Today, the MICHELIN Guide announced its expansion into the Southern region of the United States with the launch of the MICHELIN Guide American South, in collaboration with Travel South USA.
This new regional approach allows the Guide to go beyond major metropolitan areas and shine a light on the rich, authentic culinary traditions found throughout the American South. The edition will highlight exceptional dining across Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and include the already-established Atlanta Guide.
“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, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “The cuisine of the American South is a unique product of diverse influences creating an iconic array of specialties prepared by proud and impressive culinary talent.”
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.
“Travel South USA is thrilled to support the MICHELIN Guide coming to the American South. 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,” shared Liz Bittner, president & CEO, Travel South USA. “We couldn’t be prouder to be the first region in the country to showcase our culinary assets in big cities and small towns on a global stage. A heartfelt thank you to the state tourism offices and destinations for their participation in this groundbreaking initiative.”
The MICHELIN Guide is constantly observing the evolution of culinary destinations around the world. The Guide’s selection process is determined by anonymous Inspectors and remains completely independent. The MICHELIN Guide is working with Travel South USA on marketing and promotional activities only.
History and Methodology
The upcoming restaurant selection for the MICHELIN Guide American South will adhere to Michelin’s time-tested methodology, grounded in five universal criteria that ensure fairness and consistency across all destinations:
- Quality of ingredients
- Harmony of flavors
- Mastery of cooking techniques
- The chef’s individual style as expressed through the cuisine
- Consistency across visits and throughout the menu (each restaurant is reviewed multiple times a year)
Since its inception, the MICHELIN Guide has remained a trusted resource for travelers in search of exceptional dining experiences. Originally published in France in the early 1900s to encourage travel—and in turn, tire sales—by offering helpful tips to motorists, the Guide continues to uphold the same rigorous standards established over a century ago. Michelin’s anonymous inspectors apply this consistent approach in culinary destinations worldwide.
The MICHELIN Guide made its North American debut in 2005 with the launch of the New York edition. Since then, it has expanded to include:
- Chicago (2011)
- Washington, D.C. (2017)
- California – San Francisco (2007), expanded statewide (2019)
- Florida – Greater Miami, Orlando, and Tampa (2022), with Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches, and St. Pete–Clearwater joining in 2025 and a statewide edition in 2026
- Toronto (2022)
- Vancouver (2022)
- Colorado (2023)
- Atlanta (2023)
- Mexico (2024)
- Texas (2024)
- Quebec (2024)
- And now, the American South (2025)
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