# Michelin Guide Italy Adds 16 New Starred Restaurants The 72nd edition reveals new culinary stars across Italy from Paestum to Arzachena. - **Source:** [ANSA – Top News](https://www.ansa.it) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9b0a87cb-427d-4d83-9b8a-6a51e44545b8 ## New Stars Announced The 72nd edition of the Michelin Guide Italy introduced 16 new starred restaurants during a ceremony at the Teatro Municipale in Piacenza. These additions join the existing 341 establishments already holding the prestigious recognition. The event began with a tribute to the late chef Nadia Santini, honoring her significant culinary legacy. ## Geographic Distribution The new stars span the entire Italian peninsula, reflecting diverse regional gastronomy. Notable additions include Akoya in Turin, Osteria Arbustico in Paestum, and Ulìa in Arzachena. Other locations recognized include Cagliari, Livigno, Casole D'Elsa, Cortina D'Ampezzo, Burgusio, Golfo Aranci, Barbaresco, Palermo, Numana, Vico Equense, Polignano a Mare, Alzano Lombardo, and Rome. ## Special Recognition Awards Beyond the stars, the guide introduced the Mindful Voices recognition, replacing the Green Star platform, awarded to Jessica Rosval and Fabrizio Caponi. Juan Camilo Quintero of Quid in Rome received the Opening of the Year award. These accolades highlight sustainability and innovation within the evolving landscape of the Italian fine dining sector. ## Emerging Culinary Talent Simone Lezzerini, aged 30, was named Young Chef 2027 for his work at N'Uovo Vino e Cucina in Sutri. He also secured his first Michelin star during the same ceremony. This dual recognition underscores the guide's commitment to identifying and promoting the next generation of professional chefs within the competitive industry. ## Service and Sommelier Excellence The guide also celebrated essential front-of-house roles. Andrea Bravaccini received the Sommelier Award 2027 for his expertise at Ristorante del Lago. Additionally, Stefania Lepore of Casa Klopè was honored with the Service Award 2027, highlighting the critical importance of professional hospitality and service standards in maintaining high-level dining experiences across Italy. ## Dessert and Craftsmanship The Passion Dessert award was presented to Lorelei in Sorrento, specifically recognizing the work of Ciro Sicignano. This category emphasizes the technical skill and creativity required in pastry arts. Such awards demonstrate that the Michelin evaluation process encompasses the entire dining experience, from initial service to the final course served. ## Industry Context The presentation featured a video message from Tourism Minister Gianmarco Mazzi, emphasizing the importance of gastronomy to the national economy. With 16 new entries, the total number of starred restaurants in Italy continues to grow, reflecting a robust and highly competitive culinary market that attracts both domestic and international food enthusiasts. ## Future Outlook The 72nd edition reinforces the Michelin Guide's role as the primary arbiter of quality in Italian dining. By balancing traditional excellence with new awards for sustainability and service, the guide adapts to modern consumer expectations. Observers should monitor how these new stars impact regional tourism and local restaurant business growth. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ansa.it/canale_terraegusto/notizie/in_breve/2026/11/12/guida-michelin-16-ristoranti-neo-stellati-da-paestum-ad-azachena-da-napoli-a-torino_13488ba5-2506-4e47-8418-6c456797459a.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._