have since closed their doors. In addition to its star allocations, Michelin drew attention to economical dining options via the Bib Gourmand category, which honors high-quality, reasonably priced food where patrons can enjoy two courses along with a dessert or glass of wine for roughly $50 excluding tax and tip. Three Las Vegas locations received Bib Gourmand status: China Poblano, Esther’s Kitchen, and Yen Viet Kitchen, according to Michelin.
Expanded 2026 Recommended Selections and Special Awards
Beyond the starred and Bib Gourmand designations, Michelin published a wider list of recommended picks for Las Vegas. Among the choices featured in the 2026 selections are Anima by Edo, Bouchon, Cote Las Vegas, Estiatorio Milos, Gymkhana, Kabuto, Kame Omakase, Lamaii, Michael Mina, Mott 32, Partage, Pho Ga Bac Bac, Ping Pang Pong, Soulbelly BBQ, Sparrow and Wolf, Stubborn Seed, and Wing Lei. In individual honors, Sean Christopher of Joël Robuchon collected the Michelin Service Award for hospitality. “We strive every night to make a connection with guests,” he said in his speech, according to additional reporting by Matthew Kang.
Did you know?
When Michelin first evaluated Las Vegas in 2008, Joël Robuchon was the only restaurant in the city to claim the maximum three-star rating.
California 2026 Winners and Historic Three-Star Mexican Cuisine Milestone
Further west, Michelin released its 2026 California Guide during an awards ceremony in San Diego, marking a historic milestone for Mexican cuisine. For the first time in the guide’s history, a Mexican restaurant earned three stars, the highest possible rating, according to the Los Angeles Times. Out of 340 restaurants serving Mexican cuisine currently listed by Michelin in the U.S., San Francisco’s Californios achieved the three-star distinction. Sonoma contemporary fine-dining venue Enclos also newly earned three stars, while all eight restaurants holding three stars in 2025—including Hollywood’s Providence and West Hollywood’s Somni—retained their status.
Los Angeles Regional Updates and Inspector Criteria
In Los Angeles, the Arts District’s Kato secured its second star, joining Hayato, Santa Monica’s Mélisse, and Culver City’s Vespertine in that tier, according to the Los Angeles Times. First-time one-star awardees in the Los Angeles area included Santa Monica’s Seline, Beverly Hills’ Miura, Sawtelle’s Kojima, Melrose Hill’s Corridor 109, and Pico-Robertson’s Liell. Additionally, Little Fish owners Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle garnered the Michelin young chef award. According to a company representative cited by the Los Angeles Times, anonymous inspectors evaluate restaurants based on product quality, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, the chef’s personality reflected in the cuisine, and consistency over time and across the entire menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Michelin Guide return to Las Vegas?
The Michelin Guide returned to Las Vegas on Wednesday, August 26, marking the city’s first star allocations in 17 years, according to the Michelin Guide.
What are Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants?
Bib Gourmand selections spotlight good quality and good value cooking, where diners typically spend about $50 before tax and tip for two courses and a glass of wine or dessert, according to Michelin.
Which restaurant achieved a historic milestone in the California guide?
San Francisco’s Californios became the first Mexican restaurant to be awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide, according to the Los Angeles Times.
How do Michelin inspectors assess restaurants?
Inspectors follow five criteria: product quality, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, the personality of the chef, and consistency over time and across the entire menu, according to a company representative cited by the Los Angeles Times.