Famed Chicago Restaurant Alinea Loses Prized Michelin Star
Being awarded even one Michelin star, much less three, is prized in the restaurant industry.
"Put simply, we award MICHELIN Stars to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. And what is 'outstanding cooking?'" the Michelin Guide explains. "We take into account five universal criteria: ingredient quality, harmony of flavors, the mastery of culinary techniques, how the chef’s personality shines through their cuisine and, crucially, consistency across the entire menu and over time. An incredible meal could be a one-off experience. We’re after those restaurants that deliver the same standard every time."
But losing a Michelin star is noticed as well. That's what happened to a famed Chicago restaurant called Alinea. Crain's Chicago Business, in a November 19 article, describes Alinea as "the crown jewel of Chicago’s fine-dining scene," before noting that the restaurant "lost one of its prized Michelin stars last week."
The restaurant fell from three Michelin stars to two. How big of a deal is it for a restaurant to have three Michelin stars? "There are only 14 three-starred restaurants in North America," reported WTTW.
Losing a Michelin Star Was Described as a 'Rare Experience'
According to Crain's, it's a "rare experience" for a three-star restaurant to loss a Michelin star.
WTTW described Alinea as "the legendary and influential restaurant opened by Grant Achatz 20 years ago."
There are 20 restaurants in Chicago with Michelin stars, the television station reported, and two are new: Felt, which has one star, and Kasama, which has two, WTTW reported.
Achatz addressed the star demotion on Instagram, writing, "We were disappointed to learn of our @michelinguide demotion to two stars. For 20 years, Alinea has been devoted to pushing creativity, rigor, and the pursuit of perfection in our craft. That commitment remains as unwavering today as it was on day one, and will continue until the back door of 1723 locks for the last time."
He added: "Congratulations to all the 2025 MICHELIN Guide recipients. Your dedication, talent, and hospitality continue to elevate our industry."
The Michelin Guide subsequently confirmed the news, telling Chicago Eater: "Ahead of this year’s Northeast Cities ceremony, the Michelin Guide has announced Alinea, the Inn at Little Washington, and Masa will receive two Michelin stars in the 2025 selection. The chefs and teams at these restaurants have been informed ahead of the ceremony.” That publication noted that Alinea had three stars since 2011.
Alinea had received some mixed reviews recently from prominent publications.The New York Times questioned whether the restaurant was as relevant as it used to be.
The Michelin Guide Explains That It Reassesses the Restaurants Awarded Michelin Stars
The Michelin Guide explains that Michelin stars aren't necessarily permanent. "In addition to scouring the globe for new Star-worthy spots, we reassess existing Star restaurants to ensure they continue to serve diners the same excellent standard of cooking year after year," the site explains.
The Guide adds, "All decisions are made by MICHELIN Guide Inspectors who travel the globe, from bustling metropolises to off-the-beaten-path rural destinations. They are all full-time employees and former restaurant and hospitality professionals."
The Guide notes, "We make our Guides for our readers, so if we feel the cooking at a restaurant is no longer at the same level that it was, then we would not re-award the Star the following year."