Au Bon Coin, A Dopo Join 2026 MICHELIN Guide American South

Sorry/not sorry for the double-header of stories this morning, but I know how proud Knoxville is of its burgeoning culinary scene and this news is hot off the presses! At a ceremony in Nashville last night, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the second annual restaurant selection for the 2026 MICHELIN Guide American South and we have some new downtown and downtown-ish faces on the list.

J.C. Holdway and Potchke were both MICHELIN-Recommended in 2025 and have maintained that status for 2026, for obvious reasons.

A new addition: Au Bon Coin was added to MICHELIN-Recommended for 2026. I FINALLY went on Sunday and can’t wait to share my experience with you soon. Teaser: *perfect, no notes.* Here’s how MICHELIN described it:

“In August 2026, Au Bon Coin, from the same people as Potchke Deli, came to Knoxville, Tennessee, as an intimate neighborhood bistro with a culinary philosophy that combines French technique with Ashkenazic Jewish and Eastern European influences. The prix fixe menu du jour highlights dishes such as sweet potato varenikii (pierogi), gefilte fish and steak béarnaise.”

Also, A Dopo has now been given a Bib Gourmand Distinction for 2026. The Bib Gourmand designation is given to restaurants that deliver high-quality food at an attractive price.

A Dopo’s Brian and Jessica Strutz are longtime champions of Knoxville’s culinary scene, generously supporting and celebrating fellow chefs, restaurateurs (including Potchke and Au Bon Coin) and makers along the way. You can feel that craftsmanship intentionality in the space, and it makes the whole experience that much more special. It’s wonderful to see their own flagship restaurant getting some well-deserved recognition.

Still riding high on my Au Bon Coin bliss from the night before, I celebrated a very belated post-Sauna House birthday dinner with friends at A Dopo on Monday. Between the reliably fantastic food, flawless service from a staff who enthusiastically supported our nonsense, and the most magickal company, I can honestly say it was one of the most fun and memorable meals of my life. MICHELIN stars aside, isn’t that what it’s all about?

As a sidebar, we’re excited about this sourdough pizza restaurant’s forthcoming The Slice Bar, a 2,200-square-foot addition that will include a full cocktail menu, pizza by the slice and walk-in availability. While connected to the dining room, it will have its own entrance on the northeast side of the building at 516 Williams St.

More accolades!

For our friends in Maryville, The Restaurant at RT Lodge was MICHELIN-Recommended in 2025 and has maintained that status for 2026.

Raven Steakhouse has now been MICHELIN-Recommended for 2026.

In Loudon, Wilder at Windy Hill Farm & Preserve has now been MICHELIN-Recommended for 2026.

“The MICHELIN Guide has brought an exciting new level of attention to Knoxville’s culinary scene, recognizing the creativity, passion, and talent that have been here all along,” said Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville. “Food is such an important part of the travel experience, and this kind of national and international exposure gives visitors another compelling reason to discover Knoxville.”

Please join us in congratulating these incredible contributors to our culinary scene!

You can view the complete 2026 MICHELIN Guide American South at the website here. Some Tennessee highlights:

3 Nashville Restaurants Maintained their One MICHELIN Star

1. Bastion
2. The Catbird Seat
3. Locust

3 New Bib Gourmand Distinctions in Tennessee

1. A Dopo in Knoxville
2. Bao Toan Kitchen & Bar in Memphis
3. Maiz de la Vida in Nashville

9 Tennessee Restaurants Maintained Bib Gourmand Recognition

1. Hog & Hominy in Memphis
2. Kisser in Nashville
3. Little Coyote in Chattanooga
4. Peninsula in Nashville
5. Redheaded Stranger in Nashville
6. S.S. Gai in Nashville
7. Sho Pizza Bar in Nashville
8. St. Vito Focacceria in Nashville
9. Uzbegim in Nashville

8 New MICHELIN-recommended Tennessee Restaurants

1. 2^nd in Chattanooga
2. 5th & Taylor in Nashville
3. Au Bon Coin in Knoxville
4. Fawn in Memphis
5. Junior in Nashville
6. Present Tense in Nashville
7. Raven Steakhouse in Maryville
8. Wilder at Windy Hill Farm & Preserve in Loudon

22 Tennessee Restaurants Maintained MICHELIN-Recommended Recognition

1. Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen in Memphis
2. Arnold’s Country Kitchen in Nashville
3. Cafe Roze in Nashville
4. Easy Bistro & Bar in Chattanooga
5. Felicia Suzanne’s in Memphis
6. Folk in Nashville
7. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken in Nashville
8. iggy’s in Nashville
9. International Market in Nashville
10. J.C. Holdway in Knoxville
11. January in Franklin
12. Judith in Sewanee
13. Lunch in Sewanee
14. Main Street Meats in Chattanooga
15. Petals of a Pony in Cordova
16. Potchke in Knoxville
17. Rolf & Daughter’s in Nashville
18. Shotgun Willie’s BBQ in Nashville
19. Tailor in Nashville
20. The Lobbyist in Memphis
21. The Restaurant at RT Lodge in Maryville
22. The Rosecomb in Chattanooga