Greece continues to strengthen its position on the global gastronomy map with the announcement of the MICHELIN Guide expansion for 2026. For the first time, the Guide will fully evaluate Thessaloniki and Santorini, alongside an updated selection for Athens, marking a significant milestone for Greek cuisine and tourism.
This development reflects a broader strategy to highlight regional culinary identities, promote quality and consistency, and position Greece as a destination where food, culture, and place are closely connected.
The MICHELIN Guide’s Expanded Presence in Greece
The expansion is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) and the MICHELIN Guide. While Athens has maintained a steady presence in the Guide in recent years, 2026 introduces a more geographically diverse approach.
Beyond MICHELIN Stars, the Guide will also feature restaurants under the MICHELIN Guide Selection, recognizing establishments that demonstrate high-quality cooking, strong service standards, and consistency. This broader scope allows a wider range of restaurants to gain international visibility.
Athens: A Mature and Evolving Food Destination
Athens remains the cornerstone of Greece’s contemporary gastronomy scene. The city combines centuries-old culinary traditions with modern techniques, offering a diverse range of dining options from classic tavernas to refined fine-dining concepts.
Restaurants across the capital increasingly focus on seasonal ingredients, local producers, and creative reinterpretations of Greek cuisine. With its vibrant year-round cultural life and diverse dining options, Athens continues to attract both international visitors and returning food enthusiasts.
Thessaloniki: A City Shaped by Culinary Diversity
Thessaloniki’s inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide highlights a city long known for its rich and layered food culture. Influenced by Balkan, Asia Minor, Mediterranean, and Jewish traditions, its cuisine reflects centuries of cultural exchange.
The city’s lively markets, meze-focused dining culture, and modern bistros create a food scene that feels both authentic and accessible. International recognition is expected to support Thessaloniki’s growing reputation as a destination for short culinary-focused trips, while also strengthening local hospitality businesses.
Taverns in Thessaloniki
Santorini: Terroir, Simplicity, and Distinct Identity
Santorini brings a very different culinary narrative to the MICHELIN Guide. Its gastronomy is closely tied to the island’s volcanic landscape, with ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, fava beans, capers, and Assyrtiko wine playing a central role.
Many of the island’s restaurants emphasize simplicity, seasonality, and a strong sense of place. Set against dramatic natural scenery, Santorini’s dining experiences connect local products with international standards of creativity and presentation, reinforcing its image as a premium gastronomic destination.
A New Chapter for Greek Gastronomy
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide, comments: “By expanding our selection to Athens, Santorini and Thessaloniki, we reaffirm the remarkable vitality of Greece’s gastronomic landscape. Each of these destinations expresses a unique identity shaped by history, local produce and the creativity of its culinary talent. This upcoming selection will shine a light on a dynamic country where gastronomy continues to inspire, enrich and attract travellers from around the world.”
Mr. Andreas Fiorentinos, Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, adds: “We are delighted to welcome MICHELIN to Athens in partnership with the GNTO for the third consecutive year and even more thrilled to introduce two new Greek destinations to the global gastronomy community. Santorini, one of the world’s most iconic destinations, is also home to a sophisticated and distinctive culinary scene. Thessaloniki, in turn, will showcase its rich gastronomic heritage, shaped over centuries as a historic crossroads of civilizations.”
Overall, the expanded MICHELIN Guide coverage for 2026 represents a meaningful step forward for Greek gastronomy. By showcasing multiple destinations with distinct culinary identities, Greece reinforces its position among Europe’s most interesting food cultures.
As Athens, Thessaloniki, and Santorini prepare for the upcoming selections, the focus remains on authenticity, quality, and the stories behind the food—elements that continue to define Greece’s appeal on the international stage.
