South Carolina Restaurants Shine in Inaugural Michelin Guide for the American South

In a landmark event on November 3, 2025, the Michelin Guide unveiled its inaugural selection for the American South, bestowing coveted stars upon four South Carolina restaurants. This recognition underscores the state's burgeoning culinary scene and its diverse gastronomic offerings.

 

Leading the honorees is Scoundrel in Greenville, a French bistro helmed by Chef Joe Cash. Since its opening in October 2022, Scoundrel has captivated diners with its elegant ambiance and refined dishes. The Michelin Guide praised the restaurant's "upscale French bistro" charm, highlighting its "elegant dining room with hardwood floors and brick walls," and commended the "engaging staff who make everyone feel well cared for and welcomed."

 

In Charleston, three establishments received one-star accolades:

 

Malagón Mercado y Taperia: Chef Juan Cassalett's Spanish-inspired eatery offers a tapas-focused menu that the Guide described as having a "clear spark," with dishes like fried rabbit leg and la bomba de la Barceloneta. 

 

Vern's: Owned by Daniel and Bethany Heinze, this American contemporary restaurant emphasizes Lowcountry ingredients. The Guide noted dynamic starters such as charred sourdough with allium butter and raw yellowfin tuna with Calabrian chili. 

 

Wild Common: Under Chef Orlando Pagán, this establishment offers a creative menu with global influences. The Guide highlighted dishes like pho with carrot kimchi and hamachi crudo with coconut and kumquat, describing it as "fine dining injected with a bit of fun." 

 

The Michelin Guide's expansion into the American South reflects the region's rich culinary heritage and its evolution into a gastronomic destination. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, remarked, "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." 

 

This recognition not only celebrates the individual achievements of these restaurants but also positions South Carolina as a pivotal player in the Southern culinary renaissance. Food enthusiasts are encouraged to explore these establishments to experience firsthand the flavors that have earned them a place in the esteemed Michelin Guide.