ATLANTA — The list is out - and five restaurants in Atlanta are shining with new MICHELIN-rated stars.
The MICHELIN Guide Atlanta debuted Tuesday night in a ceremony that celebrated one-MICHELIN-star restaurants and two MICHELIN Green Star eateries. Chefs and restaurant teams were honored during the celebration at the Rialto Center for the Arts.
“Our famously anonymous inspectors enjoyed experiencing Atlanta and its dynamic culinary landscape,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides.
Georgia's capital is now marked by culinary excellence with MICHELIN anonymous inspectors noting Atlanta's commitment to utilizing and highlighting local produce.
“They came away impressed with the diverse offerings, as the selection of restaurants not only reflects a taste of the South, but also has a good deal of international flavor," Poullennec said. "There is so much for foodies to savor here. Whether they’re local residents or international travelers, they’re in for a treat!”
Check out the lists below.
One MICHELIN Star Atlanta restaurants
Inspectors described the St. Regis Atlanta restaurant as "impossibly elegant." It's à la carte experience is highlighted by a seasonal American menu that showcases European influences. It's tasking menu and savory courses compliment its cheese cart and whimsical desert for a well-rounded experience.
Chef Atsushi Hayakawa became a local legend for his cuisine on Buford Highway. He's now earned his MICHELIN star with his location in West Midtown. Only a handful of diners can eat at once but all can enjoy his buoyant personality.
The meal is described by inspectors as a procession of small courses. After an appetizer trio, it's time for sushi. Chef Hayakawa crafts nigiri from imported fish that is amply sized in the tradition of Hokkaido style "in deference to the chef's hometown."
Located in the Candler Park area of Atlanta, Lazy Betty brands an experience to "live unhurried."
Howard, Anita and Ron Hsu are the co-owners of Lazy Betty and drew inspiration for the eatery from their mother's hospitality. Chef Ron Hsu and Chef Aaron Phillips oversee a contemporary tasting menu that highlight regional ingredients. At Lazy Betty, Cause is "given a Southern slanty" with Georgia shrimp, avocado puree and potato foam infused with aji amarillo pepper. Inspectors say from the pre-desert lemon sherbet with a coconut crumble to the elegant rosewater panna coatta, "they impress to the end."
Located in the heart of West Midtown near Puttshack, this newly-rated MICHELIN star restaurant brings an intimate setting to the hustle and bustle of Atlanta.
A U-shaped counter takes center stage in the square room. Its dark walls and low lighting add to its moody elegance.
"Here, tradition has been replaced with a rollicking good time, where the always-surprising interpretation omakase begins with an array of zensai like a morsel of Florida cobia grilled of binchotan, dressed with a red miso sauce and some local pattypan squash," its MICHELIN description reads.
People can indulge in cooked bites and try something raw. Of course, leave room for desert.
A restaurant that describes itself as offering season New American plates in a white tablecloth setting with industrial-chic touches, inspectors say the food follows the same flair.
"With some dishes arriving on carts or nestled inside glass cloches, and the cheese course is a wonderful surprise," an inspector added. One dish was described as nothing short but memorable - and its deserts are worth a try.
