Tennessee’s kitchens have always had a story to tell. Of family recipes, local ingredients and chefs who cook with heart. Now, those stories are being shared on a global stage.
In a proud moment for the state’s culinary scene, 36 Tennessee restaurants have been honored in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South. The recognition highlights the creativity, craftsmanship and unmistakable Southern soul found in Tennessee’s dining rooms from Memphis to the mountains.
One MICHELIN Star
Bastion – Nashville, Chef Josh Habiger
Photo Credit: @gr8tfood
Located in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, Bastion delivers a playful spin on contemporary Southern dining. Chef Josh Habiger’s ever-changing tasting menu turns local ingredients into artful, flavor-packed dishes that balance creativity and comfort.
The Catbird Seat – Nashville, Chefs Tiffani Ortiz & Andy Doubrava
Led by chefs Andy Doubrava and Tiffani Ortiz, The Catbird Seat pairs inventive tasting menus with a youthful, high-energy vibe. Each course highlights seasonal Southern ingredients reimagined with daring creativity and flair.
Locust – Nashville, Chef Trevor Moran
At Chef Trevor Moran’s sleek, minimalist Locust, Japanese-inspired plates are designed for sharing and savoring. Expect simple yet stunning dishes like hand-rolled tartare and delicate scallops, all crafted with precision and elegance.
MICHELIN Green Star
January – Franklin, Sam Jett
Located inside Southall Farm and Inn in Franklin, January was recognized for its commitment to sustainability. The restaurant operates a zero-waste kitchen that composts trimmings and preserves excess produce through pickling, fermenting, drying, or canning. January also received a Recommended distinction.
Bib Gourmand
Michelin's celebration of great food at great value
Hog & Hominy – Memphis, Andy Ticer & Michael Hudman
Kisser – Nashville, Brian Lea & Leona Horii
Little Coyote – Chattanooga, Erik Neil
Peninsula – Nashville, Jake Howell
Redheaded Stranger – Nashville, Bryan Weaver
Sho Pizza Bar – Nashville, Sean Brock
S.S. Gai – Nashville, Chris & Emma Biard
St. Vito Foccaceria – Nashville, Michael Hanna
Uzbegim – Nashville, Dilorom Usma
MICHELIN Special Award
Sommelier Award
Bad Idea – Nashville, Alex Burch & Colby Rasavong
Bad Idea also received a Recommended distinction.
MICHELIN Recommended
Memphis
Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen – Andy Ticer & Michael Hudman
Felicia Suzanne’s – Felicia Willett
The Lobbyist – Jimmy Gentry
Petals of a Peony – Cordova, Bo Zou
Nashville Area
Photo Credit: Melissa.Corbin
Arnold’s Country Kitchen – Kahlil Arnold
Audrey – Sam Jett
Café Roze – Julia Jaksic & Rachel Tow
Folk – Philip Krajeck
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Brian Morris
iggy’s – Ryan Poli
International Market – Arnold Myint
Rolf & Daughters – Philip Krajeck
Tailor – Vivek Surti
Shotgun Willie’s – Bill Laviolette
Chattanooga
The Smokies & Beyond
Photo Credit: Andrew Saucier
J.C. Holdway – Knoxville, Joseph Lenn
Potchke – Knoxville, Laurence Faber
The Restaurant at RT Lodge – Maryville, Trevor Stockton