As we anticipate all the resolutions we plan to make happen in the new year, why not also look forward to some delicious Southern restaurant openings? From Nashville to Miami, and from Atlanta to Charleston, chefs from all over are introducing new food concepts to the dining scene, blending fusion flavors with elegant guest experiences. We’re sharing seven restaurants throughout the South with 2026 openings to anticipate.
Lester’s
A raw bar is coming to Savannah, Georgia, this winter courtesy of James Beard Award-nominated chef Jacques Larson. This French-leaning oyster bar sits snug inside The Douglas, an elegant boutique hotel. While an opening date is not yet known, guests can expect small plates accompanying the mouth-watering oysters.
Mirae
Brookhaven, Georgia
After opening in October of last year with a limited menu for guests to try, Mirae has opened its doors completely as of January 8. This modern Asian-fusion dining space sits in Brookhaven and is owned and operated by John and Grace Lee, who also brought food lovers Fudo in Atlanta. Guests have the choice between an assortment of delicious Asian-inspired appetizers, main courses, and a few soups and salads, including pork belly wraps, bone marrow, pork katsu, and crab bisque.
Bareo
Savannah isn’t the only Southeastern city welcoming a new eatery this winter. James Beard Award-nominated chef Nikko Calagalan is introducing Bareo to Charleston’s Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood at the end of this year. In an effort to channel the inspiration behind its name, the restaurant aims to be a cozy, warm, and creative place for everyone in the community. Guests will enjoy dumplings and kakigori, a Japanese-style shaved ice, during their dining experience.
Quarter French
Another menu sprouting up in Charleston is at Quarter French on Broad Street, an all-day bistro drawing inspiration from French-inspired cuisine, with an indoor-outdoor dining concept for guests. While little details have been shared, their newly created Instagram teases that diners can expect to indulge themselves in “Lowcountry flavors with a French twist.”
YASU Omakase
MICHELIN-recognized chef Yasu Tanaka debuted his new concept that mixes Japanese tradition with a Miami coastal feel on January 14 in the Miami Design District. This new restaurant offers an eight-seat omakase experience with a chef-to-guest approach, seated at their 600-year-old hinoki wood counter led by chef Tanaka and collaborator Raymond Li. Guests can enjoy three to five small plates, followed by nigiri, miso soup, signature hand rolls, and a dessert.
Terminal 26
This Spring, Ponce City Market in Atlanta is getting a new Thai street food restaurant— Terminal 26. Owners and sisters Niki and Tanya Pattharakositkul, both born in Thailand, are the brains behind many Atlanta Thai restaurants, including 26 Thai, Pink Lotus, and Blackjack Bar Tapas. Terminal 26 is inspired by Thailand’s floating markets to mimic dining on the water. They will be open daily for lunch and dinner. Guests can anticipate bold Thai flavors throughout each dish, specifically leaning into seafood dishes from Niki.
Love’s Alibi
The team behind Nashville’s Barrel & Proof and The Chloe is bringing a new bar to the Nashville drinking scene. Love’s Alibi opens early this year, with a goal of timeless style and a hint of mischief throughout. Guests can expect the bar to feel like a party throughout the decades, offering selections for everyone’s drink needs. Their tavern-style menu options include bar favorites that families and friends can share.
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Emilee Calametti
Emilee Calametti is Assistant Digital Editor of The Local Palate. As a Southern native who calls Baton Rouge, Louisiana, home, she values both good food and good people. She holds a B.A. in English from Louisiana State University, an M.A. in English from Georgia State University, and an M.A. in Journalism from New York University. Her work has appeared in EntertainmentNOW, inRegister, Houstonia Magazine, The Center Square, Yahoo! News, AOL, MSN, The Shreveport Times, Bookstr, Planetly Vegan, and other publications. Outside of The Local Palate, you can find her teaching a barre class, baking bread, or spending time outdoors with her husband and their three dogs.
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