The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul

After years of speculation, the Michelin Guide is coming to Minneapolis — but inspectors won't be awarding stars anywhere else in the state.

The big picture: The prestigious culinary guide announced Wednesday the creation of an American Great Lakes edition, which will cover restaurants in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

• The restaurant selections won't be released until 2027, but inspectors are already dining in each city, Michelin said.

Why it matters: Michelin stars are among the top honors a restaurant can receive, and having starred restaurants can boost a city's culinary tourism and public image.

The catch: Getting the guide to come to town comes with a price.

• The Minneapolis Tourism Improvement District, which is funded by a 2% service charge on hotel room revenue, will pay $250,000 per year for the three-year partnership with Michelin, tourism organization Meet Minneapolis told Axios.

Yes, and: The guide will only cover restaurants within Minneapolis city limits, meaning nationally acclaimed St. Paul spots like Myriel won't have the opportunity to earn a star.

• "We know that increased awareness and recognition in the region can benefit all of us," Visit Saint Paul CEO Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson said in a statement to Axios.

What they're saying: "We have the talent, cultural diversity and hospitality to stand with any culinary destination in the world," Meet Minneapolis CEO Melvin Tennant said at a news conference.

• "If there were any secrets left about Minneapolis as a top food city, joining together with the Michelin Guide will remove any of that doubt," he added.

The other side: A report released Wednesday by trade association Hospitality Minnesota claims the state's industry is "on the brink of no return," with 57% of hospitality businesses reporting lower profits in 2025.

• Hospitality Minnesota CEO Angie Whitcomb cited financial pressures, including rising wholesale prices and tariff-related increases, as well as statewide "overregulation."

What we're watching: While the star system receives the most attention, the Michelin Guide also awards the Bib Gourmand, which recognizes restaurants that deliver "high-quality food at great value."

• What spot in Minneapolis fits the bill? Email us your thoughts at [email protected].