Raleigh, N.C. (Nov. 3, 2025) – The MICHELIN Guide – considered the world's foremost guide to exceptional dining – has finally landed in the American South, and Raleigh has emerged as a culinary gem. Unveiled on Nov. 3, 2025, the first-ever MICHELIN Guide American South honors 14 Raleigh-area restaurants: three restaurants received the Bib Gourmand designation, highlighting memorable meals at great value. Eleven restaurants were selected as MICHELIN Recommended, marking them as essential dining destinations in the region.  

“We are thrilled to see Raleigh area restaurants represented in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South,” said Dennis Edwards, President and CEO of Visit Raleigh. “This recognition spotlights the incredible culinary talent, creativity and hospitality that define our community. This distinction reinforces Raleigh’s status as a destination for world-class dining and Southern innovation, further inspiring travelers to experience diverse tastes, stories and traditions that make our city’s culinary scene so exceptional. We couldn’t be prouder of our local restaurants and the passionate community behind them who continue to elevate the destination every day.” 

The MICHELIN Guide’s Southern debut covers six states — North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi — plus the city of Atlanta. Michelin states the five universal criteria used when investigating restaurants are: the quality of the ingredients used; the mastery of cooking and culinary techniques; the harmony of flavors; the personality of the cuisine as expressed through the dishes; and consistency, both across the entire menu and between visits. 

Raleigh’s MICHELIN Guide 2025 Honorees 

Bib Gourmand 

  • Mala Pata, Raleigh – An heirloom masa-driven masterpiece from chef Angela Salamanca celebrating Latin American traditions with modern flair.  

  • Prime Barbecue, Knightdale – Texas meets North Carolina at champion pitmaster Christopher Prieto’s award-winning barbecue joint, where patience, smoke and passion reign supreme.  

  • Sam Jones BBQ, Raleigh – A living legend of Eastern North Carolina’s whole-hog barbecue tradition, served with authenticity and heart. 

MICHELIN Recommended 

  • Brewery Bhavana, Raleigh – An inspired blend of dim sum, books and blooms – paired with Brewer-owner Patrick Woodson’s nationally recognized beers. 

  • Brodeto, Raleigh – Coastal Adriatic flavors come to life at six-time James Beard nominated Scott Crawford’s newest restaurant. 

  • Crawford and Son, Raleigh – Scott Crawford’s eponymous neighborhood eatery honors refined Southern dining and warm hospitality.  

  • Dampf Good BBQ, Cary – A Cary staple celebrating smoke, meat and community. 

  • Herons, Cary – The Umstead Hotel’s Forbes Five-Star restaurant redefining luxury dining in the South 

  • Jolie, Raleigh – French classics adopt a modern twist and Southern charm at this Scott Crawford bistro. 

  • The Pit, Raleigh – Celebrating regional staples done right, The Pit is proof that traditional whole-hog cooking can shine in a sleek, urban setting. 

  • Poole’s Diner, Raleigh – An iconic Raleigh institution from James Beard-winner Chef Ashley Christensen. 

  • Stanbury, Raleigh – A city favorite known for seasonal, ever-changing menus and constantly evolving modern American cuisine.  

  • St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar, Raleigh – Offering a Cajun spin on North Carolina’s best ingredients – complete with a killer drink menu. 

  • Tamasha Modern Indian, Raleigh – A dazzling showcase of modern Indian cuisine from James Beard-nominated chef Bhavin Chhatwani.  

What does Bib Gourmand mean? 
Each year, Michelin Inspectors anonymously visit and evaluate restaurants, awarding Bib Gourmand to those that serve memorable meals at reasonable prices – celebrating restaurants that make outstanding dining accessible to everyone. 

What does Recommended mean? 
These are restaurants that inspectors feel are truly worth a visit for their quality, creativity and consistency. While they haven’t yet earned a formal distinction, many Recommended restaurants go on to receive Stars or Bib Gourmands in future editions of the Guide. 

About the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh): 
As the official destination marketing organization for Wake County, Visit Raleigh is responsible for promoting Wake County as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, the organization strengthens the industry and community's economic position and provides opportunities for people throughout Wake County. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes 19 million visitors annually, whose spending tops $3.4 billion. The visitor economy supports more than 26,000 local jobs in Wake County and generates $321 million in state and local tax revenues, saving each Wake County household $720 in taxes annually. visitRaleigh.com 

Media Contact:
Visit Raleigh 
Jessica Holt 
Director of Public Relations 
919.614.2895 

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