The Resy Guide to the 2026 Michelin American South Winners

Louisiana

This charming and rather unassuming French bistro and wine bar in Bywater boasts an ever-evolving tasting menu that never fails to surprise and delight. Here, chefs Blake Aguillard and Trey Smith put forth a thrilling sset of courses that showcase their skills and make the best of local ingredients.

Meaning ‘grandfather’ in Hebrew, chef Alon Shaya’s Israeli restaurant offers novel twists on classics, like a blue crab with lemon butter and satisfyingly charred pita bread moments from the oven. Dips, salads and grilled dishes abound, and there’s an inviting dining room and spacious outdoor patio for fine weather.

South Carolina

Chef Joe Cash returned to his hometown to open Scoundrel, blending French culinary technique with an appreciation for seasonality and the state’s bounty. The menu veers from classic steak frites with duck fat fries, to a plate of Hokkaido scallops enlivened with local peaches and vin jaune.

Georgia

The 20-course omakase menu at this West Midtown gem is the real deal. Chef Leonard Yu sources Koshihikari rice from Niigata and fish from Tokyo’s Toyosu market, and turns his ingredients into something truly exquisite.

Elegant and sophisticated, Atlas from London-born chef Freddy Money is as much a work of art as the works that adorn its walls. Offering both a tasting menu and à la carte options, the menu seamlessly blends seasonal American standards with influences from Europe.

Atlanta’s crown jewel of fine dining, Bacchanalia is a perfect special occasion restaurant — ever-reliable and seasonal in nature, meaning it’s different every time. It retains its Michelin star and eco-friendly “green star” to add to its long list of accolades.

Atsushi “Art” Hayakawa’s little jewel box of a place — relocated from Buford Highway to the Star Metals district and downsized to just eight seats — remains a must for sushi lovers. His 16-course omakase remains one of the most delightful culinary journeys around.

Spring’s ever-changing menu plays to the tune of the seasons, and chef Brian So shows no shortage of creativity. The restaurant beautifully extracts the flavors of the South using French techniques, and ties it all up with a genuinely warm environment that’s deserving of its retained one Michelin star rating for 2025.

Because acclaimed Atlanta baker Erika Council’s beloved biscuits emporium is just as excellent as ever. Come for biscuit sandwiches and brunch plates worth waking up for — and speaking of biscuits, don’t miss the black pepper bacon version.

Chef-owner Jarrett Stieber considers his cooking approach to be a little punk, so expect a menu that’s creative and full of sass. Stieber and his team work mainly with local farmers, so the dishes change often but you can always count on them being plant-forward (don’t worry, carnivores, there are still plenty of meats to choose from).

North Carolina

Sam Hart’s Counter- is one-of-a-kind, and his menu reflects a multifaceted approach to cooking inspired by everything from music and personal history to nostalgia, and showcasing a bounty of local ingredients.

This eclectic restaurant from restaurateurs Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler exalts Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors with aplomb, set among a backdrop that’s as vibrant as the food. Standout dishes include charred cabbage and broccoli with porcini tahina, and creamed feta topped with a strawberry chutney.

Chef Héctor González-Mora, who hails from Los Angeles, brings a “Left Coast Latino” perspective to the menu at this Charlotte spot where diners feast on taco royale filled with seared ribeye and melted cheese on a sourdough tortilla, shrimp aguachile seasoned with ponzu, and truffled corn dip. It’s creative, fun, and joyous. No wonder that González-Mora was also presented with a Michelin Guide American South Young Chef Award, too.

Housemade pastas are the big draw at this cozy downtown spot from chef-owner David Peretin. Think casarece with fennel sausage, torchietti with local North Carolina seafood and tomato, capers, and scallions, and spaghetti slicked in pesto Trapanese. Don’t sleep on the other dishes, though, and do save room for some olive oil cake if you know what’s good for you.

Tennessee

When acclaimed chef Sean Brock turns his hand to pizza, you know it’ll be something special. At this critically acclaimed neighborhood pizzeria known for “Neo-Neapolitan” style pies, the handmade Italian pizza oven is wood-fired, the dough is fermented for 72 hours for a light and flavorful crust, and the toppings are seasonal and carefully sourced — and the results are definitely Brock-quality. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience rooted in Southern hospitality with a global perspective.

Neapolitan-style pizzas are the draw at this laid-back restaurant from chef and owner Brian Strutz, but you shouldn’t overlook the salads, mushroom and cashew pâté, or pickle plate with sourdough focaccia, either. Pro tip: Do order yourself a Ruchetta pizza topped with wild arugula, and don’t forget the housemade gelato for dessert.

This family-owned restaurant more than delivers when it comes to traditional Vietnamese dishes like bánh khọt, bánh cuốn, and bánh bèo — all of which take considerable skill to craft — and even the bread for their bánh mi and the noodles for their A5 wagyu pho are made in house.

Mixing Italian cooking with Southern influences, this Brookhaven Circle institution is as popular for its perfectly charred Neapolitan pies pulled hot from a wood-burning oven as it is for the kitchen’s finesse with small plates. Desserts are as satisfying as entrees, with a chef’s touch on classic pies and puddings that can conjure childhood memories in a single bite.

Alabama

A fixture in Birmingham’s ascendant culinary landscape, this seafood restaurant riffs on the classics (is there anything as celebratory as a plate of freshly shucked oysters or a shellfish tower?) while introducing twists like seafood charcuterie and entrees like a wahoo ‘chop’ that playfully subverts expectations. Don’t miss the crab and tomato salad with corn remoulade.

Located on historic Morris Avenue, this eclectic neighborhood bistro is owner Kristen Hall’s love letter for French food and wine, with an ever-changing menu designed to complement a robust wine list and memorable desserts. Dishes lean classic with impeccable execution — a seasonal galette might spotlight sweet potatoes, paired to a pecan pistou and goat’s cheese, while potato pavé with whipped ranch and caviar is a must-order.

A love of Southern flavors with the lightness of a farm-to-table approach define the experience at this well-regarded restaurant in downtown Mobile. An elegant plate of handmade pasta might spotlight local pork accompanied by a bounty of late summer peas and squash, while Marsh Hen Mills shrimp and grits with blue crab shows the kitchen’s love of traditional fare.

The live fire traditions of South America blend with Southern hospitality at Chris and Idie Hasting’s acclaimed Birmingham restaurant. Classics like devilled eggs receive a twist with anchovy breadcrumbs and espelette, while whole chicken and fish are both specialities that deserve to be shared.

Mississippi

This charmer of an all-day bistro has everything you could want for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks and cocktails. Pro tip: The redfish almondine is a non negotiable, as is the light citrus soufflé, should you find yourself there for dinner.

This speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf is a truly exceptional cocktail den that boasts a Southern-inspired menu with global influences. Bar manager Ally Bower was also awarded the 2026 American South Exceptional Cocktail Award by the Michelin guide for her seasonal riffs on classic drinks.