Greece Now Grows Its Culinary Recognition with Athens, Thessaloniki and Santorini in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide

Published on December 19, 2025

Greece is all set to cement its reputation as a world-class culinary tourist spot with a stronger presence in the prestigious 2026 MICHELIN Guide series. The latest announcement made by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) comes as a testament to Greece’s zeal for spreading its rich culinary tradition to every nook and cranny of the world. Athens, Thessaloniki, and Santorini are a part of this prestigious Guide, which provides a diverse culinary experience to all tourists across the world with a keen interest in cuisine.

This is a step within Greece’s larger strategy to market itself as a culinary capital internationally. The fact that such iconic Greek destinations are included in the MICHELIN guide reflects not only Greece’s rising culinary scene but also suggests a vision for a year-round tourism sector targeted at tourists willing to spend considerably on quality meals.

Athens Returns to the MICHELIN Guide with a Full Selection of Restaurants

For the third consecutive year, Athens will be featured in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide with an extensive selection of restaurants, further solidifying its reputation as a thriving gastronomic destination. The city has made a significant mark in recent years with its growing number of high-end dining establishments, showcasing both traditional Greek flavors and innovative cuisine.

Athens is home to a vibrant culinary scene, with chefs blending local ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques to create dishes that honor Greece’s rich food culture while embracing modern trends. The city’s dining options range from Michelin-starred restaurants to contemporary eateries, offering a wide array of flavors that reflect the diversity of Greek cuisine. Visitors to Athens can now enjoy a curated dining experience, where history and creativity merge to create unforgettable gastronomic moments.

As one of the most visited cities in Greece, Athens continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s tourism sector. With the added recognition from the MICHELIN Guide, Athens is poised to attract more tourists seeking high-quality culinary experiences alongside the city’s world-renowned historical sites.

Thessaloniki Joins the MICHELIN Guide for the First Time

In a historic move, Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, has been included in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide for the first time. Known for its vibrant cultural scene and diverse history as a crossroads of civilizations, Thessaloniki has developed into a gastronomic hotspot in recent years. The city’s culinary offerings reflect its rich multicultural heritage, with influences from the Byzantine Empire, Ottoman Empire, and various Mediterranean cultures.

Thessaloniki’s rise as a culinary destination is a testament to the creativity of its chefs and the abundance of local ingredients that inspire the city’s gastronomic creations. From savory meze plates to fresh seafood and traditional sweets, Thessaloniki’s food scene is a delightful exploration of flavors. The city’s inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide is a major milestone, bringing global attention to its exceptional culinary offerings and reinforcing Greece’s image as a leader in gastronomic tourism.

With the city now recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, Thessaloniki is poised to become an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking authentic, high-quality culinary experiences. This recognition will not only boost tourism but will also support local businesses and chefs, driving further development in the region’s gastronomic tourism sector.

Santorini’s Sophisticated Culinary Scene Earns MICHELIN Recognition

The inclusion of Santorini in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide marks another significant achievement for Greece’s culinary tourism. Known for its stunning views, iconic white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters, Santorini is already one of the world’s most famous travel destinations. Now, the island is gaining recognition for its sophisticated and diverse culinary offerings, making it an even more attractive destination for high-end tourists.

Santorini’s culinary scene blends local ingredients with innovative techniques, offering a range of dining experiences from traditional Greek tavernas to modern fine dining establishments. The island’s unique location and natural beauty are reflected in its cuisine, with fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and signature wines featuring prominently on menus across the island.

The addition of Santorini to the MICHELIN Guide reinforces the island’s reputation as a premium destination for food lovers. As travelers increasingly seek out culinary experiences that pair local flavors with breathtaking surroundings, Santorini is poised to attract even more visitors eager to indulge in world-class gastronomy while enjoying the island’s scenic beauty.

Greece’s Strategy to Boost Year-Round Tourism and High-Spending Visitors

The expanded presence of Athens, Thessaloniki, and Santorini in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide aligns with the GNTO’s broader strategy to boost year-round tourism and attract high-spending visitors. By focusing on gastronomic experiences, the GNTO aims to extend the tourist season beyond the traditional summer months and create a more sustainable tourism model for Greece.

Promoting city breaks and premium culinary experiences is a key part of this strategy. The recognition of Greece’s cities by the MICHELIN Guide is expected to attract food enthusiasts who are looking for more than just a vacation; they want to experience the best of Greek cuisine in globally recognized destinations. This shift toward culinary tourism not only supports the local economy but also highlights the importance of high-quality, authentic experiences in Greece’s tourism offering.

In addition, the GNTO’s efforts to promote Greece as a gastronomic destination will likely have a ripple effect on other sectors of the tourism industry, including hospitality, transportation, and local food production. As more tourists are drawn to Greece for its exceptional dining experiences, the broader tourism infrastructure will benefit, creating jobs and supporting the country’s economic growth.

The MICHELIN Guide’s Impact on Greece’s Culinary Tourism

The MICHELIN Guide’s presence in Greece is more than just a recognition of the country’s culinary achievements—it’s a powerful tool for driving international tourism. For decades, the MICHELIN stars have been one of the most prestigious symbols of gastronomic excellence, and Greece’s inclusion in the guide is sure to attract a new wave of tourists eager to experience the best of Greek cuisine.

The expanded presence in the 2026 Guide is expected to have a significant impact on Greece’s tourism market, especially among high-end travelers. The recognition of Athens, Thessaloniki, and Santorini positions Greece as an attractive destination for those seeking luxury dining experiences and unforgettable gastronomic journeys.

Greece’s Culinary Tourism Set to Flourish