The culinary landscape of Texas just got a whole lot brighter! The inaugural Texas Michelin Guide selection has been unveiled, celebrating the state’s diverse and dynamic dining scene with its first-ever stars. Announced at a grand ceremony in Houston’s 713 Music Hall on Monday night, the guide awarded prestigious Michelin Stars to 15 outstanding restaurants across Texas, alongside recognizing two establishments with the coveted MICHELIN Green Star for their commitment to sustainable gastronomy.
This landmark event marks a significant milestone for Texas, officially placing its culinary prowess on the global Michelin Guide map. In total, the guide features an impressive 116 restaurants, showcasing a remarkable 26 different cuisine types, from the quintessential Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex to sophisticated international flavors. The evening was a celebration of culinary excellence, honoring chefs and their dedicated teams who are shaping the future of dining in the Lone Star State.
Image showcasing a selection of Bib Gourmand awards, recognizing Texas restaurants offering great food at a good value.
“Our anonymous Inspectors were deeply impressed by the vibrant culinary community throughout Texas,” remarked Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “This inaugural selection truly reflects the unique flavors of Texas, highlighting regional specialties like exceptional Barbecue and Tex-Mex, while also embracing a rich tapestry of international culinary influences. We are incredibly proud to welcome these restaurants into the MICHELIN Guide family and commend the extraordinary passion and spirit of the Texas restaurant community.”
Here are the distinguished Texas restaurants that earned One MICHELIN Star, along with insights from the anonymous Michelin Inspectors:
One MICHELIN Star Restaurants in Texas
Austin Michelin Star Restaurants
Barley Swine (Contemporary Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, yet the kitchen’s dedication is undeniable. Chef/owner Bryce Gilmore masterfully utilizes local ingredients, weaving in Southwestern flavors inspired by Mexican and Southern traditions, all while maintaining a contemporary and globally-minded approach. The seasonal tasting menu showcases refined dishes with a playful touch. Diners might begin with a miniature everything bagel topped with a creamy smoked radish spread and cucumber infused with a dill hot sauce. A perfectly seared Muscovy duck breast could be paired with a smooth corn puree and a nuanced nixtamalized peach. Their commitment to sustainability is evident, from using repurposed dishes to growing their own produce and collecting rainwater for their garden.”
Craft Omakase (Japanese Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “Discreetly located in Rosedale, Craft Omakase features a welcoming lounge leading to a dining room and counter. Here, Chefs Charlie Wang and Nguyen Nguyen present a remarkable omakase experience. Their inventive approach to omakase incorporates thoughtful embellishments, always ensuring the quality of the fish remains paramount. A significant portion of their ingredients are sourced directly from Japan, and the seafood is expertly prepared. Dishes such as pink shrimp aguachile with sweet potato or hamachi crudo with yuzu-honey sauce are standout moments in a progression that might include ocean trout with crisped skin furikake, shima aji with shiso and ume, or sea scallop with ponzu and lemon zest.”
Hestia (American Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “Upon entering this downtown hotspot, the aroma of wood smoke immediately signals the restaurant’s focus – live fire cooking. The impressive 20-foot hearth in the open kitchen is the heart of the operation. Both the à la carte options and the chef’s tasting menu demonstrate contemporary culinary techniques, emphasizing Texan ingredients. Nearly every dish, from savory to sweet, is touched by flames or infused with smoke. “Embered” cantaloupe with green tomato and shiso blossoms offers a sophisticated start, and hearth-dried tomatoes over fresh grits provide comfort, but the seared scallop with green tomato kosho, enhanced by a tableside pour of beef tallow sauce over mushroom gelée, truly captivates.”
InterStellar BBQ (Barbecue Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “The early queues at InterStellar BBQ are a testament to its quality. Pitmaster John Bates’s low and slow barbecue, cooked over post oak, is the main draw. The brisket, simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic, is exceptional. But the menu extends beyond brisket, featuring peach tea-glazed pork belly that melts in the mouth, moist beer-brined tipsy turkey, and a selection of three sausages, including kielbasa. The side dishes are equally enticing, with standouts like the smoked scalloped potatoes with a golden-brown crust and the poblano creamed corn, alongside the classic Frito pie.”
Image depicting a chef expertly preparing Texas barbecue, showcasing the culinary tradition recognized by the Michelin Guide.
la Barbecue (Barbecue Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “Founded by the late LeAnn Mueller and now led by her wife, Ali Clem, la Barbecue utilizes a massive, custom-built pit to create meaty masterpieces. The interior is vibrant and casual, with a playlist featuring country music icons. While a wait is expected during peak hours, the first bite of brisket at the counter is ample reward. The sublimely tender and flavorful beef is a highlight, but the house-made sausages, pork, and beef ribs are equally tempting. The menu embraces spice, evident in the chipotle coleslaw and fresh kimchi. The mac and cheese is a must-try side.”
