LAS VEGAS/PHOENIX (August 26, 2026) – Arizona’s culinary industry received well-earned recognition as 19 restaurants were selected for the first-ever MICHELIN Guide Southwest. The honors highlight Arizona as a premier dining destination defined by rich cultural roots, regional ingredients and world-class talent. 

Arizona shined in the highly-competitive Bib Gourmand category by securing 7 of the 18 total designations – the most for any individual state – for high-quality, high-value dining. Grand Canyon State chefs also stood out with multiple individual recognitions for rising culinary talent, sustainable leadership and wine program curation.

MICHELIN Individual Honors Special Awards

  • MICHELIN Young Chef Award: René Andrade – Bacanora & Huarachis Taqueria, Phoenix 

Celebrated for standout talent, fire-grilled Sonoran flavors, and dynamic leadership shaping the future of regional gastronomy.

  • MICHELIN Mindful Voices Award: Charleen Badman – FnB, Scottsdale 

Spotlighted for pioneering local farm-to-table supply chains, seasonal vegetable-forward menus and community food advocacy.

  • MICHELIN Sommelier Award: John Germain – RESERVE, Scottsdale

Honored for exceptional wine curation, pairing expertise and world-class table-side hospitality.

 

2026 MICHELIN Guide Southwest Honors - Arizona

Bib Gourmand (7): Recognizes exceptional quality cuisine served at an approachable, high-value price point.

  • FnB – Scottsdale

  • Huarachis Taqueria – Phoenix

  • kid sister – Phoenix

  • Little Miss BBQ – Phoenix

  • Lom Wong – Phoenix

  • Pizzeria Bianco – Phoenix

  • Valentine – Phoenix

MICHELIN Guide Recommended / Selected (12): Recognizes verified quality and culinary mastery that meets the strict global standards of Michelin inspectors.

  • Atria – Flagstaff

  • Bacanora – Phoenix

  • Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion – Phoenix

  • Fry Bread House – Phoenix

  • Glai Baan – Phoenix

  • Hush Public House – Scottsdale

  • INDIBAR – Paradise Valley

  • Latha – Phoenix

  • Pretty Penny – Phoenix

  • RESERVE – Scottsdale

  • Shinbay – Scottsdale

  • Tratto – Phoenix

The inclusion of Arizona in the MICHELIN Guide’s new regional guide – encompassing Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico – connects the state’s hospitality community directly to a global, dining experience-driven audience. As an international authority on dining, MICHELIN Guide distinction provides unprecedented visibility to culinary travelers who build entire travel itineraries around world-rated destinations.

The MICHELIN Guide’s anonymous inspectors evaluated establishments across the four-state Southwest region using five universal criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in the cuisine, harmony of flavors, and consistency across menu items and visits.

The full regional selections were unveiled during an industry ceremony held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on August 26, 2026.