How do restaurants actually get a Michelin star?

How do restaurants actually get a Michelin star? It's one of the highest culinary honours to be bestowed on a restaurant, but for decades, the process around how they're awarded has been shrouded in secrecy. For many chefs and restaurateurs, receiving a Michelin star is the ultimate recognition of their talent and hard work. To be able to display that coveted star on their establishment's windows can attract a whole new clientele and elevate their status in the culinary world. But how exactly do restaurants earn these prestigious stars? The Michelin Guide, published by the French tire company Michelin, has been around since 1900. Originally created as a way to encourage more motorists to use their cars and, consequently, purchase more tires, it included information on accommodations, maps, and other useful tips for travelers. Over time, the guide began to include restaurant recommendations, and in 1926, the first Michelin star ratings were introduced. Today, the Michelin Guide is published in multiple countries and cities around the world, with each edition having its own team of inspectors. These inspectors are anonymous and visit restaurants without any prior notice or announcement. They pay for their meals and evaluate the establishments based on a set of criteria that has remained largely consistent over the years. The criteria for earning a Michelin star are often subject to speculation, but several factors are believed to play a role in the decision-making process. These include the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of cooking techniques, consistency in