Michelin Guide Italy 2027: Uliassi Downgraded to Two Stars
The 2027 Michelin Guide Italia, unveiled on November 12 at the Teatro Municipale in Piacenza, confirms 382 starred restaurants across the country.
While the national selection remains the second-largest globally, behind France, the latest edition shows the total number of three-star establishments returning to 13. Reporting by Alessandra Dal Monte, Gabriele Principato, and Giuseppe Scuotri for Corriere della Sera said that the event, which showcased the 72nd edition of the guide, began at 11 a.m.
Shifts at the Three-Star Summit
The most notable change in the 2027 guide is the departure of Mauro Uliassi’s eponymous restaurant in Senigallia from the three-star category. Il Sole 24 ORE reported that the restaurant, a long-standing pillar of Italian fine dining, was downgraded to two stars. Simultaneously, the three-star list saw the exit of Quattro Passi in Nerano, which Corriere della Sera attributed to the restaurant’s permanent closure.
Despite these departures, the elite tier remains anchored by stalwarts including Osteria Francescana in Modena, Piazza Duomo in Alba, and Da Vittorio in Brusaporto. During the ceremony in Piacenza, Massimo Bottura acknowledged the transition for his colleague, leading a standing ovation for Uliassi, Catia Uliassi, and their team, as noted by Corriere della Sera.
The ceremony also served as a moment of collective mourning. Attendees offered a tribute to Nadia Santini, the chef of Dal Pescatore in Runate, who passed away on November 2. “You showed us that hospitality is not just about welcoming guests, but opening your heart,” speakers noted during the presentation, according to Corriere della Sera.
Three New Two-Star Restaurants Join the Guide
While the three-star category contracted, the guide recognized three new two-star restaurants: Pascucci al Porticciolo in Fiumicino, Orma Roma in the capital, and Al Gatto Verde in Modena. These additions bring the national total of two-star establishments to 42.
The Michelin Guide’s official documentation highlights the distinct culinary identities of these newcomers. Chef Roy Caceres at Orma Roma is credited with blending South American influences with traditional Roman roots, while Gianfranco Pascucci is recognized for a refined, essential approach to seafood at his Fiumicino location.
At Al Gatto Verde, chef Jessica Rosval continues a high-profile year, having recently been named Best Female Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, according to Il Sole 24 ORE.
The 2027 edition also introduces 24 new one-star restaurants, expanding the total count of single-star venues to 329. The geographical distribution of these awards emphasizes the strength of Italy’s provincial culinary scenes. Piedmont, Lombardy, and Sardinia saw notable additions, including the first star for Ulia in Arzachena, which operates within the Cascioni Eco Retreat.
Starred Restaurants Decrease as Hospitality Sector Transforms
The publication of the 2027 guide reflects a broader transformation within the Italian hospitality sector. WineNews reported that there are 12 fewer starred restaurants compared to the previous year, a figure accounting for both closures and the non-renewal of stars.
In the case of the Strattoria in Montrigiasco, the arrival of its first star prompted a public celebration, with the local mayor characterizing the achievement as a result of “passion, sacrifice, talent, and determination,” as reported by La Stampa.
Expanded Coverage and Accolades
The guide’s influence extends beyond starred venues, with the 2027 edition highlighting a diverse range of establishments. New one-star entries across Italy include Casa Romano in Alzano Lombardo, Autem in Milan, Téa del Kosmo in Livigno, 1224 Restaurant in Cortina, and Locanda Baggio in Asolo. The guide also recognized the achievements of younger talent, such as Simone Lezzerini, who received the Young Chef Award.
The 2027 guide includes a total of 1,330 selected restaurants, a figure that continues to serve as a primary benchmark for international culinary tourism. As Italy remains a destination where approximately seven out of ten tourists base their itineraries on food and wine, the guide serves as a vital component of the national tourism strategy, according to remarks shared by Minister of Tourism Gianmarco Mazzi during the event.