Emeril’s led the way, earning two Michelin stars.
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans solidified its reputation as a food city on Monday, as three of its restaurants were awarded Michelin stars in the guide’s first-ever edition for the American South. The guide features a total of 228 restaurants, including Bib Gourmand restaurants and Recommended eateries, spanning 44 cuisine types.
In New Orleans, Emeril’s (800 Tchoupitoulas Street) led the way, earning two Michelin stars for its refined take on Creole cuisine. Run by E.J. Lagasse, son of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, the restaurant impressed inspectors with updates on classics like gumbo, barbecue shrimp, and cornbread—paired with standout service and Southern hospitality.
Two other local favorites, Saint-Germain (3054 St. Claude Avenue in Bywater) and Zasu (127 N. Carrollton Avenue in Mid-City), each received one star. Saint-Germain, helmed by chefs Blake Aguillard and Trey Smith, was praised for its creative tasting menus and bold flavors. Zasu, led by veteran New Orleans chef Sue Zemanick, earned its star for elegant seafood dishes that blend French technique with local ingredients.
In addition, 11 local restaurants received the Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognizes establishments offering great food at a great value:
- Acamaya, 3070 Dauphine Street
- Cochon, 930 Tchoupitoulas Street
- Cochun Butcher, 930 Tchoupitoulas Street
- Domlise’s Po-Boy & Bar, 5240 Annunciation Street
- Dooky Chase, 2301 Orleans Avenue
- Hungry Eyes, 4206 Magazine Street
- Lufu Nola, 301 Saint Charles Avenue
- Mister Mao, 4501 Tchoupitoulas Street
- Parkway Bakery & Tavern, 538 Hagan Avenue
- Saba, 5757 Magazine Street
- Turkey and the Wolf, 739 Jackson Avenue
This marks the first time Michelin has recognized restaurants in Louisiana, putting New Orleans in the same culinary conversation as cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
The Michelin Guide, a highly regarded authority on fine dining, evaluates restaurants using a star rating system: one star for “high-quality cooking, worth a stop,” two stars for “excellent cooking, worth a detour,” and three stars for “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.” Its Bib Gourmand award highlights more affordable restaurants. Michelin inspectors, who remain anonymous, determine which establishments earn stars.
Across the region, 10 restaurants received one star, with Emeril’s standing out as the only two-star venue. Other Southern cities recognized include Charleston, Nashville, and Charlotte.
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