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3 restaurants deserve a spot in the Michelin Guide, according to readers
Readers shared their top picks — from Mediterranean cuisine to standout sushi, stretching from Back Bay to Lynn.
Now that Boston officially will make its Michelin Guide debut in the Northeast edition this year, its diners and restaurant workers anxiously await what might make the prestigious ranking.
It was announced this week that Boston will be added, as well as Philadelphia, to a regional edition that now includes longtime Michelin considered cities like New York, Chicago, and DC. It should also be noted that Boston likely paid a pretty penny to be considered for Michelin stars.
It isn’t just about who will make the cut, but how they’ll be ranked. The French tire company’s high-profile guide can give out up to three stars, three meaning the restaurant was exceptional.
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There aren’t too many restaurants in the U.S. with a three-star designation. Only about three dozen have two stars, The Boston Globe reported. Where food writer Devra First thinks Boston and surrounding cities will likely shine is in the one star category, as well as the Bib Gourmand, given to restaurants that deliver great value, and the guide’s “recommended” restaurants.
The Globe also reported that restaurants within the Interstate 95 and Route 128 corridor would be considered. According to a press release, the guide’s anonymous inspectors are already in the field at restaurants and must go multiple times before considering a ranking for the eatery.
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Michelin and Meet Boston said the city would find out its star fate later in 2025. Until then, we can speculate for fun.
Boston.com asked readers which restaurants they’d want to see, or expect to see, make the Michelin Guide. There were some truly Massachusetts answers, like from Greg M. of Saugus, who said “Who done not love the ‘Loon’” when giving the iconic pan-Asian restaurant Kowloon a shoutout. Kelly’s, the OG of roast beef sandwiches, also got a nod from Finn O. of Revere.
While those are beloved institutions in Massachusetts, let’s face it: your favorite pu pu platter likely won’t meet Michelin inspector standards, for whatever that’s worth to you.
But of the 75 responses Boston.com received, there were 15 restaurants that received several responses, and three that topped the list.
Sarma
A hot spot among Bostonians, it’s not a surprise to see Somerville’s modern Mediterranean restaurant as a readers prediction. Chef and co-owner Cassie Piuma has also earned other reputable nods in the culinary world, including a current finalist for Outstanding Chef in this year’s James Beard Awards. Sarma also earned a rare five-star review from the Globe. Oleana, where Piuma used to work with Chef Ana Sortun (also a co-owner of Sarma), was also a top pick among readers to possibly nab a star. Sarma: 249 Pearl St., Somerville
O Ya
Dining at this omakase in Boston is a special event, and it comes with a steep price tag of $295 a person. But most people will tell you it’s worth every penny to eat the elegant 20-course sushi dinner. In addition to our readers believing O Ya has a chance at earning a star, First also believes it’s a top contender for some Michelin recognition. 9 E St., Downtown Boston
Mistral
This fine-dining restaurant from the Columbus Hospitality Group has been serving classics and new takes of French-Mediterranean cuisine for nearly three decades. Readers said it and the restaurant group’s Italian-Mediterranean concept Sorellina is deserving of Michelin recognition, while First reported that Ostra could be one-star worthy. Mistral: 223 Columbus Ave., Back Bay
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Other restaurants readers hope or predict will get Michelin stars:
- Comfort Kitchen: 611 Columbia Rd., Dorchester
- Giulia: 1682 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
- Grill 23 & Bar: 161 Berkeley St., Back Bay
- Krasi: 48 Gloucester St., Back Bay
- La Voile: 261 Newbury St., Back Bay
- Mooncusser: 304 Stuart St., Back Bay
- Nightshade Noodle Bar: 73 Exchange St., Lynn
- Oleana: 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge
- Pammy’s: 928 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
- Season to Taste: 1678 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
- Sorellina: 1 Huntington Ave., Back Bay
- SRV: 569 Columbus Ave., South End
- Toro: 1704 Washington St., South End
- Uni: 370 Commonwealth Ave., Back Bay
- Wa Shin: 222 Stuart St., Back Bay
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