A Halton fine dining establishment has won the ultimate honour a restaurant can achieve: a Michelin star.
Hexagon, the downtown Oakville fine dining concept led by chef Rafael Covarrubias that opened in 2017, is now Halton's first ever recipient of the prestigous award.
Based in France, the Michelin guide and its world-renowned star system is widely considered by guests and hospitality professionals to be the leading editorial body in recognizing cuisine and the work of restaurants around the globe.
Toronto was first recognized for its restaurants in 2022, but this year's guide revisions (announced at a ceremony this week) marks the first time restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area - including Oakville - were visited by Michelin writers.
Hexagon has been recognized several times as Oakville's best restaurant, including appearing on Canada's Top 100 Best Restaurants List in both 2023 and 2024.
Coincidentally, the restaurant celebrated its seventh anniversary last week.
Speaking in an interview, chef Covarrubias commented on the moment he accepted the honour of receiving a star on behalf of the restaurant: "The fact that we were up there on the stage with these massive culinary figures in our industry, it just means the world to us."
In addition to its new star, Chef Covarrubias was also awarded the Michelin Toronto Young Chef Award, marking an incredible achievement for the local dining scene.
The Michelin Guidebook rates restaurants around the world on a scrupulous system, rating the food, service, atmosphere and ethical business practices on a three star system (with three stars being the highest rating.) It is estimated that less than 0.01% of restaurants around the world are recognized by Michelin writers and editors.