As the MICHELIN Guide arrives in the South, Memphis’ acclaimed restaurants are earning well-deserved recognition.
As the MICHELIN Guide arrives in the South, Memphis’ acclaimed restaurants are earning well-deserved recognition.
For the first time ever, the MICHELIN Guide has expanded to the American South, and several Memphis restaurants have earned recognition among the region’s best. From inventive Southern cuisine to bold international flavors, the city’s dining scene is thriving, offering locals and visitors alike the chance to experience world-class meals. Here are the recently recognized Memphis restaurants in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South.
A longtime Memphis favorite, Hog & Hominy blends Southern comfort with Italian inspiration in a lively, welcoming setting. Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman serve playful, flavor-packed dishes like wood-fired pizzas, pork belly, and butter bean hummus that keep guests coming back. Recognized with a Bib Gourmand by the MICHELIN Guide for delivering exceptional food at great value, Hog & Hominy perfectly captures the spirit of Memphis dining: creative, communal, and full of heart.
Known for inventive Southern cuisine with a contemporary twist, Felicia Suzanne’s recently moved to the historic South Main neighborhood, bringing its signature hospitality and bold flavors to a vibrant, artistic community. Housed in a beautifully restored 1926 building, the restaurant blends exposed brick and wood with warm lighting for a relaxed, timeless atmosphere. Chef Felicia Suzanne Willett-Schuchardt, a Johnson & Wales alumna and Emeril Lagasse protégé, celebrates seasonal, sustainable ingredients in dishes like Fried Green Tomatoes, Gulf Fish with Lump Crab, and the signature BLFGT Salad—all of which have earned them a MICHELIN Guide mention.
Set in the historic Hotel Chisca, The Lobbyist combines vintage elegance with approachable fine dining in the heart of downtown Memphis. Sunlight streams through tall windows overlooking South Main, while globe lights, wood tables, and gold accents create a mid-century vibe. Chef Jimmy Gentry and Chef de Cuisine Jessica Lambert blend seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with global influences, crafting bold dishes like Corn Mash with acorn squash in bacon jus, Charred Okra, and Roast Potatoes in spiced masala gravy, all served in generous portions. Honored with a MICHELIN Guide mention for its flavorful, inventive cuisine, the restaurant also reimagines classic cocktails, making it ideal for both special occasions and relaxed nights out..
The team behind Hog & Hominy, chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, run their flagship restaurant also earned a MICHELIN Guide mention. Located just across the street in a cozy Brookhaven Circle house. Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen blends Italian tradition with Southern comfort, featuring standout dishes like pork belly with polenta and a runny egg, tuna tartare with sundried tomatoes, and mafaldi in veal ragu. Warm, inviting, it’s a must-visit for fans of inventive, soulful Italian cuisine.
For lovers of bold, spicy flavors, Petals of a Peony is Memphis’ first fully authentic Sichuan restaurant. Founded by a chef who spent years in Chengdu, the restaurant serves family-style dishes like Spicy Dumplings, Crispy Fried Duck, Kung Pao Chicken, Peony Fried Chicken, Eggplant, and Dan Dan Noodles, with generous portions and vegan and halal options clearly marked. Known for its fiery, tongue-tingling heat and consistent execution, Petals of a Peony has earned a MICHELIN Guide mention and is a must-visit for diners craving an adventurous, authentic taste of Sichuan.
