Bib Gourmand vs Michelin Star Restaurants

What is Bib Gourmand vs Michelin Star? Everybody has heard of Michelin Star Restaurants, but do they know the difference between Bib Gourmand vs Michelin Star?

Robin and Cos tend to do fine dining Restaurants a few nights a week. As a result, this can impact our travel budget, but it sure allows us to enjoy some great food. Although there is nothing like going to a Michelin Star Restaurant, we also have found some great restaurants without the great price tag. So that is where Bib Gourmand vs Michelin Star comes in.

What is Bib Gourmand vs Michelin Star?

Altogether, Michelin endorsements include three categories: Michelin starred, Bib Gourmand and Michelin Plate. Most are familiar with the Michelin Star Restaurants, the best and likely quite expensive. Unlike Michelin Star Restaurants, Bib Gourmand includes good restaurants that offer a refined cuisine at an affordable price. The Michelin Plate symbol is given to a restaurant which has been recognized for its quality but may still be working towards a star.

Other alternatives beyond Bib Gourmand vs Michelin Star?

Not surprisingly, we also find that we can get some great food but keep the cost down, by going to some great food trucks or other alternatives. In Loreto, Mexico, a great Hidden Gem location, we even got to eat in a local’s home.

With this purpose in mind, here is our selection of the top fifty-plus restaurants/food places that we have come across during the last couple of years. Therefore, as we travel more, the list will probably grow, or we might simply replace some of our old favorites. Specifically, the ones that have closed their doors. Surely, time will tell. We have organized the list by location, with the domestic USA restaurants first. Also, no priority where a restaurant might stand in the top fifty.

Bib Gourmand vs Michelin Star: Reservations

Getting reservations for practically all the listed restaurants is critical. For that reason, we use the following services to make our reservations: opentable.com, thefork.com, resy.com, yelp.com. For more information about making reservations, please see our Reservations Post.

USA Restaurants

Here are some of our favorite restaurants in the United States. Specifically, they are not all Bib Gourmand vs Michelin Star.

Arizona

• Sedona – The Vault Uptown; Chill restaurant with stunning sandstone rock views. The patio is the place to be; it is spectacular. www.thevaultuptown.com

California

• Napa – Angele Restaurant & Bar; Located in the historic Hatt building, a unique and inviting interior as well as outdoor waterfront. Even though you would swear you were in the French countryside, instead you’re on the Napa River in an old boathouse.  Great setting, wonderful food and my favorite drink the “Mure Please”. Angèle Restaurant & Bar (angelerestaurant.com)
• Napa – Auberge du Soleil; Founded in 1981, this is possibly the best view of Napa Valley from on high.  Dinner is oh so French, but the bar terrace is great relaxed dining and, of course, wine tasting. Michelin Star award for 15 consecutive years. https://aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil
• Napa – Bistro Jeanty; Chef Philippe Jeanty brings classic French cuisine in a longstanding restaurant to downtown Yountville. As a matter of fact, I especially love the crepes at the end of the meal. Bistro Jeanty

Florida – Orlando Area

• Orlando – Kabooki Sushi; Outstanding fresh kaiseki style sushi. In fact, both locations in Sandlake and East Colonial are stylish, modern and the sushi is the best.  You can book an Omakase Experience.  Specifically, we especially love to sit at the sushi bar to watch the magic. James Beard nominated chef Henry Moso presides. Make Reservations | Kabooki Sushi on Sand Lake
• Orlando – Primo; The second of 3 restaurants by James Beard award winner Melissa Kelly. Markedly, strong Italian cuisine; located in the JW in Orlando. Two time James Beard award winning chef Melissa Kelly is the chef/owner. Furthermore, designated a Recommended Restaurant in the inaugural Florida 2022 Michelin Guide. www.primojw.com
• Winter Park – The Ravenous Pig; Stylish gastropub serving new American fare. In short, James Beard-nominated Chefs James and Julie Petrakis serve house-made charcuterie, wonderful comfort food in the surroundings you would expect. Awarded Bib Gourmand and One of Orlando’s 10 Best. www.theravenouspig.com

