A new Michelin Guide to the South selected these East TN restaurants – two from Knoxville

The first-ever regional Michelin Guide has been released, and three East Tennessee favorites were spotlighted on an exclusive list of recommended restaurants in the American South.

Two of those restaurants are in downtown Knoxville: J.C. Holdway and Potchke, which has expanded with a second location since being named in 2024 as one of USA TODAY's top 47 restaurants in the country. J.C. Holdway made New York Times' list of best restaurants earlier this year.

The third is The Restaurant at RT Lodge, part of the boutique hotel and event space in Maryville. RT Lodge got its name when the corporate arm of Ruby Tuesday - another restaurant brand with roots in Knoxville - acquired it and began using the property for corporate retreats in 1997, according to the lodge's website.

Customers are seen eating at Potchke, a Jewish deli with Ukrainian inspiration, in Knoxville, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. Potchke is one of only two Tennessee restaurants that made USA Today's Best Restaurants list.

Six states were considered in the American South guide, and 228 restaurants were selected. Potchke co-owner Laurence Faber previously told Knox News making the Michelin Guide in any capacity is an honor.

"We're blown away this is even possible," he said.

The Michelin Guide began in early 20th century France to highlight restaurants as destinations with stellar cuisine. It has expanded into a three-star system that recognizes restaurants across the globe.

Michelin selectively chooses which regions to cover. Before this regional Southern list − covering Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee − guides were reserved for major cities, entire states and countries abroad.

Michelin released its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York and has since highlighted major cities such as Atlanta, Chicago and Washington and individual states like California and Colorado.

An event was held in Greenville, South Carolina, on Nov. 3 to introduce the regional guide and honor restaurants with Michelin Stars and other recognitions.

"The cuisine of the American South is a rich blend of cultural influences, brought to life by skilled chefs who have crafted some of the region’s most iconic dishes,” Gwendal Poullennec, the Michelin Guide's international director, said in a news release.

Ten restaurants received one star, including three from Nashville (Bastion, Locust and the Catbird Seat). Emeril's in New Orleans was the only restaurant to receive the two-star honor, and no restaurants received three stars.

January, a restaurant in Franklin, received the green star award recognizing restaurants' sustainability efforts. Eight Tennessee restaurants between Chattanooga, Memphis and Nashville earned the Bib Gourmand title, which recognizes places that balance high quality meals with reasonable prices.

"Our anonymous Inspectors were deeply impressed by the region’s culinary prowess, and this inaugural selection reflects their findings — from Southern staples like barbecue, Creole and seafood, to international flavors," Poullennec said.

Knox News reporter Joanna Hayes covers restaurants and retail for the business growth and development team. Email: [email protected]; Instagram: @knoxeat65. Sign up for Joanna's Eat65 email newsletter to get the latest drink and dining news, as well as restaurant recommendations, at knoxnews.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: A new Michelin Guide to the South selected these East TN restaurants – two from Knoxville