It began as a guide for drivers across the channel – and has evolved into a globally recognised mark of high-end dining.
Prestigious Michelin stars are few and far between – gifted by secretive inspectors to only the finest eateries.
Earlier this week, the UK's cream of the crop was revealed with the release of next year's guide – with two restaurants in Norfolk securing the honour.
For well-known chef Galton Blackiston, it marks an incredible 19th year that his Morston Hall, a manor house in Holt, has retained its star, while, just along the coast in Hunstanton, the Neptune restaurant also held onto the distinction.
It means that Kevin Mangeolles, who runs the Neptune with wife Jacki, has now had a star to his name for 18 years – nine at his previous restaurant on the Isle of Wight, and another nine on the Norfolk coast.
But what may sound like a daunting feat is 'much less interesting than it sounds', Mr Mangeolles said.
'You don't get a Michelin star for cooking three-star food badly,' he said. 'You just have to use good ingredients and cook them well – and consistently. I know there are better chefs out there than me, but I am able to cook at a high standard consistently.'
He said while the pair weren't aiming for a second star, the accolade did bring diners to the door.
'There are people who come with their Michelin check list, and others who are curious,' he said, 'but at the end of the day, it only gets people here.
'You still have to do the business and make sure people go away happy.'
While Norfolk boasts just two Michelin-starred restaurants, and Suffolk none, there are 26 eateries elsewhere in Norfolk that are featured in the guide as stand-out places to visit.
Among them is The Reindeer, in Norwich, which is marking its third year in the pages. Dan Searle, its owner, said: 'The inspectors come in but you don't know who they are.
'But if you've done well they'll come up to you for a chat at the end of the meal.
'They are obviously really serious about food and are always interested to know how things are done and where they come from. It's definitely an honour.'
He said, particularly when the guide is released, diners are eager to sample the menu. 'It's been great for us in lots of respects,' he said. 'We are really serious about what we do and it's great to be recognised.'
Abbie Frary, owner of the Bure River Cottage, another restaurant listed in the guide, added: 'I'm never one for accolades but it's nice that people see us for what we are and what we are trying to do. It does give people a safeguard and lets them know a little more about what to expect.'
New restaurants to be featured in the guide next year include the Mulberry in Thetford, which is run by Karen Connor.
• Do you have a food and drink story we should be writing about? Email reporter Lauren Cope on lauren.cope@archant.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here