BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) -- The Michelin Guide announced its plans to expand to the Southern region of the U.S. Wednesday morning with anonymous inspectors already searching for "culinary gems" at restaurants. According to International Director of the Michelin Guides Gwendal Poullenne c, this will be the first time since the North American guide debut in 2005 that a new regional guide will be launched. Guides have been added over the years, including California, Florida, Colorado, and Texas. “The cuisine of the American South is a unique product of diverse influences creating an iconic array of specialties prepared by proud and impressive culinary talent," Poullennec said. States included in the Michelin Guide American South: Alabama Louisiana Mississippi North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee Michelin noted that the new guide would also include the existing Atlanta Guide, which was added in 2023. Louisiana’s top-rated seafood restaurant is in New Orleans, Yelp says How restaurant selection works Inspectors are already making restaurant reservations and searching for hidden gems throughout the South. Michelin's announcement said the full 2025 restaurant selection will be revealed later during the annual guide ceremony. Criteria for restaurant selection: quality products. harmony of flavors. mastery of cooking techniques. voices and personality of chef as reflected in cuisine. consistency between visits and throughout menu. Cheesecake Factory removes more than a dozen menu offerings to ‘make room’ for new dishes Southern US, Louisiana tourism groups react Tourism groups celebrate the addition of a Michelin guide for the Southern restaurants. Travel South USA President & CEO Liz Bittner said the South "has long deserved global recognition for its extraordinary farm-to-table cuisine, world-class seafood, and rich food culture." Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser said the new guide will highlight the culinary talent and culture in the Pelican State. “One of the many reasons people visit our great state is because of the food. We have some of the freshest seafood and our Cajun and Creole cultures serve up dishes unique to Louisiana. It’s another way to Feed Your Soul when you visit our great state,” Nungesser said. Louisiana to start enforcing new imported seafood labeling law Tourism groups across Louisiana shared their excitement for the new guide that put a spotlight on the varying styles of regional cooking. Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans are known for their different cooking styles, drawing influences from France, Spain, and Africa for Cajun and Creole food. “While there is no guarantee that any restaurant will receive the coveted recognition in the MICHELIN Guide, we believe the culinary scene in Lafayette Parish is worthy of consideration, and we are proud to partner with our state and Travel South USA on this initiative," Lafayette Travel President and CEO Ben Berthelot said. Latest News Tesla sales plunge to lowest level since 2022 amid Trump backlash SEE IT: NASA astronaut Sunita Williams reunites with dogs after 9-month stay in space Bill could bring deductions on tips for some workers in Louisiana Naval Academy removes hundreds of library books in DEI purge Musk could be headed for a Washington exit after turbulent times at DOGE ...read more read less