A spokesperson for the Michelin Guide says that it “is more committed than ever to promoting a community of dedicated chefs, aligned with the challenges of tomorrow’s gastronomy” and that the “green star still exists” as a “complementary recognition to culinary distinctions (red stars)”.
The green star, which highlights restaurants that are leaders in sustainability practices, was awarded to UK restaurants for the first time in 2021 having made its debut in the French version of the red book in 2020.
In the most recent guide for Great Britain & Ireland five new green stars were awarded, bringing the total number of restaurants in the guide to 36.
The statement follows a story from food writer Nicholas Gill posted on his Substack New Worlder, with the title ‘Michelin Is Quietly Dropping Its Green Stars’ that states that Michelin has removed the green star listings from its website and they have also been removed from the distinctions search.
The story also says that articles that mention the green stars ‘seem to be quietly disappearing from their website’.
In the story Gill also mentions the recent launch of the latest edition of the Switzerland Michelin guide, where six Swiss restaurants were awarded green stars at the beginning of the ceremony, but not during the star reveals, as has been the case in previous reveals. This, he suggests, points to Michelin slowly phasing them out.
“It seems obvious that the days are numbered for Michelin’s green stars,” he writes in the piece.
‘Reaffirming its fundamentals’
In its statement, Michelin says: “During the ceremony in Switzerland, we made a point of reaffirming its fundamentals and its ambition to highlight the most committed restaurants. The Green Star is neither a label nor a certification.”
Addressing Gill’s comments about a lack of mention of green stars on its website, Michelin says that some of the site’s features are being redesigned.
“Since its creation in 2020, the Michelin Green Star has continued to grow. Today, it recognizes more than 500 pioneering chefs who are leading the way in innovative practices that inspire both their peers and their guests, while helping to drive forward a more sustainable gastronomy,” says a spokesperson,
“On the digital front, these initiatives remain prominently featured on the pages of selected establishments. At the same time, several features are being redesigned to continuously improve the user experience — as is the case with any evolving digital product.
“Very soon, the website and mobile app will further highlight this community of chefs and their commitments, continuing the Michelin Guide’s momentum in promoting gastronomic transitions.”
The meaning of being green
The green stars have largely been welcomed by the restaurant community although the guide has faced criticism for having no specific framework for what constitutes a green rating, unlike its more rigorous grading system for its red star.
Michelin states that its ‘green star community comprises restaurants at the forefront of the industry when it comes to their mindful practices – restaurants which offer dining experiences that combine culinary excellence with mindful initiatives aimed at reducing their overall impact on the natural world’.
It says that every restaurant is different and works in its own unique way with many working directly with growers, farmers and fishermen; growing plants and rearing animals; and using regenerative methods such as no-dig vegetable gardens and successional cover crop growing.
They also often address issues related to ethics and wellbeing, as well as contributing to local, national or global charitable and educational projects.
Michelin will launch its Guide for Great Britain & Ireland 2026 edition on 9 February.