Cleveland to be included in new Michelin Great Lakes guide

First Ohio city to be part of prestigious restaurant ratings

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen grid of a single iconic Cleveland food item, such as a pierogi or bratwurst, transformed into a vibrant pop art composition through the use of overlapping neon hues and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the city's culinary scene gaining international recognition.Michelin's expansion into Cleveland's dynamic dining scene will shine a global spotlight on the city's culinary creativity and regional food traditions.Cleveland Today

The Michelin Guide announced that Cleveland will be part of its new American Great Lakes regional guide, marking the first time an Ohio city will be included in Michelin's influential restaurant ratings. Michelin inspectors are already in the field dining anonymously, with the inaugural restaurant selections set to be revealed in 2027.

Why it matters

This move places Cleveland's dining scene on one of the world's most prestigious culinary stages, reflecting the growing national profile of food scenes beyond traditional coastal markets. Earning Michelin recognition can be a major boost for restaurants, driving increased visibility and patronage.

The details

The new regional Michelin Guide will cover six cities: Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Pittsburgh. This expansion reflects Michelin's efforts to spotlight dining destinations in the Midwest and Great Lakes region, beyond its initial focus on coastal markets like New York and California.

  • Michelin announced the new Great Lakes guide on April 8, 2026.
  • Michelin inspectors are currently dining anonymously in the region.
  • The inaugural Michelin restaurant selections for the Great Lakes guide will be revealed in 2027.

The players

Destination Cleveland

The city's tourism organization, whose president and CEO David Gilbert said Cleveland's "nationally recognized culinary scene is a hallmark of our visitor experience, and our chefs have earned the attention of the MICHELIN Guide."

Michelin Guide

The prestigious international restaurant rating system, which is expanding its coverage to include the Great Lakes region for the first time.

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What they’re saying

“Cleveland's nationally recognized culinary scene is a hallmark of our visitor experience, and our chefs have earned the attention of the MICHELIN Guide.”

— David Gilbert, President and CEO of Destination Cleveland

What’s next

Michelin inspectors will continue their anonymous dining visits across the Great Lakes region, with the first Michelin-starred restaurants in Cleveland and the other cities to be announced in 2027.

The takeaway

This Michelin expansion into the Midwest represents a significant milestone for Cleveland's dining scene, which will now gain global recognition and exposure on one of the world's most prestigious culinary stages. It also signals the growing importance of regional food cultures beyond the traditional coastal hubs.