When it comes to restaurant guides that are trusted globally, the Michelin Guide comes out on top. What started as a free guide for travelers in 1900 ended up becoming the most prestigious award for restaurants across the world.
Despite being around for over a hundred years, Michelin didn't bring their restaurant guide to the United States until 2005. Initially, Michelin focused on fine dining in some of the biggest cities, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. However, as the Michelin Guide has grown in the U.S., so has the number of cities and states included.
Here's a look at what new places are included in this year's guide and when you can find out what restaurants made the list.
What's New for 2025?
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There's a lot of buzz around Michelin Guides in the U.S. because of several exciting developments. In April 2025, Michelin announced that there would be significant additions to the Michelin Guide in the United States for this year.
One of these additions is the first regional guide in the U.S., the Michelin Guide for the American South. Although Florida has a Michelin Guide and there's a specific guide for Atlanta, GA, the rest of the South was previously left out. However, now it's time for the culinary genius of the South to shine.
The First Regional Guide in the U.S.
The American South Michelin Guide is the first regionally based guide in the United States. Instead of focusing on a specific city or state, it will focus on the Southern region of the U.S. in an attempt to uncover some of the authentic Southern gems spread throughout some of the smaller towns and cities.
What States Are Included in the Guide?
Although the American South Michelin Guide could include any cities in the Southern region, Michelin has announced this guide covers Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the pre-existing Atlanta Guide.
There's no doubt that there are plenty of Michelin-worthy restaurants in cities like Charlotte, NC, and Nashville, TN. However, the Michelin Inspectors who judge restaurants are completely anonymous. No one knows which restaurants will be chosen until they're announced at the annual awards ceremony.
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What Else Is New With the Michelin Guide This Year?
The addition of the American South is an exciting announcement for Southern foodies. However, it's not the only new development with Michelin this year. Michelin also announced that the newly minted Northeast Cities Michelin Guide will include Boston and Philadelphia for the first time.
According to Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, “The local passion, talent, and camaraderie in both Boston and Philadelphia are evident in their restaurant communities and the anonymous Inspectors look forward to spotlighting their unique experiences in both cities.”
In addition to Boston and Philadelphia, there are also expansions for the Florida Michelin Guide. The Michelin Guide first came to Florida in 2022. This year, three new destinations in the Sunshine State are included: Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches, and St. Pete-Clearwater.
When Will We Find Out What Restaurants Made the List?
Each year, the selections for the Michelin Guide are announced at an awards ceremony in each region. Here's what we currently know about this year's ceremonies:
- American South: The awards ceremony for the American South Michelin Guide will be in Greenville, SC, on November 3, 2025. The ceremony will be held at the Peace Center in Greenville.
- California: Sacramento, CA, is the host city for this year's award ceremony in California. On June 25, 2025, the selections for this year will be revealed at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center.
- Colorado: As of June 2025, the awards ceremony for the Colorado Guide has not been announced yet.
- Florida: Orlando, FL, was the host city for the Florida awards ceremony this year. The selections for Florida, including the three new destinations, were announced on April 17, 2025, at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at the Walt Disney World Resort.
- Northeast Cities: As of June 2025, the awards ceremony for the Northeast Cities Guide, including Boston and Philadelphia, has not been announced yet.
A World of Opportunities for Chefs Across the Country
Receiving a Michelin Star is an incredible honor for any chef or restaurant owner. For many chefs, the addition of the American South Michelin Guide and the expansion of the Florida Guide and Northeast Cities Guide presents an exciting opportunity for them to be recognized for their craft.
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