Michelin Stars Return to Las Vegas After 17 Years

The Michelin Guide has officially returned to Las Vegas, awarding culinary distinctions to 24 restaurants in the city for the first time in 17 years. The "Southwest selection," released on August 26, encompasses dining establishments across Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, with Las Vegas receiving the most significant recognition. Restaurant de Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand was the sole establishment in the entire four-state guide to earn two Michelin stars, celebrating its French cuisine. This prestigious honor signifies a major culinary endorsement for the city's dining scene, which had been without Michelin's direct evaluation for nearly two decades. The guide's return is expected to further elevate Las Vegas's status as a global culinary destination.

In addition to the two-star designation, three other Las Vegas restaurants received one Michelin star. These include Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace, which also features French cuisine, and é by José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, known for its Spanish contemporary dishes. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, a more casual yet upscale counterpart to its two-star sibling, also located at MGM Grand, was awarded one star. The only other restaurant in the Southwest guide to achieve a single Michelin star was Monte, an American contemporary restaurant situated in Salt Lake City, Utah. The presence of multiple starred establishments in Las Vegas underscores the depth and quality of its fine dining offerings.

Beyond the coveted Michelin stars, the guide also bestowed "Bib Gourmand" distinctions upon several Las Vegas eateries. The Bib Gourmand award recognizes restaurants offering high-quality cuisine at a more accessible price point, often considered a stepping stone to star recognition. In Las Vegas, China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan, Esther’s Kitchen in the Arts District, and YEN Viet Kitchen on Decatur Boulevard were recognized with this honor. Seventeen additional restaurants across the city were designated as "recommended," indicating they meet Michelin's high standards. These recommended establishments include Anima by Edo, Bouchon, Cote Las Vegas, Estiatorio Milos, Gymkhana Las Vegas, Kabuto, Kame Omakase, Lamaii, Michael Mina, Mott 32, Partage, Pho Ga Bac Bac, Ping Pong Pong, SoulBelly BBQ, Sparrow + Wolf, Stubborn Seed Las Vegas, and Wing Lei. The breadth of these recommendations highlights the diverse culinary landscape now officially endorsed by Michelin.

Complementing the restaurant accolades, Michelin also presented its Outstanding Service Award to Sean Christopher of Restaurant de Joël Robuchon, acknowledging exceptional guest experience. While the Michelin-starred restaurants are concentrated on the Las Vegas Strip, the Bib Gourmand recipients demonstrate Michelin's broader appreciation for quality dining experiences across different neighborhoods, with Esther's Kitchen and YEN Viet Kitchen located outside the immediate Strip area. This comprehensive approach by the Michelin Guide signifies a renewed and detailed engagement with Las Vegas's vibrant and evolving food scene.