Michelangelo Mammoliti, chef of the La Rey Natura restaurant at the Boscareto Resort in Serralunga d'Alba, in the province of Cuneo, is the big news in the 2026 Michelin Guide to Italian Restaurants: he has earned the coveted recognition of three Michelin stars. The forty-year-old, originally from Giaveno (Turin), a small town at the foot of the Western Alps, where the rhythms of the seasons still hold sway, has entered the world of starred cuisine with a wealth of knowledge. His beginnings began with his family, where cooking has always played a key role, before moving on to the court of Gualtiero Marchesi, first at L'Albereta and then at Marchesino. He then gained crucial experience with Stefano Baiocco, and in France with Alain Ducasse, Pierre Gagnaire, Yannick Alléno, and Marc Meneau, who accustomed him to excellence and rigor. "Immersed in the enchanting setting of the rolling Langhe vineyards," states the Michelin Guide, "the restaurant helmed by Michelangelo offers a gastronomic experience of pure precision and poetry. Each dish, crafted with meticulous precision, tells a story that celebrates the raw ingredients, enhanced by bold and harmonious pairings. The guest and the product are the beating heart of a journey that envelops the senses in a total way. Michelangelo's cuisine does more than simply satisfy the palate: it sublimates it, transforming every bite into an unforgettable emotional journey."
News from the two stars: Francesco Sodano's "Family Frog" in Oppeano and "I Tenerumi" on the island of Vulcano.
With Mammoliti's entry into the elite of Italian haute cuisine (the chef had already earned two Michelin stars last year), the total number of three-starred Italian chefs rises to 15. Two new restaurants have also been awarded two stars, and a total of 22 have been awarded one star. Overall, the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Italy selection includes 394 starred restaurants, spread across the peninsula, placing Italy second, after France, in the ranking of countries with the highest rate of culinary excellence.
New additions to the two-starred restaurant world: Chef Francesco Sodano's Famiglia Rana, in Oppeano, near Verona, and Chef Davide Guidara's I Tenerumi, on the island of Vulcano, Sicily. "Among enchanting works of art and antiques and uniquely charming settings, Chef Sodano's cuisine," the guide states, "expresses the value of togetherness. From the garden to the kitchen, every detail is the fruit of research and passion, right down to the Mediterranean catch, one of the undisputed stars of a cuisine that celebrates harmony and authenticity. An experience that intertwines nature, technique, and creativity, leaving an indelible mark." And regarding Davide Guidara, we can read about I Tenerumi: "Davide Guidara is the guardian of a dream he pursues with ethics, experience, study, and vision, aiming to elevate the plant world to the forefront. Refined technique, lightness, and creativity blend together in a journey that surprises and captivates." In an idyllic corner of the island, every dish becomes an experience that remains in the heart."
All the three-star restaurants in Italy
Overall, the three-star restaurants appearing in the 2026 edition of the Guide, holding high the flag for Italian cuisine, are, in addition to Mammoliti: Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli in Verona, Villa Crespi in Orta San Giulio (NO), Piazza Duomo in Alba (CN), Da Vittorio in Brusaporto (BG), Le Calandre in Rubano (PD), Dal Pescatore in Canneto Sull'Oglio (MN), Osteria Francescana in Modena, Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, La Pergola in Rome, Reale in Castel di Sangro (AQ), Uliassi in Senigallia (AN), Enrico Bartolini at MUDEC in Milan, Quattro Passi in Nerano (NA) and Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler in Brunico (BZ).
22 restaurants that received 1 star for the first time
For the record, the Guide's 2026 selection includes a total of approximately 2000 restaurants spread across the peninsula. Among other new additions, 22 restaurants are receiving one Michelin star for the first time: in Valle d'Aosta, Le Petit Bellevue, Cogne; in Liguria, Cracco Portofino and Rezzano cucina e vino in Sestri Levante; in Lombardy, Senso Lake Garda and Alfio Ghezzi in Limone sul Garda, Abba, Milano, Procaccini Milano Olio in Origgio; in Trentino-Alto-Adige, Porcino in Badia and Quellenhof Gourmetstube 1897 in San Martino in Passiria; in Veneto, Agli Amici Dopolavoro Venezia / Isola delle Rose; in Emilia-Romagna, Cavallino in Maranello, Mo da Lucio in Rimini. In Tuscany, Lucas by Paulo Airaudo in Florence and Sciabola in Forte dei Marmi. In Lazio, Al Madrigale / Nuova Cucina Rurale in Tivoli, Ineo in Rome, and La Terrazza in Rome. In the Marche region, Casa Bertini in Recanati. In Abruzzo, Zunica 1880 at Villa Corallo, Sant'Omero; in Campania, the Alain Ducasse and Umberto seaside restaurant in Forio/Ischia; and in Sardinia, Capogiro in Baja Sardinia.
Finally, 5 new restaurants have joined the Green Star community, a recognition that recognizes restaurants that have been able to be a source of inspiration and have surprised the inspectors thanks to an authentic and future-oriented vision of gastronomy: La Bursch in Campiglia Cervo in Piedmont, Kircherhof in Albes in Trentino-Alto Adige, Johannis in Molini di Tures in Trentino-Alto Adige, Cà Matilde in Rubbianino in Emilia-Romagna, Capodacqua in Umbria.
