Texas has long been celebrated for its robust culinary scene, from sizzling barbecue pits to contemporary fine dining. Now, the Lone Star State is officially on the global gastronomic map of the MICHELIN Guide. The inaugural MICHELIN Guide Texas selection has been unveiled, and it’s nothing short of spectacular.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new culinary stars of Texas and why this state is now a must-visit for foodies and travellers alike.
2. What’s in the Guide?
At a glittering ceremony in Houston’s 713 Music Hall, chefs and restaurant teams from Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio were celebrated for their contributions to Texas’ thriving food scene. The MICHELIN Guide Texas Stars reflect a diverse culinary landscape:
- Barbecue Masters: Spots like InterStellar BBQ and CorkScrew BBQ take smoked meats to an art form.
- Global Influences: Restaurants like Craft Omakase (Japanese) and Musaafer (Indian) offer international flair.
- Refined Southern Cuisine: Olamaie elevates comfort food with a contemporary touch.
- French Elegance: Le Jardinier delights with its garden-inspired plates.
Each restaurant on this coveted list represents excellence in flavour, technique, and innovation.
Restaurants can earn:
- MICHELIN Stars for exceptional cuisine (1-3 stars).
- Bib Gourmand awards for great food at reasonable prices.
- Green Stars for leadership in sustainable gastronomy.
3. A Spotlight on Sustainable Gastronomy
Sustainability is at the forefront of modern dining, and Texas chefs are rising to the challenge. The MICHELIN Green Star honours the following restaurants because they are committed to eco-friendly practices, such as sourcing local ingredients, reducing waste, and implementing sustainable cooking techniques.
Two Texas restaurants earned the prestigious MICHELIN Green Star:
- Dai Due (Austin): Known for its ethical sourcing, zero-waste practices, and dedication to local ingredients.
- Emmer & Rye (Austin): Pioneers in no-till farming and inventive ways to minimize food waste.
These restaurants lead the way in sustainable dining, proving that delicious
4. Hotels in the MICHELIN Guide
It’s not just about the food. Texas joins MICHELIN’s curated hotel selection, featuring places that blend style, service, and personality. Whether you’re seeking luxury in the heart of Austin or a boutique stay near the San Antonio River Walk, each hotel promises a unique experience. Bonus: They can all be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website or app.
5. How Does MICHELIN Choose?
The Guide uses five universal criteria to evaluate restaurants:
- Quality of ingredients
- Harmony of flavors
- Mastery of cooking techniques
- Chef’s personality in the cuisine
- Consistency across multiple visits
Inspectors dine anonymously and pay their own way, ensuring every restaurant is judged as fairly as possible.
For hotels, the MICHELIN Guide evaluates hotels based on five universal criteria to ensure a consistent and high-quality selection:
- Excellence in Architecture and Interior Design
- Quality and Consistency of Service
- Overall Personality and Character
- Value for the Price
- Significant Contribution to the Neighborhood or Setting
Just like a MICHELIN-rated restaurant, a MICHELIN-rated hotel can earn One, Two, or Three Keys.
One Key: a very special stay.
Two Keys: an exceptional stay.
Three Keys: an extraordinary stay.
6. A Little MICHELIN History
The MICHELIN Guide began in France in the early 1900s, created to encourage road trips and, yes, tire sales. Since then, it has grown into the gold standard for dining recommendations. Its North American journey began in 2005 with the New York City Guide and has since expanded to Chicago, California, Toronto, and beyond. With Texas now on the roster, the Lone Star State joins an elite club.
7. What This Means for Texas
The MICHELIN Guide’s presence elevates Texas’ restaurant scene to a global platform, attracting food lovers and travelers from around the world. As Tim Fennell, director of Travel Texas, explains, “The MICHELIN Guide will illustrate the culinary journey waiting to be discovered, featuring restaurants that embody our heritage and introducing innovative chefs redefining our food scene.”
8. Can’t Wait? Texas Food Highlights to Try Now
Here are a few Texan culinary delights to explore:
- Smoky BBQ: Try Franklin Barbecue in Austin or Pecan Lodge in Dallas.
- Savory Tex-Mex: Don’t miss San Antonio’s enchilada-filled gems.
- Global Fusion: Houston’s culinary diversity will take you from Vietnamese crawfish to Nigerian jollof rice.
- Seafood: With its Gulf Coast bounty, Texas delivers fresh seafood straight to your plate.
9. Don’t Miss These MICHELIN Hotels
Beyond the plate, MICHELIN’s hotel recommendations shine a light on Texas’ hospitality gems:
- Austin: For boho-chic vibes, stay at Hotel Saint Cecilia or Commodore Perry Estate.
- Houston: Check into La Colombe d’Or for art-filled luxury.
- San Antonio: Experience a slice of history at the Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk.
Each property offers an unparalleled mix of style, comfort, and service, ensuring your stay is as memorable as your meals.
10. How to Use the Guide
Planning your next trip? The MICHELIN Guide app and website are your go-to tools for finding top-rated restaurants and hotels. Filter by star ratings, Bib Gourmand options, or sustainable dining, and book your reservations directly with a few taps.
Final Bite
The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide is a milestone for Texas, cementing its place as a culinary destination worth exploring. From sizzling BBQ pits to avant-garde tasting menus, the Lone Star State promises to impress. So, grab your fork, bring your appetite, and let the MICHELIN Guide be your map to everything delicious in Texas. VIEW FULL RESTAURANT AND HOTEL RESULTS.