Michelin spotlight brings both opportunity and pressure

Charlotte’s dining scene gains long-sought recognition — and new challenges that come with it

The following article appeared in the November 5, 2025, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.

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⭐ The Michelin effect: Experts say newly awarded restaurant stars merely validate what we already know — and could lead to higher prices and bigger wine lists

You may have heard that Charlotte’s culinary scene finally took a seat at the national table this week. With the debut of the Michelin Guide: American South, the city claimed its first Michelin star – awarded to Counter- on West Morehead Street, which also received a Green Star for sustainability. The guide also listed recommended restaurants, including local favorites like Kindred, Ever Andalo, Customshop, The Goodyear House, Rada and Lang Van, the latter earning a Bib Gourmand distinction for good-value food.

For Charlotte’s food restaurants, the recognition is a milestone. Food has always been a quieter point of pride for the city, growing steadily, sometimes overlooked nationally, but loved by locals. Now, many believe the Michelin credentials change how people will talk about the city. Michelin hasn’t previously rated most Southern states.

But it also stirs debate about what the Michelin system really means for the city’s maturing dining scene.