On Monday, November 3rd, all eyes will turn in anticipation to Greenville, South Carolina. 

Greenville’s Peace Center will host a momentous occasion: the reveal of the inaugural selection for The Michelin Guide American South. For the first time ever, the globally renowned guide will shine its spotlight on the Southern United States.

This event marks more than a new chapter for Michelin: the ceremony is a milestone for the South’s culinary identity. Long

celebrated for its soul, hospitality, and deeply-rooted food traditions, the region is finally being recognized on an international stage for what locals have always known: Southern chefs are world-class artists of flavor and storytelling.

A restaurant’s invitation into The Michelin Guide is a monumental achievement that cannot be understated. Inclusion alone signals that a restaurant has met Michelin’s rigorous global standards—an assurance to diners that the experience will be exceptional. In addition, a Michelin star signifies the pinnacle of culinary prestige. A single star denotes “a very good restaurant in its category,” two stars signify “excellent cooking, worth a detour,” and three stars mark “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.” Beyond stars, Michelin also recognizes Bib Gourmands—restaurants offering outstanding food at a great value—and Green Stars for sustainable gastronomy.

As chefs from across seven Southern states—Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia (through its existing Atlanta Guide)—gather in anticipation, all eyes are on Greenville, and we will soon see which restaurants earn a place in the guide.

While attendance at the ceremony is by invitation only, the impact will ripple across the region. The message is clear: the South’s time has come–and the world is finally taking note.

Here in Alabama, we’ll be watching closely on Monday night to see which of our own make the list. Here are our top predictions: restaurants and chefs who are redefining Southern cuisine while showcasing a soulful love of their craft.

Bayonet, Chef Rob McDaniel
Bayonet is celebrated for its fresh, sustainable seafood and impressive raw bar. Recently named one of The New York Times’ “50 Best Restaurants in North America,” Bayonet has already earned national recognition, and its innovative approach to Southern seafood has quickly positioned it as one of Alabama’s most talked-about dining destinations.

La Fête, Chef Kristen Hall
La Fête offers an intimate, beautifully and unmistakably French dining experience. From Chef Kristen Hall’s cross-lamination

pastry to the delicately stacked potato pavé, Hall’s techniques exemplify her outstanding attention to detail. Each dish at La Fête reflects the same level of consistency and elegance.

Hot & Hot Fish Club, Chef Chris Hastings
Hot & Hot continues to set the standard for refined Southern cuisine. Chef Chris Hastings, the 2012 James Beard “Best Chef in the South” winner, delivers meticulously prepared dishes that balance tradition and innovation, showcasing the depth and versatility of regional flavors.

Chez Fonfon, Chef Frank Stitt
Birmingham’s Chez Fonfon beautifully exemplifies the intersection of classic technique and Southern refinement. From classic French fare to the restaurant’s celebrated burger—renowned as perhaps the city’s best—James Beard winner Frank Stitt consistently demonstrates culinary excellence.

Automatic Seafood & Oysters, Chef Adam Evans
Classic and comforting, Automatic offers a variety of seafood dishes that highlight the best of the region. Fish is primarily sourced

from the Gulf of Mexico, while oysters come from waters along the Southern and Eastern coastlines. Chef Adam Evans balances technical precision with a relaxed elegance, making Automatic one of Birmingham’s finest.

The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar, Chef Jim Smith
Chef Jim Smith brings the Gulf Coast to the table at The Hummingbird Way. The restaurant focuses on the best local seafood, ingredients, and food traditions that make Mobile such a special culinary destination. Chef Smith is widely recognized for his appearances on two seasons of Top Chef, and his meticulous approach turns Gulf seafood into elevated, memorable dishes that celebrate the region’s bounty.

Acre, Chef David Bancroft
Acre emphasizes local sourcing and seasonality, letting ingredients speak for themselves. This year, David Bancroft was once again named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: South, a testament to his influence on the region’s food culture. Every dish feels carefully crafted, rooted in place, and reflective of Alabama’s culinary richness.

CEO Pick: Current Charcoal Grill, Chef Luke Joseph
SoulGrown CEO Courtney Hancock selects Current Charcoal Grill as her pick for the Michelin Guide. The restaurant blends fire-forward cooking with Asian-American influences and Southern ingredients, creating dishes that are bold, inventive, and

memorable. The Panang curry with beef short rib exemplifies Chef Luke Joseph’s distinctive culinary voice and innovative technique.

Bib Gourmand Pick: Pizza Grace, Chefs Helene Jones & Ryan Westover
Pizza Grace takes a “bread-first, baker’s approach” to naturally leavened doughs, pairing high-quality ingredients with simple, honest flavors. Quickly a standout in Birmingham, it was named one of Southern Living’s South’s Best New Restaurants 2023, later making the magazine’s Top 30 in the city, and became a semifinalist for the 2023 James Beard Best New Restaurant award.

The Michelin Guide American South ceremony on Monday, November 3, is an undeniably historic moment for the region. Watch the live stream to see which Alabama restaurants receive recognition, and follow SoulGrown in Greenville for exclusive coverage, live reactions, and behind-the-scenes access to this landmark event.