The culinary world turned its eyes to the South this evening as the Michelin Guide unveiled its inaugural American South selection, spotlighting restaurants across North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The full selection was announced at a ceremony held at the Peace Center in Greenville, S.C. NCRLA President & CEO Allen Thomas, Strategic Advisor Lynn Minges, and Vice Chair Sheri Erhart were all in attendance as the results were announced.
For the first time ever, North Carolina chefs and restaurants have joined the Michelin family, earning recognition that cements our state’s place on the global dining map. Michelin distinctions bring unparalleled prestige, powerful marketing influence, and a spotlight that can transform a restaurant’s future.
“The cuisine of the American South is a rich blend of cultural influences, brought to life by skilled chefs who have crafted some of the region’s most iconic dishes,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “We welcome these restaurants to the MICHELIN Guide family and toast to all the chef and restaurant teams honored tonight.”
One Michelin Star
- Counter (Charlotte) — Chef Sam Hart’s Counter delivers an unforgettable, avant-garde tasting experience where storytelling meets culinary artistry. Each menu concept draws from music, memory, and personal narrative—celebrating local ingredients from more than 20 nearby farms. Counter also earned a Michelin Green Star for its sustainability efforts, including extensive fermentation and preservation programs that minimize waste.
Michelin Green Stars
The Green Star highlights restaurants demonstrating visionary commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. Two North Carolina restaurants were honored for their leadership:
- Counter (Charlotte) — Recognized for its deep partnerships with over 20 local farms and an in-house preservation program that reduces food waste.
- Luminosa (Asheville) — Commended for its dedication to local sourcing and full-use cooking practices that minimize kitchen waste while celebrating regional farmers.
Bib Gourmand Selections
Awarded for great food at a great value, Bib Gourmands are the restaurants Michelin inspectors say they’d return to on their own time. Seven North Carolina restaurants earned this coveted distinction:
- Lang Van – Charlotte
- Little Chango – Asheville
- Luminosa – Asheville
- Mala Pata – Raleigh
- Mother – Asheville
- Prime Barbecue – Knightdale
- Sam Jones BBQ – Raleigh
Special Award: Exceptional Cocktails
Colleen Hughes, Supperland (Charlotte) — NCRLA’s 2021 Mixologist of the Year — was recognized by Michelin for her Exceptional Cocktails, celebrating her creative spirit and contributions to North Carolina’s bar culture.
Recommended Restaurants
Michelin inspectors also named more than 40 North Carolina restaurants as Recommended — highlighting exceptional quality, consistency, and hospitality across the state.
Asheville
- Addissae Ethiopian Restaurant
- All Day Darling
- Cúrate Bar de Tapas
- Golden Hour
- Good Hot Fish
- Leo’s House of Thirst
- Luminosa
- Mother
- Soprana
- Sunny Point Café
- Table
- Tall John’s
- The Admiral
- Ukiah
Cary
Charlotte
- Counter (⭐, Green Star)
- Customshop
- Ever Andalo
- Haberdish
- Little Mama’s
- Omakase Experience by PrimeFish
- Prime Fish
- Rada
- Restaurant Constance
- Supperland
Cornelius
Davidson
Durham
Knightdale
- Prime Barbecue (Bib Gourmand)
Pittsboro
Raleigh
- Brewery Bhavana
- Brodeto
- Crawford and Son
- Jolie
- Mala Pata (Bib Gourmand)
- Poole’s
- Sam Jones BBQ (Bib Gourmand)
- St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar
- Stanbury
- Tamasha
- The Pit Authentic Barbecue
What These Honors Mean
Michelin uses a time-tested system applied worldwide to evaluate excellence through five core criteria: product quality, mastery of technique, harmony of flavors, the chef’s personality reflected in the cuisine, and consistency over time.
- Michelin Stars: Exceptional cuisine—worth a stop, detour, or special journey.
- Bib Gourmand: Excellent food at an outstanding value.
- Green Star: Commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.
- Recommended: Quality cooking and memorable experiences.
A Defining Moment for North Carolina Hospitality
From Charlotte to Asheville to Raleigh, these honors reflect the talent, creativity, and community spirit that define North Carolina’s hospitality industry. NCRLA congratulates every chef, restaurateur, and team member recognized in this historic debut. Together, you’re elevating North Carolina’s culinary reputation and inspiring the next generation of Southern hospitality leaders.
