The Local Palate

8 MICHELIN-Starred Restaurants Across the South

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Sara Hattaway

Across the South, a new generation of chefs is redefining the region’s dining scene. With the MICHELIN Guide recently expanding into the South, this is a monumental and exciting time for the food industry. The Southern dining scene isn’t up and coming anymore— it’s here. From intimate neighborhood corners to ambitious tasting menus, each restaurant brings its own personality to the table. These eight MICHELIN-starred Southern restaurants are only a few of many that are changing the conversation around fine dining. Whether you’re a seasoned food scene pro or dipping your toes into the water for your first MICHELIN experience, each of these spots will leave you with an unforgettable meal.

Mixtili

The ancient Aztec word for “cloud”, Mixtili, takes you on a tour of Mexico, bringing dishes from across the vast and diverse country. Like a cloud, the menu floats across different lands, exploring the gastronomy of each state or region. When the season changes, the menu drifts to a new part of the country. Mixtili is specifically referring to a type of housing that served as the backbone of urban life in Mexico City. The Casas de Vecindad were places that bubbled with life and energy after the 16th century, when the houses evolved to accommodate the working class amid seismic economic and political shifts as workers flocked to cities in search of opportunities. The casas have now become vibrant hubs where residents share traditions, festivals, and culture. For a limited time, you can try their ten-course tasting menu, featuring ceviche chilango, comida corrida, and poached halibut inspired by the capital’s flavors and style.

Verns

Located in a cozy corner of Charleston’s Elliotborough neighborhood, Verns is a charming 46-seat restaurant that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into an intimate dinner party. Husband-and-wife duo Bethany and Dano Heinze returned to the Lowcountry to open their first restaurant after a tenure in California, where they worked with restaurateurs like Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, as well as wine professional Helen Johannesen. Vern’s dishes showcase fresh local ingredients and fuse comforting flavors with sophisticated twists. The menu changes daily, but you can always expect to find delicate seafood, bright vegetables, and rich meat. Vern’s is one of those places where you feel warm and welcomed during an exciting, new experience. From the excellent service to the high-quality ingredients, Verns earned its star and beloved reputation.

Lazy Betty

At Lazy Betty, every part contributes to the whole. Each dish is crafted with a thoughtful approach, and every aspect of the plate is there for a reason. The menu features exquisite ingredients that reflect culinary director Ron Hsu’s professional training. There are two memorable dining experiences available for guests to enjoy: The Lazy Betty & Chef’s Tasting menus and a tailored Bar & Lounge Tasting Menu of four rotating courses. Enhance your meal with classic Osetra caviar or the richly marbled Japanese wagyu. Lazy Betty believes that food is only one part of the experience, and they strive to create a restaurant where guests feel part of an intimate, welcoming environment. Lazy Betty invites you to “Live Unhurried” with them and experience the power of food to bring people together.

Emeril’s

Emeril’s is the only restaurant in the deep South to be awarded two MICHELIN stars. The eatery offers an elegant dining experience featuring contemporary Louisiana flavors on its distinct tasting menu. The menu emphasizes natural, sustainably sourced ingredients from the area’s most dedicated farmers and purveyors. Emeril’s celebrates the bounty of the region by using the best Louisiana ingredients they can find. Changing with the seasons, Emeril’s rotates chef Emeril Lagasse’s classic dishes, revamped by his son, chef EJ Lagasse, and his team. Work your way through seven courses, including creamy smoked salmon cheesecake and tender white sand homestead duck, and finish off with a classic banana cream pie. Enhance your meal with a carefully curated wine pairing to have a truly elegant experience.

Locust

Originally used as a casual spot to grab dumplings and a beer, Locust has blossomed into a culinary gem. When the doors opened in 2020, owner Trevor Moran practiced the Japanese tradition of executing a task perfectly, and that practice paid off with his near-perfect dumplings. As time went on, the team added more impeccable dishes, and the restaurant’s success grew with its creativity. Open for lunch and dinner service, both menus change regularly, with dishes based on seasonal offerings, ingredient availability, and whatever the team feels like cooking. If the menu allows, the fluffy potato bread, mouthwatering beef tartare with pickled egg aioli and nori wraps, or any flavor of the refreshing shaved ice dishes are an absolute can’t-miss.

