TEXAS — For the first time ever, restaurants in five Texas cities will be eligible to receive coveted Michelin stars.

What You Need To Know

  • Texas restaurants can now receive Michelin stars

  • The Michelin Guide has rolled into Texas' largest cities: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio

  • Being featured in the Michelin Guide is seen as the highest honor in the culinary world, and now that honor is open for Texas chefs to vie for

  • Anonymous inspectors are already in the field, so some restaurants may have already been reviewed without knowing it

Travel Texas has partnered with the Michelin Guide to create the Michelin Guide Texas and expand its reach to the state’s largest cities: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.

The Michelin Guide was first introduced in the early 1900s by the Michelin tire company to give French travelers recommendations on where to stop and eat on their trips. The guide has since expanded internationally.

Other states in the U.S. with a Michelin Guide are New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., California and Florida.

“The Texas culinary scene has proven to be an exhilarating one, with multicultural influences, homegrown ingredients and talent that is rich in ambition,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides. “Foodies and travel enthusiasts alike will find something to enjoy, with such a broad dining scene spanning farm-to-table dishes, fusion cuisine, upscale dining and the famous Texas-style barbecue. Texas is a perfect fit for the MICHELIN Guide, based on the experiences of our anonymous Inspectors.”

Being featured in the Michelin Guide is seen as the highest honor in the culinary world, and now that honor is open for Texas chefs to vie for.

"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 introduction of the Guide will be a tremendous asset for Texas, promoting our rich and diverse food culture and elevating the restaurant scene to an international stage.”

The company says its anonymous inspectors are already in the field, so some restaurants may have already been reviewed without knowing it. Selections for Texas’ Michelin Guide will be revealed later this year.

Anonymous inspectors award Michelin stars to restaurants based on five criteria: quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of techniques, personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and consistency across the entire menu and over time. One, two or three stars can be awarded, with three being the highest honor.

The guide also awards a Bib Gourmand for restaurants that have exceptional food at an affordable price. A Green Star is awarded to restaurants that exemplify sustainable cooking.