Surprisingly Affordable Michelin Star Restaurants

These restaurants have not let a Michelin star inflate their heads — or their prices.

Surprisingly Affordable Michelin Star Restaurants

The Michelin Guide has been rating the world’s best restaurants since 1900. Earning even one Michelin star can be life-changing for a chef or restaurant. Getting three (the highest rating) is the ultimate dream of many fine-dining chefs.

That's why Michelin-starred restaurants are associated with exorbitant prices. But this actually is not the case. There are plenty of one-star restaurants that offer superb taste at very affordable prices.

Don’t believe us? Here are the cheapest restaurants with a Michelin star in the world — number one will set you back a mere $25.

41. Eden

Location: Valkenswaard, Netherlands

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $58.68

Find it: Online

Bottom line: As its name suggests, this restaurant provides a slice of heaven in the form of modern dishes that fuse flavors.

You can choose between five to seven courses. The chef's menu changes seasonally but usually features fresh fish and European flavors with Asian and Middle Eastern spices.

*Note: Rankings are based on “The Cheapest Michelin Meals in the World” by TopDollar. Prices are based on a three-course meal and are subject to change.

40. Boskinac

Location: Novalja, Croatia

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $58.37

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Located on the beautiful Croatian island of Novalja, Boskinac brings patrons the best of Mediterranean cuisine.

The restaurant is part of a boutique hotel built with stone and surrounded by vineyards and greenery. You'll have the perfect landscape to accompany your superb meal.

We suggest the lamb tartare with a wine pairing suggested by the in-house sommelier.

39. Setzkasten

Location: Dusseldorf, Germany

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $57.62

Find it: Online

Bottom line: The geniuses behind this restaurant brought an incredible idea to life: build a restaurant underneath the Crown, Dusseldorf's largest food market. This ensures that ingredients are as fresh as can be and that the quality of the meats and fish is worthy of a Michelin star.

The restaurant has set menus for three to five courses. Each menu changes depending on what is available at the market, but usually includes fresh vegetables, mussels, meats and sweet fruits.

38. Auberge de Montfleury

Location: Saint-Germain, France

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $57.62

Find it: Online

Bottom line: This restaurant in the southwest of France was described by a reviewer as "a magic moment."

The ingredients go beyond French to being mostly sourced by producers that the chef knows personally. This distinction guarantees handpicked quality that is held to the highest standards.

The menu changes seasonally, but in general, you can't go wrong with fresh seafood.

37. Le Murenberg

Location: Bubendorf, Switzerland

Type of cuisine: Traditional French

Price: $56.41

Find it: Online

Bottom line: This traditional French cuisine restaurant is located in the German part of Switzerland. Its menu changes daily, but the wine selection remains fairly constant — and what a selection it is.

The ambience is elegant in a very French way, minimalist and effortless. There is a lovely garden terrace where you can enjoy nice sunny days.

36. Fani

Location: Roeser, Luxembourg

Type of cuisine: Italian

Price: $56.22

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Italian food is often seen as casual, but this restaurant proves even your make-at-home staples have a place in fine dining. The risotto with porcini mushrooms, though simple, is noteworthy.

Reviewers called the restaurant "exceptional" and "perfect."

35. Mee

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Type of cuisine: Pan-Asian

Price: $55.45

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Borrowing flavors from several East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, Mee brings pan-Asian fusion to Rio. The restaurant is located by the pool of the famous Copacabana Palace, so it gives you an excuse to see the hotel even if you're not a guest.

We recommend Thai dishes, given that the chef learned his trade in Bangkok. The restaurant's sushi bar, sashiMee is also noteworthy.

34. Le France

Location: Villers-le-Lac, France

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $55.17

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Le France treats its ambiance with as much care as it does its dishes. The restaurant's decoration is done mostly with local materials, making for a truly unique, homely feel.

The menu is small, but the dishes are superb. A stand-out dish is the Angus beef with foie gras.

The wine cellar also is well stocked and includes a small selection from local vineyards.

33. Mason Arms

Location: Knowstone, United Kingdom

Type of cuisine: Classic French

Price: $54.67

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Located in a 13th-century house made by masons, the Mason Arms provides an interesting ambience. Though many pubs in such historic buildings exist throughout the U.K., not many can boast a Michelin star for their excellent pub food.

The menu is seasonal. It might be a little more refined than expected, but you will find essential English pub meals. One reviewer claims that they would "will drive 100 miles to go back!"

