Your Michelin guide to the Mediterranean 

Published 06 June 2024

The Michelin Guide 2024 covers 237 countries across America, Asia and Europe. The latter also includes a large number of Michelin-starred restaurants located in the Mediterranean. Discover why the cruising grounds of the West and East Mediterranean are at the pinnacle of culinary excellence at some of the finest restaurants along the varied coastlines.  

West Mediterranean  

For intrepid foodies, the cruising grounds of the West Mediterranean offer a genuine culinary adventure. The entire region is of course already well-known for its rich culinary traditions and diverse cuisine. From Italian pasta dishes to sun-ripened fruits and vegetables, and seafood plucked straight from the ocean, it’s all about the freshest produce seasoned with local herbs.


French Riviera

Historic hilltop villages, award-winning vineyards, picture-perfect landscapes, and gourmet cuisine – the South of France has it all. Included in its many accolades are over 25 Michelin-starred restaurants, a handful of which have been awarded the legendary and extremely rare three-star Michelin rating.   

Among those with the maximum Michelin stars awarded to their restaurant empires is revered culinary master Alain Ducasse, whose restaurant Le Louis XV in Monaco is a firm favourite with the yachting crowd. Holding the highly coveted three Michelin stars, Le Louis XV also holds the title of the first hotel restaurant to ever achieve such an honour.

Treat your tastebuds to mouthwatering cuisine and freshly baked bread at Alain Ducasse's three-starred Le Louis XV
Treat your tastebuds to mouthwatering cuisine and freshly baked bread at Alain Ducasse's three-starred Le Louis XV

This year Ducasse is joined in the Michelin pantheon by a couple of newcomers much earlier in their culinary journey, having been awarded their first Michelin stars. The city of Nice celebrates two new openings – Onice, which is the brainchild of Italian and Argentinian chefs Lorenzo Ragni and Florencia Montes and offers a seasonal cuisine rich in tradition; and the innovative plant-based restaurant Racines, which is headed by Chef Bruno Cirino. Both have received a Michelin star rating in their first year of operation.  

Racines' plant based innovations are a must-try
Racines' plant based innovations are a must-try

Further along the coast in Mandelieu, chef Bessem Ben Abdallah’s waterside restaurant Bessem has also claimed a first Michelin star, awarded for its inventive cuisine, while in Saint-Tropez, La Terrasse – Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, has also been newly recognised by the guide with a first star. Sister to the three-starred La Vague d’Or, La Terrasse serves a laid-back, lunchtime only Mediterranean menu.  

At the other end of this gilded cruising ground, the Principality of Monaco has added another couple of stars to its culinary crown with Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac. Less than a year after opening at the Hôtel Le Métropole, Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac was awarded two Michelin stars, restoring the famous property’s reputation held during the days when Joël Robuchon and Christophe Cussac occupied the same space inside the hotel. 


Balearics

Those embarking on a gourmet charter through the Spanish Balearic Islands are in for a treat. Mallorca alone is home to 12 Michelin stars, including VORO at the Cap Vermell Grand Hotel which holds two stars, while over on the  White Isle of Ibiza the island’s diverse culinary offerings include five Michelin-starred restaurants.  

VORO's presentation is pure art
VORO's presentation is pure art

New to the Michelin-table this year is Sa Clastra – one of two fine dining restaurants on Mallorca’s Castell Son Claret estate. Here Chef Jordi Cantóhas creates simple, yet innovative dishes infused with local island flavours. Ibiza also welcomed two new Michelin stars – the first being awarded to the Japanese inspired Omakase by Walt, and the second to UNIC Restaurant, where Chef David Grussaute’s tasting menu combines local produce with a new twist on traditional Ibizan dishes.  


Amalfi Coast

With the highest concentration of Michelin stars in Italy, the Amalfi Coast has been showing off its regal culinary status since the 1960s when the first Italian Michelin star was awarded to La Caravella, an accolade it still holds to this day. Whether dining at an authentic trattoria or in the latest hot spot in town, the entire Amalfi region provides ample ingredients from both the mountains and the sea, raised in a sunny climate, and served in wonderful dishes that celebrate Italian gastronomy at its best.  

Browse the extensive wine list and find the perfect pairing  
Browse the extensive wine list and find the perfect pairing  

This year saw several Neapolitan favourites extend their star rating, with Quattro Passi being awarded the maximum three Michelin stars, and the George Restaurant and Piazzetta Milù increasing their star rating from one to two. Among the 26 new one Michelin star restaurants was the Furore Grand Hotel’s Bluh Furor. Just months after opening near Positano, this gourmet restaurant, headed by executive chef Vincenzo Russo, was awarded a Michelin star for its modern take on traditional Campania dishes. The Bluh Fuoro joins some of Italy’s best restaurants on this stretch of coastline, including the nearby one Michelin-starred Restorante Il Refettorio located at the former Monastero Santa Rosa.   


