Chef World: Michelin, 50 Best and Restaurant Openings — 2026-10-31
The culinary world saw major Michelin Guide updates this week, with the Philippines revealing its 2027 selection and France adding 20 new starred restaurants. Meanwhile, the US dining scene faces significant headwinds, with over 7,500 closures in the first half of 2026 and specific waves of shutdowns in Nashville, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.
Chef World: Michelin, 50 Best and Restaurant Openings — 2026-10-31
Top developments
Philippines Unveils 2027 Michelin Guide
On October 29, 2026, the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2027 was officially revealed, featuring 127 establishments across the regions. The selection includes 10 MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, 31 Bib Gourmands, and 86 MICHELIN-Selected venues. Notably, the restaurant FLOW earned one MICHELIN Star, joining other establishments that successfully retained their distinctions.
France Adds 20 New Starred Restaurants
The MICHELIN Guide France released 20 new starred addresses on October 21, 2026, though coverage of this event continued through the current week. The additions highlight regional tables and bistros, reflecting the guide's ongoing commitment to diverse culinary experiences across France.
US Restaurant Closures Surge
The US dining industry is experiencing a historic downturn, with 7,593 restaurants closing in the first half of 2026. This trend is particularly acute in Nashville, where owners describe 2026 as the "worst" year for closures, and in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, which have seen multiple iconic and long-running spots shut down in October alone.
Local view
Nashville Dining Struggles
Local stakeholders in Nashville report that the current economic climate is devastating to the dining scene. The Tennessean highlights that while the city's dining options are growing, longtime restaurants are struggling to survive, with owners citing unprecedented difficulties in maintaining operations.
Luxembourg Chef Transition
In Luxembourg, a significant chef move was announced this week. Kim de Dood will leave his position as head chef at Le Lys de la Villa Pétrusse at the end of December 2026. He will be replaced by Milan Brée, currently the head of kitchens at La Cristallerie, the gastronomic restaurant of the Hôtel Place d’Armes.
Context & numbers
High-End Dining Economics
Diego Guerrero, a chef with two Michelin stars, provided insight into the economics of fine dining in an interview published on October 25, 2026. He noted that in some high-end establishments, there are "the same or double the number of people working as there are clients eating," highlighting the labor-intensive nature of the sector.
New Michelin Entries in Málaga
Spain’s culinary map expanded this week with three new restaurants in Málaga receiving Michelin recognition. ABC reported on October 30 that these new entries include Carretería, known for its rape Wellington, and other venues that have impressed inspectors with their innovative approaches.
On the radar
- Los Angeles Closures: Eater LA tracks the "saddest" closures of October 2026, including a popular Arts District cafe and one of Los Feliz’s longest-running operators.
- Las Vegas Shutdowns: Eater Vegas is documenting the loss of new and iconic restaurants in Las Vegas throughout the fall of 2026.
- NYC Casualties: Five longtime New York dining spots shut down in October 2026, including a well-known cafe, marking a tough month for the city's established venues.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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