Michelin is ridiculously overrated. It's basic snob appeal based on Western ideals of what food "should" taste like.

I've dined at EMP, the best restaurant in the US and ranked #5 in the world. I was not wow'd at all. It was more theatre than food. Very underwhelming experience...

Japan is one of the few countries that Michelin starred restaurants should highly be disregarded. If you're only concentrating on the silly French stars, you are passing up on too much great food in Japan.

If you want to brag about Michelin stars, only hit up the Top 20 restaurants in the world (all are 3 stars I think). Michelin stars and bargains do not go hand in hand.