Leroy and Lewis Barbecue (Barbecue Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “Starting as a food truck in 2017, Leroy and Lewis Barbecue now operates from a spacious brick-and-mortar location in Garrison Park. Run by two married couples, the restaurant boasts a midcentury modern aesthetic. While brisket is available as a weekend special, the menu explores beyond this staple with daily specials like spice-crusted beef cheeks and inventive sausages, such as one with Hatch green chiles and mozzarella. The banana pudding tiramisu, a creative twist on the classic dessert with coffee-soaked ‘Nilla wafers, is a standout.”
Olamaie (American Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “Named after the chef’s grandmother, mother, and daughter, Olamaie is a charming restaurant north of downtown Austin, featuring white clapboard and black shutters. The cocktail menu is noteworthy, offering a daily punch and creative drinks like the Spaghetti Western martini. The cuisine is Southern with a contemporary refinement. The warm buttermilk biscuit, served with whipped honey butter and sea salt, is essential. The chicken pressé provides a unique take on chicken and dumplings, complementing a menu that includes blackened dayboat fish, gumbo, and red rice with Gulf shrimp.”
Dallas Michelin Star Restaurants
Tatsu Dallas (Japanese Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “With only 10 counter seats, securing a reservation at Tatsu Dallas, located in the Continental Gin Building, is the primary challenge – but the reward is a truly authentic sushi experience. The omakase menu, featuring approximately 14 pieces, adheres to the Edomae tradition, progressing from lighter to richer flavors. Diners might begin with Alaskan sockeye salmon, followed by Spanish tuna and Hokkaido uni, concluding with Maine eel. Chef Tatsuya Sekiguchi uses Hokkaido rice and his precise techniques ensure each piece is perfect. He even adjusts the size to individual preferences. All guests are served simultaneously, so punctuality is key.”
Houston Michelin Star Restaurants
BCN Taste & Tradition (Spanish Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “Located off Richmond Avenue in a 1920s bungalow, BCN Taste & Tradition offers both sophisticated and familiar Spanish flavors, enhanced by personable service. Seafood is a highlight, exemplified by tender sea cucumber with lobster rice and thinly sliced octopus with potato purée and smoked paprika. Chef Luis Roger also excels with meat dishes, such as the Iberian suckling pig with a crisp crust and rich red wine sauce. The beverage menu features an all-Spanish wine list and a dedicated gin and tonic selection. Owner Ignacio Torras’s art collection, including Picasso ceramics, adds to the restaurant’s charm.”
Image from the Michelin Guide award ceremony in Texas, highlighting the celebratory atmosphere of the event.
CorkScrew BBQ (Spring; Barbecue Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “Arrive before opening or risk missing out at CorkScrew BBQ in Spring, just north of Houston. This barbecue sensation, open since 2015, consistently draws long lines and sells out quickly. Will and Nichole Buckman create exceptional brisket and beef ribs, using red oak to smoke prime cuts from Creekstone Farms and Compart Family Farms, resulting in a distinct color and deep smoky flavor that lingers. Beyond the meats, loaded baked potatoes, tacos with green-chile ranch, and fruit cobblers are tempting additions, though regulars often pre-order to avoid the queue.”
Le Jardinier Houston (French Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “Chef Alain Verzeroli brings his elegant and vegetable-forward cuisine to Houston, mirroring his restaurants in Manhattan and Miami. The Museum of Fine Arts location perfectly complements his colorful and refined dishes. Accomplished sauces, seasonal vegetables, and thoughtful cocktails are central to the Le Jardinier experience. Highlights include zucchini spaghetti with yellow pepper coulis and Comté foam, and Maine diver scallops with carrot jus reduction and sugar snap peas. Desserts like the yuzu mousse with raspberry compote and pistachio sable are visually stunning. The professional and welcoming team ensures a seamless dining experience.”
March (Creative/Mediterranean Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “March embarks on an ambitious culinary journey through the Mediterranean, exploring distinct regions through tasting menus and beverage pairings. Despite its ambitious concept, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, offering a luxurious yet engaging dining experience. Guests begin with cocktails and appetizers in the stylish lounge before moving to the main dining room for the tasting menu. The beautifully plated dishes are refined and innovative, promising a memorable culinary show from start to finish.”
Musaafer (Indian Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “Located within a shopping mall, Musaafer defies expectations with its palatial and elaborately decorated interior. The setting is as captivating as the cuisine. The onion xuixo, a large deep-fried sphere dusted with 24 spices and filled with potato and onion, is a dramatic and flavorful starter. Plump prawns are served in a delicate coriander, coconut milk, and curry leaf sauce. The dal, a familiar dish, is elevated by a 72-hour cooking process with tomato, butter, and smoked chili. The meticulous attention to detail and spice is evident throughout, creating a dining experience that is both stylish and deeply satisfying.”
