1, 2 or 3? Michelin star restaurant rating system is coming to Quebec
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Some Quebec restaurants are getting secretive visits from discerning diners, as the iconic Michelin star restaurant rating system has arrived in the province.
In a joint press release on Thursday with the Quebec Tourism Industry Alliance, Michelin announced the launch of Michelin Guide Quebec.
The release states that the Michelin Guide will be touring the province and “the first Michelin Guide Quebec selection will be revealed in 2025, and it will feature culinary gems throughout the province.”
Quebec will be the guide’s third Canadian market, after Toronto and Vancouver.
Inspectors review restaurants anonymously and award a Michelin star for excellence in food, drinks and service. A restaurant can earn up to three stars, widely considered the highest honour any restaurant can achieve. Inspectors conduct multiple visits before a rating is issued.
They also issue Bib Gourmand ratings for establishments that serve good food at more affordable prices.
Michelin-starred restaurants in Canada include Sushi Masaki Saito in Toronto — the only one in the country with two stars — and Barbara in Vancouver.
The first Michelin guide was published in France at the turn of the 20th century. The first North American Guide came out in 2005 for New York City.
Tipping is ingrained in North American restaurant culture, and some customers feel the pressure to tip more, and more often, is growing. But some establishments have decided things work better — including for their employees — if tips are off the menu.
