Myrtle Beach area restaurant with Southern flair featured in new Michelin Guide
A Myrtle Beach area restaurant is featured in the new Michelin Guide American South.
O.A.K. Prime, 4210 River Oaks Drive, is listed as a 2025 recommended restaurant in the new guide, whose anonymous inspectors judged the establishment using the same criteria for Michelin stars, according to a press release.
The upscale restaurant, which the “O.A.K.” stands for one of a kind, is under the direction of Chef Jerrett King. The Carolina Forest establishment opened in 2023 and offers re-imagined classics and culinary creations with a Southern flair, including grilled octopus, smoked oysters, steads, seafood and specialty cocktails.
“It’s overwhelming,” King said about the restaurant’s inclusion in the guide. “I don’t even know how to take it.”
King, who was born and raised in Myrtle Beach, said he doesn’t know when or what judge came to the restaurant, but is honored that O.A.K. Prime was among the South Carolina restaurants chosen.
“For this to happen in our area is really great,” King said.
King got his start in the restaurant business by working in the kitchen at Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar on 21st Avenue, where his brother was the kitchen manager.
Soon after, people began asking him to cook for them. “That boosted my confidence. That was the motivation I needed to continue,” King said.
King is hopeful the restaurant’s recognition will give it an opportunity to earn a Michelin star. “They come back yearly,” King said of the Michelin judges. “(There’s) a good chance to get a star for next year.”
The Michelin Guide offers a selection of world-class restaurants and identifies establishments “serving exceptional cuisine” through its rating system.
This story was originally published November 4, 2025 at 12:39 PM.
