If there weren’t enough reasons to visit the Triangle already, the area can now proudly boast additional street restaurant cred for visitors. The inaugural awards for MICHELIN’s regional guide to the South were handed out tonight, and the Triangle walked away with three Bib Gourmand designations and sixteen Michelin-recommended restaurants.
The Michelin Guide started in 1900 as a way for the tire company to make money. By putting together a recommended list of places to stop while driving, the company encouraged more people to drive—and thus, churn out more worn-out tires in need of replacing. Years later, the guide is still a way for the company to make money, as MICHELIN accepts “partnership” money from cities being considered, according to The New York Times. In North Carolina, North Carolina tourism offices will shell out $1 million over the next 3 years for guide inclusion.
Nevertheless, the Michelin Guides of today—with their crew of anonymous restaurant critics—are still widely recognized as a holy grail of sorts of the best restaurants in an area, and a welcome source of tourism dollars.
In April of this year, the company announced a new guide: This one for the American South, where a regional guide has previously not been offered. In tonight’s ceremony, the only coveted Michelin star in North Carolina went to Counter in Charlotte; nevertheless, there’s still plenty to be proud of, say area tourism boards.
“This recognition reinforces what we’ve long known—Durham’s culinary talent belongs on the world stage,” said Cara Rousseau, Chief Marketing Officer of Discover Durham. “Plus, this isn’t just a culinary honor—it’s an economic opportunity. MICHELIN recognition puts North Carolina and Durham on the map.”
Raleigh tourism officials echoed the sentiment.
“We are thrilled to see Raleigh area restaurants represented in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South,” says Dennis Edwards, President and CEO of Visit Raleigh. “This distinction reinforces Raleigh’s status as a destination for world-class dining and Southern innovation, further inspiring travelers to experience diverse tastes, stories, and traditions that make our city’s culinary scene so exceptional.”
A Bib Gourmand designation “recognizes eateries for great food at a great value,” according to a press release issued by MICHELIN. Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, and Sam Jones BBQ and Mala Pata in Raleigh all received this designation.
“It’s a huge honor to be celebrated with so many of our peers,” says Marshall Davis, co-owner of Mala Pata. “But to win the Bib in our first six months is a dream come true. Offering honest, high-quality food at an accessible price point has always been our mission, so this is the ultimate compliment.”
Getting a ‘recommended’ rating also means these restaurants will be part of Michelin’s guide. Overall, the American South selection “boasts 228 restaurants, with 44 cuisine types reflected,” according to a Michelin press release.
Popular Raleigh restaurateur Scott Crawford had three of his restaurants, Brodeto, Jolie, and Crawford & Son, get this recognition.
“To be recognized for three restaurants is especially meaningful because we work hard on multiple concepts,” he says. “This recognition encompasses us as a group for Crawford Hospitality.”
In addition to Crawford’s restaurants, other Raleigh spots that made the list include Stanbury and Tamasha Modern Indian. Other Triangle recommendations include Little Bull and Nana’s in Durham; Dampf Good BBQ and Herons in Cary, and The Fearrington House Restaurant in Pittsboro. For a full list of recommended restaurants, click here.
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