A French restaurateur often regarded as the world's best chef has seen his restaurant downgraded in the latest edition of France's Michelin guide.

Guy Savoy's Paris restaurant was voted the best in the world just last November – for the sixth consecutive time.

The 69-year-old has held Michelin's top three-star status since 2002 for his restaurant Le Monnaie de Paris, which overlooks the River Seine in the French capital.

READ MORE

How to save the finless porpoise – the 'Smiling Angel of the Yangtze'

Austria is using AI to protect biodiversity

The European bison: back from the brink

It is Michelin's first downgrade in four years – and it is being blamed on difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Christopher Coutanceau, another three-star chef, was also downgraded to two Michelin stars.

The exact reasons for promoting or demoting a particular restaurant are only communicated to the chef by the Michelin guide's reviewers and are not made public. Michelin has said that the high-profile downgrades are necessary in order for the guide to stay relevant.

The annual guide is always highly anticipated by food lovers, with the famous 'star' system said to make or break careers.

Restaurants have been trying to bounce back following the long pandemic shutdowns.

But across the world, many have faced issues since lockdowns were lifted – including staff shortages and the soaring cost of food and energy – making the industry trickier than ever to navigate.

Historically, gaining a star can lead to a surge in popularity for a restaurant, and losing a star can cause a drop in bookings. The late French chef Joel Robuchon said that having one star can bring in 20 percent more business.

The new guide saw 39 restaurants awarded a star for the first time, while four others earned a second star.

France's restaurant scene has been spreading around the country in recent years, away from its traditional hubs in Paris and Lyon.

A seafood restaurant at the tip of the small island of Noirmoutier in the Bay of Biscay won the coveted three-star ranking on March 6 during the unveiling at the newest guide.

Subscribe to Storyboard: A weekly newsletter bringing you the best of CGTN every Friday