Many more deserve to be named Michelin Star restaurants in North Carolina, but for now, this NC travel guide features those mentioned by the French tiremaker and food judge.
In 2025, the Michelin Guide reached North Carolina, and Stars have been awarded to restaurants throughout the Old North State. Maybe you’ll see your town or city featured, or a place or restaurant that you love on the list.
While we think many more are deserving of Michelin Stars, we can vouch for all the restaurants mentioned being worth a visit.
To anyone who feels snubbed, we are with you. Perhaps those anonymous judges were having a bad day?
Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do In North Carolina (Your NC Bucket List)
Vote for your favorite North Carolina spots for the Annual Best of NC 2025! From scenic getaways to local BBQ joints, your voice matters.
What is the Michelin Guide?
The Michelin Guide started judging restaurants in 1900. The French tire company launched the guide as an ingenious way to increase car travel and, by extension, tire sales.
Necessity is truly the mother of all invention.
Michelin also produces travel guides to cities, countries, and regions (Green Guides).
Michelin Star Criteria
Stars were introduced in 1926, with a hierarchy of 0, 1, 2, and 3 stars. A Michelin Star is awarded based on five universal criteria, in Michelin’s words:
- “The quality of the ingredients”
- “The harmony of flavors”
- “The mastery of cooking techniques”
- “The personality of the chef, as expressed in the cuisine”
- “Consistency both across the menu and over time”
List of Michelin Star Restaurants in North Carolina
We can’t wait to see the names of familiar faces and places as North Carolina’s restaurants receive Michelin Stars. Until they do, who do you think will receive a Star?
Michelin Star Restaurants in North Carolina
- One Star: Counter (Charlotte)
Michelin Green Stars
Michelin Green Stars celebrate restaurants leading the way in sustainability and responsible dining.
- Counter (Charlotte)
- Luminosa (Asheville)
Bib Gourmand
Bib Gourmand spots are favorites for offering amazing food at a great value—the kind of places inspectors love even on their days off.
- Lang Van (Charlotte)
- Little Chango (Asheville)
- Luminosa (Asheville)
- Mala Pata (Raleigh)
- Mother (Asheville)
- Prime Barbecue (Knightdale)
- Sam Jones BBQ (Raleigh)
Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award
- Colleen Hughes of Supperland (Charlotte)
American South’s 2025 Recommended Restaurants
The Michelin Guide also highlights recommended restaurants and gives out special professional awards to honor talent across the culinary world.
- Addissae Ethiopian Restaurant (Asheville)
- All Day Darling (Asheville)
- Brewery Bhavana (Raleigh)
- Brodeto (Raleigh)
- Chai Pani (Asheville)
- Crawford and Sons (Raleigh)
- Cúrate Bar de Tapas (Asheville)
- Customshop (Charlotte)
- Dampf Good BBQ (Cary)
- Ever Andalo (Charlotte)
- Golden Hour (Asheville)
- Good Hot Fish (Asheville)
- Haberdish (Charlotte)
- Hello Sailor (Cornelius)
- Herons (Cary)
- Jolie (Raleigh)
- Kindred (Davidson)
- Leo’s House of Thirst (Asheville)
- Little Bull (Durham)
- Little Mama’s (Charlotte)
- Nanas (Durham)
- Nikos (Durham)
- Omakase Experience by PrimeFish (Charlotte)
- Poole’s (Raleigh)
- Prime Fish (Charlotte)
- Rada (Charlotte)
- Restaurant Constance (Charlotte)
- Seraphine (Durham)
- Soprano (Asheville)
- Stanbury (Raleigh)
- St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar (Raleigh)
- Sunny Pointe Cafe (Asheville)
- Supperland (Charlotte)
- Table (Asheville)
- Tall John’s Asheville)
- Tamasha (Raleigh)
- The Admiral (Asheville)
- The Pit (Raleigh)
- The Fearrington House Restaurant (Pittsboro)
- Ukiah (Asheville)
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina leads the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South with the most recognized restaurants (48 total).
- Asheville and Charlotte dominate—combining for more than half of all NC entries.
- Counter (Charlotte) stands out with a One Star + Green Star—the state’s only dual honor.
- Supperland’s Colleen Hughes brought home the only Exceptional Cocktails Award in the region.
- Sustainability and locality are strong themes, especially in Asheville’s Green Star and Bib selections.
NC Restaurant Guides
Thanks to our chefs, staff, and restaurateurs for making North Carolina such a delicious state. We look forward to seeing our Michelin Star restaurant in person and visiting all those recognized to taste their amazing food.
Until then, here are some restaurant guides to keep you hungry for more of our excellent cuisine.
