Dear Friends of New Orleans & Company,

New Orleans has always been known and celebrated for its world-class cuisine and award-winning restaurants. Today I am happy to announce a long-awaited opportunity to potentially shine another prestigious light on our beloved community.

Today, Michelin and Travel South USA revealed that the MICHELIN Guide American South is coming this year as part of a new regional approach, which will include six states, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

As you read this, restaurants in New Orleans and across Louisiana are under consideration for this prized recognition. While there is no guarantee that any restaurant will receive coveted recognition in the MICHELIN Guide, we believe the world-renowned culinary scene in New Orleans is extremely worthy of consideration and we look forward to aligning with one of the most well-respected travel brands in the world.

By attracting international culinary tourism and setting new benchmarks for excellence, Michelin’s presence will inspire local restaurants to push creative boundaries while reinforcing New Orleans’ reputation as a must-visit destination for food lovers. This milestone is part of a larger effort to amplify our culinary scene, drive economic growth, and ensure that our vibrant food culture continues to thrive for generations to come.

In the past few years, we, at New Orleans & Company, have worked to raise the profile of New Orleans as a global travel destination and culinary center of excellence. In 2024, we played host to Bocuse d’Or and the Pastry World Cup American Championships, where nations from North and South America competed to advance to the International Finals in Lyon, France. Competing for and winning the opportunity for New Orleans to be the first city in North America to host this prestigious event served as a reminder to the world of our culinary pedigree. Recently, we announced that in 2026 Bocuse d’Or and the Pastry World Cup will once again bring these international culinary competitions back to New Orleans.

Often called the Olympics of gastronomy, this prestigious event will bring top chefs, industry leaders, and global media to our city, shining an international spotlight on our rich food culture. Hosting Bocuse d’Or is not just an honor—it’s a strategic move to showcase our culinary talent, attract food-driven tourism, and create new opportunities for local chefs to engage with the global culinary community.

Earlier this year we helped launch Guide Michelin Voyage & Cultures Nouvelle Orléans, a guide written in French and aimed at overseas travelers interested in our city.

Now adding the MICHELIN Guide American South, Travel South USA, participating state tourism offices, and destination marketing organizations, including New Orleans & Company, will join forces on marketing efforts to promote authentic Southern cuisine to domestic and international travelers, including food enthusiasts.

The MICHELIN Guide’s anonymous Inspectors are already in the field, making dining reservations and scouting for regional culinary gems. The full 2025 restaurant selection will be revealed later this year during the annual MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for the American South. We wish the best of luck to all of the city’s restaurants during this selection process.

To learn more, please visit: guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/news-and-views/michelin-guide-alabama-mississippi-louisiana-tennessee-north-south-carolina-atlanta

Sincerely, 

Walter J. Leger III
President & CEO
New Orleans & Company