Motor Supply Co. Bistro recommended in the Michelin Guide American South for second consecutive year

Award-winning farm-to-table restaurant once again among two Columbia establishments recognized by the Michelin Guide

Motor Supply Co. Bistro, a cornerstone of Columbia’s culinary scene since 1989, has once again been recognized by the Michelin Guide American South, earned a coveted Michelin recommendation. The guide’s second-edition selections were revealed Oct. 21 at a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn. Motor Supply is one of two Columbia restaurants recognized, returning to the guide one year after it was named in the inaugural edition.

“Being recognized once was an honor. Being recognized two years in a row means even more, because it reflects the work our team puts in every single night,” said Motor Supply Co. Bistro owner Eddie Wales. “For more than 30 years, this restaurant has been shaped by seasonal ingredients, the farmers and producers we work with and the people who gather around our tables. This one belongs to all of them.”

Now in its second year, the Michelin Guide American South covers Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Atlanta. This year’s edition highlights 265 restaurants across the region, including 27 in South Carolina.

A Michelin recommendation recognizes restaurants that demonstrate exceptional quality, creativity and consistency in their cuisine. Selected by anonymous Michelin inspectors, restaurants are evaluated on five criteria: the quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of cooking techniques and how the chef’s personality is expressed through the cuisine across the menu.

For Motor Supply Co. Bistro, the distinction reflects its longstanding commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, innovative culinary techniques and thoughtfully prepared dishes that celebrate the flavors of the South.

In addition to Motor Supply, Di Vino Rosso was recommended from Columbia. Across the state, Scoundrel in Greenville and Charleston’s Malagón Mercado y Taperia, Vern’s and Wild Common each held their one-star distinctions. South Carolina also added three new Bib Gourmand restaurants and three newly recommended restaurants.

Executive Chef Marcell Lambert attended the Nashville ceremony on behalf of the restaurant. Lambert joined Motor Supply as a line cook in 2023, was promoted to sous chef two months later and now leads the kitchen. A graduate of the Art Institute of Charleston, he cooked at the historic Mills House Hotel and earned his first sous chef role at Edmund’s Oast at 23. He also founded One More Bite, his private chef business.

Earlier this year, Lambert was named Midlands Chef of the Year at the SC Food Systems Network’s Good Grounds Exchange. A self-described chef for the people, he focuses on spotlighting local farmers and serving good food for good people.

Located in the city’s historic Vista district, Motor Supply is known for chef-driven menus that evolve with the seasons and with what local farmers and fishermen bring through the door. By partnering with local producers and approaching every plate with artistry and purpose, the restaurant has established itself as a leader in the region’s evolving culinary landscape.

Led by owner Eddie Wales, Motor Supply has been a fixture in Columbia’s Vista for 37 years. Wales brings more than 30 years of restaurant experience and a deep passion for Columbia to his work every day. Placing a priority on green business practices and contemporary Southern hospitality, Wales leads a staff of passionate professionals who go above and beyond in everything they do.

About Motor Supply Co. Bistro

Motor Supply Co. Bistro, a two-time Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant, has been serving Columbia and visitors innovative farm-to-table cuisine since 1989. Named one of the South’s Five Best Restaurants by Southern Living magazine, Motor Supply changes its menu daily to highlight the freshest local ingredients and provide superior personal service, ensuring a truly memorable dining experience. For more information, please visit https://motorsupplycobistro.com/.