The Texas food scene has reached new peaks with the recent release of the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Texas, which recognized 15 restaurants in the state with the coveted one-MICHELIN-star honor and two additional restaurants with the MICHELIN Green Star for sustainability.
The 117 restaurants selected for inclusion in the guide span five Texas cities: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. They range from acclaimed fine dining to smaller value-driven hidden gems.
Tatsu Dallas, an edomae-style sushi spot in Deep Ellum, is the sole restaurant in the city to receive a one-MICHELIN-star rating.
No restaurants in the state earned a two—or three-star rating. However, several local establishments earned the “Recommended” label, while others received the “Bib Gourmand” distinction, highlighting high-quality meals at more affordable prices.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, seven restaurants earned Bib Gourmand awards:
- Cattleack
- Gemma
- Lucia
- Một Hai Ba
- Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen
- Nonna
- Goldee’s
Governor Greg Abbott congratulated the chefs, owners, and their teams for their contributions to the state’s booming food scene in a recent press release.
“The coveted MICHELIN Stars rankings will have a lasting impact on the Texas economy, bringing travelers from around the world to experience the best Texas offers. More than just our world-renowned barbecue and Tex-Mex, every region of Texas offers a rich menu of flavors that draws visitors from across the globe,” Abbott said.
The MICHELIN Guide Texas covers 26 different cuisines, showcasing everything from traditional Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex to more obscure international eats.
The state’s food service industry, which generates more than $100 billion in annual sales, was highlighted as a key driver of the Texas economy. Abbott’s office declared that the restaurant sector is now the largest private employer within the state.
“This is why the food service industry is a cornerstone of our economy,” Abbott added.
The official launch of the MICHELIN Guide Texas occurred at a Houston ceremony earlier this week at 713 Music Hall. At the event, chefs and restaurant teams were honored on stage for their contributions to the state’s food scene.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, complimented the Texas food scene’s overall diversity.
“Our anonymous Inspectors were impressed by the culinary community across the state. The selection reflects their findings by highlighting uniquely Texas flavors, such as Barbecue and Tex-Mex, as well as several international influences,” Poullennec said. “We are very honored to welcome these restaurants to the MICHELIN Guide family for the first time and we toast to the tremendous spirit of the Texas restaurant community!”
This is the first year that the decades-old MICHELIN Guide has included the state of Texas. State and city tourism boards, including Dallas and Fort Worth, paid to bring the guide to Texas. Other U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., have had MICHELIN Guides for several years.
Readers can check out the MICHELIN Guide Texas for a complete list of restaurants that made the prestigious list.
