The Michelin Restaurant Guide was first launched by Michelin in 1900 to encourage people to travel by car through France. The guide listed certain restaurants as notable enough visit. Nowadays, Michelin stars are prestigious and highly sought after, and whilst the stars are awarded to the restaurant, the credit goes to the head chef. Michelin focuses solely on the food when reviewing restaurants, judging on quality, technique, consistency and personality. Restaurants can receive up to 3 stars, in total.
To determine where the stars will be awarded, several anonymous reviewers go out and dine in various establishments, make notes and then meet as a group to discuss. Restaurants that are awarded Michelin stars will not always be a fine dining experience, but the food will always be consistent and freshly prepared with top quality ingredients. For food-lovers, if a restaurant has made it into the Michelin Guide, it will be worth visiting.
There are hundreds of Michelin Star Restaurants in the UK. Here is a list of 7 Michelin Star Restaurants in the South West:
The Mason Arms, Knowstone
The Mason Arms combines British and French cooking with a modern twist. Owner and Chef, Mark Dodson launched the pub in the summer of 2005 and has received many rewards since.
The Elephant, Torquay
Overlooking the Torbay harbour, The Elephant provides a relaxed fine dining experience, using sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant is run by Simon and Katy Hulstone, and has won several awards in recent years.
Thomas Carr @ The Olive Room, Ilfracombe
Thomas Carr @ The Olive Room was awarded a Michelin star earlier this year for their “ultra-fresh seafood”. Run by Thomas Carr, Head Chef John Carins and Ellie Denyer, The Olive Room is another great example of relaxed fine dining.
Treby Arms, Sparkwell
This country pub in Devon produces beautifully presented and freshly prepared seasonal food for its guests. The Treby Arms hosts a relaxing atmosphere for everyone.
Driftwood, Portscatho
Part of the Driftwood hotel is this Michelin starred restaurant, run by Head Chef, Chris Eden. Here, you can find locally sourced, seasonal dishes, prepared skilfully by the team.
Paul Ainsworth at No.6, Padstow
Paul Ainsworth at No.6 serves a modern take on British food, made with local Cornish produce. Find the restaurant in the centre of Padstow, set in a Georgian townhouse.
Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac
Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen strongly supports local fisherman and uses what they catch each day in their dishes. Headed by Nathan Outlaw, this restaurant provides a dining experience that is quality-assured.
