The 2024 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Atlanta has officially landed, and food enthusiasts have another reason to celebrate! Spring, a charming Marietta Square restaurant, has been honored with its very first MICHELIN star. This is no small feat, highlighting the exceptional culinary experience that Spring has to offer.

What Makes a MICHELIN Star So Special?

For anyone who loves food, the MICHELIN star is kind of like the Oscar of the culinary world. It’s a symbol of excellence, a mark that says, “Hey, this place is worth the trip!” MICHELIN’s anonymous inspectors evaluate restaurants based on product quality, cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, the chef’s personality as reflected in the cuisine, and consistency. Earning even a single star is a huge deal, signifying a level of precision and artistry that only a handful of establishments manage to achieve.

Spring: Where Seasonal Magic Happens

Spring, a small but beautifully designed restaurant in the heart of Marietta, has captured the attention of MICHELIN’s notoriously picky inspectors. With its exposed brick walls and vaulted ceiling adorned in rich dark wood, the space offers a cozy yet refined atmosphere. Chef Brian So leads the kitchen with an approach that places emphasis on the seasons, serving up contemporary American dishes that are skillfully executed without being overly showy.

Chef So’s menu is a tight, thoughtful selection, focusing on making the most of top-quality ingredients. The wine list at Spring is also certainly worth noting. From full-bodied reds to crisp whites, the selection is tailored to complement the seasonal dishes and elevate the overall dining experience. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a very fancy adult, but without any of the pretension—just good food, good wine, and a great time.

A Win for Marietta and Metro Atlanta

Spring’s recognition is part of a larger culinary celebration for Atlanta, with three other restaurants—O by Brush, Omakase Table, and Staplehouse—also receiving their first MICHELIN stars this year. It’s safe to say that metro Atlanta is firmly on the map when it comes to fine dining, and Spring is leading the way for Marietta in particular.

As the MICHELIN Guide continues its journey through Atlanta for the second year, it’s clear that the local food scene is bursting with talent and passion. With Spring’s well-deserved accolade, Marietta officially has a shining star of its own, one that’s sure to make food lovers take notice.

From the MICHELIN guide:

Spring (Contemporary cuisine)

“Find your way to this small but well-appointed restaurant in Marietta where exposed brick and a vaulted ceiling done in dark wood create an endearing charm. Chef Brian So oversees a tightly edited, contemporary American menu with a strong focus on seasonality. Skillful but simple cooking is the dictum here, where ingredients speak for themselves, and plates are stunning without ever being showy. The house-made sourdough with garlic chive butter is delicious, but don’t fill up, as the pan-seared wild king salmon topped with Hollandaise sauce and trout roe is equally appealing. A maple-glazed cruller with sliced almonds in an amaretto crème anglaise is a bold and distinctive dessert, and the wine list is especially impressive.”