In 2024, the Tri-City deservedly found itself at the center of culinary events, gaining recognition from Michelin guide inspectors. One of the local restaurants received a prestigious Michelin star, while as many as 19 other places were among the honorable distinguished.
History of Michelin awards
The history of Michelin awards dates back to the early XXth century, when in 1900 the brothers André and Édouard Michelin published the first guide aimed at encouraging drivers to travel around France and thus increase demand for their tires. Initially, the guide contained practical information such as maps, locations of gas stations and workshops, as well as lists of hotels and restaurants.
In 1926, Michelin introduced the star system, awarding one star to restaurants of exceptional quality. In 1931, the system was expanded to three stars, defining levels of culinary excellence: one star indicated a very good restaurant in its category, two stars indicated excellent cuisine worth a visit, and three stars indicated exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.
Since then, the Michelin Guide has become synonymous of the highest gastronomic quality, and receiving a star is the dream of many chefs around the world.
Brothers André and Édouard Michelin
Michelin categories and criteria
Michelin inspectors evaluate restaurants based on several key criteria: quality of ingredients, culinary skills, harmony of flavours, personality of the cuisine and consistency of quality. Based on these ratings, the following distinctions are awarded:
- Michelin star: One star indicates a “very good restaurant” in its category, two stars indicate “excellent cuisine worth traveling far for,” and three stars indicate “exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.”
- Bib Gourmand: Restaurants recognized in this category offer exceptional food at affordable prices.
- Michelin Plate: Restaurants that offer good food but do not yet qualify for stars or Bib Gourmand.
Since 2020, a green star has been awarded to the restaurants that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to sustainability and ecology. This distinction is given to establishments that implement environmentally friendly practices, such as:
Sustainable sourcing of ingredients: Favouring local and seasonal products, working with organic suppliers, and supporting biodiversity.
Minimizing waste: Implementing waste reduction strategies, such as composting leftovers, using whole produce (from root to leaf), and recycling.
Responsible resource management: Efficient water and energy management, and using eco-friendly packaging.
Education and awareness: Promoting environmental awareness among employees and guests, organizing workshops, and actively communicating about sustainability efforts.
Ethical practices: Taking care of animal welfare, respecting fair trade and engaging in community projects.
The green Michelin star emphasizes that culinary can and should go hand in hand with responsibility for the planet, promoting restaurants that set new standards in the field of sustainable gastronomy.
Tri-City First Culinary League
This year, the Gdansk restaurant Arco by Paco Pérez, located in Olivia Star, won a prestigious Michelin star, confirming its unique position on the culinary map of the Tri-City. In addition to the wonderful view from the 33rd floor, innovative culinary techniques are combined with local ingredients, creating a unique gastronomic experience.
Arco by Paco Perez
For the first time in Poland, the Eliksir restaurant received a green star, appreciated for its commitment to sustainable development and ecological practices. This prestigious distinction emphasizes its role as a pioneer of ecological gastronomy in Poland, inspiring other restaurants to take similar actions for the benefit of our planet.
Eliksir Restaurant
In the Bib Gourmand category, five restaurants gained recognition from Michelin inspectors for their excellent value for money: Hewelke, Treinta y Tres, 1911 Restaurant, Vinissimo and Luneta & Lorneta Bistro Club from Ciekocinek.
Hevelke Restaurant & Bakery
The high quality and gastronomic diversity of the region, which attracts gourmets from all over the world, is evidenced by an additional 13 recommendations for local restaurateurs, including: Eliksir, Fino, Mercato, Niesztuka, Piwna47, Ritz, True, Tygle, Butchery & Wine, Oberza 86, Cafe Xander, Fisherman and L’Entre Villes.
Each of these restaurants stands out with a unique approach to cuisine, combining local ingredients with creative culinary techniques, which makes the Tri-City a world-class culinary destination. These distinctions not only emphasize the excellence of gastronomy in the region, but also inspire local chefs to continue to raise their standards and create unforgettable culinary experiences for guests.
