The Lone Star State has officially joined the prestigious ranks of the MICHELIN Guide, becoming the eleventh North American region to be honored. Unveiled last month, the inaugural Texas guide spotlights 117 restaurants across the state, recognizing culinary excellence in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.
“The Texas culinary scene has proven to be an exhilarating one, with multicultural influences, homegrown ingredients, and talent that is rich in ambition,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide.
With farm-to-table establishments showcasing fresh, local produce to innovative fusion restaurants blending global flavors, Texas offers a diverse and exciting dining landscape. The state’s barbecue tradition of slow-cooked meats and smoky sauces is iconic.
“The MICHELIN Guide Texas will illustrate to global travelers the culinary journey that’s waiting to be discovered in our state, featuring restaurants that embody our heritage and introducing innovative chefs and local artisans who are redefining our food scene,” said Tim Fennell, director of Travel Texas.
The Guide, launched by brothers André and Édouard Michelin in 1900, began awarding star ratings to restaurants in 1926. Since its U.S. debut in 2005, the guide has expanded to cities and states across the country, including California, Illinois, New York, Washington, D.C., Colorado, Atlanta, and now, Texas.
Being included in the Michelin Guide can have a profound impact on a region’s economy and culinary scene. Food enthusiasts and tourists from around the globe flock to cities recognized by the guide. This influx of visitors benefits not only the hospitality industry but also local businesses in sectors such as accommodation, transportation, and retail.
Over 57% of travelers in a recent EY study said they would extend their stay at a destination with MICHELIN-Starred restaurants and two-thirds of travelers say they would choose a MICHELIN destination over a comparable one.
Even more impressively, 71% of travelers would increase their spending if a MICHELIN Guide selection existed in a city.
San Antonio Leads the Texas Culinary Scene
San Antonio’s thriving culinary scene has earned 12 mentions in the Texas MICHELIN Guide and a coveted spot in the Délice Network, a global community of 25 cities committed to elevating food and gastronomy as tools for economic growth. As one of just three U.S. cities– joining Tuscon and Chicago– San Antonio reinforces its position as a global culinary destination.
“Being accepted into this international professional network is a tremendous honor for our city,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “It recognizes the dedication of our chefs, the vibrancy of our local food scene, and our commitment to fostering a sustainable city and thriving culinary culture.”
San Antonio’s diverse culinary scene, rooted in Mexican, Spanish, and German influences, has earned global recognition. The city has been honored by MICHELIN, Délice, and UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, making it one of only two U.S. cities to receive this prestigious designation.
“San Antonio is where Tex-Mex cuisine was born and where the many flavors from our modern, diverse chefs and restaurants surprise and delight visitors to our city,” says Marc Anderson, President & CEO of Visit San Antonio.
Mixtli, the brainchild of celebrated chefs Diego Galicia and Rico Torres, has been awarded a prestigious one-star Michelin rating, a nod to its high-quality cooking. The ever-changing tasting menu showcases Mexico’s culinary heritage, featuring classic and contemporary dishes that celebrate the country’s rich culinary history.
While Michelin-starred dining is certainly impressive, San Antonio offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to all budgets. La Panadería, for example, has been ranked #1 on Yelp’s list of Top Places to Eat in 2024.
From the flaky layers of their croissants to the traditional flavors of their conchas, the bakery’s dedication to authentic recipes and quality ingredients has earned it well-deserved recognition.
“We feel honored that our guests have given us this recognition through Yelp, which is one of our most valued tools for interacting with our community,” says José Cáceres, co-founder of La Pandería.
BBQ Takes Top Honors
Fort Worth, Texas, is also establishing itself as a culinary hub that transcends traditional Tex-Mex, featuring a vibrant BBQ scene that reflects the city’s diverse social fabric.
Goldee’s Barbecue Panther City Barbecue, and Birrieria Y Taqueria Cortez, along with Smoke ‘N Ash BBQ in Arlington, were recently recognized by MICHELIN.
Goldee’s, in particular, won a Bib Gourmand award, which honors restaurants offering great food at reasonable prices. This young barbecue joint, opened in 2020 by five owners under 30, has quickly become a local favorite. It topped the list of best Texas barbecue joints in 2021 and continues to impress with its innovative approach to traditional barbecue.
The Goldee’s team incorporates elements from their diverse backgrounds into their dishes, including Laotian sausage served with sticky rice and jeow som sauce. The Panther City BBQ team blends their Mexican heritage into barbecue, adding a Tex-Mex twist with brisket-topped elote and street tacos.
“Michelin Guide Texas recognized Fort Worth’s food scene belongs on the international stage,” said Mitch Whitten, Visit Fort Worth’s chief operating officer.
At the forefront is Don Artemio, a 2023 James Beard Award finalist for best new restaurant, where Mexican culinary heritage is celebrated through every meticulous detail, from imported blue corn tortillas to a rare Mexican wine selection and interiors reminiscent of Saltillo, Mexico.
Mitch adds, “Fort Worth is an unexpected find for culinary travelers who may not know as much about our city. Don Artemio, for example, near the Kimbell Art Museum, draws visitors from around the country because of its reputation and as a James Beard finalist for best new restaurant.”
Whitten points out that a significant portion, approximately one-third, of visitor spending is allocated to food and beverage.
He says, “Participating in the Michelin Guide Texas is an important addition to our overall culinary strategy. In addition to seeking new visitors, we want to increase support for the growing number of restaurants devoted to new tastes and fine dining.”
