Only One Louisiana Sandwich Made Michelin’s Best List — And It’s a Classic

(KMDL-FM) When most people think of the Michelin Guide, they picture white-tablecloth dining and prestigious Michelin stars awarded to the world’s top restaurants. But recently, Michelin inspectors turned their attention to a far more relatable — and handheld — culinary category: sandwiches.

Michelin Guide Expands Beyond Fine Dining

Last month, the Michelin Guide released a special list highlighting what its inspectors believe are the very best sandwiches in North America. After sampling everything from legendary Philadelphia cheesesteaks to stacked tortas in Mexico City, only seven sandwiches made the cut.

And Louisiana food lovers have a big reason to celebrate.

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The Only Louisiana Sandwich to Make the List

The iconic muffaletta from Cochon Butcher in New Orleans earned a spot on Michelin’s exclusive list, standing as the lone Louisiana representative among the continent’s elite sandwiches. The recognition puts one of the Crescent City’s most beloved creations on the same level as some of North America’s most famous sandwich destinations.

“While The MICHELIN Guide may be synonymous with Stars, there’s so much more than fine dining in our carefully curated selections,” Michelin wrote in its announcement accompanying the list.

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Michelin’s sandwich selections were presented without ranking, but the full list includes:

• The Campechano Torta at La89 in Mexico City
• Cheesesteaks from Dalessandro’s in Philadelphia and Fred’s Meat & Bread in Atlanta
• The Italiano at Lardon in Chicago
• The Lamb Pita at Yellow in Washington, D.C.
• The Muffaletta at Cochon Butcher in New Orleans
• The Pambazo de Carnitas at La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal in Denver

Get more information and photos of each sandwich at the Michelin Guide's official website.

What the Bib Gourmand Designation Means

Each restaurant on the list has also earned Michelin’s "Bib Gourmand" designation, an honor reserved for establishments that deliver high-quality food at a great value. While more than 3,000 restaurants worldwide hold the Bib Gourmand distinction, Michelin notes they all share a simpler, more approachable style of cooking.

“You typically won’t find molecular gastronomy or extremely precious ingredients,” the guide explains. “Instead they tend to leave you with a particular sense of satisfaction at having dined so well without breaking the bank.”

For Louisiana, the recognition reinforces what locals have known for generations: when it comes to bold flavors and unforgettable sandwiches, the muffaletta still holds its own on the world stage.