Michelin Stars vs Google Review Stars: How Italy’s Restaurants Compare
Michelin Star restaurants: they’re an unforgettable experience, they’re expensive, and they’re few and far between – but are they always worth the hype (and price tag)? Let’s see what the genuine customers think.
A new study by leading Italian eatery, Italian Street Kitchen, compares 395 Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy against their last two years of genuine customer Google reviews, identifying customer sentiment, value for money, and review scores as part of the study. The study, capping a two-period study for a fresh perspective, sees how Michelin-starred restaurants hold up against their reviews on Google.
An Italian Street Kitchen spokesperson said, “These two years of data show us the establishments that are up and coming and are worth visiting despite having a lower Michelin star and allow newer venues that have just attained their stars in the last two years to shine through the noise.”
“Hopefully, this study can help readers get the most out of their next trip to Italy and know which places are a must-visit and worth the hype regardless of how many stars they have.”
The Stars That Genuine Customers Are Raving About
The data reveals that lesser-known trattorias and countryside gems are stealing the show.
Topping the ‘worth the hype’ list is Assonica in Sorisole, with an almost-perfect two-year average review score of 4.9/5, with glowing praise for its value for money. One customer took to Google reviews to share, “We recently had the pleasure of dining at Osteria degli Assonica, a true gem just outside Bergamo, awarded a Michelin star.”
(The full data set can be found here)
Other standouts include Villa Maiella in Abruzzo and Il Tiglio in Montemonaco, which prove that one Michelin star (and a smaller price tag) can often deliver more satisfaction than glitzier establishments.
Michelin Stars vs Google: What Do The Customers Say?
The study reveals that, even if you have gourmet, world-class food, you may not have five stars on Google reviews. Even the much-loved, world-class, five-star and Michelin-starred restaurant Oro Restaurant in Venice has experienced less favourable Google reviews.
(The full data set can be found here)
Even the famed Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, with three Michelin stars and 70,000 Instagram fans, has just above 4 stars – this is still a good amount of stars, but it proves not all Michelin star restaurants are five-star on Google.
Italian Street Kitchen said: “A Michelin star should be the promise of an unforgettable meal, but sometimes what’s served up is more style than substance.”
“Food is about soul and generosity, you can taste when a kitchen is cooking with passion, not just presentation. These restaurants remind us that the heart of Italian dining isn’t luxury, it’s warmth, value, and flavour that lingers.”
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