A slate of local eateries have been named to the Michelin Guide after its first visit to the American South, and while the 919 didn't earn any illustrious stars this time, here are our picks at these local Michelin-recognized gems.

Vocab lesson. Bib Gourmand is a distinction for "great food at a great price," according to Michelin. Recommended is reserved for restaurants the Michelin inspectors enjoyed, but didn't deem worthy of stars just yet.

Bib Gourmand

Mala Pata earned the Bib Gourmand title for good eats at a reasonable price. | Photo by Matt Ramey

Mala Pata | When you visit this new spot in Gateway Plaza, try the Colombian buñuelos, lechoncito tacos, and the pescado a la talla.

Prime BBQ, Knightdale | It's a barbecue spot, of course the mac and cheese and pulled pork are good.

Sam Jones BBQ | We love the Skylight Inn-inspired pork, cornbread, and smoked wings.

Recommended

The new location of Brewery Bhavana provides an intimate atmosphere. | Photo by RALtoday

Brewery Bhavana | Allie here — I love sitting at the bar and getting an expertly made cocktail or paired beer with a plate of dim sum.

Brodeto | Don't miss the sardine toast, coal-roasted scallops, ravioli, and of course, a slice of olive oil cake for dessert.

Crawford and Son | You can't go wrong at Chef Scott Crawford's flagship restaurant, but we love the duck breast, braised Wagyu short ribs + yellowfin tuna crudo, and bourbon pecan pie.

Dampf Good BBQ, Cary | Load up on Texas-style barbecue including beef ribs and smoked turkey.

There's nothing like a rooftop with a *French-inspired feel.* | Photo by Jolie

Herons, Cary | The menu changes all the time at this Forbes Five Star restaurant, but we're eyeing the celery root tart, elk, quail, and smoked trout. Yum.

Jolie | Our favorites include the hanger steak with Cafe de Paris butter, herb frites, steak tartare, mussels toast, and the Parisian gnocchi — and they all taste better when you can get a seat on the roof.

Little Bull, Durham | This spot describes itself as "Mexican-esque," and we recommend the gambas a la plancha and halal güeys.

Nanas, Durham | Managing Editor Eric swears by the warm buttermilk dinner rolls, and Newsletter Editor Allie has never had a better tiramisu.

A new era of Poole's has entered the chat. | Photos by Jeff Bramwell

Nikos, Durham | Try this: Roasted Cauliflower, grilled king mushroom, and the trendy Dubai chocolate for dessert.

Poole’s | We're truly obsessed with Poole's half chicken, mac au gratin, the fresh lumaconi pasta, and salads like the pickle Caesar.

Seraphine, Durham | This Louisana-style eatery has gained a cult following in Bull City for its gumbo, shrimp and grits, and beignets.

St. Roch | Come for the happy hour oysters, stay for the gator bolognese, barbecue shrimp, and bananas foster French toast.

St. Roch's daily oyster happy hour is from 4-6 p.m. (and all day Tuesday). | Photo courtesy of St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar

Stanbury | Although the menu changes every night at this eclectic fave, try the fish and something totally new.

Tamasha | Highlights of this stunning modern Indian spot include the okra chaat, the yellow tail snapper coastal curry, and TFC (Tamasha fried chicken).

Fearrington House, Fearrington Village | Our mouths are watering over the braised beef cheek with rapini + risotto Milanese and the kale and ricotta gnudi with pumpkin butter.

The Pit | You know it, you love it. We always order the Southern fried chicken and seasoned skillet cornbread.