Malagón

Located just steps from Charleston’s iconic King Street, Malagón is the Spanish Tapería and Mercado in the Cannonborough-Elliottborough neighborhood. The Tapería menu features a selection of small and large plates highlighting the regional flavors of Spain. Divided into eight sections, the menu leads diners through para picar (snacks), vegetales (vegetables), tapas (small plates), mas tapas, del mar (from the sea), carne (meat), charcuteria y queso (charcuterie and cheese), and café y postres (coffee and dessert). The beverage program is curated, offering wines and beers exclusively from Spain. One of the most unique qualities of Malagón is its Spanish mercado, which houses a wide variety of exclusive Spanish imports, including tinned fish, olives, wine, beer, charcuterie, and nuts. Stop by after your meal to pick up a keepsake that will bring back the memories of your experience.

The Catbird Seat

After opening over a decade ago, The Catbird Seat has played a key role in shaping Nashville’s rise as a dining destination. Now sitting pretty atop the Bill Voorhees Building on 8th Avenue South, the restaurant entered a new era under the guidance of husband-and-wife chef duo Andy Doubrava and Tiffani Ortiz. After traveling around the country for two years with their nomadic cooking series, Slow Burn, the duo was excited to plant their roots back in Nashville. The Catbird Seat menu changes with the seasons, but Doubrava and Ortiz emphasize produce first and protein second. They source ingredients from local farms and gardens, and enhance their dishes with provisions they’ve collected over time. With a thoughtful, produce-driven approach, The Catbird Seat continues to evolve while honoring the legacy that put it on the map.

counter-

This theatrical performance of a dinner is designed to evoke emotion, immersing guests in a story-driven dining experience through sound, taste, and art. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, counter- is focused on creating long-lasting memories for each guest who walks through the door. Although it rotates quarterly, each of the tasting menus has a theme shaped by a narrative plot created by executive chef and founder Sam Hart, along with other rising stars of the Charlotte food scene. While the current menu theme is hidden from the public eye, past themes have showcased the bounty of North Carolina, the vast cuisines of India and Southeast Asia, and much more. Elevate your experience with a global wine pairing curated by counter-‘s sommeliers, or with non-alcoholic pairings made in-house. Each dish is made and plated right in front of you, accompanied by a musical score and a backstory provided by Hart. For dinner and a show, counter- is perfect for guests who want to experience a living, edible art piece.

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Get To Know Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Posted on March 19, 2026 by TLP Editors

College football and Bryant-Denny Stadium may be the heartbeat of this college town, but just beyond the end zone, Tuscaloosa (or T-Town, as locals say) is quickly becoming one of the South’s most intriguing culinary destinations. The city offers the best of both worlds: Southern comfort staples and classic Alabama barbecue alongside chef-driven dining, international flavors, and a growing farm-to-table movement. Think soulful biscuits, fresh Gulf seafood, indulgent breakfast spreads, and artisan pizzas—but also surprising global bites, from Indian buffets and Korean buns to Mediterranean plates. Drinks hold their own, too. Speakeasies and cocktail lounges tucked into repurposed spaces give Tuscaloosa’s nightlife a trendy, grown-up edge that balances the SEC college-town energy. Put it all together and you’ve got a destination where good eats, bold drinks, and sweet home Alabama Southern hospitality collide.

Dinner plates at River courtesy of Melody Pittman — River, Image courtesy of Melody Pittman

Best Places to Eat, Drink, and Explore

Best Go-To Music: Urban Bar & Kitchen

If Tuscaloosa had a dining ambassador, Urban Bar & Kitchen would wear the crown. This lively spot is known for bacon bombs, fried green tomatoes, and spicy crab claws. Locals go crazy for the bronzed chicken—served in sandwiches, as tenders, or on salads—that’s equal parts buttery and bold.

Best Chef-Inspired Dishes: River

This upscale restaurant perched on the iconic riverwalk along the Black Warrior River is helmed by chef Phillip Huver, winner of Tuscaloosa’s inaugural Chef of the Year award, making it the city’s most refined dining option. Brunch is a must, with praline french toast and steak frites stealing the spotlight.

