PHILADELPHIA — The culinary scene in Chicago is on the cusp of receiving one of the most prestigious accolades in the restaurant world as the MICHELIN Guide prepares to announce its latest honorees.

On Tuesday evening, the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Northeast Cities Ceremony is set to take place at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Food enthusiasts can tune in to ABC7 Chicago’s live stream starting at 6:15 p.m. to catch all the action as it unfolds.

In the realm of fine dining, being recognized by the MICHELIN Guide is akin to achieving a gold standard. This accolade is highly sought after by restaurants worldwide, marking a testament to exceptional culinary excellence and service.

The ceremony will shine a spotlight on standout restaurants from five major cities featured in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Northeast Cities edition. These culinary hubs include Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C., each known for its vibrant and diverse food scenes.

For more insights, see how Michelin Guide inspectors have been exploring Philadelphia’s culinary landscape in search of hidden gems, as they prepare for this momentous event.

To learn more about the guide, click here or read more from MICHELIN below.

What is a MICHELIN Star?

MICHELIN Stars are awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. Five universal criteria are taken into account: ingredient quality, harmony of flavors, the mastery of culinary techniques, how the chef’s personality shines through their cuisine and, crucially, consistency across the entire menu and over time.

Are MICHELIN Stars annual awards?

Yes. In addition to scouring the globe for new Star-worthy spots, existing Star restaurants are reassessed to ensure they continue to serve diners the same excellent standard of cooking year after year.

Who are the judges?

All decisions are made by MICHELIN Guide Inspectors who travel the globe. They are all full-time employees and former restaurant and hospitality professionals.

Can any restaurant qualify?

Yes, any restaurant can qualify for a Star.

Do you have set criteria that the kitchen must adhere to?

There is no secret recipe for a MICHELIN Star – judges are looking for exceptional cooking, whether it’s innovative or traditional, a tasting menu or à la carte, an artful presentation or something more rustic. Not every Starred restaurant will suit every taste, and that’s how it is intend to be. The goal is to highlight the restaurants with the best food and spotlight where you can savor the most outstanding culinary experiences.

Is there a limit on how many Stars awarded in one year?

No, there is no limit.

Can Stars be taken away?

Yes. If cooking at a restaurant is no longer at the same level that it was, then the business would not re-award the Star the following year.

What is the difference between One, Two and Three MICHELIN Stars?

One MICHELIN Star recognizes restaurants that use top-quality ingredients and prepare dishes with distinct flavors to a consistently high standard.

Two MICHELIN Stars are awarded to restaurants where the team’s personalities and talents shine through in expertly crafted dishes, with food that is both refined and inspired.

Three MICHELIN Stars represent the highest honor. Stars are awarded to restaurants, not chefs, but Three-Star establishments tend to have chefs at the peak of their profession, where the cooking elevates the craft to an art form, with some dishes destined to become classics.

Are there any other cooking awards in The MICHELIN Guide, aside from MICHELIN Stars?

The Bib Gourmand is the award for great value. It highlights simple yet skillful cooking at an accessible price.