Michelin Guide Expands to Cleveland and Great Lakes Cities

The prestigious restaurant review guide will evaluate dining scenes across the region starting in 2027.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:38pm

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The Michelin Guide, the renowned international restaurant review publication, announced it will expand its coverage to include the American Great Lakes region, bringing its team of anonymous inspectors to evaluate the dining scenes in Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Pittsburgh starting in 2027.

Why it matters

The arrival of the Michelin Guide is a major milestone for the culinary reputation of Cleveland and the surrounding Great Lakes cities. Michelin's coveted stars and other distinctions are seen as a global stamp of approval that can significantly boost a restaurant's profile and drive increased tourism and business. This expansion also signals the growing prominence and diversity of dining options in these Midwest metropolitan areas.

The details

Michelin's inspectors have already begun visiting the Great Lakes cities, dining anonymously to assess the quality of ingredients, cooking techniques, chef's vision, flavor harmony, and consistency. The results of their evaluations will be revealed in the first Michelin Guide American Great Lakes edition, set to launch in the first half of 2027. While Michelin does not guarantee any restaurants will receive stars, the mere inclusion in the guide is seen as a major honor that can significantly boost a restaurant's reputation and draw more customers.

  • Michelin announced the Great Lakes expansion in April 2026.
  • Michelin inspectors have already begun visiting the region and dining anonymously.
  • The first Michelin Guide American Great Lakes edition will launch in the first half of 2027.

The players

Gwendal Poullennec

International Director of the Michelin Guide, who stated the organization is "excited to finally be putting a stake in the ground in the Great Lakes region, spotlighting the talent and food cultures across these six great cities."

David Gilbert

President and CEO of Destination Cleveland, who said the Michelin Guide's arrival "offers an opportunity to attract new travelers and boost local restaurants' sales."

Jeremy Umansky

Owner of Larder restaurant in Ohio City, who said he "didn't think this would ever happen, could ever happen, in my lifetime."

Doug Katz

Operator of three Michelin-worthy restaurants in Cleveland, who believes the guide's inclusion will "further elevate the city's dining scene in the eyes of travelers."

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to finally be putting a stake in the ground in the Great Lakes region, spotlighting the talent and food cultures across these six great cities.”

— Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide

“While we don't know what restaurants will be honored with Michelin's recognition, we know that Cleveland's culinary scene will benefit from The Michelin Guide American Great Lakes edition.”

— David Gilbert, President & CEO of Destination Cleveland

“I didn't think this would ever happen, could ever happen, in my lifetime. It was a dream I gave up on years ago when I moved from New York to Cleveland, and seeing that it's happening here, now, is really fun and fantastic.”

— Jeremy Umansky, Owner of Larder restaurant

“I'm excited because I think that people from across the country, across the world, the people who visit University Circle... are going to use that guide to choose places because they know and trust it. This is another opportunity to grow Cleveland and to grow our scene.”

— Doug Katz, Operator of three Michelin-worthy restaurants

What’s next

The first Michelin Guide American Great Lakes edition is set to launch in the first half of 2027, revealing which restaurants in Cleveland and the surrounding region have earned the prestigious Michelin stars or other distinctions.

The takeaway

The arrival of the Michelin Guide in Cleveland and other Great Lakes cities represents a major milestone for the region's culinary reputation, offering an opportunity to attract more visitors and boost local restaurants. While the specific honors remain to be seen, the mere inclusion in the renowned guide is a significant achievement that can elevate these dining scenes on the national and global stage.