The news broke early, but it’s official now — Nashville has joined the Michelin ranks. | Photo via GVLtoday
For the first time, Nashville restaurants are part of the Michelin Guide. The inaugural American South selection awarded One Star distinctions to Bastion, Locust, and The Catbird Seat — a rating that signifies “high-quality cooking worth a stop.”
The honor places Nashville alongside other Southern cities with starred restaurants in the new guide, including New Orleans, Charlotte, Charleston, and Greenville, plus the pre-existing Atlanta selection.
Beyond the stars, several local restaurants received recognition across other categories.
Kisser, Peninsula, Redheaded Stranger, Sho Pizza Bar, SS Gai, St. Vito Focacceria, and Uzbegim were awarded Bib Gourmand status for “delivering great food at a great value.”
Twelve Nashville-area eateries rounded out the American South’s 2025 Recommended Restaurants list.
Alex Burch, owner of Bad Idea, took home the Sommelier Award.
Ready to dig in? Read what inspectors had to say about Nashville’s starred restaurants, then click the button below to use our interactive map to explore every local Michelin spot — organized by recognition level for easy browsing.
Why did brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin (who founded the tire company in 1889) create the very first Michelin Guide?
A. To promote fine dining and luxury travel experiences B. To increase tourism to Clermont-Ferrand (where Michelin was founded) C. To advertise new car models and auto innovations D. To encourage automobile travel
It’s the last week to visit Culture + Co. at L&L Market — the final day of service is Friday, Nov. 7. The owners plan to debut a “mobile cheese train” in January for weddings, pop-ups, and events while they search for a new permanent home.
Development
Demolition is officially underway on Nashville International Airport’s Concourse A. The airport shared this behind-the-scenes look at the work happening under its ongoing New Horizon expansion, which includes a new concourse opening in July 2028.
Eat
Raising Cane’s will expand to Madison, according to Metro records. A building home to Arby’s is set to be torn down to make way for the ~3,000-sqft restaurant. As previously reported, the chicken chain also has a Midtown location in the works. (Nashville Business Journal)
Biz
In other expansion news, North Carolina-based Sammy’s Sliders has set its sights on Nashville. The brand plans to open 10 to 15 locations across Middle Tennessee within the next seven years, targeting areas including Brentwood, Hendersonville, and Murfreesboro. (Rutherford County Source)
Transit
NDOT and Riverside Village businesses launched Multimodal Mondays, a November pilot program encouraging alternative transportation. Each Monday, customers who walk, bike, take the bus, or ride an e-scooter can get discounts at these participating businesses by registering through the Nashville Connector app.
Seasonal
Metro Parks is searching for a Christmas tree — specifically a Norway Spruce between 30 and 40 ft tall — to display at Public Square Park this holiday season. The parks department will handle removal and stump grinding. If you have a tree that fits the description, here’s how to get in touch with the city. (WKRN)
Job
Ready to kickstart your career in digital media sales remotely? We’re looking for a Sales Coordinator to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Shop
This lightweight leafblower is the perfect fall tool for removing leaves from your yard, with cruise control and a quiet yet powerful motor for under $80.*
Category
Seasonal
If you give a pig a pumpkin...
Help local farms feed their livestock with your leftover holiday decor. | Photo via Flickr
Not sure what to do with your pumpkins this year? We’ve got the perfect recommendation for you. And the answer is a lot cuter than you might think.
Meet Pumpkins For Pigs, a Virginia-based organization founded to reroute leftover pumpkins and other items to farms, sanctuaries, and rescues for feed or compost. What began with 10 local partners has grown into 600+ drop-off sites across the US and Canada.
How you can donate
Pumpkins For Pigs — There are a few regional options, including Hummingbird Hill Animal Sanctuary in Nashville.
Piccolo Farms — Bring uncut, unpainted pumpkins for entry to the annual Pumpkin Harvest on Saturday, Nov. 8. The farm also accepts produce, pet food, and clean blankets for winter prep.
Compost Nashville — The local composting service collects and weighs your pumpkins to show how much waste you’ve diverted, then composts them right here in Middle Tennessee.
Nashville Waste Services — Drop off your pumpkins at convenience centers instead of tossing them.
The Buy
Your ticket to upgrading your skill set with Babbel’s fall sale. Speaking a new language opens doors — whether you’re eyeing a career change, a promotion, or just looking to enhance your life. Get 60% off Babbel’s 10-minute daily lessons and enjoy expert-designed language courses and a new AI-powered tool.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Did you know the Frist stays open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays? I caught a movie at the museum last week and stopped by Cafe Cheeserie beforehand, where these pizzettas are only served on Thursday nights.
}})
