Few Surprises in the New Michelin Guide, Except for One Major DC-Area Shift

The latest Michelin Guide delivered little change for the Washington, DC dining scene this year, with no new stars awarded across the region. The most notable shift came from The Inn at Little Washington, long celebrated as the area’s only three-star destination, which was downgraded to two stars—ending a distinction it has held since Michelin’s arrival in the region in 2016. Speaking with Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com, the takeaway was clear: while the Michelin news was subdued, it does not reflect a lack of excellence in the DC area. Nycci emphasized that the region’s dining scene remains exceptionally vibrant, with innovative newcomers and consistently strong legacy restaurants continuing to raise the bar—regardless of Michelin recognition. She also questioned Michelin’s transparency and suggested the guide may have overlooked deserving establishments this year. Despite the absence of new stars, there were bright spots. Michelin’s Bib Gourmand selections—highlighting outstanding food at accessible prices—expanded to include neighborhood favorites such as Your Only Friend in Shaw and Pho Exotic in Bloomingdale, reinforcing the depth and diversity of the local food landscape. In short, while Michelin may have been quiet, DC’s culinary momentum is anything but.