The Michelin Guide officially expanded its culinary map on August 26, awarding its first-ever Southwest regional selection during an inaugural ceremony at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. According to the Michelin Media official announcement, the historic guide evaluated a total of 64 establishments spanning 24 distinct cuisine types across Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
Las Vegas Takes the Crown With Two Michelin Stars
Leading the inaugural honors was the Las Vegas dining institution Restaurant de Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand, which captured the night’s top recognition with two Michelin Stars. Michelin inspectors praised the ground-floor MGM Grand enclave for its Art Deco panache, aubergine velvet interiors, and an uncompromising menu featuring modern French creations alongside an extensive wine list.
One-Star Standouts Across the Desert Landscape
Four additional establishments across the Southwest earned one Michelin Star during the Las Vegas ceremony. Eponymous Las Vegas heavyweights dominated the starred tier, including the avant-garde counter experience é by José Andrés inside Jaleo at the Cosmopolitan, the opulent Guy Savoy Las Vegas at the Augustus tower of Caesars Palace, and the sleek L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. Expanding the geographic footprint beyond the Las Vegas Strip, Monte in South Salt Lake, Utah, also claimed a coveted one-star rating, establishing a notable culinary anchor for the state.
“As tonight marked our momentous return to Las Vegas, and more broadly the Southwest region, we were able to celebrate the dedication and passion of the outstanding restaurant communities throughout these four states,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, highlighting the rigorous anonymous inspector evaluations that spanned hidden gems and world-class destinations alike.
Beyond the Stars: Recommended Dining and Bib Gourmands
While the top-tier stars captured immediate attention, the broader 64-restaurant selection underscores a profound culinary diversity across the four-state territory. Regional mainstays such as Christopher Gross at Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix and Restaurant Martin in Santa Fe secured Michelin Recommended honors. Meanwhile, the Bib Gourmand category highlighted everyday value and local character, spotlighting Phoenix fixtures like Pizzeria Bianco and Valentine, alongside the mother-daughter-operated Yen Viet Kitchen in Las Vegas.
