Switzerland gains new Michelin-star restaurants

Switzerland now has 118 restaurants with at least one star, according to the 2018 Michelin Guide, meaning the small Alpine nation boasts the highest density of Michelin stars per resident in Europe.

This year Switzerland still has three restaurants with three stars: the “B. Violier – Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville” in Crissier, canton Vaud, the “Schloss Schauenstein” in Fürstenau, canton Graubünden, and the “Cheval Blanc” in Basel.

Two new two-star restaurants in eastern Switzerland were recently added to the growing list: the “Einstein Gourmet” in St Gallen and the “Taverne zum Schäfli” in Wigoltingen, canton Thurgau.

Fourteen new restaurants were awarded one star in the new Swiss edition; there are now a total of 96 dotted across the country.

Over the past ten years, the number of Swiss restaurants awarded Michelin stars has risen by 40%.

The red Michelin restaurant guide is published annually in 28 countries. Worldwide only around 100 restaurants have three Michelin stars. Japan has the most, followed by France and the United States.

The guide uses its own rating system to grade restaurants on their quality. It was originally created in 1900 to show French drivers where local restaurants and mechanics were located, initially using a single star in 1926; two and three stars were introduced in 1933.

According to the Michelin Guide, one star signifies “a very good restaurant”, two stars are “excellent cooking that is worth a detour”, and three stars mean “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey”.