The highly anticipated inaugural Michelin Guide Southwest was unveiled last night, August 26, at an event at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and four Las Vegas Strip restaurants were awarded coveted Michelin stars while three other local restaurants received Bib Gourmand designation.
Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand received two stars while Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace, é by José Andrés at the Cosmopolitan, and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (also at MGM) each received one star. Three of those four acclaimed fine dining destinations had previously been recognized with Michelin stars; é by José Andrés had not yet opened the last time the guide honored Las Vegas restaurants.
China Poblano at the Cosmopolitan—another José Andrés restaurant—along with James Trees’ Esther’s Kitchen in the Arts District and Yen Viet Kitchen in Chinatown received the coveted Bib Gourmand designation, which spotlights high quality with strong value.
Sean Christopher of Joël Robuchon received the Michelin Outstanding Service Award recognizing hospitality, and several other restaurants were categorized as “recommended” in the greater guide.
“Hosting the inaugural Michelin Guide Southwest ceremony was a proud moment for Las Vegas and a reflection of the city’s continued evolution as a global dining destination,” Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said in a statement. “It was an honor to celebrate the region’s culinary community alongside Las Vegas’ own innovative talent, whose ambition and excellence continue to elevate the Southwest’s profile on a global stage.”
The new guide was created to highlight the restaurants, chefs and hospitality professionals across Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
“In an ever-evolving and highly competitive culinary landscape, this recognition is especially meaningful,” Guy Savoy said in a statement. “A Michelin distinction is never earned by one person alone, and for more than 20 years, I have been fortunate to work with a talented and dedicated team that strives to create memorable experiences for our guests. We are honored that Michelin has recognized our commitment to excellence.”
“It is the thrill of a lifetime to be getting this recognition from Michelin for é and China Poblano,” José Andrés said in a statement. “As a boy I would stand outside the Michelin-starred restaurants of Barcelona and dream of what it would feel like to have stars…and today, with one new star for é and a Bib Gourmand for China Poblano, our incredible restaurant teams—the chefs and cooks, the somms and servers and dishwashers—have made many dreams come true.”
Las Vegas recommended restaurants in the Michelin Southwest Guide are: Anima by Edo, Bouchon, Cote Las Vegas, Estiatorio Milos, Gymkhana, Kabuto, Kame Omakase, Lamaii, Michael Mina, Mott 32, Partage, Pho Ga Bac Bac, Ping Pang Pong, SoulBelly BBQ, Sparrow & Wolf, Stubborn Seed and Wing Lei.
