The MICHELIN Guide Arrives in Atlanta 

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The first MICHELIN Guide Atlanta selection, featuring world-class restaurants in the metro Atlanta area, was revealed in the fall, giving food and travel enthusiasts a lot more to explore in Atlanta.  

Atlanta is a city full of culinary experiences that range from fine dining to casual eating. The diverse culture of the city plays a key part in its vibrant gastronomy, and now the world gets to see it.  

“Atlanta’s culinary scene is rich in diversity and constantly evolving but has long been one of the most underappreciated assets in our city,” said William Pate, president and CEO of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are proud of the recognition the MICHELIN Guide will bring to our destination as it highlights our local chefs and cuisine.”  

The famously anonymous MICHELIN Guide inspectors ate their way through Metro Atlanta. They each made their own dining reservations secretively and paid for all their meals. It is a standard for the MICHELIN Guide to ensure that inspectors are treated the same way as any other customer. Inspectors visit each restaurant more than once and on different days and times of the week.  

The MICHELIN Guide Atlanta made its debut event on Oct. 24 at the Rialto Center for the Arts. Chefs were invited whether their restaurants received a MICHELIN Star, Bib Gourmand or another MICHELIN Guide distinction. Attendance was by invitation only.

“Our famously anonymous inspectors enjoyed experiencing Atlanta and its dynamic culinary landscape,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “They came away impressed with the diverse offerings, as the selection of restauranst not only reflects a taste of the South, but also has a good deal of international flavor. There is so much for foodies to savor here. Wheter they’re local residents or international travelers, they’re in for a treat!”

MICHELIN Stars are awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking, following Michelin’s historical methodology based on five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of cooking techniques, the voice and personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine, and the consistency across the entire menu and over time. 

MICHELIN Guide inspectors considered Atlanta’s restaurants for the iconic MICHELIN Stars, the Bib Gourmand distinction and the MICHELIN Green Star. The MICHELIN Stars — one, two or three — are awarded to unparalleled cuisine; the Bib Gourmand is given to restaurants that offer great quality food at good prices; the MICHELIN Green Star is awarded to restaurants that are leaders in sustainable gastronomy. Along with that, inspectors also highlight Recommended restaurants and special professional awards. 

Meet the MICHELIN Guide Atlanta 2023 restaurants.

The MICHELIN Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage tire sales by giving practical advice on places for French motorists to explore. The Guide came to North America in 2005. It has become a reliable companion for any traveler seeking a great meal. The MICHELIN Guide is constantly observing the evolution of culinary destinations around the world, and now we are honored to have it in Atlanta.

Read more about Atlanta’s Culinary Evolution: Unveiling Michelin Guide’s Love for the City.