The presentation of the 2026 selection marks the beginning of the celebrations for Michelin's 120th anniversary in our country. The 71st edition thus becomes the starting point of a year-long celebration, highlighting the historic bond between Michelin Italiana and the region, where the company stands out as the largest employer and leading national manufacturer in terms of production capacity in the sector.
The Special Awards
The 2026 Michelin Guide also awarded 5 special prizes:
Michelin Young Chef Award 2026 to Mattia Pecis of the Cracco Portofino restaurant, Portofino (GE) with this motivation: "From zero to two thousand: this is the young but already intense trajectory of Mattia Pecis, capable of absorbing the best from undisputed masters of Italian cuisine and expressing it with his own authentic and brilliant voice. His cuisine effortlessly traverses the Alpine peaks and the sea coasts, always with profound respect for the land in which he operates, enhancing its agricultural excellence with sensitivity and intelligence. Spontaneous, joyful, personal: his cuisine reflects his character, and captivates with its ability to transform pleasure into experience."
2026 Michelin Service Award goes to Giulia Tavolaro of Maxi restaurant in Vico Equense. (Na) with the following motivation: "A cornerstone of this enchanting corner of the Sorrento Coast, Giulia welcomes and guides an international clientele with elegance, kindness, and genuine passion. Her determination transforms every encounter into a memorable experience, where the guest is always at the center and the service becomes the perfect backdrop that enhances the magic of the culinary offerings."
Heinz Beck of La Pergola restaurant in Rome receives the 2026 Michelin Chef Mentor Award. Because "In over twenty years of three Michelin stars, Heinz Beck has transformed La Pergola into a laboratory of gastronomic excellence, where generations of young chefs have been able to train under the guidance of a master capable of conveying a unique vision of cuisine: that of lightness, balance, and well-being. His approach, the fruit of constant collaboration with the academic and scientific world, has redefined the concept of haute cuisine, combining taste and health in an innovative way. Heinz Beck is not only an extraordinarily talented chef, but also a tireless educator and popularizer, who has contributed decisively to the cultural growth of contemporary gastronomy."
Michelin Sommelier Award 2026 to Ivana Capraro of Castel Fine Dining restaurant in Tyrol (BZ). With the following motivation: "Ivana is a point of reference for those seeking pure emotion in the glass. With skill and sensitivity, she interprets her guests' tastes and creates perfect pairings, showcasing small producers and elegantly representing great, fine wines. Her advice is a journey through the vineyards, told with enthusiasm and passion, transforming every experience into an unforgettable moment."
2026 Michelin Opening of the Year Award goes to Gian Marco Bianchi of Al Madrigale restaurant | Nuova Cucina Rurale, Tivoli (RM) acknowledging that "The historic Tivoli opens its doors to a new restaurant of excellence, where Chef Bianchi and his team transform every experience into a journey through the region's gastronomic traditions. Not just any journey, but a personalized experience, where authentic flavors blend with a contemporary vision, surrounded by impeccable service and the elegance of a historic setting."
In addition to its selection of restaurants, the Michelin Guide offers a free selection of the most exclusive and evocative hotels, both in Italy and around the world, on its website and app. The hotels are chosen for their unique style, excellent service, and distinctive personality, and can be booked directly through the Michelin Guide's digital platforms.
Lombardy maintains its leadership with 64 starred restaurants, followed by Campania in second place with 48 restaurants, and Tuscany with 45.
The 2026 edition of the Guide shows that the region with the most new additions is Lombardy, with four one-star Michelin restaurants. Lazio comes in second, with three one-starred new additions, followed by six regions with two new additions (Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Campania). Among these, Veneto has one new one-star Michelin restaurant and one new two-star restaurant.
In the Michelin Star ranking by region, Lombardy maintains its leadership with 64 restaurants (3 three-star restaurants, 6 two-star restaurants, 55 one-star restaurants), Campania confirms its second place with 48 restaurants (1 three-star restaurant, 7 two-star restaurants, 40 one-star restaurants), while Tuscany takes third place with 45 restaurants (1 three-star restaurant, 5 two-star restaurants, 39 one-star restaurants). Piedmont remains in fourth place with 34 restaurants (3 three-star restaurants, 2 two-star restaurants, 29 one-star restaurants), while Veneto is in fifth place with 34 starred restaurants (2 three-star restaurants, 4 two-star restaurants, 28 one-star restaurants).
Naples is at the top of the provinces for star density
In the provincial rankings, two cities from Campania remain in the Top 5: Naples, which maintains its position at the top with 27 restaurants (1 three-star restaurant, 6 two-star restaurants, 20 one-star restaurants), and Salerno, in fifth place with 16 restaurants (all one-star restaurants). Rome is in second place with 26 Michelin-starred restaurants (1 three-star restaurant, 3 two-star restaurants, 22 one-star restaurants), followed by Bolzano with 21 restaurants (1 three-star restaurant, 2 two-star restaurants, 18 one-star restaurants). Milan is in fourth place with 20 Michelin-starred restaurants (1 three-star restaurant, 4 two-star restaurants, 15 one-star restaurants).
In the Bib Gourmand ranking by region, Piedmont joins Emilia-Romagna at the top, with 34 restaurants. Tuscany climbs to third place with 26 restaurants, surpassing Lombardy, which slips to fourth place with 23 restaurants. Veneto rounds out the top 5 with 18. The MICHELIN Guide's Italy 2026 selection is available free of charge on the app and website, where you can book restaurants and hotels.
