Boston-area restaurants are celebrating a historic milestone following their debut inclusion in the Michelin Guide, marking a significant moment for the city’s culinary scene. On March 15, 2024, the Guide announced its first-ever list featuring restaurants from Boston, with Sumiao Hunan Kitchen in Cambridge earning the prestigious Bib Gourmand distinction, awarded to establishments that serve “great food at a great value.”
Owner Sumiao Chen expressed her gratitude to her team after they received the Bib Gourmand designation at a ceremony held in Philadelphia. Chen recalled the tense moments before the announcement, saying, “Me and my chef were shaking, saying, ‘Hey, we are not included. We are not included.'” When their restaurant was named as the final honoree from Boston, she dropped her phone in disbelief and encouraged her chef, “Let’s go. We need to go on the stage.”
Recognition for Local Eateries
In total, six Massachusetts restaurants received the Bib Gourmand honor. Alongside Sumiao Hunan Kitchen, Bar Volpe and Fox & The Knife from Boston were recognized, while Jahunger, Pagu, and Mahaniyom from Brookline added to the list. Notably, another Boston establishment, 311 Omakase, earned a Michelin star, becoming the first and only restaurant in the city to achieve this prestigious recognition.
This inaugural inclusion in the Michelin Guide for Boston is a result of a partnership announced in May 2023 between Meet Boston and the Cambridge Office for Tourism. The collaboration aimed to showcase the city’s vibrant culinary landscape to a global audience. Anonymous inspectors working for the Michelin Guide scoured the region’s restaurants over the past year, ensuring a thorough and impartial evaluation process.
A New Chapter for Boston’s Culinary Landscape
The Michelin Guide has a storied history of recommending restaurants, initially beginning its journey in France over a century ago. In recent years, it has expanded its reach to include major cities across the United States. Boston’s inclusion represents a new chapter in the city’s culinary narrative, which is expected to attract attention from food enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Looking forward, Michelin will send its inspectors back to the awarded establishments over the next year to determine if they will maintain their status in the guide. This ongoing evaluation underscores the importance of consistency and quality in the ever-evolving restaurant industry.
The 2024 Michelin Guide not only highlights the exceptional culinary talent present in Boston but also sets the stage for future growth and recognition within the global dining community. As local chefs and restaurateurs celebrate this achievement, the excitement around Boston’s culinary offerings is poised to flourish, drawing even more food lovers to the city.
