In a significant shift for Chicago’s culinary scene, the renowned restaurant Alinea has lost one of its Michelin stars. This announcement was made by Chef Grant Achatz via Instagram before the official Michelin guide release.
Alinea’s Michelin Star Status Change
Alinea, known for its innovative culinary creations, has been downgraded to two Michelin stars. The confirmation came just ahead of the upcoming 2025 Michelin Guide ceremony scheduled for November 18, 2025, in Philadelphia. Achatz expressed disappointment over the demotion, stating, “For 20 years, Alinea has been devoted to pushing creativity, rigor, and the pursuit of perfection in our craft.”
Michelin Guide Confirmation
The Michelin Guide further acknowledged Alinea’s status change, also noting that the Inn at Little Washington in Virginia and Masa in New York received similar downgrades to two stars. According to their statement, “Ahead of this year’s Northeast Cities ceremony, the Michelin Guide has announced Alinea, the Inn at Little Washington, and Masa will receive two Michelin stars in the 2025 selection.”
Alinea’s Culinary Legacy
- Alinea has held three Michelin stars since the Chicago guide’s inception in 2011.
- It remains one of Chicago’s most iconic dining establishments.
This loss of a star marks a dramatic change in the fine dining landscape of the city. The Michelin star news has been unusually accessible this year, with unexpected announcements occurring shortly before official ceremonies. Earlier in November, results from the Michelin Guide South were disclosed merely hours before the event in Greenville, South Carolina.
Looking Ahead
With Alinea now at two stars, Smyth stands as the only three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago. The culinary community will be closely monitoring the upcoming announcements to see if others can achieve this prestigious recognition.
As the full list is expected to be unveiled next week, anticipation builds around the future of Chicago’s dining excellence.
