COMMUNITY
Atlanta Restaurants are
Finally Seeing Stars... Michelin Stars
MARILYN L. BARDIE-KAPAUN Bovis, Kyle, Burch & Medin, LLC mbk @ boviskyle. com
A
Michelin star rating is one of the most prestigious honors a restaurant can receive. There ' s a reverence for the iconic rating system, as a star denotes " High quality cooking," is a huge honor, and a rare accomplishment. In 2005, Michelin ratings arrived in the United States, but in NYC only. Thankfully, Michelin stars began to be awarded to Atlanta restaurants in 2023. Fortunately for our city, Michelin ' s inspectors were apparently amazed by the quality of Atlanta restaurants.
So, who are these " Michelin inspectors?" They are the secret agents of the culinary industry, because first and foremost, they are anonymous. It ' s no easy feat to remain undetected, and yet it ' s paramount to their success. You may think you have a sophisticated palate and a passion for food and thus need to apply to become one. But, these are absolute experts in the food, dining, and hotel sectors with many years of experience working in the hospitality industry. They often have culinary degrees, have worked in the front or back of a restaurant, or have been a high end sommelier.
Michelin inspectors come to a restaurant multiple times, during different seasons, and during different parts of the day( to determine how the venue handles lunch vs. dinner and weekends vs. weeknights). They dine out at least 8( and up to 10) times a week and may travel to for work three weeks out of every month! In sum, they eat out 300-350 times per year on average. So many bites over so much time! They rarely go to the same place twice to ensure decisions are made from several experiences from different inspectors. And, before eating a meal in a new city, they prepare by gaining an understanding of the locals ' tastes and
culinary traditions. They learn about various chefs, styles, histories, and menus. Then, the group of Michelin inspectors meets to analyze reports and discuss their opinions and decision in depth.
The first Michelin one-star rating for a " fine dining establishment " was awarded in France in 1926, with the additions of 2 and 3 star ratings coming in 1931 carrying even more culinary weight and esteem. The inspectors judge the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of cooking techniques, the consistency of the food and service between visits, and my favorite: the personality of the chef reflected in the cuisine. Even a one star designation means the chef and restaurant is among the best in the world.( But ambiance and decor are not supposed to be in the mix of criteria reviewed.)
In Atlanta, the first coveted Michelin star went to Atlas. Now, Atlanta ' s one-stars are Atlas, Bacchanalia, Hayakawa, Lazy Betty, Mujo, O by Brush, Omakase Table, and Spring.
In Atlanta, a Green Star went to The Chastain and Bacchanalia to designate restaurants at the forefront of sustainable practices and ethical environmental practices. Going " above and beyond organic, the Chastain works hard a having relationships with local farmers.
And my favorite Michelin designation?
Bib Gourmand- noting high quality food at moderate prices. We all deserve to eat well without taking out a second mortgage! Atlanta ' s Bib Gourmand winners are: Heirloom Market BBQ( awarded multiple times), Antico, Bomb Biscuit, Estrellita, Fishmonger, Fred ' s Meat & Bread, Little Bear, Superica, The Busy Bee, Whoopsie ' s, Arepa Mia, Masterpiece and Table & Main.
Bon appetit!
18 MARCH APRIL 2026