Chefs and restauranteurs from across the American South gathered in Nashville Wednesday night for the second-annual Michelin Guide ceremony. This is the fateful night when restaurant teams learn if they’ve earned, retained — or lost — their coveted stars from the world-renowned travel guide.
Michelin debuted its American South guide last year, awarding one star each to three Nashville restaurants: Locust, Bastion and The Catbird Seat, all part of the Strategic Hospitality group. Wednesday’s ceremony revealed that all three held onto their stars.
The Michelin Guide also recognized Nashville Mexican restaurant Maíz de la Vida for its high-quality cooking and great value for money with the Bib Gourmand distinction. It’s an honor shared by:
- St. Vito Focacceria
- Peninsula
- Uzbegim
- S.S. Gai
- Kisser
- Redheaded Stranger
- Sho Pizza Bar
In an Instagram post, Maíz de la Vida thanked its workers, guests, and the farmers who supply its ingredients, including the restaurant’s namesake: maize.
“We’ll keep doing what we love: cooking with heirloom corn, nixtamal, and the flavors that connect us to home,” the post read.
And three restaurants in the city are newly recommended by the Michelin Guide: 5th & Taylor, Junior and Present Tense. They don’t get a bib or stars, but even receiving a nod from the guide carries its own cachet. Last year’s Michelin recommended restaurants include:
- Audrey
- Arnold’s Country Kitchen
- Bad Idea
- Café Roze
- Folk
- Hattie B’s
- Iggy’s
- International Market
- January
- Rolf and Daughters,
- Shotgun Willie’s
- Tailor
Explore the Michelin Guide’s full Nashville restaurant list.
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