Florida – Not Orlando

• Jacksonville – Cowford Chophouse; Stylish modern restaurant in a restored 1902 bank building at the major intersection in downtown. Two story restaurant plus an open air rooftop bar, this has something for everyone.  Overall, formal dining upstairs, bar and informal dining downstairs.  Pricey but worth it. Cowford Chophouse | Steaks, Seafood, & Rooftop Bar in Jacksonville
• Ponte Vedra Beach – Caffe Andiamo; Set in a local shopping center, this is straight from Salerno Italy. Surprisingly, not Bib Gourmand vs Michelin Star. But, we love it anyway. Our all time favorite local restaurant–great food and wonderful owner and family, a neighborhood meeting place.  Reservations not accepted. www.caffeandiamo.com
• Tampa – Berns Steak House; Iconic steakhouse. Furthermore, with arguably the single best wine collection in the country. Steak, wine, ambiance, a tour of the kitchen and wine cellar and 48 private booths upstairs for dessert all add up to a highlight visit. Not surprisingly, Berns has earned the Highest Wine Spectator Grand Award of Excellence for more than 4 years. Premium Steaks in Tampa | Largest Wine Collection | Bern’s Steak House (bernssteakhouse.com)

Georgia

• Savannah – Husk-Savannah; Ingredient-driven Southern fare & cocktails served in a landmark mansion with porch seating. Located in the Savannah Historic Landmark District, executive chef Chris Hathcock transforms the essence of Southern food. Also, highlights the unique ingredients of coastal Georgia. Surprisingly, recognized as one of “Best of Florida Winners” by The Guide to Florida. Husk Savannah | A Celebration of Southern Ingredients
• Savannah – The Grey; Occupying a 1928 art deco Greyhound Bus Terminal. Absolutely wonderful experience, from food, drinks to service and ambiance.  Furthermore, the story of this partnership is a fascinating study in race and is the subject of the book co-authored by the owners called Black, White and the Grey. Not to mention, Chef Mashama Bailey won 2 James Beard awards. The Grey (thegreyrestaurant.com)

Hawaii

• Honolulu – MW Restaurant; Fine dining, top notch place to go.  Undoubtedly our all time favorite, whether for cocktails or full dinner.  Originally on the second floor of a luxury car dealership, the have now moved. Not only is the dinner wonderful, but with the James Beard recognition for Pastry Chef Michelle. Husband/wife team also create food for Hawaiian Airlines. James Beard Semi-finalist Pastry Chef, Michelle Karr-Ueoka. https://mwrestaurant.com/
• Honolulu, Waimea (Big Island), Kapalua (Maui), Poipu (Kauai) – Merrimans; Sophisticated, universally consistent restaurant group, preparing food using locally grown or caught. The food is simply outstanding; the Mai Tais are to die for.  Reservations are a must!  Specifically the Kapalua setting is dreamy. www.merrimanshawaii.com
• Kihei – Wolfgang Puck’s Spago; Located in the Four Seasons, a glamorous ocean front setting, perfect for sunsets. Significantly, Cos and I had our wedding dinner here after eloping.  Undeniably, everything was beyond perfect, as one expects with the Wolfgang Puck/Four Seasons combination. Spago, Maui – Wolfgang Puck

Louisiana

• New Orleans – Coquette; Locally sourced contemporary Southern cuisine served in a two story building in the Garden District.  Cocktails were great as was the food and service. James Beard Foundation nominee. Coquette (coquettenola.com)
• New Orleans – Galatoire’s; (Jackets required) The unique Friday Lunch at Galatoire’s doesn’t accept reservations; first come/first served. Unless, you have inside contacts. In fact, we hear there are professional line sitters. You must sit downstairs for the full experience of cocktails, champagne, Creole cuisine and dessert; the patrons are the show! Cos and I sat at Jimmy Buffet’s table and watched a crazy band run through the dining room. Galatoire’s Restaurant New Orleans (galatoires.com)

Maine

• Portland – Fore Street; This rustic spot has a centrally located open wood-fire grill & spit lending smoky flavors to sophisticated Maine farm to table menu. Named in Gourmet Magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants.  Equally important, Chef Sam Hayward named James Beard Best Chef in the Northeast. Also, Semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurant with James Beard Foundation. Fore Street Restaurant
• Rockland – Primo; At this point, we have been to both the Rockland, Maine and Orlando restaurants.  They are distinct, with the Rockland restaurant sharing their 4.5 acres with their vegetable, fruit, herb, chicken, duck and pig farm behind the restaurant.  Equally fine, Orlando restaurant is located in the JW Marriott, with fresh herb garden on site (see Florida – Orlando Area). Two time James Beard award winning chef Melissa Kelly. www.Primo Restaurant.com.

Also, for more information about some of our favorite restaurants in Maine please see 19 Best Restaurants in Mid-Coast Maine.

