Food is one of the best ways to get a feel for a new destination. You can find some great eats, if you know where to look. And most experienced travelers know you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well on vacation. Most people on a budget think that they’re exlcuded from eating at Michelin-starred restaurants, but surprisingly, that’s not the case. Just because you don’t have the cash to spend at the most expensive restaurant in the world doesn’t mean you can’t taste critically acclaimed food. Michelin stars have been awarded to restaurants across price ranges. A study conducted by Money.co.uk, a product comparison service, found the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world — useful if you like to plan trips around where to eat but want to be frugal. Just remember that when it comes to Michelin-starred restaurants, cheap is relative. You might not be spending $500, but you’ll still have to shell out some serious cash.
These Are the 11 Cheapest Michelin-Starred Restaurants in the World
The third cheapest Michelin star restaurant included in the study is Nakashima in Hiroshima, Japan, with the set menu running you $142. Nakashima serves kaiseki cuisine, a tasting menu often served at Japanese tea ceremonies. The restaurant is located in the affluent Hakushima district. In second place is Lung King Heen in Four Seasons Hong Kong. The set menu is priced for two people, averaging at about $126 per person. The Cantonese restaurant is known for their delicious seafood and dim sum. And finally, the least expensive restaurant on the list is King’s Joy in Beijing, China. For $110 you’ll get to eat lots of fusion vegetarian options in a transformed courtyard house with a glass-roofed dining room.
The cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world
- King’s Joy: Beijing, China, $110
- Lung King Heen: Hong Kong, $126
- Nakashima – Hiroshima, Japan, $142
- Restaurant Überfahrt: Rottach-Egern, Germany, $161
- Kikunoi Honten: Kyoto, Japan, $165
- Dal Pescatore: Canneto sull’Oglio, Italy, $165
- Kashiwaya: Osaka, Japan, $181
- Restaurant Gordon Ramsay: London, UK, $184
- Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester: London, UK, $184
- Kei: Paris, France, $187
- Reale: Castel di Sangro, Italy, $187
Given these prices, it’s fair to say that although these aren’t the most expensive Michelin star restaurants in the world, it doesn’t mean they won’t cost you a pretty penny, so if you want to give one a try, be sure to carve out some cash within your budget. You may end up having a meal you’ll never forget. 