As we all know, the Michelin Guide just released their list of recommended restaurants for the first time ever in Atlanta!
In total, 45 restaurants made the Michelin City Guide for Atlanta. 10 restaurants won a Bib Gourmand, or Michelin’s award for best quality and price, 2 restaurants joined the very elite list of Green Star winners, or Michelin’s award for restaurants on the forefront of sustainability, and 5 Atlanta restaurants earned a Michelin Star.
For all the winners, check out our article here!
What is a Michelin Star?
The Michelin Guide’s star rating system is based on five things: quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of techniques, personality of the chef expressed through their cuisine, and consistency across the menu and over time.
As expected, it’s pretty hard to earn a Michelin star at all, and the maximum a restaurant can earn is three stars.
One star means that the restaurant is a “very good restaurant in tis category.”
Two stars indicates “excellent cooking, worth a detour.”
And a three-star review from Michelin means “Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.”
No restaurant in Atlanta earned more than one star this year.
Who were the star winners?
- Hayakawa – Japanese
- Mujō – Japanese
- Lazy Betty – Contemporary
- Bacchanalia – American
- Atlas – American
1. Hayakawa
Japanese Cuisine
Address: 1055 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta, 30318, USA
Michelin says, “The meal is a procession of small courses and hews toward the structure of kaiseki. After items such as an appetizer trio with clear fish soup, scallop sashimi with miso-mustard sauce and simmered monkfish, it’s time for sushi. The chef crafts nigiri from imported fish that needs little embellishment and is amply sized in the tradition of Hokkaido style in deference to the chef’s hometown.”
We love this West Midtown sushi favorite, especially for super fancy occasions, since the price reflects the excellent quality of the food.
For more information on Hayakawa, check out their website.
2. Mujō
Japanese Cuisine
Address: 691 14th St. NW, Atlanta, 30318, USA
Michelin says, “Here, tradition has been replaced with a rollicking good time, where the always-surprising interpretation of omakase begin with an array of zensai like a morsel of Florida cobia grilled over binchotan, dressed with a red miso sauce and some local pattypan squash. After some cooked bites, it’s time for the raw. Nigiri needs little to impress, while supplemental dishes offer the likes of Hokkaido hair crab, tosazu and mozuku. Regulars know dessert isn’t an afterthought; so save room.”
Another West Midtown sushi staple, Mujō is moody and elegant, while accepting modernity and the excitement of trying new things. Another pricy spot, this place is perfect for anyone looking for a great spot to celebrate!
For more information on Mujō, check out their website.
3. Lazy Betty
Contemporary
Address: 1530 Dekalb Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30307, USA
Michelin says, “Chef Ron Hsu and Chef/co-owner Aaron Phillips oversee a contemporary tasting menu with clever flavor combinations that highlight regional ingredients. Causa is given a Southern slant with sweet Georgia shrimp, avocado purée and potato foam infused with aji amarillo pepper, while seared Hudson Valley foie gras is sided by Granny Smith apple, sweet potato and dots of pumpkin butter. Cod, poached in a ham hock broth, rests atop fava bean and zucchini succotash with a green tomato relish for an especially flavorful plate. From the pre-dessert lemon sherbet with a coconut crumble to the elegant rosewater panna cotta, they impress to the end.”
Family-owned and simply delicious, we love Lazy Betty. They go above and beyond to make their food delectable. Great for special occasions or a fancy dinner! And there’s definitely nothing lazy about it!
For more information on Lazy Betty, check out their website!
4. Bacchanalia
American
Address: 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, 30318, USA
Michelin says, “The multicourse prix fixe involves a bit of flair, with some dishes arriving on carts or nestled inside glass cloches, and the cheese course is a wonderful surprise. Rather than an expected slice, the team presents a clever take with a crumbly oat date cake and a dot of black garlic sauce surrounded by rings of parmesan. Chilled lobster in a ponzu sauce with bright English peas and horseradish oil is also memorable but it may just be the delicate grapefruit soufflé garnished with spicy pistachio crumble and rose crème anglaise that takes the cake.”
Bacchanalia is well known as one of the most celebrated restaurants in Atlanta. Since Bacchanalia’s seasonal menu is made from entirely organic ingredients, many sourced straight from the owners’ own family farm, every visit is a completely unique experience.
For more information on Bacchanalia, check out their website!
5. Atlas
American
Address: 88 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta, 30305, USA
Michelin says, “Order à la carte from this seasonal American menu with European influences or celebrate with the tasting menu for dishes like tender lobster plated with smoked paprika butter sauce and heirloom summer squash, and poached halibut composed with a trio of beet preparations. Wagyu beef from Australia is a decadent end to the savory courses. Impressive cocktails, a cheese cart and whimsical desserts complete the well-rounded experience.”
Elegance is the name of the game for Atlas, the perfect restaurant for a lovely, extravagant dinner. And the walls are adorned with an impressive gallery of artwork, including The Lewis Collection, one of the largest private art collections in the world.
For more information on Atlas, check out their website!
Check out any one of these Michelin star restaurants, for a special night out on the town!