Best Creative Cocktails: The Sanctuary on 25th

Step into a 1920s-inspired speakeasy set in a reclaimed church and you’ll find Tuscaloosa’s most innovative drinks. The Seven Deadly Sins cocktails are standouts, and their zero-proof options shine. Pair a craft pour (52 options!) with bacon-wrapped dates, stuffed jalapeños, or chicharróns with pimento cheese. Bonus: live music several nights a week.

Best Tuscaloosa Institution: Rama Jama’s

Rama Jama’s is the spot where diner food meets Crimson Tide tradition. Located just outside Gate 30 of Bryant-Denny Stadium, nearly every inch bursts with Alabama football spirit. Come for comforting breakfast platters, thick shakes, or the National Champion BLT stacked with 18 strips of bacon.

Decades Pub and Grub interior — Decades Pub & Grub interior

Best International Eats: Sitar of India

Sitar of India is beloved for its lunch buffet, which is packed with chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, kabobs, naan, and roti. Items change daily. Vegetarian-friendly and wallet-friendly, it’s also a favorite among the college crowd.

Most Rockin’ Bites: Decades Pub & Grub

Step back in time at Decades Pub & Grub for juicy smash burgers, “serious Sammies,” and half-priced game-day apps like Ring of Champions and Firecrackers & Pimento Dip. Don’t miss Sunday Funday favorites—breakfast burritos, morning pizza, and Cliffy’s 18-ingredient bloody mary—a true throwback worth toasting.

Locals Love: Taco Casa

Since 1974, Taco Casa has been a Tuscaloosa treasure. Known for its quality tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and nachos, it has also built a cult following around its quirky merchandise and frozen burritos (yes, they ship!). Order the Casa pizza for a unique local twist.

Best Morning Meal: Big Bad Breakfast

Created in Oxford, Mississippi, Big Bad Breakfast has quickly become a powerhouse across the South—and for good reason. Fluffy flapjacks, house-cured Tabasco brown sugar bacon, and decadent biscuits rule the menu. Don’t skip the trio of gravies—sausage, tomato, and red-eye—that will spoil you forever.

Claim to Fame

Bread Pudding

Tuscaloosa’s sweetest obsession? Bread pudding. Rooted in Southern and soul food traditions and popularized by African American families, it’s a true local favorite. This winter, Visit Tuscaloosa will launch the Tuscaloosa Bread Pudding Trail, highlighting the city’s best renditions of the classic dessert. Don’t miss the stand-out: white chocolate bread pudding at DePalma’s Italian Café, recognized as one of Alabama’s 100 Dishes to Eat—a must-try treat that keeps locals and visitors coming back.

Where to Shop

Swag

For chic finds closer to downtown, Swag delivers a curated boutique experience with in-house printing, personalized pillows, trendy clothing, and accessories that make thoughtful gifts.

Kentuck Art Center

Just across the river in Northport, the Kentuck Art Center showcases regional artisans, offering one-of-a-kind pottery, paintings, and handcrafted treasures perfect for collectors and gift-givers alike.

The Shirt Shop Tuscaloosa

Pick up your fan gear at The Shirt Shop Tuscaloosa, a go-to destination for stylish menswear, women’s apparel, shoes, and game-day essentials—everything from sunglasses to bow ties.

Where to Stay

The Alamite

For boutique style and Crimson Tide spirit, stay at The Alamite, a 112-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel co-owned by Nick Saban and his wife, Terry. Opened in 2022, it features chic decor inspired by Tuscaloosa’s culture, two on-site restaurants, and a prime downtown location within walking distance of the University of Alabama, Bryant-Denny Stadium, and the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Parking fees are steep, but the upscale rooms and unbeatable atmosphere make it worth the splurge.

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Bartender making a cocktail at Bottega in Birmingham, Alabama

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Atlanta Chef Ron Hsu Has Over 75 Cookbooks on His Shelves

Posted on March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 by TLP Editors

Within his debut cookbook,Down South + East: A Chinese American Cookbook (Abrams), Atlanta chef Ron Hsu introduces readers to his own personal culinary journey—shaped by his Chinese roots and upbringing within his family’s Georgia restaurants; his classical training as a chef and restaurateur; and of course, incorporating the flavors of the American South with those of his family’s heritage. As a child running around Hunan Village (a group of seven Chinese restaurants his parents operated for nearly three decades), Hsu gained invaluable kitchen experience long before stepping into the world of fine dining at New York’s Le Bernardin. After seven years there, he returned to Georgia as a partner in opening Lazy Betty, which earned a MICHELIN star in 2019.

