Despite falling short of receiving any Michelin Stars, several Alabama restaurants receive major culinary accolades

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Michelin Stars did not fall on Alabama, but it did receive praise for its culinary achievements by the group.

On Monday, the latest Michelin Guide was released with the American South being included in the expanded edition. In the food world, a Michelin Star is one of the highest crowning accomplishments a restaurant can achieve, garnering world-renown status. This year, 10 new restaurants from the South joined the ranks of Michelin Star restaurants.

“The cuisine of the American South is a rich blend of cultural influences, brought to life by skilled chefs who have crafted some of the region’s most iconic dishes,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “Our anonymous Inspectors were deeply impressed by the region’s culinary prowess, and this inaugural selection reflects their findings — from Southern staples like barbecue, Creole and seafood, to international flavors. We welcome these restaurants to the MICHELIN Guide family and toast to all the chef and restaurant teams honored tonight.”

The following Southern restaurants received Michelin Star restaurants:

Despite not receiving any Michelin Stars, several restaurants from across Alabama received the group’s Bib Gourmand distinction, recognizing restaurants for “great food at a great value.”

The following Alabama restaurants made the Bib Gourmand list:

• Bayonet (Birmingham)
• La Fete (Birmingham)
• Ovenbird (Birmingham)
• Pizza Grace (Birmingham)
• The Noble South (Mobile)

The following Alabama restaurants also made Michelin’s 2025 Recommended Restaurants list for the American South:

• 1856 Restaurant (Auburn)
• Automatic Seafood and Oysters (Birmingham)
• Bottega (Birmingham)
• Chez Fonfon (Birmingham)
• Current Charcoal Grill (Birmingham)
• Helen (Birmingham)
• Hot and Hot Fish Club (Birmingham)
• Purveyor (Huntsville)
• Reve (Birmingham)
• Salt Smokehouse (Huntsville)

In addition, Bottega owner Pardis Stitt won the Michelin Outstanding Service Award.

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