Tatemó (Mexican Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “Located in an unassuming strip mall, Tatemó, a tortilleria-turned-tasting menu restaurant, is full of surprises. Chef Emmanuel Chavez presents a beautifully structured and proportioned experience centered around heirloom corn from across Mexico. His elegant interpretations of ceviche, quesadillas, and gorditas are enhanced by vibrant salsas and creative sauces. The standout dish might be the mole negro, strikingly black and served under a tortilla made from nixtamalized plantains.”
San Antonio Michelin Star Restaurants
Mixtli (Mexican Cuisine)
Michelin Inspectors noted: “Mixtli, the brainchild of Chefs Diego Galicia and Rico Torres, is a pioneering restaurant driven by a deep respect for Mexican cuisine. The frequently changing tasting menus explore different regions of Mexico, offering innovative takes on specialties from Oaxaca and “Tierra Caliente,” and drawing inspiration from Mexico’s culinary history. The cooking is both intellectually stimulating and delicious, with meticulously crafted and artfully presented dishes that tell a story while delighting the palate.”
MICHELIN Green Star Restaurants in Texas
The MICHELIN Guide also recognizes restaurants that are leading the way in sustainability with the MICHELIN Green Star. In Texas, two Austin restaurants have been awarded this distinction:
Dai Due (Austin; American Cuisine)
Michelin Green Star initiatives include: locally sourced produce, seed oil-free cooking, recycling and composting programs, locally sourced Texas wines and beers, ethical meat sourcing, minimizing food waste through reuse, and a fermentation program.
Emmer & Rye (Austin; American Cuisine)
Michelin Green Star initiatives include: sourcing ingredients from local Texas farms and their own no-till, organically fertilized partner farm, utilizing whole animals and fish, comprehensive use of vegetable scraps and composting food waste, and a bar program featuring house-made vinegars, preserved local cherries, and bitters from Texas ingredients.
Image showcasing the Michelin Green Star and Special Awards logos, representing Michelin’s recognition of sustainability and exceptional individuals in the culinary industry.
Bib Gourmand Awardees in Texas
In addition to the coveted stars, the Michelin Guide bestowed the Bib Gourmand distinction upon 44 restaurants in Texas. This award highlights establishments that offer delicious food at a moderate price point, making them Inspector favorites for everyday dining. The full list of Bib Gourmand restaurants is available on the Michelin Guide website and app.
MICHELIN Guide Special Awards
Beyond stars and Bib Gourmands, the Michelin Guide also presented four Special Awards during the ceremony, recognizing exceptional individuals in the Texas culinary scene for their talent and contributions. Details about the special award categories and recipients can be found on the MICHELIN Guide website and app.
Michelin Guide Hotels in Texas
The Michelin Guide’s recognition of Texas extends beyond restaurants to include hotels. The guide features a curated selection of unique and exciting hotels in Texas, chosen for their outstanding style, service, and personality, catering to various budgets. Highlights from the Texas hotel selection include The Commodore Perry in Austin (two MICHELIN Keys), Hôtel Swexan in Dallas (one MICHELIN Key), and Hotel Emma in San Antonio (two MICHELIN Keys). These hotels, along with others in the selection, can be booked directly through the Michelin Guide website and app.
Image explaining the Michelin Guide Keys rating system for hotels, indicating levels of exceptional hospitality.
The Michelin Guide: A Global Benchmark Arrives in Texas
The arrival of the Michelin Guide in Texas is a testament to the state’s flourishing culinary scene and its growing importance on the global gastronomic map. Texas joins a prestigious list of North American destinations covered by the guide, including New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., California, Florida, Toronto, Vancouver, Colorado, Atlanta, Mexico, and Quebec.
Since its inception in France at the beginning of the 20th century, the Michelin Guide has remained a trusted source for culinary recommendations. Michelin Inspectors, adhering to time-tested and rigorous criteria, evaluate restaurants based on product quality, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, the chef’s personality as expressed in the cuisine, and consistency across menus and over time. This commitment to consistent and objective evaluation ensures that a Michelin Star represents the same high standard of culinary excellence worldwide.
The Texas Michelin Guide is now available online and via the Michelin Guide mobile app, offering diners and travelers a comprehensive resource for discovering the best restaurants and hotels in the Lone Star State. Explore the full selection and embark on your own Texas culinary adventure!
Screenshot of the Michelin Guide mobile app interface, promoting its use for discovering and booking restaurants and hotels.
