21 Nashville Restaurants Named to Inaugural Michelin Guide American South

Prestigious Culinary Guide Expands to the South for the First Time.

November 3, 2025

by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – 21 Nashville restaurants have been recognized in the first-ever MICHELIN Guide American South, marking a milestone moment for city’s culinary scene. The globally renowned guide debuted November 3 in Greenville, South Carolina, honoring chefs and restaurants that define the South’s distinctive flavors and creativity.

“This is a proud moment for Tennessee, our cities and for the entire South,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Our state is rooted in tradition, community and celebrated for its world-class hospitality. Every meal here tells a story. We’re honored to celebrate the talented chefs and restaurants behind these experiences as part of the first MICHELIN Guide American South.”

Tennessee is one of six states included in the MICHELIN Guide American South, a first-of-its-kind regional edition made possible through a collaborative partnership between Travel South USA, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), destination marketing organizations across Tennessee and participating states including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina, along with the pre-existing Atlanta Guide. Together, these partners helped bring the globally recognized MICHELIN Guide to the South, spotlighting the region’s flavors and culinary innovation on an international stage.

"The MICHELIN Guide's nod to Nashville affirms what locals have long known: Music City is a culinary destination. The creative spirit that drives our world-class music scene also inspires epicurean innovation," says Deana Ivey, President & CEO of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. "We're proud of our chefs and restaurants who work tirelessly to shape Nashville's diverse food landscape, which amplifies our reputation, fuels tourism, and invites the world to a table where Southern hospitality meets culinary ingenuity."

Nashville restaurants recognized in the MICHELIN Guide American South

MICHELIN Star Restaurants

Bastion
Locust
The Catbird Seat

Bib Gourmand Restaurants

Kisser
Peninsula
Redheaded Stranger
Sho Pizza Bar
SS Gai
St. Vito Focacceria
Uzbegim

Recommended Restaurants

Arnold’s Country Kitchen
Audrey
Bad Idea
Cafe Roze
Folk
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Iggy’s
International Market
Rolf and Daughters
Shotgun Willie’s BBQ
Tailor

MICHELIN Guide’s Sommelier Award (Sponsored by Franciacorta)

Alex Burch, Bad Idea

History and methodology: The restaurant selections follow MICHELIN’S historical methodology based on five universal criteria, to ensure each destination’s selection equity: 1) quality products; 2) the harmony of flavors; 3) the mastery of cooking techniques; 4) the voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; 5) consistency between each visit and throughout the menu (each restaurant is inspected several times a year).

The MICHELIN Guide remains a reliable companion for any traveler seeking a great meal. The Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage tire sales by giving practical advice to French motorists. Michelin’s Inspectors still use the same criteria and manner of selection that were used by Inspectors in the very beginning, now applied in destinations around the world.

Michelin announced its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have also been added in Chicago (2011); Washington, D.C. (2017); California (San Francisco in 2007, statewide 2019); Florida (Greater Miami, Orlando and Tampa in 2022, adding Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches and St. Pete-Clearwater in 2025, statewide in 2026); Toronto (2022); Vancouver (2022); Colorado (2023); Atlanta (2023), Mexico (2024), Texas (2024), Quebec (2024) and today, the American South (2025).

Learn more about the MICHELIN Guide by visiting guide.michelin.com. To stay up to date on all the latest news and information regarding Nashville, be sure to follow @VisitMusicCity on social media platforms, or head over to visitmusiccity.com.

About The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and Visit Music City

The mission of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and Visit Music City is to maximize the economic contribution of the convention and tourism industry to the community by developing and marketing Nashville as a premier destination. Visit the NCVC’s website at visitmusiccity.com and follow us on social media @VisitMusicCity.

About Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.

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