Meet the Chefs Behind Atlanta's MICHELIN Star Restaurants

Meet the Chefs

The MICHELIN Guide arrived in Atlanta in 2023, unveiling world-class food that puts the city on the map as a must-check-out culinary stop. Behind those mouthwatering and unforgettable dishes, is a team of dedicated artists and creatives serving so much more than just food. They are serving stories – their stories.

Come sit at the table and let these culinary creatives take you for a ride.

Meet the chefs behind the 5 One Stars and Two Green Star Restaurants that landed in the MICHELIN Guide Atlanta 2023, and stay tuned to meet the new additions in 2024’s MICHELIN Guide.

Chef Freddy Money
Atlas 

Born in the U.K., Chef Freddy Money has traveled the world cooking with world-renowned chefs and finessing his culinary skills. In 2020, he traveled to Atlanta for what he thought would be three weeks, but four years later, as the Culinary Director, he is still here on a journey where his passion for serving unmatchable culinary experiences around quality ingredients matches his mission to inspire and educate the next generation of chefs.

Catch Chef Freddy Money at Atlas, located in Buckhead at 88 W Paces Ferry Rd NW.

Distinction

MICHELIN Guide 2023, One Star

Chef Anne Quatrano
Bacchanalia

From hostess to one of the most recognized and awarded chefs and restaurant owners in Atlanta, Chef Anne Quatrano shares her talent and passion with the world. Following her love for cooking, she realized in cooking school that she was actually good at it. Soon enough, she started evolving and developing in the industry. Now, fostering a collaborative environment in her kitchen, she mentors and guides other chefs as they work on their own growth. Bacchanalia has evolved, and so have the chefs and the stories behind every dish.

For the MICHELIN Guide Atlanta 2023, Bacchanalia was the only restaurant with both, a One Star and a Green Star. It is also the only restaurant with a Star owned by a female chef.

Visit Chef Quatrano at Bacchanalia, located on the Westside at 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW.

Distinction

MICHELIN Guide 2023, One Star
MICHELIN Guide 2023, Green Star

Chef Atsushi Hawakawa
Hayakawa

It took Atsushi Hayakawa tasting sushi one time at the age of 15 before decided to dedicate his life to it. Years later, his restaurant earns One MICHELIN Star. Set out to serve traditional Japanese cuisine, chef Hayakawa and his team welcome a limited number of guests every night for an intimate experience where he orchestrates the evening. After 32 years of living in the United States, the hospitality offered at Hawakaya is a clear reflection of the chef’s experience between the Japanese and American culture, specifically inspired by Atlanta’s welcoming charm.

After serving for 16 years on Buford Highway, Hawakawa is now located in the heart of West Midtown, where Chef Hayakawa can now reach a broader audience, amplifying his story and culture.

Try out chef Hayakawa’s creations at Hayakawa, 1055 Howell Mill Rd

Distinction

MICHELIN Guide 2023, One Star

Chef Aaron Phillips
Lazy Betty

At 18 years old, Chef Aaron Phillips packed up and headed to New York City to become a chef. His journey would eventually bring him to Le Bernardin, where he met Chef Ron Hsu. When Chef Hsu decided to head back home to Atlanta, Chef Phillips didn’t think about it twice and decided to tag along. Together, Hsu and Phillips opened Lazy Betty.

Learn more about chef Aaron Phillips, and don’t miss an opportunity to try his cooking at Lazy Betty’s new location in Midtown, 999 Peachtree St NE.

Distinction

MICHELIN Guide 2023, One Star

Chef J. Trent Harris
Mujō

Fred Castellucci, President and CEO of Atlanta’s deeply rooted Castellucci Hospitality Group, met Chef J. Trent Harris in New York City and together dived into an adventure. Castellucci would embark on a journey of opening an omakase restaurant – something very different from the other restaurants in the multigenerational family-business restaurant group. Chef Harris would leave New York City to explore the local flavors of Georgia and incorporate them into what he already mastered and perfected.

Chef J. Trent Harris brings a fresh perspective to Japanese-inspired cuisine. Known for his meticulous approach to traditional techniques combined with bold innovations, he crafts each omakase experience to celebrate the best of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Under his guidance, Mujō has become a sought-after spot for those seeking an immersive, elevated dining experience.

Secure a hard-to-get reservation at Mujō. The wait is all worth it. 691 14th St NW

Distinction

MICHELIN Guide 2023, One Star

Chef Christopher Grossman
THE CHASTAIN

When Grossman found himself writing menus, prep sheets and dishes during his philosophy and calculus classes, he realized that maybe he should stick to a career in the kitchen. When moving to Atlanta, Grossman started working at Aria, learning from Atlanta’s long-time chef Gerry Klaskala. After his time at Atlas, Grossman took the opportunity to open up THE CHASTAIN when his only request was met, to have a garden.

Chef Grossman brings to Buckhead a culinary experience worth checking out at THE CHATAIN, 4320 Powers Ferry Rd NW

Distinction

MICHELIN Guide 2023, Green Star

These are some of the chefs who are building Atlanta’s food story. Beyond the Stars, Atlanta has so much more to share, so don’t miss the opportunity to explore the full MICHELIN Guide Atlanta 2023. You better be hungry!