20 March 2026  Austria's culinary landscape has gained renewed international attention with the publication of the Michelin Guide Austria 2026 on 18 March 2026. The full selection is available online at guide.michelin.com/at/en and offers a comprehensive overview of the country's restaurant scene, including hospitality services and travel-relevant insights. A nationwide return after a long pauseThe Michelin Guide has a complex history in Austria. A nationwide edition existed between 2005 and 2009. From 2010 to 2024, coverage was reduced to Vienna and Salzburg within the "Main Cities of Europe" guide, leaving large parts of the country without official ratings. This changed in 2025, when the guide returned to a nationwide format. The relaunch was made possible through a partnership with Österreich Werbung and regional tourism organizations. As a "Destination Partner," Österreich Werbung supports the presence and research of the guide, without influencing the independent evaluation process. This cooperation has enabled a complete and current picture of Austria's gastronomic performance.124 stars for 101 restaurantsThe 2026 selection counts 101 starred restaurants, awarded a total of 124 Michelin stars. The breakdown includes two three-star restaurants, 19 two-star establishments, and 80 one-star venues. Regionally, Tirol and Vienna have the highest numbers of stars in 2026, followed by Salzburg, Styria, and Upper Austria. The remaining stars are distributed across Lower Austria, Vorarlberg, Carinthia, and Burgenland. Many well-known travel destinations appear on the list, particularly alpine resorts and urban centers. At the same time, the selection extends far beyond established hotspots. Smaller towns and rural regions are increasingly represented, positioning the guide as a practical tool for discovering lesser-known culinary destinations. While the 124 stars underline a strong overall performance, it is also clear that many skilled chefs remain outside the list. The selection reflects a snapshot based on strict criteria rather than a complete map of culinary excellence.The full list of starred restaurants is available at the guide's website. Bib Gourmand: quality at moderate pricesAlongside the stars, the Michelin Guide highlights restaurants offering particularly good value. The Bib Gourmand distinction, introduced in its current form in 1997, recognizes establishments that serve high-quality food at more accessible prices. In Austria, 61 restaurants received a Bib Gourmand in 2026, including 26 new entries. These venues represent a wide range of regional cuisines and modern concepts, often focusing on seasonal ingredients and informal dining. The full Bib Gourmand selection can be accessed via website or app.A guide for culinary discoveryWith its expanded national coverage, the Michelin Guide Austria 2026 functions as more than a ranking system. It serves as a navigation tool through a diverse gastronomic landscape, from high-end dining to accessible local cuisine. The combination of stars, Bib Gourmands, and Green Stars for sustainability (41 in total) reflects broader developments in Austrian gastronomy, including regional sourcing and innovative concepts. For travelers and residents alike, the guide provides structured access to both established destinations and emerging culinary regions.Image: Fine dining dish inspired by forest ingredients, featuring elderflower and nettle elements, presented in a natural outdoor setting. Photographer: Konstantin Reyer. © Österreich Werbung / Konstantin Reyer |