MICHELIN Guide: Czechia in the elite sixteen of the world's gastronomy for 2026

Česko jako nová hvězda světové gastronomie 

In the current selection The Best Places to Travel in 2026 for Food Lovers. A major role in this shift is played by the first ever MICHELIN Guide for Czechia, which has expanded the interest of inspectors far beyond Prague and directed their attention to the regions. 

The recommendation features  South Moravia, where natural scenery combines with wine-making tradition and honest local ingredients. A significant role in the selection is also played by Karlovy Vary, the iconic spa town UNESCO-listed Grandhotel Pupp, whose atmosphere, according to the author of the article has also been reflected in the film world – became the inspiration for the film Grand Budapest Hotel. Recommendations also go to Southern and Central Bohemia, which besides gastronomy offer a network of historic towns along rivers, markets or cycle paths.And there are housing tips. 

„The inclusion of Czechia among the 16 most attractive gastronomic destinations in the world for 2026 is an extraordinary international recognition. It confirms that our cuisines, regions and chefs now belong on the global gastronomy map. Visitors no longer travel only for sights, but above all for authentic tastes and stories of places, and this is what the Czech Republic offers in an increasingly strong and confident form, says František Reismüller, Director of the Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism and adds: „The MICHELIN brand was brought to Czechia thanks to the long-term work of the CzechTourism agency. It is a strategic investment that will pay off many times over. We will continue to systematically use this potential to promote our beautiful country internationally.“ 

In the company of world icons 

In this year's MICHELIN Guide selection, Czechia features alongside world gastronomic leaders and destinations that set global trends – From Venice and the Amalfi Coast to the Dolomites, Wroclaw and Cappadocia to Québec, Vancouver and the American South. All of these locations are united by a strong gastronomic identity, the growing ambition of local cuisines and the increasingly strong link between gastronomy and the travel experience. 

Michelin 2025 Guide for Czechia – a historic milestone of domestic gastro 

In December 2025, the first nationwide MICHELIN Guide for Czechia was unveiled in Mariánské Lázně. The result is the first ever independent national selection that systematically maps the gastronomic scene of the entire country and clearly confirms the growing international reputation of Czech cuisine. The guide includes 79 restaurants, more than three dozen of which have won some of the prestigious awards: 

• 1 two-star restaurant (1 of which is new) 

• 8 one-star restaurants (including 6 new ones) 

• 18 restaurants with Bib Gourmand (including 15 new ones) 

• 4 restaurants with Green Star (all 4 new) 

Mezinárodní srovnání 

The results of the first Czech selection stand up very well in the international context. Compared to European countries that have a similar number of award-winning companies Poland, Hungary, Slovenia or Croatia, Czechia performs extremely strongly. While Slovenia has had a national selection since 2020, in Hungary, as well as in Poland inspectors have been awarding businesses since 2023 and in Croatia even since 2017. The Czech Republic only joined the system last year and immediately became a respected gastronomic destination. 

The positive impacts are confirmed by the restaurants themselves 

Current feedback from the Czech gastronomic scene confirms that Czechia's entry into the world of MICHELIN has had an almost immediate effect. CzechTourism Agency reached out to award-winning restaurants (including those in Prague that have won the award in the past) asking how the MICHELIN Guide for Czechia 2025 has affected their visitor numbers. So far, more than half of them have responded and 18 establishments have already seen an increase in the number of bookings and growing guest interest. 

Exceptional atmosphere online too 

CzechTourism Agency currently posts on its social media profiles (Facebook, LinkedIn) publishes short video clips that recall the unique atmosphere of the gala, including authentic statements from some of the award-winning chefs.  

By 2026 Czechia enters as one of the world's most exciting gastronomic destinations – a country that combines tradition with modern cuisine. A country that is definitely worth a visit.