Michelin Stars 2023: did some celebrity haunts earn any prestigious Michelin stars this year?

The nerve wracking news that many restauranters and chefs look forward to every year, or panic about every year if movies have taught us anything, has finally been announced. Michelin have revealed their 2023 restaurant guide for Great Britain and Ireland, with a total of eight three stars being awarded throughout the country. No surprises that for the most part, many of those establishments were based in London.

It was good news also for a number of restaurants around the UK who have earned their first Michelin star - 24 new restaurants in total have been bestowed a hallowed star or two and cementing their place as a future establishment du jour for budding celebrities. Many of those new inclusions are outside of London also, demonstrating that despite being the capital, it’s being nipped at its heels by other metropolitan areas.

A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. We take into account five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.

Restaurants that offer exceptional cooking are recognized with a Michelin Star, and are assessed by five essential factors: the excellence of the ingredients, the balance of flavours, the expertise in culinary techniques, the chef's distinctive style reflected in their cuisine, and equally crucial, the ability to maintain consistency throughout the entire menu and over time.

Fans of Bradley Cooper will no doubt appreciate the stresses of earning a Michelin star, as it formed the basis of his 2015 movie Burnt, which also featured Dustin Hoffman, Scarlett Johansen and John Leguizamo. The movie also parodied celebrated chef Rene Redzepi and his hallowed Noma restaurant - perhaps that might have been a demand from one of Burnt’s executive producers, Gordon Ramsay (who also has earned a three star Michelin rating in the latest guide.)

PeopleWorld takes a look at five of the restaurants in the UK and Ireland that have earned three Michelin stars in this year’s restaurant guide, and the celebrities that have frequented the establishments in the past - and possibly establishments to keep an eye on in the future for your celebrity spotting. Just don’t ask them for anything while they’re having a meal… 

The celebrity spots that have Michelin stars for 2023

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester - ***

The Dorchester is more than a hotel with a restaurant inside of it - it’s an institution. For decades, the hallways of the London hotel have acted as a home away from home for celebrities such as Kate Moss, Mariah Carey, Tom Cruise and the Kardashian family. 

Since Alain Ducasse took over as head chef for The Dorchester, it has only solidified itself as the place for fine dining in London. In their 2023 review, Michelin explained that the kitchen prides itself on sourcing only the finest British ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both visually stunning and well-balanced, with bold and generous flavours that linger in the memory. The sauces are particularly impressive, and the wine pairings are exceptional.

• Location: Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA, United Kingdom

• Average price: £210 per person per person

Sketch - ***

A popular, hip establishment in the capital, Sketch feels like you’ve just walked onto the set of a Sofia Coppola or Wes Anderson film. Delightfully vibrant and extravagantly adorned dining establishments in London,  upon being escorted past the braided rope and up to the first floor of Mourad Mazouz and Pierre Gagnaire's playful 18th-century house, you'll feel a growing sense of anticipation with each step.

And once you're seated in the exceptionally comfortable armchair, your expectations will be exceeded by the impeccably attentive staff, much like Sophie Turner, Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner have previously when eating in the establishment

• Location: 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG, United Kingdom

• Average price: £175 per person

CORE by Clare Smyth - ***

The debut restaurant of chef Clare Smyth is one of the most significant Michelin star winners in recent years; Smyth is the first British female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars in a sometimes male-dominated list of fine eating establishments. At Core, diners can choose between two menus. 'Core Classics' showcases dishes that Clare has meticulously perfected over time, while 'Core Seasons' offers more contemporary and luxurious creations. 

The kitchen, according to Michelin, excels in crafting modern plates that deliver exceptional flavours and textures, with a subtle and minimalist approach - which must be a reason why David and Victoria Beckham have been known as regulars of the establishment when not living in Miami (that would be Cote Miami in that instance.)

• Location: 92 Kensington Park Road, London, W11 2PN, United Kingdom

• Average price: £400 per person (once you factor in the price of the wines paired to the menu)

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London - ***

Having studied under the tutelage of renowned chefs such as Alain Ducasse and Guy Savoy, Hélène Darroze has taken that pedigree and improved on her two Michelin star rating to become a three star, fine dining establishment. Hélène has also been recognized for her contributions to the culinary world with numerous other accolades, including the World's Best Female Chef award in 2015 and the Veuve Clicquot World's Best Female Chef award in 2018

In their review, Michelin noted that since taking over, Darroze has transformed the dining room to be more feminine and less formal, considerably warmer and more relaxing. That being said, there’s still a well-drilled service team on hand to ensure everyone is looked after - the best of both worlds for former guests Taylor Swift (and her squad) and Cameron Diaz - perhaps drowning her sorrows after the dramas on set of Jamie Foxx’s new movie. 

• Location: Carlos Place, London, W1K 2AL, United Kingdom

• Average price: £155 per person

Fat Duck, Bray - ***

Trust Neil Patrick Harris to eschew Hollywood conventions and instead decide to experience the gastronomical experimentations of one Heston Blumenthal. The Fat Duck website are especially proud of this sighting, putting a picture of Harris and his partner, David Burtka for his birthday in 2018.

The iconic restaurant celebrated its 25th-year anniversary in 2021 with the introduction of an Anthology Menu, exploring the most famous and fantastical dishes to have come from Heston Blumenthal’s imagination - so we don’t think it’s just Neil Patrick Harris who will frequent this establishment once again in the very near future.

• Location: High Street, Bray, SL6 2AQ, United Kingdom

• Average Price: £325 per person