Michelin Guide Rolls Out First Regional U.S. Edition Covering 6 Southern States

On April 2, Michelin Guide launched its first regional restaurant ratings across the American South. The new guide spans six states: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

"We are excited to embark on this new journey for the Michelin Guide as this will be the first time since the Guide's North American debut in 2005 that we are launching a regional selection," said Gwendal Poullennec to Michelin Guide.

Secret food critics have started their visits. Each spot will get rated using Michelin's famous stars, while casual eateries can earn the Bib Gourmand mark.

Breaking from the past practice of rating only major cities, this guide shines a light on smaller towns and rural spots. Atlanta's existing guide will merge into this bigger project.

"Our region has long deserved global recognition for its extraordinary farm-to-table cuisine, world-class seafood, and rich food culture," said Liz Bittner, president of Travel South USA, to The Tennessean.

To earn stars, kitchens must excel in five areas. Critics check the food's raw materials, taste balance, cooking methods, chef creativity, and whether quality stays strong visit after visit. These rules apply worldwide.

This marks another step in Michelin's growth across North America. Since 2005, they've spread to Chicago, D.C., California, Florida, Toronto, Vancouver, Colorado, Atlanta, Mexico, Texas, and Quebec.

Money drives these guide launches. Take Seoul: They paid $2 million to bring Michelin in 2016. For this project, Travel South USA joined forces with state tourism groups to foot the bill.

The final picks come out at a big event in late 2025. Southern chefs now stand to join the elite ranks of starred restaurants in New York and San Francisco.

Back in 1900, Michelin started as a simple guide for French drivers. Today, they stick to rating just the food; fancy dining rooms and formal service don't count.