Boston has officially entered the Michelin Guide spotlight. 311 Omakase, a 10-seat Japanese restaurant in the city’s South End, has become the first Boston establishment to receive a Michelin star. The announcement was made during a ceremony at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, unveiling the 2025 Michelin Guide Northeast Cities edition, which also highlighted Philadelphia, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.
Debuting in the summer of 2023, 311 Omakase symbolizes “the trinity of the chef, the ingredients and the customers,” according to the restaurant’s website. The eatery offers an 18-course omakase priced at $250, curated by Executive Chef Wei Fa Chen.
“My goal is to create exceptional traditional Japanese cuisine that reflects the artful use of ingredients and meticulous mastery of preparation techniques, while infusing classic dishes with my own creativity and style,” Chen said on 311’s website. “Each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients to offer our guests an authentic and exciting dining experience. We are committed to pushing the limits of ourselves to achieve Michelin-level excellence in all aspects of our restaurant, from the food we serve to the service we provide.”
The Michelin Guide judges restaurants on five criteria: product quality, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine, and consistency over time and across the entire menu. Establishments may earn up to three stars depending on how accurately they achieve these standards. In addition to 311 Omakase’s Michelin star, multiple Boston restaurants received recommendations or Bib Gourmand distinctions.
With this milestone, 311 Omakase not only raises Boston’s culinary profile but also sets a new benchmark for fine dining in the city. Chef Chen’s dedication and precise approach to Japanese cuisine showcase the city’s growing appetite for elevated, experiential dining experiences.
