Announced on March 27, the latest is full of rising stars and a historic first.
While there was no movement among the eight restaurants previously awarded three stars, the second-highest echelon saw three establishments join the ranks. In Kyoto, and are the newest two-starred restaurants in Japan¡¯s ancient capital, while in Osaka, the hyper-seasonal cuisine of helped chef owner Masamitsu Hisano further bolster the fine-dining chops of Japan¡¯s street food mecca.
Overall, the two Kansai cities are now home to 27 two-starred restaurants, with 16 in Kyoto and 11 in Osaka.
The cities¡¯ one-starred restaurants now count 137 thanks to 10 new additions. At Kyoto¡¯s Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen, 29-year-old head chef Hana Yoon continues to impress with her culinary acumen and commitment to inclusive staff training that can be in short supply in Japan¡¯s fine-dining kitchens.
In Osaka, chef Willy Monroy has made history, earning Japan¡¯s first Michelin star for Mexican food at . It¡¯s an achievement Michelin International Director Gwendal Poullennec described as an example of how the region¡¯s gourmands are ¡°embracing new concepts.¡±
Aside from Michelin¡¯s traditional stars, two restaurants committed to ¡°eco-friendly driven initiatives¡± warranted the guide¡¯s attention with Green Stars. Already recognized as a Bib Gourmand location, has become the first ramen eatery in the world with a Green Star, and earned the same honor for its menu of self-cultivated, grown and harvested ingredients.
In total, 469 restaurants across Kyoto and Osaka are recommended in the 2025 guide.
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