This past Monday marked a significant milestone for Texas as the Michelin Guide made its debut visit to the Lone Star State. At an exclusive gala event held in Houston, 15 restaurants across four cities were awarded Michelin stars, elev ating Texas's culinary scene to new heights. Known predominantly for its barbecue and Tex-Mex roots, the state has now expanded its gastronomical offerings to include 26 diverse cuisines.
The Michelin Guide, renowned for its rigorous standards, evaluates restaurants based on five key criteria. These include product quality, flavor harmony, mastery of cooking techniques, the chef’s personal expression, and consistency across all dining experiences. According to Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the Michelin Guide, Texas has been on their radar for quite some time. “We monitor the evolution of the culinary scene closely, and Texas has been on our radar for years,” he shared.
Poullennec enthused about Texas's culinary diversity, stating, “A Michelin star is a worldwide benchmark awarded to restaurants offering the highest quality of food. From a culinary perspective, Texas deserves to be put on the international travel map. The food culture and authenticity make it worthwhile to travel here because it’s really unique and deserves worldwide recognition.”
Austin, one of the cities highlighted during this inaugural visit, showcased three barbecue joints earning Michelin stars: Leroy and Lewis, which began as a food truck back in 2017; La Barbecue, renowned for its lip-smacking brisket; and InterStellar BBQ, known for its low-and-slow meat cooking methods over post oak wood. But barbecue wasn’t the only category shining; Austin’s broader culinary scene brought home stars for other establishments too.
Olamaie, famous for its Southern-inspired dishes and intriguing cocktails, as well as Hestia, notable for its dramatic open kitchen featuring a 20-foot hearth for live-fire cooking, also earned Michelin recognition. Craft Omakase, a discreet spot offering Japanese cuisine, and Barley Swine, known for its modern American fare, rounded out the Michelin star winners from Austin.
Shifting focus to Houston, the city played host to five distinguished restaurants honored with Michelin stars. They included BCN Taste & Tradition, highlighted for its Spanish cuisine served out of a charming 1920s bungalow; Le Jardinier Houston, celebrated for its vibrant, artfully plated French dishes; March, which explores Mediterranean influences; Musaafer, offering rich Indian flavors set within elegant surroundings; and Tatemó, renowned for its unpretentious Mexican fare tucked away in a humble strip mall.
Dallas, too, made its mark with Tatsu, an exclusive Japanese restaurant featuring only 10 counter seats, recognized for its exceptional sushi. Meanwhile, CorkScrew BBQ, another proud barbecue haunt residing in Spring, Texas, as well as Mixtili, which serves refined Mexican dishes, earned stars for their culinary prowess. These recent accolades reflect not only the quality of food being offered but also the growing recognition of Texas’s place on the gastronomic map.
On top of these Michelin stars, the local dining community also saw two restaurants from Austin earn green stars, which are bestowed upon establishments committed to sustainable practices. Dai Due, known for sourcing nearly all of its ingredients locally, shines as a beacon of sustainability. Emmer & Rye, situated on Rainey Street—a hotspot for food lovers—has strong ties to local farms and emphasizes house-made fermentation processes, clearly placing it at the forefront of the sustainable dining movement.
The Michelin Guide’s inaugural visit has undoubtedly put Texas's culinary scene on the global stage, with the state’s diverse food traditions now recognized and celebrated. This success reflects the leadership and creativity of the chefs and restaurateurs who call Texas home.
What does this all mean for food lovers outside the state? It hints at the opportunity to explore some outstanding dining experiences. Dining at one of these Michelin-starred restaurants could very well become the highlight of any food enthusiast’s travel itinerary. Congratulations to all the establishments honored this year, as they set the bar high for culinary excellence across Texas. The future looks bright for Texas as it continues to showcase its rich and varied food culture to the world.