South Carolina

• Charleson – Marbled and Fin, the newest restaurant in the famous Charleston, South Carolina restaurant scene, is perhaps not just the newest but the best. Offering both steaks and fish, the selection of foods and the service is second to none. From the team behind some of the Southeast’s most notable concepts, including Husk, Minero, Delaney Oyster House, and The James, The Neighborhood Dining Group expands its impressive restaurant portfolio with its first-ever steakhouse concept, bringing its signature hospitality to a modern interpretation of classic fine dining. Marbled and Fin may significantly dent your travel budget, but we found it worth the visit.

Nevada

• Las Vegas, Nevada – Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres; located in Sahara Hotel, the entire focus is on meat. Named one of the 25 best steakhouses in America by the Robb Report. Additionally you can find caviar, fresh sea urchin, veal chops, Iberico pork loins and, of course, amazing beef. Chef Jose Andres James Beard Award winner, Michelin star. Bazaar Meat By José Andrés – SAHARA Las Vegas
• Las Vegas – Black Sheep; well off the strip on W. Warm Springs Road, recipient of the Eater Award for Restaurant of the Year. Surprisingly, this upscale Vietnamese inspired menu features incredibly unique dishes including salmon skin tacos–delicious! Recipient of the Eater Award for Restaurant of the Year. Black Sheep Vegas – Kitchen – Wine – Cocktails
• Las Vegas – Bouchon at The Venetian; Thomas Keller’s elevated Las Vegas bistro is a must for brunch whenever we are in Vegas. I love the quiche, a 2 inch tall vegetable delight. Winning awards from Michelin, James Beard etc. Markedly, Anthony Bourdain called this “the best restaurant, ever”. Of course, Thomas Keller is well recognized by Michelin, James Beard, etc. www.venetianlasvegas.com/restaurants/bouchon.html

New York

We picked three Bib Gourmand vs Michelin Star restaurants in NYC. In light of this under representation, we will expand the list in 2024.

• New York Manhattan – Carvaggio; In the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. This restaurant is related to Sistina and San Pietro. The family comes from Salerno in Southern Italy and it shows in its menu and extensive wine list. Furthermore, this is a stunning restaurant, from the front door and bar to the dining rooms and all the artwork.  Also, we can vouch for Sistina, our second experience with this restaurant family.  One of our favorite Manhattan restaurants. Caravaggio Ristorante
• New York – La Sirene Soho; Intimate, romantic, beautiful small rooms, with painted flowers on the windows, this is very sunny French.  We had the rack of lamb and loved it.  Charming. lasirenenyc.com
• New York City – Sistina; East side highly rated, romantic decor; fresh flowers, candles; even a canvas ceiling. And the food! Called “an Ode to the Amalfi Coast”. Consequently, voted Restaurant of the Year 2002 by New Yorker. Also, Giuseppe Bruno voted Host of the Year by Zagat. See him at the bar in the pictures above. Sistina (sistinany.com)

Also, if you like to eat downtown, please see our post Best Restaurants Near Houston Street-NYC.

Puerto Rico

• San Juan – Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar; Fancy surroundings with lots of velvet, lowlights, wall dividers and a communal table in front of the bar. In particular, you choose between sitting at the bar and watching the action and meeting others or having an intimate meal at a private table.  Surprisingly, with only tasting menus, the bar is still a great choice.  Specifically, the tasting menu is fabulous as you taste a wider array of deliciousness; choose the five course tasting menu; a larger group can have as many as 14 courses.  Home | MarmaladePR

Utah

• Park City, Utah – Glitretind Restaurant at Stein Eriksen; this Four Star restaurant halfway up the mountain features an extravagant Sunday brunch, the best in Park City. In addition, the setting reminds me of Tyrolian mountainside. As a result, Best of Award Excellence Wine Spectator. Park City Restaurants | Dining at Stein Eriksen Lodge (steinlodge.com)
• Park City, Utah – Riverhouse on Main; 16-year recipient of Forbes Travel Guide Four Star award. One of the top restaurants in Park City; with an excellent menu, the ambiance is enhanced with live music. www.riverhorseparkcity.com
• Park City, Utah – Shabu; Warm dining room & sake bar with refined Japanese fare. Furthermore, voted Park City’s Best Restaurant, rated #1 by Zagat. Consequently, this is a must do and a favorite on Main in Park City. www.shabuparkcity.com

Virginia

• Washington, VA – The Inn at Little Washington; Chef Patrick O’Connell ,referred to as “the Pope of American Cuisine” is genius.  Besides, the place has that perfect combination of elegance and whimsy. A rolling cow named Faira displays cheeses; a 3D replica of the inn is filled with cookies as you leave.  This is the stuff dreams are made of. The accolades are staggering. Michelin three star award; Chef O’Connell Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award from the James Beard Foundation; Recipient of the National Humanities Medal from the President of the United States; Wine Spectator Grand Award for 26 years; Michelin also awarded The Inn a Green Star for sustainability. https://www.theinnatlittlewashington.com/

International Restaurants:

Here are some of our favorite restaurants outside of the United States. they are not all Bib Gourmand vs Michelin Star.

