North Carolina’s dining scene has officially joined the world stage. In 2025, Michelin expanded its iconic restaurant guide to include the American South—marking the first time North Carolina has ever been featured. For the Triangle region (Wake Forest, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill), that means new recognition for the state’s top chefs, growing tourism, and stronger lifestyle appeal for homeowners and future residents.
Whether you’re planning your next fine dining experience or exploring homes for sale in Wake Forest NC, this guide covers everything you need to know about Michelin restaurants in North Carolina—and why it matters for the local lifestyle.
The Arrival of the Michelin Guide in North Carolina
For more than a century, the Michelin Guide has been the gold standard for culinary excellence. Earning a Michelin Star or “Recommended” recognition places a restaurant among the best in the world.
In 2025, Michelin announced its newest regional edition: The Michelin Guide American South, covering six states—Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina. This expansion highlights a region long celebrated for its creativity, craftsmanship, and diverse food traditions.
According to Visit North Carolina, inspectors are already visiting restaurants throughout the state. The first official Michelin star announcements are expected later in 2025. While the list of starred restaurants hasn’t been released yet, dozens of North Carolina restaurants are already listed as “Michelin Recommended”, meaning they’ve been recognized for exceptional quality, consistency, and value.
What the Michelin Guide Looks For
Michelin inspectors evaluate restaurants based on five key criteria:
Quality of ingredients
Mastery of flavor and cooking techniques
The personality of the chef in their cuisine
Value for money
Consistency between visits
That’s why restaurants that emphasize local sourcing, refined presentation, and a strong chef-driven vision are often the ones earning stars or “recommended” status.
North Carolina Restaurants Recognized or Recommended by Michelin (2025)
Here’s a comprehensive look at the restaurants across the state that have been spotlighted by Michelin’s inspectors or are considered likely early contenders for stars, Bib Gourmands, or Green Stars.
CHARLOTTE AREA
Counter- – A 20-seat, tasting-menu experience by Chef Sam Hart. Themes change seasonally, blending art, history, and music with food.
Kindred (Davidson) – Chef Joe Kindred’s celebrated restaurant serving elevated Southern fare and signature milk bread.
Fin & Fino – Seafood-focused, chef-driven spot in Uptown Charlotte known for its oyster selection and lively atmosphere.
The Goodyear House – Modern American comfort food in a restored mill house, emphasizing seasonal ingredients.
Leah & Louise – A Southern juke joint by Chef Greg Collier highlighting Delta-inspired cuisine with deep flavor and storytelling.
Customshop – Contemporary Mediterranean dining led by Chef Trey Wilson. Seasonal menus and a cozy neighborhood vibe.
RALEIGH / CARY / DURHAM (THE TRIANGLE)
Herons (Cary) – Located in The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Herons is among the most elegant restaurants in the Southeast, offering art-inspired tasting menus by Chef Steven Greene.
Crawford & Son (Raleigh) – Chef Scott Crawford’s neighborhood restaurant featuring refined Southern dishes and impeccable consistency.
Saint James Seafood (Durham) – Chef Matt Kelly’s seafood-centric restaurant highlighting coastal flavors and local ingredients.
Poole’s Diner (Raleigh) – A modern take on classic comfort food from James Beard Award-winning Chef Ashley Christensen.
Bida Manda (Raleigh) – Laotian-inspired cuisine offering warm hospitality and intricate flavors, a true standout for global dining in the Triangle.
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar (Raleigh) – Mediterranean-inspired menus with local sourcing, charming decor, and standout weekend brunch.
Koan (Cary) – Contemporary Asian dining experience from the team behind Raleigh’s Brewery Bhavana, known for layered flavors and artistry.
Second Empire (Raleigh) – Fine dining in a restored 19th-century mansion, combining old-world charm with elevated modern cuisine.
ASHEVILLE
Cúrate – Chef Katie Button’s award-winning Spanish tapas restaurant, widely regarded as one of the best in the South.
The Market Place – Chef William Dissen’s farm-to-table flagship featuring Appalachian ingredients and sustainable practices.
Luminosa – Italian-inspired menu located in Hotel Arras, combining mountain freshness with Mediterranean flair.
Rhubarb – Seasonal menus from Chef John Fleer highlighting mountain-grown produce and Southern warmth.
Vivian – River Arts District gem with modern European dishes and creative cocktails.
The Admiral – Eclectic neighborhood restaurant where inventive food meets relaxed atmosphere.
Chai Pani – Indian street food that has drawn national recognition, including a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant.
GREENSBORO / WINSTON-SALEM / TRIAD REGION
Machete (Greensboro) – Known for small plates and inventive modern cuisine, delivering a true fine dining experience in a casual setting.
1618 West Seafood Grill (Greensboro) – Fresh, flavorful seafood prepared with artistic flair and regional ingredients.
Quanto Basta (Winston-Salem) – Elevated Italian cuisine with exceptional service and attention to flavor balance.
WILMINGTON / COASTAL NORTH CAROLINA
Manna (Wilmington) – Creative coastal dining with fresh seafood, modern plating, and warm service.
Seabird (Wilmington) – Chef Dean Neff’s homage to North Carolina’s coastal bounty, already featured in national media.
Savorez (Wilmington) – Latin-inspired coastal dishes blending bright flavors and bold technique.
What This Means for Homebuyers and Locals
The Michelin Guide’s arrival in North Carolina does more than elevate restaurants—it enhances entire communities. Fine dining recognition fuels tourism, supports local farms, and adds prestige to nearby neighborhoods.
For those exploring real estate in Wake Forest, Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill, this represents another layer of value. Access to world-class dining and culture attracts new residents and boosts long-term desirability.
Here’s why it matters:
Lifestyle Appeal – Buyers increasingly value “experience-rich living.” Michelin’s presence elevates the Triangle’s reputation for quality of life.
Local Economy Boost – More dining recognition means more visitors and stronger local business activity.
Community Identity – Local chefs and restaurants gain national recognition, helping define the Triangle as a cultural destination.
Real Estate Value – Amenities like fine dining, arts, and walkable entertainment districts are proven to enhance home value.
Living Where Culinary Excellence Meets Community
For homeowners and those relocating to the Triangle, the Michelin Guide’s arrival reinforces what locals already know—North Carolina is one of the best places to live, work, and eat.
From a serene evening at Herons in Cary to a night of tapas at Cúrate in Asheville or seafood at Saint James in Durham, there’s no shortage of unforgettable dining experiences. And all of them are within reach of Raleigh, Wake Forest, and the surrounding communities that continue to attract attention for their growth, livability, and local charm.
If you’re exploring homes for sale in Wake Forest NC, Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill, visit HillnHills.com. We’ll help you find not just a home—but a lifestyle surrounded by great food, culture, and community.
