The culinary world descended on Boston recently for the release of the inaugural Michelin Guide Boston 2025, awarding stars and honors to 26 restaurants across the region. However, in a surprising turn for one of the city’s most historic and affluent districts, Beacon Hill was entirely shut out of the selection.

While the guide celebrated dining destinations in the South End, Cambridge, and even Lynn, Beacon Hill was noticeably absent from the list of Stars, Bib Gourmands, and Recommended restaurants. Established favorites like the modern steakhouse Mooo…. were overlooked, but perhaps even more surprising was the exclusion of the neighborhood’s newer culinary stars. The acclaimed Basque-inspired Zurito, which has injected fresh energy and innovation into Charles Street with its lively pintxo bar, failed to garner a mention despite its trendy status. Also missing from the list was 1928 Beacon Hill, whose speakeasy-style atmosphere and upscale American fare have made it a fast favorite among locals.

The City’s Sole Star and Bib Gourmands

The spotlight instead fell firmly on the South End, where 311 Omakase earned the city’s only One Michelin Star. The intimate 10-seat counter, led by Chef Wei Fa Chen, was praised for its “impressive nigiri” and seasonal ceramic presentation.

The guide also recognized six restaurants with the Bib Gourmand designation, which highlights high-quality cooking at a good value:

• South Boston: Chef Karen Akunowicz secured two spots with Fox & The Knife and Bar Volpe, honored for their Italian pasta and aperitivo culture.

• Cambridge: Jahunger (Uyghur cuisine), Pagu (Spanish-Japanese tapas), and Sumiao Hunan Kitchen (Hunanese) were all recognized.

• Brookline: Mahaniyom, known for its Thai small plates and cocktails, also made the list.

While Beacon Hill came up empty-handed, other historic neighborhoods fared better. The North End saw two of its staples, Carmelina’s and Neptune Oyster, earn spots on the Michelin Recommended list, validating their long-standing popularity.

For now, Beacon Hill residents will have to travel across the Common or over the bridge to experience the city’s newly minted Michelin-recognized dining rooms.