32. The Woodspeen

Location: Newbury, United Kingdom

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $54.67

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Set in a restored 19th-century farmhouse, The Woodspeen offers a rustic-modern aesthetic. This peculiar combination is also present in its menu, which champions traditional local flavors in distinctly modern dishes and presentations.

Many of the items on the seasonal menu come from the restaurant's own garden, as well as local producers. Begin with the artichoke and black truffle risotto, followed by roasted monk fish.

Don't skip trying one of their delicious signature cocktails.

31. Noel

Location: Zagreb, Croatia

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $53.50

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Noel prides itself for bringing an outstanding fine dining experience to the Croatian capital. The restaurant has delicate modern dishes combined with Croatian flavors — a taste you'll not likely find anywhere else.

There are also two wine sommeliers and one sake sommelier, because the restaurant understands the importance of the perfect pairing.

Artisan cocktails and a tea-tasting menu add even more interesting elements to the experience.

30. Le Mascaret

Location: Blainville-sur-Mer, France

Type of cuisine: Creative

Price: $53.33

Find it: Online

Bottom line: There simply isn't a better place to dine in the small beach town of Blainville-su-Mer than Le Mascaret. Housed in a former girl's boarding school, the restaurant — and its hotel — have all of the grandeur of a boarding school without any of the rigidity.

Fresh seafood is the perfect way to end a day at the beach. We always recommend the catch of the day. Several reviewers have claimed Le Mascaret is "excellent" and one even called it "magical."

29. Longtail

Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Type of cuisine: Innovative

Price: $52.88

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Channelling Taipei's famed dining scene, Longtail specializes in contemporary cuisine.

The seasonal menu changes every three months, reflecting the fresh and top-quality ingredients the restaurant uses exclusively.

Accompany your meal with boutique wines, a signature cocktail or a craft beer.

28. La Robe

Location: Montaigu, France

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $52.72

Find it: Online

Bottom line: This cozy restaurant wows patrons for a little over $50. Contemporary cuisine is presented in an interesting blend of flavors that take inspiration from different corners of the world.

But French cuisine still dominates the masterpieces that come out of the kitchen. Try the canard roti (roasted duck) or the saumon label rouge (red salmon.)

27. Noble Kitchen

Location: Cromvoirt, Netherlands

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $51.34

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Housed in a building that looks like it comes from the future, Noble Kitchen overlooks the popular Bernardus golf course. Its location attracts a crowd that is used to the finer things in life.

Still, the restaurant manages to make its modern cuisine accessible to the common layperson. Expect heavy Asian flavors and influences.

Go for the curry tuna or lamb.

26. Putien (Kitchener Road)

Location: Singapore

Type of cuisine: Fujian

Price: $51.28

Find it: Online

Bottom line: You wouldn’t expect a chain restaurant to be a Michelin darling, but Putien defies all the odds. The restaurant was started in 2000 by a Chinese immigrant known as Uncle Fong who wanted to bring native Fujian cuisine to Singapore.

The restaurant now has locations all over East and Southeast Asia, but the original location on Kitchener Road continues to be the best one.

You can never go wrong with the flavorful Putien soup.

25. Tuome

Location: New York City, New York

Type of cuisine: Fusion

Price: $51

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Chef Thomas Chen takes the American-Asian fusion scene in New York to another level. The fine-dining restaurant is cozy and unassuming. The kind of place you’re likely to miss unless you know where to look. This casual vibe, plus all of the good prices, makes it a true hidden gem of the city.

We recommend trying the chicken liver topped with maple syrup as an entree and finishing with Chinese beignets for dessert.

24. Attablez-Vous

Location: Namur, Belgium

Type of cuisine: Creative French

Price: $50.74

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Food in this restaurant follows the seasons, demanding only the freshest ingredients. Because of this, you can expect the menu to change depending on when you pay a visit.

If you don’t opt for one of the set menus, try the lobster. Swap out more decadent desserts for a cup of wild bilberries.

23. Vila Podvin

Location: Radovljica, Slovenia

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $47.66

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Housed within a hotel by the same name, this rustic enclave is located in a Slovenian small town. Chef Uros claims to bring traditional and forgotten national dishes, infused with modern flavors and techniques.

Ingredients are bought hyperlocally from the surrounding gardens and farms, making the menu seasonal and ever-changing.

