INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis will be included in the inaugural American Great Lakes Michelin Guide, a move expected to elevate the city’s culinary scene.

The partnership with Michelin will bring inspectors to Indianapolis restaurants, with results of evaluations expected in approximately one year.

The French tire company says restaurants in Indianapolis and five other cities will be featured. On Thursday, Morgan Snyder, Visit Indy’s vice president of communications and community relations, joined Daybreak to discuss what this means for the city.

She says Michelin inspectors are currently evaluating restaurants in Indianapolis after determining the city was a strong contender for recognition. 

The evaluation process reportedly began without the city’s prior knowledge. “So unbeknownst to us, Michelin came into the market and was scouring our culinary scene,” Snyder said. “And then they decided Indianapolis is a strong contender and could put forth some Michelin restaurants.”

Indianapolis was invited to participate alongside five other Midwestern cities in this guide expansion.

“Not every city in the Midwest was invited,” Snyder said. “So, we should be excited about that opportunity that we have a seat at the table.”

Michelin recognition includes categories such as one, two, or three stars, Bib Gourmand distinctions, and Green Stars.

Michelin established a restaurant rating system in 1900, ranking the best with from one to three stars based on anonymous inspections evaluating ingredients, techniques, flavor, chef personalities, and consistency. The company created the guide to encourage more driving — and thus wear out more tires — by providing drivers with maps, hotel information, and dining recommendations.

“We’re humble Hoosiers often, and we don’t brag about our restaurants as much as we should, but there are so many incredible restaurants in our city,” Snyder said.

Aligning with the globally recognized Michelin brand, Snyder said this could enhance the perception of Indianapolis as a culinary destination and boost tourism. Michelin recognition also historically increases revenues for recognized chefs.

“There’s data that proves the (Michelin brand) increases tourism; there’s data that proves that Michelin-recognized chefs see an increase in their revenues if they’re Michelin-recognized.” She added, “So the proof is there that aligning with a Michelin brand can really move the needle in raising the game for an entire destination.”

The inaugural restaurant selection for the Great Lakes region — Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Pittsburgh — will be revealed in 2027.

The Michelin Guide has expanded across North America over several years. Its first North American Guide was for New York in 2005.

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