Alabama’s culinary scene has another moment in the spotlight. SoulGrown editor Holly Swafford was in attendance for the ceremony, bringing the evening’s biggest announcements back to Alabama and celebrating the chefs and restaurants putting the state on the national culinary map. Here’s what Alabama restaurants earned this year—and what the recognition means for the state’s culinary footprint.
The 2026 Michelin Guide American South selections were announced Wednesday evening, October 21, at The Pinnacle in Nashville, hosted by actor Charles Esten, bringing together chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality leaders from across the region to celebrate the restaurants shaping Southern food culture.
Esten praised his time in Nashville, saying, “The American South is one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the world.”
This year’s selections mark the second chapter in Michelin’s recognition of the American South, following the inaugural ceremony in Greenville, South Carolina, last November. That first list introduced Alabama restaurants to the prestigious guide, recognizing 15 establishments across the state.
This year, Alabama restaurants earned nine Michelin Guide recognitions, including five maintained Bib Gourmand distinctions, three new Michelin-recommended restaurants, and one special award. No Alabama restaurants received Michelin stars in the 2026 selection.
Which Alabama restaurants made the 2026 Michelin Guide?
The Michelin Guide recognizes restaurants at several levels, from its Michelin-recommended selections to the coveted Bib Gourmand distinction and one, two, or three Michelin stars.
Here are the Alabama restaurants recognized in the 2026 American South selection.
Bib Gourmand
5 restaurants maintained their Bib Gourmand distinction, recognizing restaurants offering skill, personality, and high-quality cuisine at an accessible price.
- Bayonet, Birmingham
- La Fête, Birmingham
- The Noble South, Mobile
- Oven Bird, Birmingham
- Pizza Grace, Birmingham
Michelin Recommended
In addition to last year’s “Recommended by Michelin” restaurants, three new Alabama establishments made the Michelin Guide’s distinction, earning the attention of Michelin inspectors for the quality of their food and the strength of their overall dining experience.
- Austin Whereabouts, Bessemer
- Little Betty Steak Bar, Mountain Brook
- Locanda Brasato, Mountain Brook
Special Awards and Other Distinctions
Michelin Service Award: Jared Patterson, Little Betty Steak Bar, Birmingham
A look back at Alabama’s inaugural Michelin Guide selection
When the Michelin Guide announced its first American South selection in November 2025, Alabama made an impressive debut. Fifteen restaurants earned recognition, including five Bib Gourmand selections and 10 Michelin-recommended restaurants.
Birmingham accounted for the majority of the state’s selections, but the inaugural list also recognized restaurants in Auburn, Huntsville, and Mobile. Bottega, the longtime Birmingham institution led by Frank and Pardis Stitt, received particular recognition when Pardis Stitt was named the recipient of the 2025 Michelin Guide American South Outstanding Service Award.
The recognition was significant not only for the restaurants themselves, but also for the broader hospitality community. Alabama’s food culture is shaped by its agricultural roots, Gulf Coast seafood, Southern traditions, and a new generation of chefs finding fresh ways to interpret the region’s culinary identity.
What Michelin recognition means for Alabama
Founded in France in 1900, the Michelin Guide began as a travel resource before evolving into one of the world’s most influential authorities on dining. Its anonymous inspectors evaluate restaurants according to five criteria: ingredient quality, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, the personality of the chef expressed through the cuisine, and consistency over time and across the menu.
A Michelin star is among the most coveted distinctions in the restaurant industry. One star recognizes high-quality cooking worth a stop, two stars recognize excellent cooking worth a detour, and three stars signify exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.
But recognition extends beyond stars. The Bib Gourmand highlights restaurants offering excellent food at good value, while the recommended list recognizes restaurants inspectors believe deserve a place in the Guide.
For Alabama, each distinction offers an opportunity to introduce more diners to the people and places that make the state proud. It also brings greater attention to the farmers, fishermen, producers, and hospitality professionals whose work makes those dining experiences possible.
As the Michelin Guide continues to explore the American South, Alabama’s inclusion gives the state another platform to tell its culinary story—one that has long been worth celebrating.
Bib Gourmand and James Beard-nominated Chef Kristen Hall spoke of the special experience: “To be here at Michelin representing Birmingham, representing La Fête, surrounded by an immaculate group of chefs and restaurateurs is a really incredible honor.”
Read more about Alabama’s culinary scene and last year’s inaugural Michelin Guide selections here.
