For years, I avoided Michelin-starred restaurants while traveling because I assumed they were too expensive, overly formal, or not something I would enjoy. I focused instead on regular restaurants and street food, thinking I was being more practical with my money.
Looking back, I feel like I missed out on a lot of unique dining experiences simply due to assumptions about cost and atmosphere.
That changed during my most recent trip to Las Vegas, where I finally tried a Michelin-starred restaurant (Stubborn Seed). The tasting menu completely exceeded my expectations, especially dishes like the wagyu with smoked bone marrow and a standout dessert. The experience felt refined but still comfortable and enjoyable.
Since then, I’ve made it a point to include at least one Michelin-starred dining experience on major trips, as it has become one of the highlights of traveling for me.