Atlanta's Michelin Awards are out and the "inspectors" have spoken! Atlanta now joins the pantheon of great American cities with a Michelin Guide and finally, our chefs and staff are getting the global recognition they deserve. I am in agreement with every selection here, if there was any big surprise it was that we did not have a single 2-star winner. I had predicted that we would not have any 3-star winners, but I could have seen some of the 1-star winners making it to 2. Also from some omissions in my book:
The restaurants I think should have or could have at least made the guide:
- Kevin Rathbun Steak
- Nan Thai Fine Dining
- Umi
- Some of Ford Fry's group besides Marcel (The Optimist, No. 246, St. Cecilia or Beetlecat)
- Rumi's Kitchen
- La Grotta
- Buttermilk Kitchen
- Bones
- Tio Lucho's, Little Rey, Cooks & Soldiers or any of the other outstanding Latin places in the city (only one Latin restaurant made any of the lists)
- One of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group (like Pricci or Kyma)
I am also VERY surprised that Aria in Buckhead did not get 1-star.
But alas, I am not a fabled Michelin inspector, just your average hungry dude. Below are the *official* winners:
One Star winners
Atlas--Chef Freddy Money brings home the big star for the St. Regis. No surprise here.
Bacchanalia--Annie Quatrano and Clifford Harrison add a well-deserved star to her mantle of awards.
Hayakawa--Art Hayakawa moved from BuHi to the west side where his legend continues to grow with a star. One of 2 Omakase restaurants to win.
Lazy Betty--Chef Ron Hsu is rewarded for relentless risk-taking and creative brilliance. Can't wait for this to come midtown in the old Empire State South location!
Mujo--a second Omakase concept wins a star, with its precision and beauty I was surprised they did not climb higher.
Bib Gourmand Winners--this is "best bang for the buck"
Antico Pizza-- Gio Dipalma's breakthrough Neapolitan pizza joint gets some love as the only pizza spot in the guide
Arepa Mia--beautiful authentic Venezuelan cuisine
Banshee--Irreverent and delicious East Atlanta indie concept scores one for the Hood!
Bomb Biscuit--buzzy new biscuit spot keeps racking up the accolades
Busy Bee Cafe--OG (circa 1947) soul food spot on the southside makes the list!
Estrellita--Filipino flavors In Grant Park
Fred's Meat and Bread-- incredible stall in Krog Street Market gets the nod
Heirloom Market BBQ--beloved dive spot with no seating but a magical fusion of traditional US BBQ and Korean BBQ
Recommended Restaurants (which is still a big deal)
The Alden--a newcomer to Chamblee has critics and customers raving
BoccaLupo--Italian staple of Inman Park (also won the Michelin Cocktail program award)
Chai Pani--beloved Indian Street Food spot in Decatur with colorful flavors and decor
The Chastain--Christopher Grossman's work of art near Chastain Park delivers on so many levels
The Deer and the Dove--Reigning James Beard Award winner continues its great run with this accolade
Delbar--Persian newcomer opening up new locations jumps up on the list
Food Terminal--Malaysian concept with multiple locations as a crowd-pleaser for easterners and westerners
The General Muir--beloved Jewish-style deli with locations in Sandy Springs and Emory deservedly make the list
Georgia Boy and Southern Belle
Gunshow--Kevin Gillespie's chef team gets recognition of the special place that it is
Han Il Kwan--Buford Highway Korean BBQ stallwart
Home Grown--Funky east side southern breakfast dive gets into the guide
Kamayan ATL--Filipino standout on Buford Highway has breakthrough onto the list
Kimball House--probably my single favorite restaurant in the ATL--unmatched oysters and cocktails
LanZhou Ramen--hand-made fresh ramen noodles on Buhi--as fun to watch them make it as it is to eat
Lyla Lila--Modern Italian gem across from the Fox Theater
Marcel--Ford Fry's European steakhouse masterpiece
Miller Union--James Beard winner from Steven Satterfield is always good plus the best desserts in the ATL
Nam Phuong--my favorite soup (their Thai Hot Pot) can be had at this BuHi gem
Snackboxe Bistro--a kaleidoscope of Laotian delights at these 2 locations
Storico Fresco Alimentari--causal Italian escape in Buckhead includes ridiculous dishes and a market to take home
Talat Market--another Summerhill standout, joins Little Bear on the list
Ticonderoga Club--Cocktails and great small plates at this off-the-wall spot in Krog Street Market
Tiny Lou's--Ode to the woman to "danced for Hitler" above the Clermont Lounge
Tomo--Modern Japanese Buckhead staple
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours--west side soul-meets-Caribbean vibe with creative dishes and cocktails
The White Bull--Pat Pascarelli's fabulous Decatur Italian spot
Xi'an Gourmet House--addictively delicious hole-in-the-wall Chinese in midtown serving biang biang noodles, cumin lamb stir-fries, cold skin noodles, and other delights
Michelin Service Award
Neil McCarthy, Miller Union--no arguments here, always have a great experience
Exceptional Cocktails Award
Jason Furst and bar team, BoccaLupo
Sommelier Award
Juan Fernando Cortes, The Chastain--I didn't see this one coming--I would have imagined one of the higher-end places would have won this but their wine program is excellent.
Michelin Young Chef Award
Chef Jarrett Stieber, Little Bear
Green Star--this is the sustainability award, even rarer than Michelin Star winners (217 worldwide)
Bacchanalia--Annie Quatrano's Summerland Farm sources just about all of her restaurant's ingredients
The Chastain--Chef Chris Grossman used to be at Atlas, now is known for locally grown seasonal ingredients, some of which is harvested directly from their onsite culinary garden
Here's the full release from Michelin.
