Michelin stars incoming? Iconic culinary guide adds Southwest edition, including Arizona

PHOENIX — Arizona food enthusiasts have something to look forward to next year as Michelin announced Monday that its iconic culinary guide is adding a Southwest edition, that includes the Grand Canyon State, in 2026.

In addition to Arizona, the regional guide will cover Nevada, New Mexico and Utah as well.

“Our anonymous inspectors have been out in the field researching the culinary scene across the Southwest and have been eager to expand further into the region to share their discoveries with the world,” International Director of the Michelin Guide Gwendal Poullennec said in an announcement.

“We are excited to showcase the distinct cuisine styles that are representative of the culture throughout the Southwest, which blends a rich mix of traditions and culinary talent.”

Details on the Michelin Guide and its Southwest expansion

According to the announcement, the anonymous inspectors are already making reservations in order to find the Southwest’s hidden treasures.

The complete list of restaurants will be revealed during the annual 2026 Michelin Guide Southwest Ceremony. When the ceremony is to be held will be announced at a later date next year.

“Arizona’s food culture is rich and diverse, and the maverick artisans and chefs who keep pushing it forward deserve the chance to be recognized in the world’s most prestigious culinary guide,” Interim Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism Alix Skelpsa Ridgway said.

“The expansion of the MICHELIN Guide to Arizona not only shines a light on our very best restaurants and restaurateurs, it signifies to global travelers that a culinary journey through the Grand Canyon State is one well worth taking.”

The inspectors for the guide use five criterias to assess a restaurant quality. They include product quality, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine and consistency over time as well as across the entire menu.

There are a variety of categories restaurants can be designated under in the guide. There are Michelin stars which restaurants can be awarded one, two or three depending on how they meet the above criteria.

In addition, there is the Bib Gourmand which identifies eateries that serve good quality food for a good value. There is also the Michelin Green Star which recognizes establishments that are leaders in sustainable gastronomy.

Guide inspectors are able to give special professional awards and recommend restaurants as well.

The Michelin Guide was first published and sold in France in 1920, but it didn’t start awarding stars to restaurants until 1926. The hierarchy for the stars was then introduced in 1931 and the starred rankings criteria was published in 1936.

The first North American guide was announced in 2005 for New York. Since then, there have been 14 guides added including ones for Chicago, Washington D.C., California, Florida, Colorado, Atlanta, Texas, Boston and Philadelphia.

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