The renowned Michelin guide, originally created to recommend French restaurants, has over the last century become a global benchmark for culinary excellence. Earning a star from Michelin is considered the highest honor a restaurant can achieve. Although there are currently no Montenegrin establishments listed in the Michelin guide, this is not due to a lack of merit but rather because the country has not yet signed a contract with Michelin.

Despite this, Montenegro once had a Michelin chef leading the Casa Del Mare Hotel chain.

Milić, the owner of Casa Del Mare Hotel, stated in an interview with Forbes magazine that it is essential for government decision-makers to consider this, as the Michelin guide serves as a form of representation.

“The Casa Del Mare hotel group places significant emphasis on food and drink. We believe we have fostered a setting where passion and love for these sectors flourish. It is also worth noting that we are perhaps pioneers for having brought a Michelin-starred chef to Montenegro, who was recognized with a star at his own restaurant in Milan.

This chef, Eros Picco, sold his restaurant in 2019 and became a permanent member of the Casa Del Mare Hotel team from 2020 onwards, specifically in Boka Kotor.

“Our aim is to enhance local values and showcase local cuisine, rediscovering old recipes and presenting them in a contemporary manner through the well-known ‘Fine Dining’ service and culinary style. I believe Montenegro is missing opportunities compared to neighboring regions that already have Michelin-rated restaurants, like Slovenia and Croatia. We should think globally, but it’s never too late,” Milić said.

According to him, Montenegrin culture boasts a rich gastronomic and historical heritage that should appeal to clientele who relish meals accompanied by good wine and exceptional food, ultimately allowing them to experience Montenegro and its heritage.

The five boutique hotels owned by Casa Del Mare include the Casa del Mare Mediterraneo in Kamenari, Casa del Mare Blanche in Bijela, Casa del Mare Amfora in Orahovac, Casa del Mare Vizura in long-term lease, and Casa del Mare Pietra in Dobrota, which is managed by a former Montenegrin national football player, Dejan Damjanović.

The first Michelin guide was published in 1920

Michelin, primarily known for tire production, released a guide in 1889 by André and Édouard Michelin, providing useful information for drivers, including maps, lists of car mechanics, gas stations, and hotels.

This guide also featured anonymous reviews of European restaurants regarding dish quality, originality, cooking skills (determined by local standards of average pricing), and consistency of visitors.

For two decades, the guide was free until André Michelin discovered that people were using it to prop up work tables in tire shops. Believing that “people only truly respect what they pay for,” the Michelin guide was sold for seven francs starting in 1920, according to the company’s website.

For the first time, it included lists of hotels in Paris and categorized restaurants.

The Michelin brothers also hired a team of inspectors to visit and review restaurants anonymously.

In 1926, the guide began awarding stars to top restaurants, initially using a single star. By 1931, a hierarchy of zero, one, two, and three stars was established, with criteria published in 1936.

A one-star Michelin rating signifies a good restaurant that is worth stopping at because it offers high-standard dishes. Restaurants with two stars provide excellent cuisine with carefully crafted, exceptional quality dishes, while three-star restaurants represent the pinnacle of fine dining.

Restaurants awarded Michelin stars enjoy prestige, acclaim, and increased visitor numbers. Conversely, those that lose their stars often experience a decline in patrons.