There are many talented chefs in the world, but only a select few have been awarded multiple Michelin stars. These prestigious stars are awarded to restaurants that serve exceptional food and provide an unforgettable dining experience. In this article, we will be taking a look at some of the most awarded Michelin star chefs in the world.
Who Is The Best Chef in the World?
Michelin stars are coveted awards given to restaurants who meet certain criteria set by the Michelin guide. These Michelin star rating criteria include factors such as the quality of the food, the use of fresh ingredients, the creativity of the dishes, and more.
There are three levels of Michelin stars: one star, two stars, and three stars. Three-star restaurants are considered to be the best in the world and are very rare. In fact, there are currently only 135 three-star Michelin restaurants in the world.
In this article, we have focused on current Michelin star holders. We haven’t included previous Michelin star holders, like the late Joël Robuchon. Named Chef of the Century by foodie guide Gault & Millau, Robuchon held 32 Michelin stars, more than any other chef in history.
Who Is The Best Michelin Star Chef?
This is a question that has been asked for years, and one that is still up for debate. While it may be chef who can cook the best meal, this article focuses specifically on the chefs with the most Michelin stars.
One thing that is for sure though, is that there are some incredibly talented Michelin star chefs out there. Here are just a few of the world’s best chefs:
Alain Ducasse – 18 stars
One of the most famous Michelin star chefs is Alain Ducasse. He is a French chef who currently holds the record for the most Michelin stars held by any individual chef. His luxurious restaurants have currently been awarded a total of 17 Michelin stars.
Ducasse has held 21 Michelin stars over his career, with some of those restaurants having closed. His company, DUCASSE Paris, currently operates 34 restaurants spread over 3 continents and 7 countries.
This renowned chef has exerted a profound influence on French cuisine. He has opened restaurants in some of the most prestigious locations in the world, including the Palace of Versailles and the Dorchester in London.
Ducasse is also an author, having published several cookbooks. His cuisine is based on classical French techniques, but he also incorporates elements of Japanese cuisine.
He is known for his attention to detail and his insistence on using the freshest ingredients. Ducasse and his team even once created meals that were delivered to the International Space Station.
Alain Ducasse Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, London – 3 stars
- Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris, Monaco, France – 3 stars
- Alain Ducasse at Morpheus, Macau – 2 stars
- BEIGE Alain Ducasse in Tokyo, Japan – 2 stars
- Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse in Paris, France – 2 stars
- Benoit Paris – 1 star
- Blue by Alain Ducasse in Bangkok, Thailand – 1 star
- Château de Versailles – Le Grand Contrôle – 1 star
- Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle, France – 1 star
- La Bastide de Moustiers, France – 1 star
- MUNI ALAIN DUCASSE, Kyoto, Japan – 1 star
Yannick Alléno – 13 stars
Yannick Alléno is a French chef who is the current head chef of the restaurant Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris. Alléno grew up in a family of restaurateurs and then trained with famous chefs such as Martial Enguehard and Jacky Fréon.
Yannick Alléno Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Le 1947 – Cheval Blanc, Courchevel – 3 stars
- Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen – 3 stars
- L’Abysse au Pavillon Ledoyen – 2 stars
- STAY by Yannick Alléno, Dubai – 2 stars
- Pavyllon London – 1 star
- Pavyllon Monte-Carlo un restaurant de Yannick Alléno, Monaco – 1 star
- Pavyllon Paris, France – 1 star
Alléno is known for his use of modern techniques such as sous-vide cooking. This infusion method gives intense flavors and is healthier than boiling or frying.
Pierre Gagnaire – 13 stars
Pierre Gagnaire is one of the best chefs in the world. His parents were restaurant owners and before taking over their business, he trained in some of the most prestigious kitchens worldwide such as Lucas Carton in Paris.
He currently has two restaurants awarded three Michelin stars: Pierre Gagnaire in Paris and Sketch in London. Gagnaire is famous for his creative and innovative French cuisine, as well as his dedication to quality and perfection.
If you’re looking for an amazing dining experience, Pierre Gagnaire is the chef for you. You’ll enjoy a succession of small plates, which will leave you satisfied but not heavy.
Pierre Gagnaire Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Pierre Gagnaire – Paris, France – 3 stars
- Sketch (The Lecture Room & Library) – 3 stars
- DUENDE, Nimes, France – 2 stars
- PIERRE GAGNAIRE, Tokyo, Japan – 2 stars
- Gaya par Pierre Gagnaire, Paris, France – 1 star
- Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, Shanghai, China – 1 star
- Pierre Gagnaire, Seoul, South Korea – 1 star
Martin Berasategui – 12 stars
Martin Berasategui is one of the most awarded Michelin star chefs in the world. He has held three Michelin stars at Restaurante Martin Berasategui since 2001 and three Michelin stars at Lasarte Barcelona since 2017.
