Michelin Returns to Las Vegas After 17-Year Hiatus, Awarding Stars in New Southwest Guide

Key points

• Michelin awarded one star to L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Restaurant Guy Savoy, and É by José Andrés in Las Vegas.
• Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas was the only restaurant to receive two stars in the new guide.
• No Arizona restaurants received stars, though seven earned Bib Gourmand and 12 were recommended.
• Monte in South Salt Lake, Utah, earned the state’s first Michelin star.
• Sean Christopher of Joël Robuchon received the Michelin Service Award for hospitality.

Background

Las Vegas previously received Michelin guides in 2008 and 2009, with Joël Robuchon holding the sole three-star rating before the guide was discontinued. The 2026 return is part of a broader expansion into the American Southwest, following similar regional guides in Atlanta and Boston.

How outlets are covering it

Eater Vegas emphasized the historic return of stars to Las Vegas and the specific winners, noting the absence of three-star ratings. Arizona outlets, including The Arizona Republic and Phoenix New Times, focused on the lack of starred restaurants in their state, highlighting instead the Bib Gourmand and special awards won by local chefs like Charleen Badman and Rene Andrade. Axios highlighted Utah’s breakthrough with Monte’s first star, contrasting it with the broader regional context. All sources agreed on the five starred restaurants but differed in emphasis: Eater focused on Las Vegas, Arizona outlets on local recognition without stars, and Axios on Utah’s milestone.

Why it matters

The return of Michelin to Las Vegas signals a renewed focus on high-end dining in the region, potentially boosting tourism and restaurant revenue. The new Southwest category expands Michelin’s reach into previously uncovered areas, influencing dining trends across Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The absence of stars in Arizona may prompt local chefs to refine their offerings, while Utah’s first star could elevate its culinary profile nationally.

What to watch

Restaurants in the newly covered regions may see increased bookings and media attention. Michelin may expand its coverage to additional states or introduce new categories, such as wine regions, as hinted by international director Gwendal Poullennec. Local chefs without stars may aim for future recognition, while starred venues will likely face heightened demand and scrutiny.