MICHELIN Guide sets Nashville as host city for the 2026 American South awards ceremony
Nashville selected to host 2026 regional ceremony as MICHELIN Guide expands its American South footprint
Nashville will host the 2026 MICHELIN Guide American South Ceremony, marking the first time the regional awards event is scheduled to take place in Tennessee. The ceremony is listed as an industry event in Nashville dated March 16–20, 2026, reflecting the guide’s continuing investment in a multi-state, regional model for recognizing restaurants across the South.
The American South edition was launched as a six-state selection spanning Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina, while also incorporating the pre-existing Atlanta selection. Under the model, anonymous inspectors evaluate restaurants using five established criteria: quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of technique, the chef’s personality expressed through the cuisine, and consistency over time and across the menu.
How the American South guide developed, and what Nashville’s first year showed
The inaugural American South selections were announced during a ceremony held on November 3, 2025, in Greenville, South Carolina. Nashville restaurants were among the early honorees, with three establishments receiving One MICHELIN Star in the first year of the regional guide.
In addition to the Star distinctions, the guide’s first-year Nashville recognition also included Bib Gourmand selections—an award that highlights restaurants offering strong value—and a broader list of “Recommended” restaurants. These categories are part of the guide’s standard structure and can change year to year based on inspectors’ visits.
Regional partnerships and what hosting can mean for the city
The American South edition is supported through a multi-organization partnership involving Travel South USA, state tourism offices, and destination marketing organizations in participating states. In Tennessee, tourism and hospitality entities have publicly aligned around the guide as a platform to showcase the state’s dining scene to domestic and international travelers.
Hosting the 2026 ceremony places Nashville at the center of the region-wide announcement, when new Star ratings, Bib Gourmand awards, and other distinctions are typically revealed during a single event. The ceremony format has included onstage recognitions and an official rollout of the updated regional selection.
What to watch as the 2026 ceremony approaches
Changes in Star status: restaurants can earn, retain, or lose Star distinctions based on repeat evaluations.
Shifts in Bib Gourmand and Recommended lists, which often reflect both new openings and inspectors’ reassessments.
Whether additional MICHELIN Guide distinctions are emphasized, including service- and beverage-related awards presented as part of the ceremony programming.
The 2026 American South Ceremony’s move to Nashville signals a new hosting rotation for the regional guide after its inaugural event in South Carolina.
Event details, including the specific venue and program timing, are expected to be confirmed closer to the ceremony window. The updated 2026 American South selections will be revealed as part of the Nashville-hosted ceremony.