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MICHELIN Recommended Dining in Auburn, Alabama

By: TLP's Partners

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1856 – Culinary Residence is a MICHELIN-recommended teaching restaurant setting a new national standard.

In the heart of Auburn University’s Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, 1856 – Culinary Residence represents a rare convergence of education, innovation, and hospitality. Recently recommended by The MICHELIN Guide 2025, 1856 has made history as the first restaurant in Auburn ever to earn this distinction and the first teaching restaurant in the United States to be recognized by the prestigious guide.

This honor highlights the restaurant’s visionary approach to experiential learning, where fine dining becomes a living classroom. Under the direction of Chef Joël Antunes, students from the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management collaborate with seasoned culinary and service professionals to execute a seamless guest experience. From the kitchen to the dining room, every plate and every pour reflect a shared pursuit of excellence.

A Culinary Residence MICHELIN recommended dish

The menu at 1856 evolves constantly, guided by seasonal ingredients and regional producers. At lunch, guests enjoy the “Kaizen” experience, a refined, efficient four-course meal. In the evenings, multi-course tasting menus showcase the creativity of the culinary team, enhanced by expert wine pairings curated by Master Sommelier Thomas Price.

More than a restaurant, 1856 – Culinary Residence stands as a symbol of Auburn’s forward-thinking spirit and commitment to academic innovation. Each service is both a celebration of craft and a training ground for the next generation of hospitality leaders. The elegant dining room, anchored by its two-story wine wall and open-kitchen design, offers guests a rare opportunity to witness the artistry and education that define every detail of the experience.

This milestone recognition from MICHELIN honors the skill and passion of the 1856 team and shines a spotlight on the Auburn-Opelika region as a rising culinary destination. For visitors and locals alike, 1856 delivers an unforgettable dining journey where education meets excellence, proving that in Auburn, innovation is always on the menu.