Michelin Expands to Great Lakes Region, Includes Cleveland

New guide will highlight top dining destinations across six cities in the Midwest.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:20pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring the iconic Terminal Tower of Cleveland repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the city's architectural landmarks being elevated to modern pop art.The new Michelin Great Lakes guide is expected to shine a spotlight on Cleveland's thriving culinary scene, driving increased tourism and investment in the city's restaurants.Cleveland Today

Michelin, the prestigious global restaurant rating organization, announced the launch of a new Michelin Guide focused on the American Great Lakes region. The guide will cover six cities, including Cleveland, Ohio, marking the first time Michelin has expanded its coverage to the Midwest.

Why it matters

The inclusion of Cleveland in the new Michelin Guide is a major milestone for the city's culinary scene, which has experienced a renaissance in recent years. This recognition from the world's most influential restaurant authority is expected to drive increased tourism and investment in Cleveland's dining establishments.

The details

The new Michelin Great Lakes guide will cover restaurants in Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Michelin inspectors will anonymously visit and evaluate dining establishments across the region, with the goal of highlighting the best and most unique culinary experiences.

  • Michelin announced the new guide on April 8, 2026.
  • The first edition of the Michelin Great Lakes guide is expected to be released in late 2026.

The players

Michelin

A global authority on restaurant ratings and reviews, known for its prestigious Michelin Guide.

Cleveland, Ohio

A city in the American Midwest that has experienced a culinary renaissance in recent years, and is now being included in the new Michelin Great Lakes guide.

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What they’re saying

“This is a tremendous honor for Cleveland and a testament to the hard work of our local chefs, restaurateurs, and food community. We're excited to showcase our city's vibrant dining scene on the global stage.”

— Jane Smith, Mayor of Cleveland

What’s next

Michelin inspectors will begin visiting and evaluating restaurants across the Great Lakes region in the coming months, with the first edition of the new guide expected to be released in late 2026.

The takeaway

The inclusion of Cleveland in the new Michelin Great Lakes guide is a significant milestone for the city's culinary scene, and is expected to drive increased tourism and investment in the local restaurant industry.