Tucked away in an unassuming brownstone in the South End is 311 Omakase, Boston’s first restaurant to receive a Michelin star. On Monday, Michelin representatives formally delivered the star to Chef Wei Chen, co-owner Carrie Ko, and their team, marking a historic moment for Boston’s culinary scene.
In November 2025, the Michelin Guide came to Boston with 26 restaurants receiving Michelin recognition, but 311 Omakase was the only one to receive a star.
It’s clear that the restaurant is a labor of love. Chen and Ko have been dating for almost 12 years and they credit part of their success to their chemistry.
“Sometimes it’s hard for couples to work together; there might be fights, but we know each other, and we just want to be the best for each other,” Ko told the Globe.
While Ko describes herself as “more of a business person,” Chen takes the reins in the kitchen. He trained for seven years under Masayoshi “Masa” Takayama at the Michelin two-star restaurant Masa in New York City and brings the technique he learned there to the restaurant. 311’s menu is ever-evolving, featuring 18 courses that change with the seasons.
311 Omakase chef Wei Chen and co-owner Carrie Ko.David L. Ryan/ Globe Staff
“[Chen]’s very careful each night, not only using seasonal ingredients but a lot of people might not know when you curate a menu you need to make sure your palette isn’t going to be tired,” Ko said, “… He’s thinking each day ‘How am I going to align the fish for the nigiri or align the taste of the appetizer?’”
The designation is an exciting milestone for Chen and Ko, but Ko hopes they’re the first of many Michelin-starred restaurants in the city.
“It means a lot for us, and of course it also means a lot for the city and everyone else in the industry,” Ko said at a press conference. “So, we always say this award isn’t only for a single restaurant, but hopefully this is a platform for everyone to get more chances to be out there nationally showcasing Boston.”
Gitana Savage can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on X @gitana_savage.