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A Taste of Tradition: Eating Your Way Through Louisiana’s Hot Sauce Trail

Posted on March 16, 2026 by TLP's Partners

In Louisiana, spice is a way of life, and hot sauce makes everything taste better. Equal parts flavor and fire, our hot sauce uses fresh-picked peppers and recipes passed down for generations. Whether you’re spicing up your gumbo or adding a kick to your Bloody Mary, come see how these blends enhance food’s natural flavor and add a spark to any dish.

Cochon hot sauce on gumbo Louisiana — Cochon

The Louisiana Hot Sauce Trail

Whether you’re in the mood for a cayenne kick or habanero heat, we have a sauce for you. Hit the road and start exploring the Louisiana Hot Sauce Trail!

Breakfast of Champions

Start your morning off right at Atchafalaya, a New Orleans destination that honors the owners’ Acadiana roots. Get a taste of Cajun Country with the Crab Cake Benedict, served with a generous drizzle of Crystal Hot Sauce pulp hollandaise! Pair it with a house-made Bloody Mary for the perfect beginning to your day.

Lunch Like a Local

After an afternoon of boutique hopping on Magazine Street, a hearty lunch at Picnic Provisions & Whiskey is a must. This family-friendly corner restaurant is famous for its fried chicken. Whether you go for white meat or a thigh plate, don’t miss their signature Crawfish Boil fry batter served with a side of pepper pulp from Louisiana’s own Crystal Hot Sauce.

Dinner with a Twist

Cochon doesn’t just put hot sauce on the table…they make their own blends in-house! After you shake a little extra over your chicken & andouille gumbo, grab a bottle of the spicy stuff to-go. With flavors like Sweet Potato Habanero, it’s a one-of-a-kind taste of Louisiana.

A Quirky Day Trip

After a full day of eating in New Orleans, pop across Lake Pontchartrain to see Louisiana’s quirkiest “museum,” the Abita Mystery House! This one-of-a-kind roadside stop is home to the Hot Sauce House, a pint-sized temple to Louisiana’s fiery condiment culture. This shrine to spice houses a vibrant collection of hundreds of hot sauce bottles from across the state. Afterwards, wash down the fun with a pint or two at Abita Brewing Company right down the road.

Ready to take your taste buds on a road trip they’ll never forget? Feed your soul and explore Louisiana’s Hot Sauce Trail at LouisianaHotSauceTrail.com.

Abita Springs Mystery House in Abita Springs Louisiana — Abita Mystery House near Abita Springs, La.

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8 Delicious Recipes by Southern Female Chefs

Posted on March 14, 2026 by Molly Hardwick

From beloved family recipes to the invention of the modern electric refrigerator, women have made an undeniable mark on food culture throughout history. This impact continues as Southern female chefs today bring fresh, unique outlooks to classic flavors and dishes, and female distillers contribute to the boom in the distilling industry. Celebrate the contributions of these women to Southern food culture this Women’s History Month with eight recipes developed by iconic female chefs. From Becky Harris’ Hot Honey Rye Manhattan made with local Virginia honey, to Belinda Smith-Sullivan’s Southern-Style Succotash inspired by her grandmother’s garden, these recipes honor family legacy and local flavors.

Belinda Smith Sullivan Southern Style Succotash recipe image — Image courtesy of Forrest Clonts

Chef Belinda Smith-Sullivan’s Southern Style Succotash

Chef and cookbook author Belinda Smith-Sullivan shares her take on a classic Southern-style succotash. In addition to the classic ingredients of corn and lima beans, Sullivan’s succotash is bursting with spring and summer vegetables inspired by her grandmother’s garden, including bell peppers, okra, and tomatoes. Cooking the vegetables in the reserved bacon drippings adds a rich, salty depth of flavor that balances the brightness of the vegetables.

Kat Petonito Spiced Lamb Ragu recipe image — Image Courtesy of Scott Suchman

Chef Kat Petonito’s Spiced Lamb Ragu

Chef Kat Petonito’s Italian and Filipino family inspires the flavors in her menus and recipes, including this spiced lamb ragu. A nod to the Italian family gatherings she grew up attending, this dish is a savory, fragrant sauce with toasted spices like cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, and Aleppo pepper. The ground lamb is browned and simmered with tomatoes, wine, and aromatic vegetables until the sauce becomes thick and flavorful. Finished with fresh herbs, it’s best served spooned over creamy polenta or tossed with pasta for a hearty and comforting meal.

