Why There Are No Michelin Star Restaurants in Maine

For quite some time now, Maine has been on the map as a food scene worth visiting. Portland has been the shining star but several other restaurants from Kennebunkport to the midcoast have set themselves apart and have become must-visit destinations.

Many restaurants and chefs in Maine have been nominated and won James Beard awards for their excellence as well. And yet, if you search how many Michelin star restaurants Maine has, you'll come back with a shocking answer. None.

There Are Currently Zero Michelin Star Restaurants in New England

Some of the biggest cities in the country like Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago all have more than 20 restaurants that have been awarded at least one Michelin star. But you won't find a single Michelin starred restaurant in Boston or any other New England city. What gives?

According to MassLive, it's because the 'Michelin Inspectors' simply haven't made their way to any New England culinary hotspots. Not Boston nor Portland. Michelin acknowledged that there are likely some very deserving restaurants of a Michelin star in the region but there doesn't seem to be much movement in getting a set of inspectors to New England.

The Reason a Michelin Star is So Important For a Restaurant

While the reasoning behind the lack of Michelin starred restaurants in Maine is frustrating, there's a reason why so many restaurants want the coveted honor.

Just like a James Beard award, receiving a Michelin star is comparable to winning a Grammy award in music. It puts that restaurant on an international stage and sets it up to become a true destination for any culinary purveyor. Restaurants don't need it to be incredibly successful but they want it as an achievement.

Will Michelin Ever Make Their Way to Maine?

According to MassLive, it's possible but there doesn't seem to be a rush on the Michelin side. Each year, new restaurants are chosen for Michelin stars but they consistently are chosen in the same handful of cities across the country.

There are several deserving restaurants throughout Maine that could be the first to break through the wall. But only if Michelin sends their inspectors to Vacationland in 2025.