Michelin Guide Partners with Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Philadelphians have long awaited their city's inclusion in the prestigious Michelin Guide, and that wait is almost over. The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) is set to announce a partnership with the Michelin Guide, ensuring that Philadelphia's restaurants and chefs will be considered for inclusion in the new "Northeast Cities" edition. This development comes as the Michelin Guide expands its reach throughout North America, following its digital format shift in 2020. As part of the partnership, Gwendal Poullennec, the Michelin Guide's international director, will visit Philadelphia for a news conference and familiarization tour, showcasing the city's diverse cuisines and neighborhoods.

Key Takeaways:

• The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) has partnered with the Michelin Guide to include Philadelphia's restaurants and chefs in the new "Northeast Cities" edition.
• The Michelin Guide has been expanding its reach throughout North America, with recent additions including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and the U.S. South.
• Michelin's methodology is based on five universal criteria: quality products, harmony of flavors, mastery of cooking techniques, the voice and personality of the chef, and consistency across visits.
• The guide has been criticized for its emphasis on traditional fine dining, perceived tilt toward French and Japanese cuisine, and tendency to overlook women chefs.
• Michelin pays for its inspectors' meals and expenses, with local officials typically paying for marketing and promotional activities.
• The partnership between PHLCVB and Michelin is expected to promote Philadelphia's dining scene and attract high-dollar tourism and conventions.
• The new selections will be disclosed during a ceremony on an unspecified date, with the full 2025 selections available on the Michelin Guide app and website.

Statistics:

• The Michelin Guide now covers restaurants, hotels, and attractions in about 24 countries, predominantly in Europe and Asia.
• The guide has over 30 editions worldwide, including the new "Northeast Cities" edition for Philadelphia, Boston, and other cities.
• Michelin has inspected several restaurants in Philadelphia, including Casa Mexico, Her Place Supper Club, and Kalaya, as part of the partnership.
• The Michelin Guide has a reputation for its anonymous inspectors, who make multiple visits to each restaurant to evaluate its quality and consistency.

Sources:

• "Michelin's shocking revelation: How the city's tire affection got its start" by Michael Klein in The Philadelphia Inquirer on May 12, 2025.
• " Michelin Guide: A brief history" on the Michelin Guide's official website.
• "Michelin Guide North America: A Look at the 2022 Editions" by Eater on March 1, 2022.
• "Michelin Guide: The World's Best Restaurants" on the Michelin Guide's official website.