Martin’s cuisine is characterized by its use of traditional Basque ingredients and techniques. His dishes are known for their beautiful presentation.
If you’re ever in Spain, be sure to dine at one of Martin’s restaurants – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget!
Martin Berasategui Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Martín Berasategui Restaurant in Lasarte-Oria, Spain – 3 stars
- Lasarte Restaurant in Barcelona, Spain – 3 stars
- M.B. Restaurant in Tenerife, Spain – 2 stars
- Oria Restaurant in Barcelona, Spain – 1 star
- Etxeko Ibiza by Martín Berasategui, Spain – 1 star
- Ola Martín Berasategui in Bilbao, Spain – 1 star
- Fifty Seconds Martín Berasategui in Lisbon, Portugal – 1 star
He has published several books on gastronomy and has been a judge on the television show Top Chef. In 2020, Pavillon Ledoyen became the most star-rated independent establishment in the world with six Michelin stars under one roof. Pavyllon Mayfair in London opened in 2023.
Enrico Bartolini – 12 stars
The most starred chef in Italy, Enrico Bartolini is known for what he calls contemporary classic Italian cuisine. Bartolini also focuses on the nutritional element of his dishes and their visual appeal.
He was inspired to start cooking by visiting the kitchen at his uncle’s trattoria. Since then, the Tuscan chef has gone from strength to strength. Several of Bartolini’s proteges have gone on to attain Michelin stars which are run in partnership with him.
He trained with Massimiliano Alajmo, the youngest chef in history to be awarded three Michelin stars at 28 years old. Bertolini himself has been awarded numerous accolades, including the Ambasciatori del Gusto and Les Grandes Tables du Monde.
Enrico Bartolini Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Enrico Bartolini at Mudec in Milan – 3 stars
- Glam Restaurant at Palazzo Venart in Venice – 2 stars
- Locanda del Sant’ Uffizio Enrico Bartolini in Cioccaro – 2 stars
- Anima in Milan with chef Michele Cobuzzi – 1 star
- Casual in Bergamo – 1 star
- Il Fuocco Sacro in San Pantaleo, Sardinia – 1 star
- La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini in Badiola, Tuscany – 1 star
- Poggio Rosso in San Felice, Tuscany with chef Juan Quintero – 1 star
Anne-Sophie Pic – 10 stars
In her home country of France, Anne-Sophie Pic is a household name. She’s the only female chef in the world to hold ten Michelin stars including three for Maison Pic in Valence, France.
Pic was born in Valence in 1969. Her father, Jacques Pic, was a renowned chef and the son of André Pic who first earned 3 Michelin stars at Maison Pic.
Anne-Sophie began her career working in her father’s kitchen. She has received multiple awards including the prestigious Culinary Institute of America CIA Leadership Award. She was named a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2012.
Anne-Sophie Pic Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Maison Pic, Valence, France – 3 stars
- Anne-Sophie Pic au Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne, Switzerland – 2 stars
- La Dame de Pic – Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, UK – 2 stars
- La Dame de Pic – Le 1920, Megève, France – 1 star
- La Dame de Pic, Paris, France – 1 star
- La Dame de Pic, Singapore – 1 star
Umberto Bombana – 9 stars
Awarded “Worldwide Ambassador of the White Truffle” by the Piedmontese Regional Enoteca Cavour, Umberto Bombana is known as the king of white truffle.
This famous Italian born chef star began his culinary career working in the kitchen of a local restaurant at just 11 years old in order to earn pocket money. He then headed to the United States, where he cooked for celebrities such as Madonna at the now defunct Rex Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Bombana’s next move was to open his own restaurant, 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana in Hong Kong. The name was inspired by his favorite film director, Federico Fellini’s 1963 movie, 8 ½. It is adorned with paintings by Picasso and Andy Warhol.
The restaurant has been met with critical acclaim, and is often considered one of the best Italian restaurants in the world. In addition to his 3 Michelin stars, Bombana has also won numerous other awards, including the prestigious Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award.
Umberto Bombana Michelin Star Restaurants:
- 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo – Bombana, Hong Kong, China – 3 stars
- 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Shanghai, China – 2 stars
- Octavium – Hong Kong, China – 2 stars
- 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo – Bombana, Macau – 1 star
- Opera Bombana in Beijing, China – 1 star
Andreas Caminada – 8 stars
A renowned Michelin starred chef from Switzerland, Andreas Caminada is a proponent of sustainable cooking. In fact, he won the Sustainable Restaurant Award at the World’s Best Restaurants Awards 2019.
