Discover Where to Enjoy the Most Budget-Friendly and Lavish Michelin-starred Dishes

Restaurants that boast Michelin stars undoubtedly come with a significant price — but the cost of an average meal can differ by location. The global culinary magazine Chef's Pencil examined 450 restaurants, uncovering the places with the most budget-friendly and lavish Michelin-starred dining options. As reported, the most affordable meals are found in Thailand, whereas Denmark holds the title for the most expensive.

The research categorized destinations in two ways — by city and by country — focusing solely on restaurants with two stars (known for "excellent cooking worth a detour") and three stars (celebrated for "exceptional cuisine that is a destination in itself"). It assessed prices for top tasting menus — typically ranging from eight to 12 courses — noting that actual prices in different countries may vary as some include drink costs and service fees.

On average, meals at these two tiers of restaurants cost $276 per person, with two-star venues averaging $252 and three-star spots at $357.

Thailand leads the list of the most budget-friendly countries, with an average meal price of $173. Ireland follows in second place at $212, while South Korea and Taiwan share third at $213. Completing the top 10 are Portugal ($217), Spain ($218), Belgium ($224), Austria ($230), the Netherlands ($236), and Germany ($247).

For a detailed view of the most affordable dining spots, the top city remains in Thailand, with Bangkok averaging $173. It is followed by Lyon ($203), Seoul ($213), Rotterdam ($216), Barcelona ($224), Vienna ($225), Madrid ($228), Taipei ($232), Hamburg ($240), and Macao ($248). If you're eager to enjoy multiple meals, the study notes that Seoul boasts seven two-star restaurants and two three-star establishments, with tasting menus starting at $170.

Conversely, the priciest meal, on average, costs more than twice as much, with Denmark at the forefront at $404, followed by Singapore at $364 and Sweden at $327. The list continues with Japan ($322), the U.S. ($313), China ($310), the U.K. ($301), France ($300), Switzerland ($292), and Italy ($255).

The leading country also features the top city, where the average price in Copenhagen soars to $448, followed by Shanghai at $406 and Kyoto at $401. The top 10 is rounded out by Singapore ($364), Paris ($358), Stockholm ($335), Hong Kong ($324), and Amsterdam ($320), with New York and Milan sharing the last position at $309.

Among the restaurants that deliver the biggest sticker shock is Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet in Shanghai, where a tasting menu starts at around $618 and can soar to nearly $1,547 per person. Excluding this restaurant brings Shanghai's average down to $284. Another high-priced option is Kitcho Arashiyama Honten, featuring a daunting $911 price for its top tasting menu.

For those seeking a Michelin-starred meal at a more affordable rate, Chef's Pencil recommends opting for lunch menus or a la carte selections, although availability may vary by restaurant.

"Dining at a Michelin-starred establishment is a must for every serious foodie," the report states. "However, it often comes with a hefty price tag."