Alinea Downgraded to Two Michelin Stars in 2025 Guide
CHICAGO – In a stunning growth for the city’s fine dining scene, Alinea, the groundbreaking restaurant long considered a cornerstone of Chicago’s culinary identity, has been downgraded from three to two Michelin stars in the forthcoming 2025 guide. The restaurant preemptively announced the change on its Instagram account Tuesday, November 12, 2024, ahead of the official Michelin Guide Northeast Cities ceremony scheduled for Philadelphia on November 18.
For two decades, Alinea has been synonymous with innovative cuisine and unwavering dedication to culinary excellence, maintaining three Michelin stars since the guide’s initial Chicago edition in 2011. The demotion marks a significant shift in the city’s Michelin landscape.
“We were disappointed to learn of our @michelinguide demotion to two stars,” Alinea’s post read. “For 20 years, Alinea has been devoted to pushing creativity, rigor, and the pursuit of perfection in our craft. That commitment remains as unwavering today as it was on day one, and will continue until the back door of 1723 locks for the last time.”
The Michelin Guide confirmed the news, stating that The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia and new York’s Masa also received similar downgrades in the 2025 selection.
Alinea’s loss leaves Smyth as Chicago’s sole three-Michelin-starred restaurant. The announcement follows a recent leak of Michelin Guide South winners hours before their official reveal in Greenville, South Carolina, raising questions about the security of the guide’s traditionally secretive process.
All eyes will be on the full list release next week to see if any other Chicago restaurants will achieve the coveted three-star status.
