GaultMillau: What the points and toques mean
Find out here what lies behind the GaultMillau rating system.
Everything you need to know at a glance
GaultMillau is Switzerland’s most influential restaurant guide and rates restaurants using a system of points and toques. The scale theoretically goes up to 20 points, but in practice, 19 to 19.5 points with 5 toques is considered the highest achievable distinction. A score of 17 points or higher is considered top-tier cuisine.
The main criteria evaluated are culinary quality, creativity, service, ambiance, and value for money. The 2026 edition of GaultMillau lists 880 restaurants, including eight top Swiss restaurants with 19 points and 5 toques.
GaultMillau: Switzerland’s leading restaurant guide
In 1969, journalists and food critics Henri Gault and Christian Millau came up with the idea of publishing a restaurant guide in their native France, intended as a sort of guide to fine dining. The idea caught on, and the guide quickly established itself under the combination of the two surnames, which is still well-known today.
The first Swiss edition was published in 1982. Over the years, GaultMillau has evolved into a central institution throughout the country for everyone in the culinary world – from diners and chefs to the hospitality industry and producers.
Today, GaultMillau is the most influential restaurant guide in Switzerland. It is not only published as an annual print guide but also serves as a continuously updated food platform featuring news, restaurant reviews, profiles, recipes, and other content. The website keeps food enthusiasts up to date on the Swiss food scene 365 days a year.
Interesting fact: Thanks to your Platinum Card and the partnership between American Express and GaultMillau, which has been in place since 2019, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits at select GaultMillau and “GaultMillau POP” restaurants.
The rating system: Points and toques
GaultMillau’s reviewers award points on a theoretical scale from 0 to 20, based on the French school grading system. However, the restaurant guide only lists restaurants with at least 11 points. Furthermore, the top rating of 20 points has never been awarded; it is considered more of a theoretical ideal.
To provide a clearer context, the points are accompanied by toques, which visually highlight the restaurant’s level. The exact grading scale follows this pattern:
- 19 – 19.5 points: 5 toques (world-class, the highest achievable level in Switzerland)
- 17–18.5 points: 4 toques (culinary excellence, creativity)
- 15–16.5 points: 3 toques (high quality and consistent execution)
- 13–14.5 points: 2 toques (good cuisine that offers more than the average)
- 11–12.5 points: 1 toque (traditional or home-style cuisine of decent quality)
Key criteria for awarding points include the quality of the cuisine, the creativity of the kitchen team, the quality of service, and factors such as the ambiance and value for money.
The best Swiss restaurants of 2026
The 2026 edition of GaultMillau is more comprehensive than ever before. It features 109 new restaurants; in total, the guide now lists 880 restaurants, 100 gourmet hotels, and the 150 best Swiss winemakers. Ninety-eight chefs improved their ratings compared to last year, gaining one point.
Eight restaurants in the 2026 edition have earned the coveted score of 19 points and five toques. These include the following chefs:
- Marco Campanella at the “Eden Roc” in Ascona and the “Tschuggen Grand Hotel” in Arosa
- Tanja Grandits at “Stucki” in Basel
- Peter Knogl at “Cheval Blanc” in Basel
- Franck Giovannini at “Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville de Crissier” in Crissier
- Andreas Caminada at “Schloss Schauenstein” in Fürstenau
- Philippe Chevrier at the “Domaine de Châteauvieux” in Satigny
- Heiko Nieder at “The Dolder Grand” in Zurich
Test subjects and special awards
Every restaurant eligible for GaultMillau evaluation is generally evaluated at least once a year. Evaluators must have in-depth knowledge of the restaurant industry and dine regularly at fine restaurants in order to discern the subtle nuances in the ratings. New evaluators are mentored initially.
To ensure the careful selection of GaultMillau’s additional annual awards, such as “Chef of the Year” and “Rising Star of the Year,” candidates are evaluated on their culinary skills several times a year. In 2026, Jérémy Desbraux of “Maison Wenger” in the village of Le Noirmont was honored with the “Chef of the Year” award.
The 2026 “Rising Star of the Year” awardees are Marcel Koolen from “7132 Silver” in Vals, Reto Brändli from “Ecco” in Ascona, Armel Bedouet from “L’Aparté” in Geneva, and Dario Moresco from “Orsini” in Zurich.
Gold Card or Platinum Card: The Right Card for Your Lifestyle
GaultMillau: Points, toques, and detailed ratings
In Switzerland, GaultMillau uses a rating system consisting of points and toques, with 17 points marking the threshold for top-tier cuisine. However, the ratings go far beyond mere numbers; the guide offers detailed descriptions, profiles, awards, and classifications of the Swiss culinary scene.
Thanks to the partnership between American Express and GaultMillau, which has been in place since 2019, you can enjoy various benefits at select GaultMillau restaurants. As a Platinum Cardholder, you benefit from this partnership through the “Platinum Dining” program:
You’ll gain access to perks at more than 60 restaurants across Switzerland, including a dining credit. And with the American Express Gold Card, you’ll also enjoy benefits at restaurants and delivery services in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions and answers
GaultMillau restaurants are establishments that have been reviewed and approved by the renowned GaultMillau restaurant guide. The 2026 guide lists 880 restaurants in Switzerland.
As a holder of the American Express Platinum Card or Gold Card, you’ll enjoy a dining credit that is applied to your bill after dinner at select GaultMillau restaurants. With the Platinum Card, you’ll also receive additional dining benefits, such as simplified reservations or complimentary treats during your restaurant visit.
GaultMillau uses a rating system ranging from 11 to 20 points, though the maximum score has never been awarded. In Switzerland, the point system is supplemented with toques as a visual element.
