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New Orleans restaurants awarded prestigious Michelin stars for first time

Three get top honors as guide expands to U.S. South

Emeril's, Saint-Germain and Zasu earn New Orleans' first prestigious Michelin stars
By Gabby Killett

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Three New Orleans restaurants received Michelin stars for the first time as the prestigious dining guide expanded to include the American South.

Emeril’s in the Warehouse District debuted in the guide with two stars. Saint-Germain on St. Claude Avenue and Mid-City’s Zasu each received one star. The restaurants are the first in New Orleans to receive the honor.

Zasu chef and owner Sue Zemanick said she had to verify the news online before believing it was real.

“I had to do a deep dive on the internet to make sure it was true,” Zemanick said.

She said she’s proud of her staff and excited about the restaurant’s future.

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“I’m a female, and to be up there with those guys means a lot to me,” Zemanick said. “And also being part of the first class of New Orleans chefs receiving Michelin stars is also pretty awesome.”

Saint-Germain sous chef Nick Gambino described the moment his staff learned they were invited to the Michelin presentation.

“Everyone starts throwing things in the air,” Gambino said. “People are crying.”

Saint-Germain closed Monday to celebrate the award. Gambino said the recognition shows what small restaurant teams can accomplish.

“Three dudes can get together, a couple guys with their friends, and if you’re all working, you can make this happen,” Gambino said. “You don’t need the billionaire investors. You can do it. It’s hard, but you can do it.”

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Two of the fine dining selections available at Emeril's, New Orleans' first restaurant to be honored with two stars in the famed Michelin guide. (Michelin North America Inc.)

Kelly Schulz, senior vice president at tourism promoter New Orleans & Company, attended Monday’s presentation in Greenville, S.C. She said the awards will benefit the city’s restaurant community.

“We think it’ll translate into a lot more business for our restaurant community, a lot more positive PR, a lot more positive publicity,” she said. “For those hospitality professionals who make their living in our restaurant community, for them having Michelin on their resume is a tremendous honor.”

Gambino said the recognition puts New Orleans on the culinary map for serious food travelers.

“(New Orleans is) on the map a little bit more now, which it always should have been, in my opinion: Everything from the muffalettas to the truffles and caviar,” Gambino said.

Emeril’s chef E.J. Lagasse also was recognized for excellence as a young restauranteur.

Eleven local restaurants received Michelin’s Bib Gourmand recognition, an award for what Michelin designates as a simpler style of cooking that provides great value for price. They included:

  • Acamaya
  • Cochon
  • Cochon Butcher 
  • Domilise’s Po-Boys & Bar
  • Dooky Chase’s
  • Hungry Eyes 
  • LUFU NOLA 
  • Mister Mao 
  • Parkway Bakery & Tavern 
  • Saba
  • Turkey and the Wolf

And 18 New Orleans eateries made the new guide as Michelin Recommended establishments. They are:

  • 34 Restaurant & Bar
  • Addis NOLA
  • Atchafalaya
  • August
  • Clancy’s
  • Compère Lapin
  • Dakar NOLA 
  • Galatoire’s 
  • Herbsaint 
  • Killer Po-boys 
  • The Kingsway 
  • La Petite Grocery
  • Molly’s Rise and Shine 
  • Osteria Lupo 
  • Patois
  • Pêche 
  • Saffron NOLA 
  • Willie Mae’s NOLA 
Dooky Chase receives James Beard honor

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