Malta

From family-run tavernas serving catch of the day to 40 Michelin-starred restaurants, these days Malta’s cuisine scene rivals those of the top capitals in Europe. Menus are of course generally dominated by seafood-focused dishes and Maltese specialities that showcase the eclectic food culture of the island, which is heavily influenced by Italy but with a dash of North Africa. The 2024 Guide saw the island awarded its first two Michelin-star accolade for Simon Rogan's ION Harbour. 

Indulge in scrumptious desserts  
Indulge in scrumptious desserts  

Here, chefs Oli Marlow and Eoin Smith curate dishes using locally sourced produce that they give an Asian twist – enjoyed overlooking the stunning Grand Harbour in Valletta. Another fine view can be enjoyed from Rosamì. This elegant restaurant, which overlooks Spinola Bay, has been awarded a Michelin star for a wide variety of modern cuisine that can be discovered over four completely different menus.


East Mediterranean

Rooted in levant flavours, cuisine in the Eastern Mediterranean includes a vast array of cultural influences. Diverse flavours, aromatic herbs, and spices, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and age-old preparation methods results in a selection of specialities for each region that are nutritious and flavourful in equal measure.   


Croatia

There have been a variety of foreign influences on Croatian food, in particular the Greek and Roman traditional styles that have now become authentic and typical of the country. Some of the more popular coastal regions of Dalmatia are famous for their Mediterranean style slow cooked dishes, such as lamb, while the Adriatic provides the freshest seafood for fish stews and risottos.  

Experience the flavours of the Mediterranean paired with the views of Dubrovnik 
Experience the flavours of the Mediterranean paired with the views of Dubrovnik 

The country is still young in terms of Michelin-starred restaurants, having only received its first Michelin star in 2017 for the family-run Monte restaurant in Rovinj. Monte retains its Michelin star today and is joined by no less than nine other restaurants with Michelin stars. Fortunately for yacht owners and charter guests, the majority of these are located along Croatia’s coastline, including the yachting crowd’s favourite, the 360 Restaurant in Dubrovnik. Built into the historic town walls on the curved battlement terrace with beautiful views over the old port, the stunning setting is matched by Chef Marijo Curić’s two five-course tasting menus.

  

Greece

Greek cuisine is renowned for its rich flavours, fresh ingredients, and diverse regional influences. Before embarking on a cruise through the Aegean waters, spend some time in the Greek capital Athens - one of the most exciting new culinary destinations in the Mediterranean. 

Offering a range of dining experiences from traditional tavernas to innovative modern cuisine, the city is blessed with a constellation of 14 Michelin-stars. The firm favourite continues to be the two Michelin star Delta, where chefs George Papazacharias and Thanos Feskos showcase their creative cuisine with a 12-course tasting menu focussing on local, seasonal produce.  

Discover the 12 -course tasting menu at Delta located in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Discover the 12 -course tasting menu at Delta located in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Hytra is the youngest addition to the Michelin star line-up. With views over the Acropolis, enjoy contemporary-style Greek cuisine beneath the stars while admiring the incredible Parthenon backdrop. Alternatively, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head south to the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel which is home to the one Michelin star restaurant Pelagos. Chef Luca Piscazzi has two tasting menus that take inspiration from the fertile farmlands and waters lapping the shores of nearby islands – giving you a taste of what’s to come as you cruise the Greek archipelagos.

  

Turkey

Straddling two continents, Turkey is an amalgamation of cultures like nowhere else on earth. Its vibrant and diverse gastronomic scene is rooted in varied culinary traditions that today span from traditional Turkish cuisine to contemporary fusion fare. The country is very new to the Michelin portfolio, having received the accolades of stars with the inaugural Michelin Guide just two years ago. 

Placing Istanbul firmly on the culinary map and with five restaurants crowned with stars, this year the city has gone on to earn a further two stars. However, attention has moved away from Istanbul because Michelin has now also branched out to the yachting hotspots of Bodrum and Izmir, with five restaurants in these areas also receiving Michelin stars. 

Enjoy a late afternoon lunch at one of Turkey's Michelin star restaurants 
Enjoy a late afternoon lunch at one of Turkey's Michelin star restaurants 

Famed for its fresh local produce and crystal-clear Aegean waters, Izmir’s OD Urla, Teruar Urla and Vino Locale each received a Michelin star, while two restaurants in Bodrum that have always been popular with the yachting crowd also joined the Michelin ranks. Kitchen, which is located at The Bodrum Edition Hotel, offers contemporary dishes based on traditional Turkish favourites, while Göltürkbükü’s Maçakizi, which is the current Bodrum hot spot, serves Aegean cuisine with a modern twist.  

Find your perfect summer yacht charter destination with Burgess. Enquire today.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.

Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.

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