Argentina

• Buenos Aires, Argentina – Parrilla La Brigada; A great San Telmo parrilla restaurant which attracts soccer fans and stars. Chef/owner Hugo Echevarrieta is known for super tender steaks that could be cut with a spoon. It is listed as one of Latin America’s 50 best restaurants. www.labrigada.com.ar

Australia

• Melbourne – Gimlet at Cavendish House; Inspired by the glamour of 20th-century Chicago, Gimlet is the brainchild of Chef Andrew McConnell.  Cocktails are Prohibition-inspired.  The bar is lively and fun. Elegant booths, elegant dining room, elegant bar.  We did not have a reservation, so sat at the bar where we were served as if we did.  Bartender was engaging and offered advice for a quick bite.  Best gimlet ever (of course!).  Great experience. Named #84 World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022; only Australian venue to make the list. www.gimlet.melbourne
• Melbourne – Tipo 00; Very interesting variations on an Italian theme where we happened to find this during our walkabout in Melbourne.  We fell in love with everything on the menu.  Tipo 00 takes its name from the flour and with good reason.  The presentation is an artform.  This restaurant is booked for weeks ahead as we found out when we tried to follow up our lunch with dinner. www.tipo00.com
• Sydney (Woolahra) – I Maccheroni; Neighborhood Victorian home belies the gorgeous food produced here. We weren’t sure quite what to expect as we walked into the small first floor and then began climbing two flights.  The setting was comfy and we had no idea how great this was going to be.  Superb! Chef Marcello Farioli is Michelin star trained. Italian Restaurant Paddington – I Maccheroni

Brazil

• Rio de Janeiro – Oro Restaurante; Chef Felipe Bronze is one of the most celebrated Brazilian chefs of his generation.  His wife, Cecilia Aldaz, was born in Mendoza and knows her wines.  They are magic.  Make sure you sit at the table overlooking the chef preparations. Two Michelin stars; other accolades include Best contemporary Restaurant, Best Sommelier; in 2016 Chef Bronze won in three categories in the Veja Rio Comer e Beber award: Chef of the Year; Sommelier of the Year. www.ororestaurante.com.br

England

• Greater London – Trullo; Rustic Italian, split level restaurant with neighborhood feel. We ate downstairs; cozy.  This is a little out of the way, but the food was excellent Italian, lovely setting; published their own cookbook, so you can recreate. Bib Gourmand. www.trullorestaurant.com

France

• Paris – Apricus; A Paris favourite in a beautiful setting behind the Champs-Elysees.  It boasts a lush garden that is extremely pleasing to the eye. We were here for lunch on 9/11/2022.  It was a glorious day, just perfect to sit in this garden setting.  We enjoyed every single bit of it, from the wine service, to the food and to the impeccable service.  A highlight in Paris for sure. Michelin starred Chef Mathieu Pacaud. www.restaurant-apicius.com
• Paris – Benoit; Casseroles, snails & desserts in a venerable bistro. This is a classic…everything you want in a French restaurant…a Michelin star, 100 years old and located in the center of the city. BISTROT (bistrot916.com)

Italy

• Capri – Da Paolino; Lemons, lemons, lemons…over your head, on your table, lemons everywhere. A Giada favorite and the darling of those who are famous.  Likewise, the setting is a garden courtyard; the food is wonderful Italy, think Caprese salad, seafood, and pasta. See above for the picture. www.paolinocapri.com
• Monterosso Al Mare – Restaurant Hotel Porto Roca; Gorgeous view of the Ligurian Sea and hillsides.  Tough hill to walk, but worth it. This is the restaurant in our hotel, so walking to dinner was not a problem!  The setting is fantastic, but so is the food.  Fresh, Italian, seafood; local wines, great desserts.  Wonderful. Hotel Porto Roca, 4-star hotel with restaurant in Monterosso al Mare
• Panzano – Antica Macelleria Cecchini; Dario Cecchini, Italy’s most famous butcher, is the owner of this unique steak house restaurant and butcher shop in Chianti. Surprisingly, Chef/Butcher Dario Cecchini wanted to be a veterinarian.  Life had another plan.  He has now become famous in part because of Chef’s Table.  The food keeps on coming from the open fire in the dining room.  And it is spectacular, from the meat (of course) to the incredible vegetables to the olive oil cake of which he gives you the recipe.  We quickly became best friends with all at our long table, sharing excellent Chianti and passing plates. See picture above of him and Robin. dario cecchini – macelleria con cucine

