BOSTON (WHDH) - A renowned restaurant in Boston received some major recognition Tuesday, becoming the first establishment in the city to receive a coveted Michelin star.
Three 1 One Omakase in the South End is a Japanese fine-dining restaurant specializing in omakase experiences, meaning diners let the chef choose their multi-course meal.
According to the restaurant’s website, Three 1 One, “…celebrates the rich history and cultural diversity of its surroundings. Our name symbolizes the trinity of the chef, the ingredients, and the customers — with the number 3 representing creativity, self-expression, and communication, and the number 11 signifying intuition, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment. We strive to bring these elements together to create an exceptional dining experience that celebrates the beauty and complexity of Japanese cuisine.”
The prestigious Michelin Guide hosted its annual ceremony for northeast cities on Tuesday in Philadelphia, announcing which restaurants it considers the best of the best.
Michelin dining inspectors spent months eating in the Greater Boston area over the past few months. They rated restaurants based on the entire experience of the meal, awarding the best locations one, two, or three stars.
Opening its doors in the summer of 2023, the star highlights Three 1 One’s meteoric rise.
Executive Chef Wei Fa Chen was celebrated for his incredible Japanese cuisine and the restaurant’s outstanding atmosphere.
“The TLC that the chefs have for their craft, and the food that they source, to the attention to their guests, they make the whole package,” said Caitlin Faulkner, who lives in Boston. “It’s a nice little gem in our neighborhood, and they take such attention to detail, it’s so amazing.”
Although the restaurant was closed Wednesday, a couple who have been regulars said they drove two hours with flowers in hand to celebrate the owners. They said they hope to eat at the restaurant again soon.
“They work so hard, and they deserve it,” said Chien Ching Juan, who often dines at Three 1 One. “When you get that first bite, you can really feel it’s really different. The taste — I never had it before. That’s why I always come back.”
Several other Boston-area restaurants also earned accolades from the Michelin Guide. Six restaurants did not receive stars but were recognized with Bib Gourmand awards, meaning they serve good quality food at a good value. Those restaurants include Bar Volpe, Fox & the Knife, Jahunger, Mahaniyom, Pagu, and Sumiao Hunan Kitchen.
Asta, Carmelina’s, Giulia, La Padrona, Lenox Sophia, Moëca, Mooncusser, Neptune Oyster, Nightshade Noodle Bar, Oleana, Pammy’s, Select Oyster Bar, Somaek, Thistle & Leek, Toro, Urban Hearth, Wa Shin, Woods Hill Pier 4, and Zhi Wei Cafe were all also recognized as “Recommended” by the guide.
Mahaniyom, in Brookline, was singled out for an Exceptional Cocktail Award.
(Copyright (c) 2025 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)