BERN, Nov 27 — Switzerland is set to enjoy a stellar dining year, with 18 new restaurants earning their first Michelin star—a 40 per cent increase compared to five years ago.

In fact, the new additions cement the country’s distinction for boasting the most starred restaurants per capita in the Michelin guide collection, said international director Michael Ellis.

Newly starred restaurants range from offering traditional to modern and innovative cuisine, and some are also located at high altitudes for “winter sports aficionados who appreciate good cooking.”

Vitznau in the Lucerne canton—population 2,000 —  is quickly carving out a reputation for being a culinary capital, now that it boasts a two-star restaurant and two new one-star restaurants, Prisma and Sense.

The 2015 Michelin guide Switzerland hits newsstands on November 27 in Switzerland for 33 Swiss francs and on December 27 in Germany for €29.95 and in Austria for €30.80.

Here’s the final star count:

*** 2 restaurants ** 19 restaurants * 96 restaurants (18 new) — AFP-Relaxnews