New regional MICHELIN guide to feature New Orleans and Louisiana restaurants

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Louisiana is included among the six states for the new MICHELIN Guide American South, announced by Michelin and Travel South USA. This announcement means that many hospitality businesses and restaurants in New Orleans and across Louisiana will now be considered for recognition in the MICHELIN Guide.

This edition of the guide covers Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the pre-existing Atlanta Guide.

“New Orleans has always been known and celebrated for its world-class cuisine and award-winning restaurants. Today I am happy to announce a long-awaited opportunity to potentially shine another prestigious light on our beloved community,” said Walter J. Leger III, President & CEO, New Orleans & Company. “While there is no guarantee that any restaurant will receive coveted recognition in the MICHELIN Guide, we believe the world-renowned culinary scene in New Orleans is extremely worthy of consideration and we look forward to aligning with one of the most well-respected travel brands in the world.”

The MICHELIN Guide’s anonymous inspectors are already in the field, making dining reservations and scouting for culinary gems throughout the South region. The full 2025 restaurant selection will be revealed at a later date during the annual MICHELIN Guide ceremony for the American South.

The restaurant selection will follow Michelin’s historical methodology, based on five universal criteria, to ensure each destination’s selection equity: 1) quality products; 2) the harmony of flavors; 3) the mastery of cooking techniques; 4) the voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; 5) consistency between each visit and throughout the menu (each restaurant is inspected several times a year).

“We are excited to embark on this new journey for the MICHELIN Guide as this will be the first time since the Guide’s North American debut in 2005 that we are launching a regional selection,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “The cuisine of the American South is a unique product of diverse influences creating an iconic array of specialties prepared by proud and impressive culinary talent.”

The Guide’s independent selection process is determined by anonymous inspectors. The MICHELIN Guide is working with Travel South USA on marketing and promotional activities only. Travel South USA, formed in 1965, is America’s oldest and largest regional travel promotion organization. The long-standing regional collaboration of the state tourism offices of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia provides a foundation to position tourism as a vital and dynamic element in the region’s economic development.

“Travel South USA is thrilled to support the MICHELIN Guide coming to the American South. Our region has long deserved global recognition for its extraordinary farm-to-table cuisine, world-class seafood, and rich food culture – crafted by some of the world’s most creative and talented chefs,” shared Liz Bittner, President & CEO, Travel South USA.

Michelin announced its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have also been added in Chicago (2011); Washington, D.C. (2017); California (San Francisco in 2007, statewide 2019); Florida (Greater Miami, Orlando and Tampa in 2022, adding Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches and St. Pete-Clearwater in 2025, statewide in 2026); Toronto (2022); Vancouver (2022); Colorado (2023); Atlanta (2023), Mexico (2024), Texas (2024), Quebec (2024) and today, the American South (2025).

Earlier this year, New Orleans & Company helped launch Guide Michelin Voyage & Cultures Nouvelle Orléans, a guide written in French and aimed at overseas travelers interested in New Orleans.

“Now adding the MICHELIN Guide American South, Travel South USA, participating state tourism offices, and destination marketing organizations, including New Orleans & Company, will join forces on marketing efforts to promote authentic Southern cuisine to domestic and international travelers, including food enthusiasts,” said Leger.

Leger added: “By attracting international culinary tourism and setting new benchmarks for excellence, Michelin’s presence will inspire local restaurants to push creative boundaries while reinforcing New Orleans’ reputation as a must-visit destination for food lovers. This milestone is part of a larger effort to amplify our culinary scene, drive economic growth, and ensure that our vibrant food culture continues to thrive for generations to come.”