Image Courtesy Office of the Governor Michell Lujan Grisham
The ceremony, which will be held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, will recognize restaurants across Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah as part of the new regional edition first announced in December 2025.
By Levi Gwaltney for Las Cruces Digest
Source: Michelin Lifestyle, Carly Grieef, Public Relations Manager
Images: Courtesy
The MICHELIN Guide has announced that the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Southwest ceremony will take place Aug. 26 in Las Vegas, marking the next major step in the guide’s expansion into New Mexico and the broader Southwest region.
The ceremony, which will be held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, will recognize restaurants across Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah as part of the new regional edition first announced in December 2025.
The announcement signals that Michelin’s anonymous inspectors are actively evaluating restaurants throughout the Southwest ahead of the first round of awards and distinctions.
“As our Inspectors work to canvas the culinary communities across the Southwest, they are already eager to share the many flavors and experiences they’ve discovered throughout the region,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.
When the Southwest edition was first announced last year, New Mexico officials framed the move as an opportunity to place the state’s culinary traditions alongside internationally recognized dining destinations.
“By joining this partnership to bring the MICHELIN Guide to the Southwest, we’re ready to show the world that the Land of Enchantment is home to unforgettable restaurants on par with the top foodie destinations across the country,” Acting New Mexico Tourism Secretary Lancing Adams said during the December announcement.
The Michelin Guide is internationally known for its restaurant distinctions, including the Michelin Star system, Bib Gourmand recognitions for quality and value, and Green Stars recognizing sustainable gastronomy efforts. Michelin inspectors evaluate restaurants using criteria that include ingredient quality, mastery of technique, consistency and the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine.
The Southwest expansion places New Mexico into Michelin’s growing regional model for North America, joining newer guide regions that include Texas, the American South and the upcoming American Great Lakes edition. Michelin first entered the North American market with New York in 2005 before gradually expanding to additional cities and statewide or regional guides.
For New Mexico restaurants, inclusion in the Michelin system could carry increased national and international attention for the state’s food culture, which blends Native American, Hispanic and regional Southwestern traditions. The state’s culinary identity — from traditional New Mexican cuisine and chile-based dishes to contemporary regional dining — has increasingly become part of broader tourism and economic development conversations.
The Michelin Guide has not released any information regarding which New Mexico restaurants may receive stars, Bib Gourmand distinctions or other recognitions. Attendance at the Las Vegas ceremony will be invitation-only. (Pssst. 😉)
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