22. Hisa Denk

Location: Zgornja Kungota, Slovenia

Type of cuisine: Creative

Price: $47.74

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Another guest house with its own in-house Michelin-starred restaurant, Hisa Denk is a full culinary experience. By that, we mean that you shouldn’t expect to come in and order from the menu.

Rather, you choose how many courses you want, tell the waiter if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions and let the chef work wonders.

Dishes are unique, but you can expect local ingredients and flavors.

21. Au Gourmet

Location: Drusenheim, France

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $47.11

Find it: Online

Bottom line: This gourmet hotel restaurant is known for its impeccable presentation and delicate flavors. The chef, Ludovic Kientz, worked in Au Crocodile, a famous two Michelin star restaurant.

You will find French classics like duck foie gras and tender beef covered with red wine sauce.

20. El Fogony

Location: Sort, Spain

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $46.59

Find it: Online

Bottom line: The world of fine dining is dominated by men, but El Fogony brings its female gourmet chef to the forefront.

If you care about sustainability, don’t hesitate to get the Km. 0 menu. You can rest assured that both the ingredients and the cooking methods are chosen with the environment in mind.

19. Varoulko Seaside

Location: Athens, Greece

Type of cuisine: Seafood

Price: $45.36

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Head to Athens’ Mikrolimano marina for a taste of Greek food at its finest. As can be expected, the seafood is very fresh with ingredients that feature a collection of specialties from various regions.

Everything is delicious, but perhaps nothing beats the sun-dried grilled octopus.

18. State Bird Provisions

Location: San Francisco, California

Type of cuisine: American

Price: $45

Find it: Online

Bottom line: This is a restaurant "without any programmed elements," and it's exactly what you’d expect from Californian fine dining. Carts are wheeled out so guests can take whatever pleases their eyes in a decidedly casual experience.

The seasonal menu changes constantly so ask waiters for their recommendations or just trust your gut. Literally.

17. Le Pilori

Location: Écaussinnes-Lalaing, Belgium

Type of cuisine: Modern French

Price: $44.21

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Elegant but not pompous, Le Pilori is all about simplicity and flavors. It doesn't need to be flashy to attract a faithful clientele. It lets the food do the talking.

Enjoy classical French flavors with a twist, like the foie gras with blueberries and oysters with spinach and goat cheese.

16. Le Dallaison

Location: Saintes, France

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $42.91

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Refined yet welcoming, Le Dallaison stands out as a gourmet restaurant truly committed to sustainability. Besides using local — read fresh — produce, the restaurant also uses wild harvesting, which is as natural and organic as it gets.

Any food that's not consumed is composted. The set menu is always changing, but with dishes like trout and asparagus in garlic, and couscous with hake steak, you won't be leaving much food on your plate.

15. Aaharn

Location: Hong Kong

Type of cuisine: Thai

Price: $41.02

Find it: Online

Bottom line: An Australian chef's take on Thai cuisine in Hong Kong, Aaharn (food in Thai) is the epitome of a globalized restaurant.

Though the menu is seasonal, you can always expect the best of Thai cuisine, with dishes like coconut snow crab curry and grilled Chiang Mai pork sausage.

14. Philippe Meyers

Location: Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium

Type of cuisine: French, Belgian

Price: $40.73

Find it: Online

Bottom line: If the idea of modern or creative French cuisine doesn't appeal to you, try this classic restaurant. The chef, who has given his name to the restaurant, is committed to gourmet traditional French and Belgian specialties like beef tartare and Breton half lobster — which is sourced from the restaurant's own fish pond.

This doesn't mean he's opposed to bringing in a splash of international flavor here and there, but you can expect beautifully presented French cuisine.

13. Moulin de la Tardoire

Location: Montbron, France

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $40.46

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Located in an old flour mill on the banks of the Tardoire River, this restaurant offers an idyllic location. You can sit on the terrace and enjoy the peacefulness of the river as you indulge your taste buds.

The dishes themselves are not wildly innovative, but the quality of the ingredients and the chef's magnificent skills earned the restaurant a well-deserved Michelin star.

The menu changes seasonally as produce is sourced from nearby farms.

12. Kitchen W8

Location: London, England

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $40.46

Find it: Online

Bottom line: This causal gourmet London restaurant achieved its first Michelin star within two years of opening. It describes its cuisine as "English with a French soul" and prides itself on the delicate simplicity of its dishes.

The set menu includes star dishes like caramelized parmesan gnocchi and rump of veal with black truffle cream.

