Toronto received its recognition earlier this year, and now Vancouver will be the second Canadian destination for the famed Michelin Guide.

The first selection will be unveiled in the fall, with anonymous inspectors awarding Michelin stars (one, two, or three) to select restaurants and professionals. Expect to see the Bib Gourmand selection, which puts a spotlight on restaurants that are offering good food at reasonable prices.

The Michelin Green Star will be awarded to restaurants leading in sustainable gastronomy.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Michelin Guide to Canada’s west coast and shine a spotlight on all that Vancouver has to offer,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides. “Our inspectors are already exploring Vancouver. They are eagerly diving into its wide variety of cuisines, prepared with high-quality products and served in warm, casual atmospheres. Vancouver is celebrated by international travellers for its artistic vibe and a multifaceted identity, from impressive buildings to outdoor spaces, and we’re pleased to focus on its very promising culinary potential.”

“We’re so delighted that Vancouver is now a culinary destination for aspiring young chefs who want to train under the guidance of Michelin-starred restaurant teams,” said Royce Chwin, president and CEO of Destination Vancouver. “The fusion of flavors and cultures, influences from the Pacific Rim threaded throughout, and the abundance of the freshest ingredients from the ocean and land, makes the dining experience in Vancouver something very special.”

The methodology is based on five universal criteria:

  • Quality products
  • The harmony of flavours
  • The mastery of cooking techniques
  • The personality of the chef in the cuisine
  • The consistency between each visit (each restaurant receives multiple inspections a year)