Multiple DeKalb County restaurants included in new Michelin Guide
The metro-Atlanta foodie scene is finally getting recognized by one of the most widely known gastronomy guides in the world.
In September, restaurants throughout metro-Atlanta were buzzing with anticipation as Michelin officials announced they would be taking a food tour of the area and publishing the first-ever Atlanta Michelin Guide.
A month later, a total of 45 restaurants were awarded stars or other distinctions during the Oct. 24 ceremony held at the Rialto Center in downtown Atlanta, stated Beth McKibben, editor and staff reporter for Eater Atlanta, a blog that covers the local food scene. “Michelin kept its restaurant selections for the first-ever Atlanta guide within the perimeter (ITP) but could expand beyond the perimeter (OTP) in the future,” said McKibben.
Of the 45 restaurants selected for the guide, 13 – from Decatur to Buford Highway and in between – are located in DeKalb County.
Notably, Arepa Mia, a Venezuelan restaurant located in downtown Avondale Estates serving gluten-free and organic arepas, cachapas, empanadas, among other popular dishes, received the guide’s Bib Gourmand distinction, reserved for restaurants that “offer a meal of good quality at a good value,” according to the Michelin Guide’s website.
“Warm hospitality is a hallmark (at Arepa Mia), where bright walls and colorful metal chairs and tables instantly boost your mood,” states the guide. “The cooking and ingredients are quality driven, and the portions are generous.”
After the announcement of the restaurants included in the guide, Arepa Mia owner Lis Hernandez said being selected as the only Bib Gourmand distinction in DeKalb County “is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences without compromising on quality.”
“We are thrilled and honored to announce that our restaurant has been awarded the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand,” said Hernandez. “We want to express our gratitude to our amazing team, who consistently go above and beyond to create memorable dishes, and to our loyal patrons who have supported us on this incredible culinary journey. Join us in celebrating this achievement by savoring our delectable dishes and indulging in the flavors that have captured the attention of Michelin inspectors.”
Additional DeKalb County restaurants listed as “recommended” in the guide include Chai Pani in Decatur, The Deer and the Dove in Decatur, Food Terminal in Chamblee, The General Muir in north Decatur near Emory, Han Il Kwan in Doraville, Kamayan ATL in Doraville, Kimball House in Decatur, LanZhou Ramen in Doraville, Nam Phuong in unincorporated DeKalb County, Poor Hendrix in Decatur, Snackboxe Bistro in Doraville, and The White Bull in Decatur.
For more information and to view the entire Atlanta Michelin Guide, visit https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/georgia/atlanta_2884144/restaurants.
