Fifteen restaurants in Alabama have made it into the new Michelin Guide for the American South. This is exciting news for local eateries that now get exposure to a broader audience, thanks to the Michelin’s reputation. The guide highlights culinary talents from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Among those honored, five dishes received the “Bib Gourmand” designation, which means they offer good food at reasonable prices. These eateries are:
- Bayonet in Birmingham
- OvenBird in Birmingham
- La Fete in Birmingham
- Pizza Grace in Birmingham
- The Noble South in Mobile
Ten more restaurants were listed as “Recommended” by Michelin, receiving positive notes from inspectors. While Alabama chefs didn’t earn Michelin stars this time, being featured in the guide is still a significant accomplishment.
Pardis Stitt from Bottega in Birmingham was awarded the Michelin Outstanding Service Award this year. Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of Michelin Guides, spoke about how the Southern cuisine reflects a rich mix of cultural influences. He noted that inspectors were deeply impressed by the talent in the region’s culinary scene.
Some recent trends show a growing interest in Southern cuisine, particularly among younger diners. According to a survey by the National Restaurant Association, 67% of younger consumers are eager to explore traditional Southern dishes, which indicates a shift toward regional flavors.
The Michelin Guide now includes 228 restaurants across the South and saw a celebratory event at the Peace Center in Greenville, S.C.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout restaurants recognized by Michelin:
Bayonet: Located at 2015 Second Ave. North in Birmingham, this seafood spot, opened in 2025 by chef Rob McDaniel, offers a raw bar experience tied to local coastal flavors.
La Fete: This Parisian-inspired bistro, found at 2018 Morris Ave., Birmingham, launched in 2022, features wine-focused dining with classic and innovative dishes.
OvenBird: A casual dining spot at 2810 Third Ave. South, it specializes in live-fire cooking techniques, providing a warm, inviting atmosphere along with a creative menu.
The Noble South: This farm-to-table restaurant is at 203 Dauphin St., Mobile. Opened in 2014, it showcases Southern ingredients and was featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
Pizza Grace: Located at 2212 Morris Ave., Suite 105 in Birmingham, it is known for its artisanal pizzas, crafted with care from high-quality ingredients.
These restaurants not only highlight local flavors but also show how Alabama is embracing culinary excellence, bringing tradition and creativity together on every plate.
This recognition is just the beginning. As more diners discover the unique tastes and experiences Alabama has to offer, we expect to see even more exciting developments in the region’s restaurant scene.
To see the full list of honored restaurants, visit the official Michelin Guide website here.
