Guide Michelin 2025: Frankfurt in the glory of stars

Standing ovations, cheers, and pure appreciation for hard work: The new stars of the gourmet bible, the Michelin Guide, were awarded at the Palmengarten in front of Germany's culinary elite. 341 German restaurants will hold at least one Michelin star in 2025—more than ever before!

As host of the 2025 Michelin Guide Ceremony, Frankfurt made a clear statement about its culinary prominence not only in Germany, but also throughout Europe. The city aims to further enhance its profile with gastronomic events in the coming years—not least with regard to sustainability, innovation, and international hospitality.

New Michelin star for Sommerfeld

Frankfurt's Bahnhofsviertel district is perhaps the most beautiful story in this year's Michelin Guide, with three Michelin awards: The restaurant "Sommerfeld," successor to the one-star Weinsinn on Weserstraße, receives a star right away – and that's no coincidence. Behind the concept are the same restaurateurs who once turned the two-star restaurant "Gustav" into one of the city's best addresses before it was forced to close for personal reasons in 2024. Star chef Daniel Pletsch beams: "The surprise was a success. We are very proud!"

Cocktail Award and Bib Gourmand for Yaldy

Around the corner, at the Yaldy restaurant on Moselstrasse, the champagne corks must have also been popping: Head bartender Michele Heinrich was overwhelmed as he accepted the newly introduced "Cocktail Award." The Michelin inspectors commented: "His homemade creations are high-quality and harmoniously composed – perfectly suited to the cheerful, casual atmosphere of this trendy restaurant."

A few days earlier, Yaldy chef Nunzio Autiero had been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand – a distinction for excellent cuisine at a fair price. Heinrich: "With our drinks, we follow the same basic principle as with our food: A little sweet, a little acidity, a little salt, and a little spice." And: "The cocktail list, like the menu, changes seasonally depending on market availability."

18 Michelin stars over Hesse

In addition to the new addition "Sommerfeld," Andreas Krolik of "Lafleur" in the Palmengarten confidently defended his two stars, remaining the only two-star restaurant in Hesse, which boasts a total of 18. Seven Frankfurt restaurants hold one star: Bidlabu, Carmelo Greco, Erno's Bistro, Maintower, Masa Japanese Cuisine, Restaurant Villa Merton, and Seven Swans.

Gastronomic Powerhouse Germany

Frankfurt success stories that fit into a nationwide trend: With twelve three-star restaurants – including the new additions "Tohru in der Schreiberei" in Munich and "Haerlin" in Hamburg –, 47 two-star establishments, and 282 one-star restaurants, Germany boasts an impressive concentration of top-class gastronomy. Thirty restaurants received a star for the first time, while 33 establishments lost their award – not for quality reasons, but due to closures or concept changes.

80 German restaurants now bear the "Green Star" for particularly sustainable concepts – 14 were new this year. Gwendal Poullennec , International Director of the Michelin Guide, responsible for a total of 50 Michelin awards worldwide: "Germans don't even realize how good their restaurants are. Germany is a gastronomic powerhouse."

Vision: Frankfurt as the gastronomy capital of Germany

The zeitgeist of fine dining has changed: purism instead of pomp, clarity instead of complexity. What matters are first-class products and precise craftsmanship – Frankfurt's star chefs are also following this path. Despite difficult economic conditions, young talent is bringing new impetus to the scene, while established restaurants are focusing on innovation – and this courage is being rewarded.

Frankfurt's Economic Affairs Minister Stephanie Wüst said : "We know how important a strong culinary scene is, especially in a city that thrives on business." Next year, the Michelin stars will be awarded in Frankfurt for the second time, with exclusive events under the motto "Stars over Frankfurt." Wüst, to great applause, said: "Our goal is to establish Frankfurt as Germany's gastronomic capital."

The meaning of Michelin stars

The Michelin star: A badge of honor in top-class gastronomy, its brilliance illuminates the culinary world far beyond Frankfurt. It is not just an award, but a promise to the guest. The internationally recognized rating scale reads like a subtle invitation to the connoisseur to discover the finest cuisines.

A star honors a cuisine of remarkable finesse and consistent quality. Selected ingredients, perfectly crafted flavors, and a clear signature make the restaurant a worthwhile stop on any culinary itinerary.

Two stars mark a top-class cuisine that connoisseurs are happy to make a detour for. Here, a talented chef and his team demonstrate how they transform outstanding ingredients into original, subtle creations of exceptional quality.

Three stars are the crowning achievement—they declare a restaurant a destination in itself. Here, cooking becomes an art. Only first-class ingredients find their way into harmonious compositions, whose pure and intense flavors often become unforgettable classics. A unique cuisine worth the journey.

► Stay informed now and subscribe to our free newsletter.