Jordan Mailata thinks some Philadelphia restaurants were robbed of Michelin Stars

As you may know, three Philadelphia restaurants were awarded Michelin Stars this week. While many other restaurants in the city were recognized by the culinary guide, Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata was displeased by the number of selections.

Jordan Mailata feels the Michelin Guide is being far too stingy with its stars:

“I think there’s a lot of restaurants that were left out, that’s the real outcry let’s be honest…is it working?”

Jordan Mailata is not happy with Michelin being stingy with their stars 😂 (feat. big J journalist Jihaad Campbell) pic.twitter.com/EYvORXNB0A

— Devan Kaney (@Devan_Kaney) November 20, 2025

Is this the kind of conversation I expected to hear during Dallas Week, with rumors of locker room malcontents swirling? Not at all. But it’s a welcome change of pace to say the very least.

I do agree that this city’s restaurant scene is grossly underrated on a national scale. But, at the same time, the Michelin Star isn’t for restaurants that are good, or even great.

Earning a Star is like making an All-Pro team in the NFL. It is reserved for the best of the best. In fact, that standard is even higher because the All-Pro team has to have a full roster.

There’s no shortage of phenomenal places to eat, but I hear arguments for places like Kalaya, which I adore and live just a short walk from, and can’t help but push back. The food is amazing, the chef is extremely talented, but it doesn’t rise to the standard of a Michelin Star.

That’s far from an insult. That’s just how high the standard is to get a Star. Is it snooty? A bit, but the fact that three restaurants have earned that honor is something the city should be proud of.

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