11. Vol-Ver

Location: Marke, Belgium

Type of cuisine: Traditional

Price: $38.68

Find it: Online

Bottom line: The presentation at this restaurant is so impeccable, you'll almost feel bad taking that first bite. All guilt will disperse soon enough, however, as you will be too distracted with the traditional flavors and a hint of international ingredients.

Try the guinea fowl with kimchi or trust the chef by getting one of the set menus.

10. Phénix

Location: Shanghai, China

Type of cuisine: French

Price: $38.28

Find it: Online

Bottom line: If you ever find yourself craving French food in Shanghai, there simply is no better choice than Phénix. The large windows provide panoramic views of the city, which you can enjoy while feasting on rabbit with ratatouille or salmon confit.

Menus go beyond lunch and dinner to include afternoon tea and aperitivo hour.

9. Picchi

Location: São Paulo, Brazil

Type of cuisine: Italian

Price: $37.34

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Born in Brazil to Italian immigrants, Chef Pier Paolo Picchi opened this restaurant to share with the world the wonders of his mother and grandmother's food. And who doesn't want recipes from an Italian nonna?

Like Picchi himself, traditional Italian flavors meet Brazilian ingredients and recipes for a light fusion cuisine that will leave you more than satisfied.

Don't even worry about looking at the menu. Just trust the chef's tasting menu, and you will not be disappointed.

8. Schranners Waldhorn

Location: Tübingen, Germany

Type of cuisine: Classic

Price: $36.78

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Chef Maximilian Schranner describes his dishes as "sophisticated, yet down-to-earth." He is committed to traditional German food with what he calls "carefully set international accents."

The restaurant is located in a rustic inn of the same name and offers a set lunch and dinner menu that changes periodically.

7. The Coach

Location: Marlow, England

Type of cuisine: Modern British

Price: $36.22

Find it: Online

Bottom line: No one would have suspected a pub to get a Michelin star, but that proves just how good the Coach is.

Expect typical pub fare like shepherd's pie, a burger with pulled pork, and leek and potato soup. But it's at an elevated level we'll bet you've never tasted.

6. Three Coins

Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Type of cuisine: Cantonese

Price: $35.73

Find it: Online

Bottom line: This family-owned restaurant has brought traditional Cantonese food to Taipei for over 50 years. It is a favorite for anyone looking for Chinese flavors but also sports the inevitable hints of Taiwanese cuisine.

If available, we can't think of anything more gloriously delicious than the seafood baked in papaya.

5. Bistro Racine

Location: Braine-le-Château, Belgium

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $30.85

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Chef Jimmy Collodoro claims that he's tried to make the type of restaurant he would want to visit. That is, one with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that has top-quality ingredients at reasonable prices. By all accounts, it seems like he is succeeding.

The menu evolves constantly depending on available produce from the region, so there's no way to know what will be offered before arriving. We wouldn't worry about it too much though, given the restaurant's spotless reputation.

4. Silabario

Location: Vigo, Spain

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $30.56

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Situated in a glass dome that opens up the sky to diners, Silabario's menu is unapologetically Galician with inspiration taken from cuisines from all over the world.

Go for the stewed rooster or grilled frogfish.

3. Borkonyha Winekitchen

Location: Budapest, Hungary

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $28.12

Find it: Online

Bottom line: With over 200 wines available, it is evident why this restaurant would tout itself as a "wine kitchen." The abundant wine choices complement the food, which uses Hungarian tradition infused with global tastes.

The menu may not be extensive, but you can rest assured that whatever you choose will have delicate yet deep flavors.

The deer cooked with chestnuts and mushrooms would be our top recommendation.

2. Edvard

Location: Vienna, Austria

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $27.06

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Edvard proves that high-end European food can be affordable. Palais Hansen Kempinski's gourmet restaurant, Edvard focuses on Alpine-Mediterranean food with international influences and tries to be as in-season as possible.

You can choose from a five-course, seven-course or nine-course menu, letting the chef know of preferences and restrictions before letting him cook you a whole meal that will pleasantly surprise you.

1. Hostellerie La Montagne

Location: Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, France

Type of cuisine: Modern

Price: $24.52

Find it: Online

Bottom line: Located in a charming small village, Hostellerie La Montagne is a small, peaceful hotel that happens to boast world-quality cuisine.

The menu is modern French with Tuscan undertones. Unsurprisingly, much of the produce is sourced locally, causing the menu to change and evolve to ensure freshness.

Surprisingly, a gourmet three-course meal here will cost you less than $25.