10 Southern Dining Gems That Prove the Michelin-Award Hype Is Real

For the first time ever, the prestigious Michelin Guide reviewed restaurants in the American South, which includes Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Historically, the guide has only covered U.S. cities (including Atlanta and Miami), so the entire region's evaluation is something to note. While we don't all have the budget for restaurants with Stars, Michelin does recognize restaurants based on value with its Bib Gourmand award, as well as other specialty awards and Green Stars for sustainability practices. We took a look at all of these awards and winners to come up with the Only In Your State guide to Michelin-awarded restaurants in the South.

1. Counter, Charlotte, North Carolina

As the state's only One-Star restaurant, Counter is undoubtedly an anomaly in the Charlotte dining scene. Chef Sam Hart's multi-course tasting menu features local products with rotating seasonal themes. It's an immersive dining experience that sets the stage for culinary advancement in the Queen City. Prices start at $225 per person, but its sister restaurant, Spaghett is shockingly affordable.

2. Leon's Oyster Shop, Charleston, South Carolina

Just far enough away from the touristy sections of King Street is one of Charleston's Bib Gourmand award-winning restaurants. It's true Southern cuisine at its finest, serving oysters, fried chicken, and fish fry. Located in an old garage, Leon's offers an approachable vibe for the sometimes bougie Charleston dining scene.

3. Luminosa, Asheville, North Carolina

With just over a year under its belt, Luminosa, which opened in May 2024, won not one but two Michelin awards this year—a Green Star and Bib Gourmand. The Italian restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas, pasta, entrees, and a variety of steak cuts. Executive Chef Graham House told Michelin that the restaurant practices "full snout-to-tail butchery in-house," striving to be zero-waste.

4. Mala Pata, Raleigh, North Carolina

Found in Raleigh's buzzy-worthy Gateway Plaza, Mala Pata serves up authentic Mexican cuisine and cocktails—it even goes so far as to import its corn from Oaxaca. House-made tortillas, tostadas, and chips make this Bib Gourmand winner's botanas and tacos stand out.

5. Supperland, Charlotte, North Carolina

Supperland, located in a restored church in the established Plaza Midwood neighborhood, gets a Michelin nod for its cocktails. While the food is also award-worthy, it's Colleen Hughes's cocktail program that won the region's Exceptional Cocktails Award.

The vibes alone likely caught Michelin judges' eyes with a long cocktail bar located in the former minister's residence and a 10-person speakeasy located in the basement. From classic cocktails, funky twists, and a rotating tasting menu located in the speakeasy, the drinks are indeed heavenly.

6. Emeril's, New Orleans, Louisiana

As the only Two-Star restaurant in the American South, we had to put Emeril's on the list—even if it's just for daydreaming. Famed chef Emeril Lagasse's son, E.J., is now at the helm, showcasing Creole cuisine in a formal dining room. It's been around for more than 30 years (the chef's flagship location) and is definitely award-worthy—and a NOLA staple.

7. Scoundrel, Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville is having a culinary moment. Top Chef filmed in the city this fall, and the city has its first One-Star restaurant. Scoundrel gives French bistro vibes in the South with approachable prices and an upscale vibe. Given its popularity and recent notoriety, it's hard to get a reservation, but it's well worth the planning.

8. Locust, Nashville, Tennessee

In a city known for hot chicken, Locust stands out with its Japanese-influenced menu in the trendy 12th South neighborhood. The Michelin review notes the beef tartare hand rolls, Maine diver scallops, and Japanese omelet as standout dishes. However, it's the dessert that shines—Locust serves kakigori, a form of shaved ice in a variety of flavors.

9. Sacred Ground Barbecue, Jackson, Mississippi

This Mississippi spot blends a variety of BBQ styles—Texas-style meats, Carolina-inspired sauce—in an unassuming spot off the highway. Sacred Ground joins six other barbecue restaurants on the region's Bib Gourmand list, ranking it among the best in the Southeast.

10. Turkey and the Wolf, New Orleans, Louisiana

With only four delis on the Bib Gourmand list, all located in Louisiana, Turkey and the Wolf had stiff competition to get Michelin's recognition. There's typically a wait for the counter service deli, but we've heard the fried bologna sandwich in particular is the (over)stuff(ed) of dreams.

Plan your own trip to these Michelin-regarded restaurants with Only In Your State's itinerary planner.