MICHELIN Guide Unveils First Selection, Celebrating Culinary Excellence
The MICHELIN Guide has officially launched its inaugural selection for the American South, highlighting the region’s culinary achievements. The announcement, made during a ceremony at the Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina, revealed ten restaurants that earned the prestigious MICHELIN Star distinction, alongside one restaurant that received Two MICHELIN Stars.
Celebrating Culinary Excellence in the American South
Among the highlighted establishments, Emeril’s in New Orleans garnered Two MICHELIN Stars for its exceptional Creole cuisine. The guide celebrated a total of 228 restaurants across the region, encompassing 44 different types of cuisine.
Key Highlights from the 2025 Selection
- Two MICHELIN Stars: Emeril’s (New Orleans, Louisiana)
- One MICHELIN Star Restaurants:
- Saint-Germain (New Orleans, Louisiana) – Contemporary cuisine
- Zasu (New Orleans, Louisiana) – American Contemporary cuisine
- Counter (Charlotte, North Carolina) – Contemporary cuisine
- Malagón Mercado y Taperia (Charleston, South Carolina) – Spanish cuisine
- Scoundrel (Greenville, South Carolina) – French cuisine
- Vern’s (Charleston, South Carolina) – American Contemporary cuisine
- Wild Common (Charleston, South Carolina) – American Contemporary cuisine
- Bastion (Nashville, Tennessee) – Contemporary cuisine
- Locust (Nashville, Tennessee) – Contemporary cuisine
- The Catbird Seat (Nashville, Tennessee) – Contemporary cuisine
Bib Gourmand and Special Awards
The guide also recognized 50 restaurants for the Bib Gourmand distinction, which acknowledges good food at great value. Four special awards were presented to notable establishments, showcasing their contribution to gastronomic excellence.
Commitment to Sustainability
An exciting development this year is the introduction of the MICHELIN Green Star. This distinction honors restaurants that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable culinary practices. Three new restaurants received this recognition:
- Counter (Charlotte, North Carolina): Focused on sourcing ingredients from local farms.
- January (Franklin, Tennessee): Operates a zero-waste kitchen.
- Luminosa (Asheville, North Carolina): Emphasizes local produce.
Concluding Remarks
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, highlighted the diverse cultural influences shaping Southern cuisine. He noted that the inspectors were thoroughly impressed by the culinary creativity and dedication in the region.
The 2025 MICHELIN Guide American South selection reinforces the guide’s commitment to recognizing restaurants that excel in quality and sustainability, and it promises to be a valuable resource for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.
