Russia Launches Michelin-Style Hospitality Rating System to Assess Restaurants and Hotels, Setting New Standards for Quality Across the Country

Published on September 30, 2025

In a significant move to improve the hospitality industry, Russia has launched its own Michelin-style evaluation system for restaurants and hotels. The new system, introduced by the Federation of Hospitality Inspectors (FEREGO), is designed to assess the quality of hospitality establishments across the country, providing a detailed and independent evaluation of cuisine, service, atmosphere, and overall guest experience. Unlike traditional award systems that rely on expert panels or public voting, this new approach uses a mystery guest methodology, where experts visit establishments anonymously, ensuring that the evaluations remain unbiased and authentic.

Over the next six months, FEREGO will visit approximately 700 restaurants and hotels in Russia to conduct these independent assessments. The focus of the evaluation process is on all aspects of the hospitality experience, with restaurants being scored across 190 criteria and hotels being evaluated based on more than 390 points, including staff handling, booking procedures, and overall guest satisfaction. After each visit, the mystery guest will provide detailed feedback, highlighting both the strengths and areas for improvement for the establishments.

Key Features of the FEREGO Evaluation System:

• Mystery Guest Methodology: Independent assessors visit restaurants and hotels anonymously to evaluate their service quality, ensuring unbiased results.
• Comprehensive Evaluation: Restaurants are evaluated on 190 criteria, and hotels are rated on more than 390 points, covering every aspect of the guest experience.
• “FEREGO Recommended” Quality Mark: Successful establishments will receive the FEREGO Recommended quality mark and be featured in the Revizors Guide.
• Collaboration with Regional Ministries: FEREGO works closely with regional tourism ministries to initiate inspections and includes both new and established establishments in the evaluation process.
• Final Results in February 2026: The final results, including the awarded establishments, will be announced in February 2026 at the Russian Civic Chamber.

A New Standard for Russia’s Hospitality Industry: What Travelers Can Expect

With the introduction of this Michelin-style evaluation system, FEREGO aims to raise the standard of hospitality in Russia, providing travelers with a reliable and independent source of information on the best places to eat and stay across the country. The process of evaluation will give travelers valuable insights into the quality of services they can expect at various restaurants and hotels, ensuring that they receive a premium experience.

The mystery guest approach guarantees that restaurants and hotels are assessed under real-world conditions, reflecting the actual experience of everyday customers. FEREGO’s comprehensive evaluation system includes not only the obvious factors like food quality and service but also the more nuanced aspects of hospitality such as interior design, dish presentation, and how establishments handle unusual situations with customers.

For travelers visiting Russia, this new system means that they can now make informed choices about where to dine or stay, knowing that the venues have been independently assessed for quality. The FEREGO Recommended quality mark will act as a trusted endorsement of excellence, ensuring that visitors are treated to the best that Russian hospitality has to offer.

Expansion and Future Plans: A Nationwide Hospitality Revolution

While the program is currently focused on restaurants and hotels in Russia, FEREGO’s future plans include expanding the evaluation system to other sectors within the hospitality industry, including cafes, spas, and entertainment venues. By doing so, FEREGO aims to create a more comprehensive approach to evaluating Russian hospitality and to encourage continuous improvement across the industry.

As the system continues to develop, it will also serve as a powerful tool for regional tourism ministries to assess and support local businesses. Establishments that receive the FEREGO Recommended mark will not only benefit from positive recognition but also gain access to detailed feedback that can help them improve their offerings and enhance their service standards.

Conclusion: Russia Takes a Bold Step Toward Modernizing Its Hospitality Industry

With the launch of the Michelin-style evaluation system by FEREGO, Russia is set to revolutionize its hospitality industry, raising standards and promoting quality across the country. This initiative will provide travelers with objective, detailed evaluations of restaurants and hotels, ensuring that they have access to the best experiences Russia has to offer. The program’s commitment to excellence and the introduction of the “FEREGO Recommended” quality mark will help to position Russia as a key destination for travelers seeking premium, high-quality hospitality.

As the system expands and more establishments are evaluated, FEREGO’s approach will continue to foster a culture of excellence in Russian tourism, benefiting both businesses and travelers alike. With results set to be announced in February 2026, this new initiative is expected to make a lasting impact on the future of Russian hospitality.