Czechia enters culinary league of champions
Czechia will be among the European countries with its own MICHELIN guide this year. The new selection will feature establishments from across the country – from fine dining restaurants to traditional establishments that build on local ingredients and honest cuisine.
„The cooperation with MICHELIN Guide opens a new chapter in building the image of Czechia as a destination that, in addition to historical monuments, natural beauty and a wide range of opportunities for active relaxation, also excels in top gastronomy. The MICHELIN Guide award is a globally recognised symbol of culinary excellence and its presence in Czechia will help raise international awareness of our cuisine. It will also attract a discerning clientele who appreciate quality, innovation and local ingredients. We are glad that Czechia has been given this opportunity and we will definitely make full use of it in our campaigns, says Director of the Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism František Reismüller.
MICHELIN Guide: a guarantee of quality, passion and honesty
Anonymous inspectors evaluate restaurants according to strict international criteria. They award MICHELIN stars – one, two or three – as well as the prestigious Bib Gourmand to establishments with great food at a reasonable price. The MICHELIN Green Star honors a community of dedicated chefs who are transforming gastronomy through innovative practices.
Gastronomy as a tourism driver
According to VISA data, nearly a quarter of all spending by foreign tourists in Czechia in 2023 will be on gastronomy, with 80% of that on eating out in restaurants. During the week, tourists spent the most on food in the summer season. Their weekend spending was then stable throughout the year.
Traveling for gastronomy is one of the world's trends, and Czechia boasts a rich and diverse gastronomic scene that combines traditional Czech flavors with influences from neighboring countries and international trends. It features hearty dishes made from local ingredients – from game and fish from local waters to seasonal vegetables and forest fruits, complemented not only by legendary Czech beer but also quality Moravian and Czech wine.
„Although most people think of the term „Michelin restaurant“ as only the most expensive establishments, the prestigious award is also given by inspectors to establishments with affordable cuisine. They are often awarded to establishments that cook with local ingredients and bring joy and authenticity. This is exactly in line with the philosophy of CzechTourism and sustainable tourism,“ adds Director of Product Management, Research and B2B Cooperation Department Tereza Hofmanová.
Partnership with MICHELIN Guide
Czechia's three-year partnership with MICHELIN Guide was launched this year. On the basis of this cooperation, inspectors will compile an electronic version of the guide each year with a selection of the best domestic restaurants and the MICHELIN Guide will manage and update the Czech section on the https://guide.michelin.com/cz/en website. The agreement also includes content creation, including articles and paid social media campaigns. Last but not least, a promotional video showcasing Czech gastronomy was created. The total value of the three-year cooperation is EUR 1 350 000.
The move puts Czechia alongside culinary destinations such as France, Italy, Spain and Slovenia, where the MICHELIN Guide supports the development of culinary travel.
A New Era of Czech Gastronomy
The presentation of the new guidebook will take place in Mariánské Lázně with the participation of about two hundred guests. This will bring to a close a year full of expectations and discoveries. Czech gastronomy will enter a new era – with greater self-confidence, prestige and a desire to show the world that Czechia tastes great.