Hong Kong Restaurant Awarded Rare 3-Star Status In 2023 Michelin Guide

If you're planning a trip to Hong Kong or Macau in the future, the Michelin Man has some new recommendations for where you might want to stop for dinner. The recently released 2023 Michelin Guide features 40 newly recognized restaurants, bringing its total number of establishments up to 250, according to a press release. It's also recognizing six dining locations that earned upgrades from their previous rankings — including one rare three-star promotion. 

Hong Kong's Ta Vie was promoted from two Michelin Stars to three for the fifteenth edition of the guide. Per Michelin's review, "the mantra of Chef Hideaki Sato — 'pure, simple, and seasonal' — shines in his cuisine. His passion for cooking and his experimental approach on food combinations and preparation are evidenced by his original and extraordinary creations such as the Charcoal-Grilled 'Akamutsu' with Rice Crackers and Aonori Seaweed Sauce, made with top-notch ingredients mostly from his native Japan." 

A three-star award from Michelin means the guide's anonymous critics believe eating at the restaurant is worth "a special journey" and Ta Vie has become the tenth such honoree, joining six other establishments in Hong Kong and three in Macau.

Ta Vie was far from the only restaurant celebrating good news in the 2023 edition of the Michelin Guide. The organization also promoted one other restaurant, Hong Kong's Run, to two stars from one. While four other restaurants — three in Hong Kong and one in Macau — were promoted to one star from a previous "Michelin Selected" recognition, which comes with a mention in the guide but no star rankings. Beyond promotions, nine new restaurants debuted in the guide with star rankings for the first time in 2023, bringing the guide's total number of starred restaurants to 95. 

Two Hong Kong establishments, Bo Innovation and Li Ching Heen, were awarded two stars, while seven other Hong Kong eateries debuted on the list with one star. The single new star awarded in Macau went to the Huaiyang Garden, whose menu specializes in local seafood. Additionally, Hong Kong's Mora restaurant received a Michelin Green Star, recognizing its outstanding commitment to sustainability and preventing food waste. The remaining 31 honorees either debuted on the Michelin Selected list or were given the Bib Gourmand Award, which recognizes friendly establishments which serve high-quality food at pocket-friendly prices.