Caminada puts this philosophy into action at Schloss Schauenstein, a historic castle where he gained 3 Michelin stars in 2010 at the tender age of 33. This beautiful Swiss restaurant was also awarded one Michelin Green Star for Gastronomy and Sustainability.
Andreas Caminada’s cuisine is marked by its creativity and use of seasonal and local ingredients. He particularly likes to use Swiss apples and local fishes in his cooking.
Andreas Caminada Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Schloss Schauenstein – 3 stars
- IGNIV by Andreas Caminada at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz – 2 stars
- IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada – 2 stars
- IGNIV Bangkok – 1 star
Gordon Ramsay – 8 stars
Another renowned Michelin star chef is Gordon Ramsay. He is a Scottish chef, restaurateur, and television personality.
Gordon has been awarded a total of 16 Michelin stars over his career and who currently holds 7 Michelin stars across 4 of his restaurants.
Ramsay is well known for his work on the television show “Hell’s Kitchen.” His fiery manner and swearing is part of his public persona, however if you meet him as we have, he’s actually rather polite and friendly!
Gordon Ramsay Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, London – 3 stars
- Le Pressoir d’Argent Gordon Ramsay in Bordeaux, France – 2 stars
- Gordon Ramsay au Trianon in Versailles – 1 star
- Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay, London – 1 star
- Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay, London – 1 star
Yoshihiro Murata – 7 stars
Yoshihiro Murata is a Michelin starred chef who founded the Japanese Culinary Academy. Aiming to promote a global understanding of Japanese cooking and to inspire the next generation of Japanese chefs, this influential association organizes a Japanese Culinary Art Competition and Japanese Culinary Fellowship for chefs overseas.
Yoshihiro has won numerous awards for his culinary skills, and his restaurants have been consistently ranked as among the best in Japan. His cooking style blends the best of both French and Japanese cuisine, and his dishes are known for their delicate flavors and beautiful presentation.
Yoshihiro Murata Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Kikunoi Honten, Kyoto, Japan – 3 stars
- Akasaka Kikunoi, Tokyo, Japan – 2 stars
- Kikunoi Roan – Kyoto, Japan – 2 stars
Heston Blumenthal – 7 stars
Heston Blumenthal is a world-renowned Michelin starred chef who has exerted a considerable influence on modern gastronomy. He is the owner and head chef of The Fat Duck, a three-Michelin starred restaurant in Bray, Berkshire, England.
Blumenthal is known for his use of innovative scientific techniques in the kitchen and has been credited with raising the standards of British cuisine to new heights. He has also been awarded numerous accolades and was honoured with an OBE for services to British gastronomy in 2006.
In particular, he has popularized gastronomic alchemy and multi-sensory dining experiences. Blumenthal’s unusual flavor combinations such as egg and bacon ice cream are also legendary!
Heston Blumenthal Michelin Star Restaurants:
- The Fat Duck, Bray, UK – 3 stars
- Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, London – 2 stars
- Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Dubai – 1 star
- The Hind’s Head, Bray, UK – 1 star
Quique Dacosta – 7 stars
Starting out as a dishwasher in his hometown of Valencia, Spain, Quique Dacosta eventually made his way up to becoming a Michelin star chef. Dacosta is self-taught and a propenent of avant-garde Spanish cuisine.
Quique’s dishes are always changing, as he takes inspiration from nature and the seasons. He also has a commitment to using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, which makes his food even more delicious.
He has restaurants in Spain as well as Arroz QD in London, UK. We particularly like the wood-fired black ink rice with black cod there.
Quique Dacosta Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Quique Dacosta in Dénia, Spain – 3 stars
- Deessa in the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid with chef Guillermo Chávez – 2 stars
- El Poblet in Valencia, Spain – 2 stars – part of the Quique Dacosta group, with chef Luis Valls
Thomas Keller – 7 stars
Another contender for the best chef in the world is Thomas Keller. He currently holds the most Michelin stars of any chef in the United States.
Keller owns some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world, including The French Laundry in Yountville (3 stars) and Per Se in New York City (3 stars).
Keller has won numerous awards, including three Michelin stars. He is renowned for his attention to detail and his exacting standards.
Thomas Keller Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Per Se, New York City, USA – 3 stars
- The French Laundry, Yountville, USA – 3 stars
- The Surf Club Restaurant, Surfside, USA – 1 star
Heinz Beck – 6 stars
Heinz Beck is a Michelin starred chef who was born in 1963 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. He worked in several prestigious restaurants including Tristán in Mallorca and Tantris in Munich.
