Have you heard? The MICHELIN Guide announced its expansion into the South, including NC, as part of its upcoming MICHELIN Guide American South issue.

Insert: Raleigh foodies with hearty opinions. We asked our readers to flex their local expertise and nominate eateries + dishes to be included in the MICHELIN guide — and wow, did you deliver.

Readers Kiki H., Dana C., Calleigh W., and Bill K. recommended Stanbury with recommendations ranging from the dish of the month to the fried oysters, tagliatelle + crispy pig head.

Another standout response we saw from readers like Rebekah N., Liz M., and Erika L. is Mediterranean restaurant Ajja with entree recommendations, including the Whole Fried Trout.

And we can't forget our dedicated foodies. Here are a few other recommendations readers shared.

"St. Roch, gator bolognese." — Reader TRB.

"Second Empire. A filet, cooked medium." — Reader Jenny E.

"Second Empire, Herons, and Fearrington House." — Reader Amanda D.

"Brewery Bhavana. Order the Nasi Goreng crab fried rice." — Reader Ivy M.

"Herons at the Umstead, chef's choice." — Reader Todd F.

"Bida Manda, purple rice." — Reader Mariah W.

City Editor Danyale here. I'm thankful to every reader who shared their opinion, and I'm taking notes of where to visit + what to order. I have no doubt that should the MICHELIN Inspectors make their way to Raleigh, we're a shoo-in for the guide since Oak City has so much culinary talent + food gems to offer.