This week, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the second annual restaurant selection for the 2026 MICHELIN Guide American South at a ceremony that took place at The Pinnacle in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Two Maryville restaurants earned a spot on the Amercan South’s 2026 Recommended restaurants list.
Raven Steakhouse made the list for the first time and the Restaurant at RT Lodge earned recognition for the second year in a row. Located in downtown Maryville, Raven Steakhouse & Lounge offers an elevated fine-dining experience featuring expertly prepared prime steaks, refined cuisine and a sophisticated, intimate atmosphere. Nestled in the scenic Maryville College Woods, The Restaurant at RT Lodge pairs seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with thoughtfully crafted Appalachian-inspired American cuisine in a warm, rustic setting.
“In its second year, the MICHELIN Guide American South continues to reveal the remarkable talent and diversity of the region’s culinary landscape,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “As our anonymous Inspectors continued to explore the South, they found not only exciting momentum in established dining destinations, but also exceptional restaurants in smaller communities and unexpected corners of the region. We are delighted to celebrate the talented restaurant teams recognized in this year’s selection.”
Kim Mitchell, Director of Tourism for the Greater Smokies Region shared, “We are incredibly proud of Blount County’s culinary scene and are pleased to see our restaurants receive this well-deserved recognition.”
Blount County is quickly emerging as a hidden gem for food lovers, blending Southern traditions with modern culinary creativity. From charming farm-to-table eateries and cozy cafés to upscale dining experiences, the county offers a diverse array of flavors that celebrate local ingredients and Appalachian heritage. Maryville and Townsend are home to talented chefs who craft everything from classic barbecue and homemade biscuits to globally inspired dishes. With a growing emphasis on craft breweries, artisanal bakeries, and sustainable dining, Blount County’s food scene is thriving, making it a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts.
The ceremony was full of celebration as three new restaurants were awarded One MICHELIN Star: Dakar NOLA in New Orleans, So. Fox in Atlanta and Uberto Restaurant in Gay, Georgia. In addition to the new Starred restaurants, the anonymous Inspectors identified 14 new Bib Gourmands across the region, bringing the selection total to 59. As they canvassed the region, the Inspectors also identified 31 new Recommended eateries ranging from hidden coastal gems to big city standouts. The full selection for 2026 now includes 265 restaurants, spanning 44 cuisine types. Chefs and restaurant teams were honored onstage during the ceremony.
Here are all the East Tennessee restaurants recognized during the 2026 American South Awards:
2nd, Chattanooga (Recommended)
A Dopo, Knoxville (Bib Gourmand)
Au Bon Coin, Knoxville (Recommended)
Easy Bistro & Bar, Chattanooga (Recommended)
J.C. Holdway, Knoxville (Recommended)
Little Coyote, Chattanooga (Bib Gourmand)
Main Street Meats, Chattanooga (Recommended)
Potchke Deli, Knoxville (Recommended)
Raven Steakhouse, Maryville (Recommended)
The Restaurant at RT Lodge, Maryville (Recommended)
The Rosecomb, Chattanooga (Recommended)
Wilder at Windy Hill Farm & Preserve, Loudon (Recommended)