Michelin Guide Recognizes Two Wilmington Restaurants
Salita Pizza and manna earned spots in the 2026 American South guide following a state tourism investment.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Food and Drink
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The prestigious Michelin Guide added Wilmington eateries Salita Pizza and manna to its 2026 American South publication. Manna owner Billy Mellon also received the 2026 Michelin Sommelier Award during the ceremony.
Why it matters
The inclusion follows a $1.035 million three-year funding commitment by North Carolina tourism organizations to secure state representation in the guide. Governments frequently pay to have regional culinary scenes evaluated for potential international recognition.
The 2026 American South guide highlights 22 starred restaurants, 14 new Bib Gourmands, and 32 new recommended eateries across 44 cuisine types. Salita Pizza reported sales doubled and daily volume reached 200 pies over the weekend following the announcement.
The players
Billy Mellon
He is the owner of manna and the recipient of the 2026 Michelin Sommelier Award.
Salita Pizza
This is a Wilmington eatery located in the Cargo District that was recognized in the 2026 American South guide.
manna
This is a downtown Wilmington fine-dining establishment known for its extensive wine list of 800 selections.
The details
Michelin inspectors perform multiple site visits throughout the fiscal year to assess flavor consistency, culinary technique, and food quality. Following these evaluations, selected restaurants provide documentation to the Michelin database.
Timeline
2025: North Carolina began a three-year funding commitment for guide inclusion.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026: The Michelin Guide American South ceremony occurred.
Oct. 22-25, 2026: Manna reported increased walk-in customer volume.
Oct. 24-25, 2026: Salita Pizza sold out of approximately 200 pizzas daily.
Industry Dynamics
The North Carolina expansion reflects a growing trend of tourism boards funding Michelin Guide recognition to boost regional visibility. This strategy mirrors the path taken by the Atlanta tourism bureau, which launched its own three-year, $1 million investment program in 2023.
Local diners should expect increased wait times and higher demand for reservations at manna and Salita Pizza following the national recognition. Manna currently maintains a wine list of 800 selections available to patrons.
The takeaway
Regional hospitality sectors increasingly leverage public funding to secure competitive advantages through international recognition like the Michelin Guide. Residents can expect the local dining landscape to evolve as these establishments gain national prestige and attract broader crowds.
What happens next
Billy Mellon and Carson Jewell are scheduled to open a new restaurant called For Isabella in the Soda Pop District later in 2026.
Further reading
Explore more local culinary developments in the Wilmington Food and Drink section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Port City Daily.
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