Italy has taken the spotlight in the Michelin Guide 2026 travel recommendations, just months after its food culture was recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The guide highlights Venice, the Dolomites, and the Amalfi Coast as top destinations for food-focused travellers.

Venice

According to the Michelin Guide, Venice is set for a dining renaissance. A wave of high-end hotel openings, including Orient Express, Cheval Blanc, Rosewood, and Airelles, is expected to bring big-name chefs to the city. The northern Cannaregio district and the island of Giudecca are likely to see the most change.

Michelin currently lists 62 restaurants in Venice, including two Two-Star and eight One-Star venues. Travellers seeking a quieter experience may prefer visiting in winter, when the city is less crowded and reservations are easier.

Also read: Ten facts about Venice

The Dolomites

The Dolomites, centred on Cortina, are also highlighted. Hosting the Winter Olympics from February 6-22, the region is experiencing infrastructure improvements and increasingly ambitious alpine cuisine. Local ingredients such as buckwheat, speck, and mountain cheeses are paired with modern techniques.

Michelin lists 149 restaurants across the Dolomites, including one Three-Star and two Two-Star venues. Visitors are encouraged to go before post-Games tourism alters prices and pace.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast features a new arrival experience with Belmond’s train service starting in May. Michelin notes the region’s elemental cuisine — anchovies, lemons, and hand-rolled pasta — served with renewed confidence. The guide recommends May and late September for optimal seasonality and light.

For 2026, Michelin positions Italy as a top European destination for travellers seeking a combination of culinary excellence and scenic charm.