In 1994, Heinz moved to Rome to head up the kitchen at La Pergola, where he was awarded 3 Michelin stars. Heinz has also been awarded a number of other accolades including Three Forks from Gambero Rosso.
Heinz has authored a number of cookbooks including Best of Heinz Beck and Finger Food. He is also a co-founder of The Order of the Knights of Italian Cuisine.
Heinz Beck Michelin Star Restaurants:
- La Pergola, Rome, Italy – 3 stars
- St. George by Heinz Beck, Taormina, Italy – 2 stars (Salvatore Iuliano is at the helm).
- Gusto at Conrad Algarve, Almancil, Portugal – 1 star
Jordi Cruz – 6 stars
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, check out Jordi Cruz’s ABaC Restaurant & Hotel in Barcelona. You won’t be disappointed.
From the impeccable service to the modernist setting, everything about ABaC Restaurant & Hotel is designed to make your visit special. And of course, the food is out of this world. Chef Jordi Cruz creates masterful dishes that are both beautiful and delicious.
Cruz was born in Manresa, Spain in 1978. He started working in the kitchen of Estany Clar restaurant at just 14 years old and received his first Michelin star there when he was 24 years old.
Jordi took over ABaC Restaurant & Hotel in 2010 and was soon awarded a Michelin star. Since then, Jordi has gone on to win numerous other awards and accolades, solidifying his place as one of the best chefs in the world.
Jordi Cruz Michelin Star Restaurants:
- ABaC, Barcelona, Spain – 3 stars
- Angle, Barcelona, Spain – 2 stars
- Atempo, Barcelona, Spain – 1 star
Masahiro Yoshitake – 6 stars
Renowned for his sushi, Masahiro Yoshitake is one of the best Michelin star chefs in the world. He learnt to cook from his mother and started to make and pack his own lunchbox for school!
After extensive training, Yoshitake opened his first restaurant in 2004, Sushi Yoshitake in Tokyo. As there are only seven seats, you need to book well in advance to dine here.
Yoshitake’s food is creative and inventive, yet still grounded in tradition. You’ll be blown away by the intricate flavors and textures in his dishes.
Masahiro Yoshitake Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Sushi Yoshitake, Tokyo, Japan – 3 stars
- Sushi Shikon by Yoshitake in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – 3 stars
Paco Perez – 4 stars
Paco Perez is a Michelin starred chef who has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens. He started out aged just 12 by working at his family’s tapas bar.
From there, he went on to work with several famous chefs such as Michel Guèrard in France and Ferrán Adrià at El Bulli in Spain. He and his wife Montse Serra manage Miramar in the village of Llançà, which was formerly a lodging house built by her parents.
Paco is also Executive Chef at Enoteca Paco Perez, at Hotel Arts Barcelona. He is known for his inventive and modern cuisine, with a focus on sustainable seafood.
Paco Perez Michelin Star Restaurants:
- Enoteca Paco Pérez, Barcelona, Spain – 2 stars
- Miramar, Llançà, Spain – 2 stars
Seiji Yamamoto – 3 stars (normally 5 stars)
Born in Japan in 1970, Seiji Yamamoto is a Michelin starred chef who specializes in contemporary Japanese cuisine. After culinary studies, Yamamoto worked with acclaimed chef Hirohisa Koyama at Aoyagi.
In 2003, he opened his own restaurant, RyuGin, in Tokyo, which has since been awarded 3 Michelin stars. Yamamoto’s cooking is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, as well as its focus on seasonality and local ingredients.
He often uses traditional Japanese techniques to create unique flavor profiles that are at once familiar and unexpected. His signature dish is hamo eel soup.
Seiji Yamamoto Michelin Star Restaurants:
- NihonryoriRyuGin,Tokyo, Japan – 3 stars
- Shoun Ryugin, Taipei, Taiwan – 2 stars – TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Final Thoughts on the Best Chef in the World
While the debate over who is the best chef in the world is subjective, one thing is for sure – there are some amazing chefs out there with multiple Michelin stars. Whether you’re a foodie looking to add some new names to your list of must-try restaurants or simply curious about which chefs have achieved culinary greatness, we hope you’ve found this selection interesting.
Be sure to check out our other food articles for even more delicious insights!
We have carried out extensive research to put together this list of the most awarded Michelin star chefs. If you notice an anomaly, please let us know with a polite comment and we will update our article. Michelin Stars are awarded at different times of the year in each country and their list is constantly evolving.
Have you had the pleasure of dining at any of these restaurants?
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