Attention, Queen City foodies. Charlotte-area restaurants could be MiICHELIN-recognized for the first time ever. The MICHELIN Guide is expanding to the Carolinas and the American South to highlight Southern cuisine.

The announcement sparked excitement in Charlotte's culinary community and we've heard from several chefs and restaurateurs on how the Guide's expansion could soon bring global recognition to the Queen City's food scene.

“MICHELIN coming to the Carolinas is a wake-up call and a gift," said Chef Dave Feimster, Director of Operations at Fahrenheit. "Now we get to show the world what we’re capable of.”

“The guide will be amazing for the city - the level of artisans, craftsmen, and women in this city is something the country and world need to know about," shared Andres Kaifer, Executive Chef and Owner of Customshop. "I just feel fortunate to be a part of the community in such an exciting time."

“We appreciate that Michelin’s announcement highlighted the many, diverse influences that shape our region’s culinary landscape, along with its talented people and its agricultural abundance," shared Cat Carter and Chef Eric Ferguson of L'Ostrica. "Knowing that the Michelin Guide, a worldwide standard of excellence, will be doing just that is encouraging to us here at L’Ostrica.“

It’s great to know the Michelin experts are seeing the quality of food and service and experience here in our area that merits stars—and we’re excited to see the results when they come out in the fall," shared restaurateur Jamie Brown of Supperland, Haberdish, Ever Andalo and the upcoming Leluia Hall.

The MICHELIN Guide’s anonymous inspectors are already in the field, making dining reservations and scouting for unique and diverse culinary gems throughout the region. oooooooh!

Stay tuned. The full 2025 restaurant selection will be revealed later this year during the annual MICHELIN Guide ceremony for the American South.