The U.S. culinary scene shines with the new selection from the Michelin Guide. New York leads the list, while Jungsik, specializing in high-end Korean cuisine, stands out as the only new restaurant to achieve the top distinction of three stars. Explore all the highlights and the diversity of culinary styles celebrated.

On Monday night (9th), the prestigious Michelin Guide unveiled its 2024 edition of starred restaurants in three of the most significant cities for American gastronomy: New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. This new selection brought significant changes, new additions, and reaffirmed the guide’s commitment to celebrating creativity, innovation, and the diversity of flavors each city has to offer.

With 12 new starred restaurants in New York, two in Washington, and one in Chicago, this year’s edition is marked by a balance between tradition and culinary boldness. More than just numbers, the list reflects global trends such as a focus on sustainable menus, innovative techniques, and the revival of authentic flavors reinterpreted with mastery.

New York, a city known for its cultural diversity and relentless pursuit of excellence, was the major highlight in the Michelin Guide for 2024. In total, 12 new restaurants earned stars, further solidifying the metropolis’ status as one of the world’s most important culinary capitals.

Among the additions, the biggest highlight was Jungsik, which was promoted to the guide’s highest category: three Michelin stars. Located in the elegant Tribeca neighborhood, this Korean restaurant is led by chef-owner Yim Jung Sik, considered a pioneer of high-end Korean cuisine, and executive chef Daeik Kim. The restaurant’s concept goes beyond simple dishes: it is an immersive culinary experience where modern techniques are applied to traditional Korean ingredients, resulting in unique creations that surprise the palate and the senses.

Michelin critics highlighted Jungsik’s tasting menu, praising the originality and flawless execution of the dishes. The restaurant now joins an exclusive group of three-starred New York addresses, alongside Eleven Madison Park (chef Daniel Humm), Le Bernardin (chef Eric Ripert), Per Se (chef Thomas Keller), and Masa (chef Masayoshi Takayama), all globally renowned.

In addition to Jungsik, three New York restaurants were promoted to two stars, reinforcing the dynamic nature of the local scene:

• César: Located in Hudson Square and led by chef César Ramirez, this contemporary restaurant is known for its artistic approach and the integration of global ingredients into visually stunning dishes.
• Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare: One of New York’s best-kept secrets, this restaurant is hidden behind a convenience store in Hell’s Kitchen and offers an intimate, sophisticated experience, led by chefs Max Natmessnig and Marco Prins.
• Sushi Sho: Situated near the New York Public Library, this Japanese restaurant stands out for its technical precision and the mastery of chef Keiji Nakazawa, offering a refined interpretation of Japanese cuisine.

Another eight restaurants received their first Michelin stars, reinforcing the city’s gastronomic diversity. They are:

• Bar Miller
• Café Boulud
• Corima
• La Bastide by Andrea Calstier
• Joo Ok
• Nōksu
• Shota Omakase
• YingTao

In total, the New York selection for the Michelin Guide 2024 includes an impressive 385 restaurants, representing 62 different types of cuisine, ranging from classic French and Italian to contemporary innovations and regional traditions from Asian, Latin American, and African cultures.

The U.S. capital, known for its constantly evolving culinary scene, gained two new starred restaurants in the 2024 edition. These new recognitions reinforce Washington’s culinary diversity and its relevance as a gastronomic destination for both tourists and residents.

Mita, located in the vibrant Shaw neighborhood, was one of the highlights. Focused on vegetarian cuisine with Latin American influences, the restaurant is led by chefs Tatiana Mora and Miguel Guerra. The duo draws inspiration from the flavors and ingredients of Brazil, Bolivia, and Colombia to create a tasting menu that celebrates sustainability and innovation. Each dish is carefully crafted to highlight the potential of vegetables as the main protagonists, combining refined technique with creativity.

Another restaurant that made its debut in the Michelin Guide was Omakase at Barrack’s Row, located in Capitol Hill. Led by chef Yi “Ricky” Wang, the restaurant offers a unique experience, based on the Japanese tradition of otsumami (snacks served with alcohol) and the tasting of nigiris. Attention to detail and dedication to the quality of ingredients are central elements of the concept.

Washington, D.C. now has 116 Michelin-recognized restaurants, representing 37 types of cuisine. In the city, The Inn at Little Washington remains the only three-star restaurant, while Jônt and minibar maintain their two stars.

In Chicago, Cariño, located in the Uptown neighborhood, was the only new restaurant to receive a Michelin star in the 2024 edition. Led by chef Norman Fenton, Cariño offers an innovative take on Mexican cuisine, with tasting menus that blend traditions and modern techniques. One of the restaurant’s highlights is the omakase of tacos, an audacious approach that transforms an iconic dish of Mexican culture into a high-sophistication gastronomic experience.

Chicago remains one of the most respected gastronomic hubs in the United States. The city now has 112 restaurants listed in the guide, covering 35 types of cuisine. Highlights such as Alinea and Smyth maintained their three stars, while Ever and Oriole continue with two stars. Additionally, 15 restaurants earned one star, one boasts a green star for sustainable practices, 38 received the Bib Gourmand (great value for money), and 55 were included as “recommended.”

The 2024 edition of the Michelin Guide reaffirms the role of major U.S. cities as leading players in the global gastronomic scene. The guide highlights trends that have been gaining momentum, such as the appreciation for sustainability, a focus on plant-based menus, and the fusion of modern techniques with cultural traditions.

For chefs and restaurants, the Michelin Guide recognition is not just a seal of excellence, but also an opportunity to connect with a global audience and elevate culinary standards. With the inclusion of new restaurants and the continued recognition of established icons, the guide continues to celebrate the diversity and creativity that make American cuisine unique and indispensable for food lovers.