Dear Friends of New Orleans & Company,

Less than an hour ago live at a ceremony, in Nashville, New Orleans’ culinary community earned international recognition as the MICHELIN Guide announced its 2026 American South selection. These honors celebrate the talent, creativity, and dedication of the chefs and restaurant teams who make dining in New Orleans an unforgettable experience.

We extend our sincere congratulations to this year’s New Orleans honorees. To read the full announcement from Michelin, please click here.

Two MICHELIN Stars

Retaining the distinction:

  • Emeril’s

One MICHELIN Star

  • Dakar NOLA (new)

  • Saint-Germain

  • Zasu

Bib Gourmand

The MICHELIN Guide inspectors awarded 59 restaurants the Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognizes eateries for offering great food at a great value.

  • Acamaya

  • Cochon

  • Cochon Butcher

  • Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar

  • Dooky Chase

  • Hungry Eyes

  • Lufu NOLA

  • Mister Mao

  • Parkway Bakery & Tavern

  • Saba

  • Safta’s Table (new)

  • Turkey and the Wolf

MICHELIN Recommended Restaurants

  • Addis Nola

  • Atchafalaya

  • Casimiro (new)

  • Clancy's Restaurant

  • Compère Lapin

  • Evviva (new)

  • Galatoire’s

  • Herbsaint

  • Jewel of the South (new)

  • Killer Poboys

  • La Petite Grocery

  • Molly’s Rise & Shine

  • Osteria Lupo

  • Patois

  • Pêche

  • Restaurant August

  • Saffron NOLA

  • Saint Claire (new)

  • The Crustacean Club (new)

  • The Kingsway

  • Willie Mae’s Nola

New Orleans’ culinary excellence is rooted in generations of tradition and renewed every day by people who bring their own perspectives, cultures, and creativity to the table. Tonight’s recognition honors their work and gives travelers around the world even more reasons to experience our city.

At New Orleans & Company, elevating our culinary assets globally is a central part of our work. Michelin is one of many ways we are advancing that goal, alongside hosting North America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards and the Americas selections of the Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup. New Orleans was also ranked the No. 1 Food Destination in the U.S. for 2026 by Yelp and Lyft, further underscoring the appeal of our culinary scene.

That recognition extends to the people shaping our culinary future. E.J. Lagasse of Emeril’s was named to TIME’s 2026 TIME100 Next list, recognizing the world’s most influential rising stars. Together, these honors bring international attention to our culinary community and strengthen New Orleans’ position as a destination worth traveling for.

That visibility creates opportunities for our restaurants, supports jobs across our hospitality industry, and introduces new audiences to the people and traditions that define New Orleans. We are proud to work alongside our members and partners to share those stories with the world.

To every chef, restaurateur, and team member recognized tonight, thank you for your commitment to excellence and for the hospitality you share with our residents and visitors. Your success is a source of pride for our entire community.

Congratulations, New Orleans!

Sincerely,

Walter J. Leger III

President & CEO

New Orleans & Company