Mexico

Check out all ten of our favorite romantic Cabo restaurants here.

• Cabo San Lucas – Cocina Del Mar Restaurant; Located within Esperanza Resort, this is set on cliffs with crashing waves below.   The bar is stunning, but the view from the tables are even more so. Cocina Del Mar Restaurant at Esperanza Resort & Spa (aubergeresorts.com)
• Cabo San Lucas – Sunset Mona Lisa; When Cos and I walked to our table at our first visit, we were astounded.  Everything about that gorgeous setting was beyond what you could imagine.  Pair that with the music at sunset and you almost forget to order your meal.  That would be a mistake, because both food and cocktails are excellent.  The second time we went here, we found the jazz club. This time the menu was a little more relaxed and we were treated to a very good jazz performance. One of the best fine dining in Los Cabos | Sunset Monalisa
• Cabo San Lucas – The Rooftop at The Cape a Thompson Hotel; Sweeping views to downtown, El Arco and beyond, this is a stunner.  Once you become accustomed to the setting, you order great drinks and small plates.  www.hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/cslth-the-cape
• San Jose del Cabo – Nido; A stunning restaurant located in the Uber stylish Viceroy. Even if you ate nothing, it is a treat for your eyes, to see the spectacular architecture of this hotel and restaurant.  Add to that, truly outstanding sushi served in the beautiful “nest”.  Expensive, yes.  But worth it. Nido Los Cabos Restaurant | Viceroy Los Cabos (viceroyhotelsandresorts.com)
• San Jose del Cabo – Semillon; Finding it is hard; you will wonder at the fantasy setting. Then you add service and food, the smell of the burning mesquite and you have a beyond memorable experience. Pureto (puertoraiz.com)

New Zealand

• Queenstown – Rata Restaurant; Southern dining in New Zealand is quite different from Southern US cooking!  Some of the best producers and growers locally.  Otago wines are highlighted. The dining room features a wall photo of a native forest, giving you a sense of wilderness while being in downtown Queenstown.  The food and service are excellent with great suggestions from the server.  We loved the lamb and the wine was outstanding. Michelin starred Chez Josh Emett. Rata Dining Queenstown

Slovenia

• Kobarid – Hsia Franco; Self taught Slovenian chef Ana Ros is considered to be one of the top 50 chefs in the world, was named the best female chef of 2017, as well as an Ambassador of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation for Gastronomy Tourism. With Hsia Franco’s two Michelin stars, many travel to Kobarid just to experience the amazing food, wine and pastoral setting at this destination restaurant. The experience is simply amazing, from a starting cocktail in the pasture, through every last bite of the multi-course meal, expertly paired with Slovinian wines. If you wish, and you do, you may stay in one of the simple yet lovely rooms. Ros recently announced the opening of a new restaurant in a Croatian Coastal resort. More to come! Hiša Franko (hisafranko.com)

St. Barthelemy

• Baie de Saint Jean – Sand Bar-Eden Rock; One of the truly iconic St. Barths restaurants, the Sand is located on the beach of the Bay de St. Jean. Indeed, this laid-back glamour, with a few celebrities in residence is one of the most sought after reservations.  Sand Bar’s lunch menu offers a choice of exotic salads, homemade whole wheat pizzas and fantastically fresh local seafood.  Surely this is a dream. Not to mention, Celebrity Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is of New York fame. Eden Rock St Barths | Luxury Hotel Saint Barths Caribbean (oetkercollection.com)

Thailand

• Phuket – Blue Elephant Phuket; Located in an antique governor’s house, this is a great specimen of Sino-Portugese architecture. Authentic Royal Thai Food is presented in one of several individual rooms.  In addition to the restaurant, Blue Elephant offers cooking classes, something I was tempted to take.  What better way to learn Thai food than to cook it? Michelin Plate. Blue Elephant | Your Thai Culinary Ambassador since 1980