One of Knoxville’s most popular dining destinations has earned Michelin’s Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognizes restaurants serving “great food at a great value.”
A Dopo, known for its sourdough pizza and previously recognized by USA TODAY as one of the best restaurants in the country, was given the distinction Oct. 21 during the Michelin Guide American South Awards in Nashville.
While no Knoxville restaurants earned a coveted star ranking, the Bib Gourmand distinction is one of the most prestigious honors in Michelin’s guides, which began as a way to sell tires by highlighting restaurants worth visiting on the road.
Michelin launched its American South guide last year, introducing its rankings to a region that has attracted growing attention
for its food scene in recent years.
Knoxville restaurants J.C. Holdway and Potchke were highlighted in the inaugural guide, along with RT Lodge in Maryville.
The 2026 American South Awards recognized these East Tennessee restaurants:
- 2nd, Chattanooga (Recommended)
- A Dopo, Knoxville (Bib Gourmand)
- Au Bon Coin, Knoxville (Recommended)
- Easy Bistro & Bar, Chattanooga (Recommended)
- J.C. Holdway, Knoxville (Recommended)
- Little Coyote, Chattanooga (Bib Gourmand)
- Main Street Meats, Chattanooga (Recommended)
- Potchke Deli, Knoxville (Recommended)
- Raven Steakhouse, Maryville (Recommended)
- The Restaurant at RT Lodge, Maryville (Recommended)
- The Rosecomb, Chattanooga (Recommended)
- Wilder at Windy Hill Farm & Preserve, Loudon (Recommended)
Ryan Wilusz is the business growth and development editor for Knox News. Email: ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com; Cell: 865-317-5138; Instagram: @knoxscruff.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: See which Knoxville restaurants made the 2026 Michelin Guide American South
