Michelin Guide 2026: Hong Kong Gains Momentum

Last week, the Michelin Guide unveiled its new rankings in Macau, China, honoring promising young talents and established chefs. Held at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, this edition marked the Guide’s 18th year in Hong Kong and Macau, and the 100th anniversary of the Michelin star. In total, 77 establishments were recognized in Hong Kong: 57 received one star, 13 received two stars, and 7 earned the supreme distinction of three stars.

Despite recurring criticism of the harsh working conditions in the industry, this edition highlighted several new star-rated restaurants, with four establishments in Hong Kong and Macau: China Tang, Sushi Takeshi, Palace Garden, and Don Alfonso 1980. While these establishments earned their first star and joined the region’s top restaurants, others confirmed their rise with a second star. This is the case for the renowned Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, located in the Central district, which stands out as one of the city’s most accomplished French restaurants.

For its part, Joël Robuchon’s Atelier in Hong Kong is back in the running following a recent renovation, reaffirming the excellence of French cuisine. With this new distinction, Chef Anne-Sophie Pic of Valence now holds a total of eleven stars and solidifies her title as the most-starred woman in the world, spread across six international establishments.

Seven restaurants maintain their place in the very exclusive circle of three stars: 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo – Bombana, Amber, Caprice, Forum, Sushi Shikon, Ta Vie, and T'ang Court.

“Our inspectors were particularly impressed by the consistency, innovation, and diversity of these two dynamic cities. Some renowned restaurants, even after relocating, have managed to preserve their traditional flavors, while others, following renovations, have re-entered the MICHELIN Guide, thereby attesting to their excellence,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.

Several individual awards were also presented: Chef Kim Gwan-Ju of Sol restaurant received the Young Chef Award; Jenny Ye, of The Huaiyang Garden, received the Service Award; Frenchwoman Floriane Hureau, of Caprice (three Michelin stars), received the Sommelier Award; and finally, Chef Paul Lau Ping Lui, of Tin Lung Heen, received the Mentor Chef Award, presented for the first time in Hong Kong and Macau to recognize the transmission of expertise and guidance toward excellence.

In addition, five restaurants retain their Michelin Green Star, distinguished by their commitment to the future of gastronomy and their desire to evolve the role of restaurants. This label was awarded to the restaurants Amber, Feuille, Mora, and Roganic in Hong Kong, as well as the educational restaurant UTM in Monaco.

Another sign of the city’s dynamism is that Hong Kong will host the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony for the first time on March 25, bringing together more than a thousand professionals and international media representatives. Often considered one of Asia’s gastronomic capitals, it is part of an ultra-dynamic market:

in China, the Food & Beverage (F&B) sector grew by an average of 7.7% annually between 2020 and 2024, valuing the market at approximately 1 trillion yuan (or $140 billion) in 2024.