Michelin Guide Axes Green Stars
🕘 6 min read
Since its debut in Toronto four years ago, the Michelin Guide has undergone a slew of changes. The most recent? Their prestigious award for an establishment’s dedication to sustainability, the Green Star, has been quietly eliminated from the restaurant compendium.
Strange to axe commendations for sustainable practises at such a critical time in history and for the industry at large. Stranger too, as it feels they were just getting underway. (They were). The dining dispatch however, has become known for changing things up on the regular. (See: Michelin Keys, and the addition of “& Region” to Toronto Guides, for starters.)
According to MG, the Michelin Green Star is “an annual award which highlights restaurants at the forefront of the industry when it comes to their sustainable practices. They hold themselves accountable for both their ethical and environmental standards, and work with sustainable producers and suppliers to avoid waste and reduce or even remove plastic and other non-recyclable materials from their supply chain. These restaurants offer dining experiences that combine culinary excellence with outstanding eco-friendly commitments and are a source of inspiration both for keen foodies and the hospitality industry as a whole.”
As for who qualifies, the tire co. states, “Any restaurant in the Michelin Guide is eligible, whether it holds a Michelin Plate*, a Bib Gourmand or a Michelin Star.” *Note: Plates were introduced in 2016, later renamed ‘Recommended.’
While stars for sustainability were “first revealed in 2020” and “introduced into several of the 2021 editions,” they arrived later in Toronto as the inaugural edition didn’t launch until 2022 and none were awarded that year. It wasn’t until 2023 that local restos received accolades. Here’s a quick peek at the action thus far:
THE HISTORY OF MICHELIN GREEN STARS IN TORONTO
2023
Frilu* and White Lily Diner** were awarded the city’s first Michelin Green Stars - one star each - in recognition for “their leadership in sustainable gastronomy.” *Permanently closed in 2024. Tune into the Toronto Restaurants | The Podcast The Tip Off Edition 7 to discover who took its place. **The east side diner also earned a Bib Gourmand designation this year.
2024
In addition to a Michelin Star this year, Restaurant Pearl Morissette, located outside of Toronto, garnered a Green Star for its environmental initiatives including their two-acre regenerative garden and implementation of indigenous ingredients. Last year’s recipient, White Lily Diner, retained its standing.
2025
Sundays touched down in Uxbridge in April of 2025. The eatery’s initiatives highlighted by the guide include: Sourcing ingredients directly from their local farm and other nearby farms; educating the next generation of farm workers; evolving menu based on seasonality; locally sourced wine selection. Last year’s recipients - Restaurant Pearl Morissette and White Lily Diner - held their position in 2025 as well. TR Trivia: Chef Ben Denham and wife Ashley Lloyd launched WLD back in November 2016 and sold it in 2024. Their follow up, Sundays in Uxbridge, includes chef Tomás Sebastián - the dream team at the time the diner was awarded their first Green Star and Bib Gourmand designation in 2023. Their outstanding White Lily Farms, est. 2020, is also located in Uxbridge.
TR Synopsis: Over a three year period, only four restaurants received Green Stars - One has since shuttered, two are outside the city proper, and for a period of time, two were owned by the same folks and helmed by the same chef when awarded their Green Star for “Sustainable Gastronomy” and a Bib Gourmand.
What now?
As for whether Green Stars will be doled out at this year’s Michelin Awards ceremony in September, it may be too late for this year’s recipients: Michelin states in a burying-the-lead mention in an article announcing a new venture, they’re being “discontinued” on June 1, 2026. Québec, Canada’s newest Michelin Guide destination, just made it under the deadline in May.
Will the Green Star be replaced with something else? The guide’s launching new digital “editorial concept” Mindful Voices, which will “highlight and share the stories and pioneering practices of chefs, hoteliers and wine producers.”
Stay tuned. More news is on the way, including coverage of the awards ceremony in September and 2026 winners.
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