Jenné Claiborne Pea Pesto Pasta recipe image

Chef Jenné Claiborne’s Perfect Pea Pesto Pasta

Jenné Claiborne is passionate about developing vegan recipes that are both delicious and easy to make, and this recipe from her cookbook, Sweet Potato Soul: Vegan Vibes, is no exception. Steamed peas are pulsed in a food processor with olive oil, herbs, lemon juice, miso, and nutritional yeast to create a light, creamy pesto. Mix the pesto with your favorite pasta, garnish with basil and peas, and enjoy this bright pasta dish that is sure to delight.

Nicola Blaque Jerk Chicken recipe image jpg

Chef Nicola Blaque’s Jerk Chicken

The inspiration for chef Nicola Blaque’s jerk chicken recipe began on a trip to her hometown in Jamaica, where she realized she wanted to bring the dish back home to Texas. Now, as the celebrated chef and owner of The Jerk Shack and Freight Fried Chicken in San Antonio, Texas, she is sharing her jerk chicken recipe so you can recreate it at home. It’s prepared using the traditional Jamaican method of brining, marinating, and then grilling the meat, and it yields a flavorful, smoky dish that celebrates Caribbean flavors and heritage.

Teresa Vasquez Chicken Pozole Verde recipe image jpg

Teresa Vasquez’s Chicken Pozole Verde

Odessa, Texas native Teresa Vasquez shares her recipe for this traditional Mexican soup packed with tender shredded chicken, hominy, and flavorful verde broth. This hearty dish is comforting, filling, and has plenty of room for customization. Whether you top it with cilantro, shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, and lime, serve it with rice or tortilla chips, or enjoy it as is, this dish is packed with flavor from the jalapeños, herbs, and garlic.

Joy Ludwig McNutt Cream Cheese Stuffed Snickerdoodles recipe image jpg

Chef Joy Ludwig-McNutt’s Cream Cheese Stuffed Snickerdoodles

Decadent, soft, and filled with a gooey cream cheese filling, this recipe for snickerdoodle cookies was developed by pastry chef Joy Ludwig-McNutt from Charlotte, North Carolina, to celebrate her German heritage. After freezing the cream cheese mixture and preparing the cookie dough, don plastic gloves and wrap the dough around the cream cheese. Coat in cinnamon and sugar and bake until the edges are crispy and the center is still soft. These cookies will be sure to satisfy your cravings.

Becky Harris’ Hot Honey Rye Manhattan

Becky Harris, co-founder of Catoctin Creek Distillery, shares this recipe for a twist on a classic Manhattan. Made with a chile pepper infusion and three types of local Virginia honey, the sweet heat of Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye pairs with chocolate bitters and vermouth to give this cocktail floral sweetness, warm spice, and subtle layers of dark fruit and cocoa. The result is a smooth cocktail that’s perfect for slow sipping.

Jennifer Brian Make and Muddle Bourbon Rickey recipe image jpg

Jennifer Brian’s Make & Muddle Bourbon Rickey

This cocktail from Jennifer Brian’s cookbook, Classic Cocktail Revival, is bright and bubbly. The recipe calls for an ounce of Brian’s Make & Muddle 3-Herb Gracious Grapefruit Syrup, but it can be substituted for a homemade version that’s just as delicious. Combined with lime juice and topped off with seltzer, this drink’s lightly sweet and tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the bourbon.

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Get To Know Lexington, Virginia

Posted on March 12, 2026March 12, 2026 by TLP Editors

Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains sits the charming town of Lexington. Though its population hovers around 7,000, Lexington’s dining scene is booming, thanks to a crop of passionate restaurateurs, local farmers and producers, and support from a devoted following among residents and visitors alike. You could easily make a multiday eating and drinking itinerary in Lexington’s historic downtown, chock-full of independently owned restaurants and bars, specialty shops, and boutique hotels brimming with on-site dining options. Fuel up like a local, sup on eclectic small plates, and sip conversation-starting cocktails, then stock up on pantry provisions, craft chocolates, and kitchen gadgets.