What Is Bib Gourmand And Where Does It Rank In The Michelin Guide?

In order to earn a coveted Michelin star, restaurants must meet the highest quality standards in five categories: quality of ingredients, demonstration of accomplished cooking techniques, the level of emotion and personality of the chef who prepared the dish, and consistency. It is no small feat for an establishment to earn the prestigious award.

But there's more to the guide than stars. There's a lesser-known Michelin award known as the Bib Gourmand, which is granted when a spot meets a unique criterion: bang for your buck. According to Michelin, restaurants that are awarded the Bib Gourmand have successfully displayed the ability to provide an extraordinary three-course meal for a reasonable price. This designation was created for those diners who love to eat at good restaurants but don't want to take a second mortgage out on their homes to do so.

To give you an idea of what kind of restaurant qualifies for a Bib Gourmand, the famous Katz's Deli in Manhattan is a recipient of the award. You may not think of simple pastrami sandwiches and potato latkes when you think of Michelin, but Katz's low prices combined with its delicious food make it the perfect recipient of the Bib Gourmand. Glo Noodle House in Denver, another proud recipient of the Bib Gourmand distinction, likewise offers simple dishes like marinated tofu for only a few dollars. 

You may be familiar with the roly-poly white Michelin Man, who has been the mascot of Michelin tires since 1898. Believe it or not, he has a name: Bibendum, which is where the name of the Bib Gourmand award originated. Bibendum is Latin for "to drink," while a gourmand is someone who enjoys food and drink. It's the perfect name for the mascot of a restaurant guide.

Restaurants that have earned Michelin awards are given a plaque denoting the number of stars earned. A restaurant meeting all the criteria will display 5 stars, but the Bib Gourmand sports a simple but effective symbol on the plaque: the Michelin Man licking his lips. All Bib Gourmand eateries are listed on the Michelin website.

The Bib Gourmand isn't only about great food at an affordable price. Michelin also wants this award to recognize food that diners feel can be easily made at home. Desserts such as this peach lavender galette, which looks gourmet but effortlessly comes together in a home kitchen, could easily earn you an honorary Bib Gourmand from friends and family.