While the Michelin name is often associated with expensive restaurants, there are plenty of affordable ones too. You just need to know a few hot tips and tricks.
Words by Sabine Leroy for escape.com.au
Launched over 120 years ago, the Michelin Guide is the most esteemed restaurant ranking system in the world.
Its reach has significantly expanded in recent years, now boasting more than 3,500 Michelin-starred establishments across over 40 nations and regions. While the Michelin name is often associated with expensive restaurants, there are plenty of affordable ones too.
International food magazine, Chef’s Pencil, has been collecting and analysing Michelin-starred menus to work out the most expensive and the cheapest restaurants. This year they studied 3,517 menus, from one-star to three-star establishments and found on average a meal costs $300 per person. That’s before drinks and tips.
Vietnam is the cheapest country to eat at a Michelin restaurant
Though you’ll find only a handful of starred restaurants. With the guide first launching in 2023, only four local restaurants have been awarded by Michelin. According to Chef’s Pencil, a tasting menu will cost on average $200 per person. Three of the starred establishments are located in Hanoi: Gia, Hibana by Koki, and Tầm Vị, while the fourth, Anăn Saigon, is in Ho Chi Minh City.
Brazil came in a close second with 13 starred Michelin restaurants across São Paolo and Rio de Janeiro, with menus costing on average $195 per person. Surprisingly, many are Japanese restaurants. São Paolo is home to over one million Japanese-Brazilians with Michelin-standard sushi and sashimi at a more reasonable cost. The city boasts four Japanese restaurants with Michelin stars where the average price for a tasting menu is around $142 according to Chef’s Pencil.
READ MORE: Michelin just unveiled their Japan hotel guide for the first time – these are the top six
Michelin in the Med
When it comes to the Mediterranean, Malta and Greece are more affordable. The island of Malta is home to five Michelin-starred restaurants while Greece has 12. For the first time, the Michelin guide awarded two stars to a Maltese restaurant as part of its 2024 guide.
ION Harbour is a Maltese institution known for its impeccable service and creative and innovative cuisine. Using the island’s rich produce from local vegetables to Mediterranean seafood, Head chefs Oli Marlow and Eoin Smith’s signature dishes include the uncooked red shrimp and lampuki fish tartare accompanied by berries.
Pic: escape.com.au
Three course menus are cheaper again
If you choose just a three or four course menu you can score a real bargain. London’s Amaya offers brilliant value for money with platter-style options like the black pepper chicken tikka for $67 per person. In Los Angeles, Osteria Mozza serves a four-course pasta tasting menu (plus dessert) for $115 Monday through to Thursday.
Pic: escape.com.au
No frills for less than $20
Happy to swap white tablecloths for plastic stools and casual eateries? You can eat a Michelin meal without breaking a $20 in Singapore or Thailand. In Singapore, head to Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle – a street food stall offering dishes from around $7. In Bangkok, Jay Fai offers crispy crab omelettes, stir-fried noodles with seafood and gravy from $20. Just remember to bring cash.
READ MORE: This Michelin-star meal costs just $3
More tips to eat good for less
Go for lunch
Lunch is generally cheaper than dinner. Restaurants offer reasonably priced menus for their midday sitting.
Skip the drinks
Though part of the experience is in the wine and food pairing, if you want to keep costs down just have one glass.
Head out of the city
Many well-priced Michelin restaurants are out of big cities, you just need to make a journey to get there.
Look at the Bib Gourmand
“Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize” according to Michelin. The Bib Gourmand is a rating given by the Guide that recognises friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.
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