At a ceremony in Greenville, S.C., on Nov. 3, 2025, the inaugural Michelin Guide for the American South debuted, covering Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The 2025 guide also includes the pre-existing Atlanta restaurant selection as part of this first regional edition in North America.
“The cuisine of the American South is a rich blend of cultural influences, brought to life by skilled chefs who have crafted some of the region’s most iconic dishes,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide.
The inaugural selection of honorees in the guide includes 18 one-star restaurants, eight previously awarded in Atlanta, and 10 new ones across the inaugural states. Emeril’s of New Orleans got two stars.
“Our anonymous inspectors were deeply impressed by the region’s culinary prowess, and this inaugural selection reflects their findings — from Southern staples like barbecue, Creole and seafood, to international flavors,” Poullennec said. “We welcome these restaurants to the Michelin Guide family and toast to all the chef and restaurant teams honored tonight.”
This is a defining milestone for the region’s culinary industry, with Nashville restaurants Bastion, Locus and The Catbird Seat each earning one star.
“Michelin’s nod to Nashville affirms what locals have long known – Music City is a culinary destination,” said Deana Ivey, president and CEO of Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. The creative spirit that drives our world-class music scene also inspires epicurean innovation.”
Seven more Nashville restaurants — Kisser, Peninsula, Redheaded Stranger, Sho Pizza Bar, SS Gai, St. Vito Focacceria and Uzbegim — were given the Bib Gourmand honor for offering a high quality, three-course meal at a moderate price.
And we especially love that the Michelin Sommelier Award went to Alex Burch at Bad Idea, a space featured in Volume 38 of Nashville Interiors. Designed by EOA Architects and Design Object in a historic church shell, it is filled with the works of some of the area’s best makers, including New Hat Projects.
“We’re proud of our chefs and restaurants who work tirelessly to shape Nashville’s diverse food landscape, which amplifies our reputation, fuels tourism, and invites the world to a table where Southern hospitality meets culinary ingenuity.”
And if that table is set beautifully, all the better.
