Czechia lands spot in Michelin Guide
The world-famous Michelin Guide will feature Czechia as one of the top culinary destinations. The Czech state agency CzechTourism has signed a three-year contract with the French company Michelin worth 1.3 million euros. Radio Prague International asked the head of CzechTourism, František Reismüller, why he thinks this is a good investment.
Czechia has long been known for its historic cities, castles, and picturesque landscapes. Now, the country is setting its sights on another prestigious distinction—becoming a top-tier culinary destination. This ambition has taken a major step forward with a three-year partnership between CzechTourism and Michelin Guide, the world’s most respected restaurant-rating system.
The agreement, worth 1.3 million euros, is aimed at boosting the visibility of Czech gastronomy on the global stage. František Reismüller, director of CzechTourism, believes this collaboration will bring both prestige and economic benefits.
“Michelin is a global symbol of culinary excellence, and having it here in Czechia will undoubtedly raise awareness about our cuisine,” Reismüller explains. “At the same time, it can attract visitors who appreciate quality, innovation, and local ingredients—travelers who tend to spend more and stay longer.”
Building a Stronger Culinary Identity
While Czech cuisine is often associated with traditional dishes like svíčková, guláš, or bramboráky, the country’s food scene has been evolving rapidly in recent years. According to Reismüller, the potential for growth is enormous.
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“Czech gastronomy is improving every day, and we believe that Czechia has the potential to become one of the world’s most renowned culinary destinations,” he says. “That’s why this cooperation with the Michelin Guide isn’t just about prestige—it’s also about driving more tourism and supporting the development of gastro tourism.”
The collaboration with Michelin is part of a broader strategy to highlight Czechia’s diverse culinary offerings. This includes projects like Czech Specials, a program that promotes restaurants and cafés using authentic Czech recipes. The national chef team also competes internationally, showcasing Czech cuisine on the global stage.
“Czech beer is already a well-known brand worldwide,” Reismüller notes. “Visitors can experience this firsthand in Pilsen, home to the iconic brewery that distributes Pilsner beer across the globe. And then there’s our wine tradition, particularly in the southeast, which is sometimes overlooked but truly exceptional.”
Michelin’s Independent Evaluation Process
While the agreement with Michelin secures Czechia’s inclusion in the guide, the selection process remains independent. Michelin inspectors have already begun assessing Czech restaurants, but their movements and decisions remain confidential.
“The evaluation of restaurants is entirely up to the Michelin inspectors,” says Reismüller. “That’s crucial because it ensures objectivity. We want an independent third party to evaluate how great our gastronomy actually is—and to show that it’s on the same level as, or even better than, other countries.”
The Future of Czech Gastronomy
With Michelin’s recognition, Czechia’s culinary scene is expected to gain more international attention and investment. While the country may not yet boast multiple three-star Michelin restaurants, Reismüller is optimistic about the future.
“We may not have enough high-level restaurants right now to compete with the very best in the world, but we’re getting there,” he says. “Our goal is not only to attract food-loving tourists but also to support local chefs and restaurateurs, ensuring that Czech gastronomy continues to evolve and gain global recognition.”
The Michelin Guide’s upcoming restaurant selection for Czechia, expected later this year, will be a milestone in this journey—one that could redefine the country’s culinary identity for years to come.
