The MICHELIN Guide came to Atlanta for the first time ever in 2023, and we’ve been stoked to have a Guide ever since! With several of our favorite spots earning a MICHELIN star or making the Guide’s recommendation list, it’s a great tool to check out if you’re looking for some delicious new spot to try!
But MICHELIN’s new update was a little more than shocking… they’re making a Southern Guide, without the rest of Georgia.
Wait, what?
Yes, you read that right. The new ‘American South’ MICHELIN Guide will include food from the southern states and Atlanta, but will leave out the rest of Georgia.
According to the MICHELIN Guide,
Through this regional approach, The MICHELIN Guide will be able to go beyond the main, urban cities and venture into other territories to better uncover the authentic food culture of the American South. Within this edition, The Guide will cover Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and the pre-existing Atlanta Guide.
Why is the Guide coming to the South?
MICHELIN has partnered with Atlanta-based destination marketing organization for the southern U.S., Travel South USA, to bring the Guide here.
According to a report by the Chattanooga Free Times Press, Liz Bittner, president and CEO of Travel South USA said,
Our region has long deserved global recognition for its extraordinary farm-to-table cuisine, world-class seafood and rich food culture — crafted by some of the world’s most creative and talented chefs…
They also report that, while restaurants from all six states will be considered: rural or metro, only the existing Guide in Metro Atlanta will “be eligible among establishments in Georgia.”
When will the ‘American South’ MICHELIN Guide be announced?
So far, all we know is the Guide will be announced later this year.
The MICHELIN Guide team says,
The MICHELIN Guide’s anonymous Inspectors are already in the field, making dining reservations and scouting for culinary gems throughout the region. The full 2025 restaurant selection will be revealed at a later date during the inaugural MICHELIN Guide ceremony for the American South.
Learn more about the new American South MICHELIN Guide on their website, here!