The excitement is building among Texas chefs as the next Michelin star winners are set to be unveiled on October 28, 2025. This prestigious event will take place in Houston, gathering prominent culinary figures from the state’s five largest cities: Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
Chefs and restaurant owners will congregate at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts for a rapid-fire awards ceremony, where they will learn if they have secured a prestigious Michelin honor.
The awards will comprise various accolades, including the coveted Michelin star, awarded at three levels: 1-star, 2-star, or 3-star. The highest achievement, a 3-star rating, is reserved for exceptional dining experiences.
Additionally, awards will be given for Bib Gourmand status, recognizing restaurants that provide great food at moderate prices; a Green Star for exemplary sustainability efforts; and a Recommended honor for restaurants delivering exceptional meals yet not achieving star status.
In the 2024 awards, only one Texas restaurant, Tatsu, earned a 1-star distinction, while no establishments in Fort Worth received star recognition. Overall, 15 restaurants in Texas were awarded Michelin stars, with no establishments attaining 2- or 3-star ratings.
The Michelin Guide’s venture into Texas marks a significant milestone for the state’s culinary scene. It reflects a growing acknowledgment of Texas restaurants on an international stage, as Michelin inspectors, who are anonymous critics, often begin their evaluations in a new region with a more conservative approach.
As reported by The Dallas Morning News, several chefs were not surprised by the absence of 2- or 3-star awards during the inaugural year. This first edition of the Michelin Guide Texas is seen as a groundbreaking moment, underscoring the potential for Texas restaurants to attract global attention.
Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guide, emphasized the rich heritage of Texas cuisine, reinforcing the notion that restaurants recognized by Michelin should serve as destinations for travelers. This aligns with the company’s history—originating as a tire manufacturer encouraging travel among Europeans nearly a century ago.
In terms of recognition, a total of 116 restaurants across Texas received awards in various categories. Of these, 28 are located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with the remaining awards distributed among the Austin, Houston, and San Antonio metros.
The significance of receiving a Michelin star or any form of recognition cannot be overstated. The absence of guaranteed distinctions places immense pressure on chefs who seek to earn spots in the Michelin Guide and uphold their standing. The anonymous nature of inspectors’ visits means that on any given night, a chef’s performance could impact their restaurant’s reputation.
Dean Fearing, a noted chef in Dallas, referred to Michelin as ‘the monkey on your back,’ acknowledging the anxiety it creates for many in the industry. His restaurant, Fearing’s, achieved Recommended status in 2024, and like many of his peers, Fearing now faces the constant uncertainty of when a Michelin inspector might arrive.
Michelin’s reputation as the gold standard in food ratings adds to the pressure, transforming the pursuit of culinary excellence into a highly competitive landscape. This annual recognition is likened to the Olympic Games for culinary arts, highlighting only the world’s finest establishments.
As the culinary landscape in Dallas continues to evolve, chefs are increasingly adding tasting menus and innovative dining experiences, likely in hopes of garnering a Michelin star or other accolades in the upcoming awards. This anticipation builds as culinary professionals prepare to showcase their talents, knowing that every service presents an opportunity to impress.
The countdown is on for the Michelin Guide Texas ceremony set for October 28, 2025. With invitations strictly limited, chefs across Texas are on edge, uncertain if they will receive the coveted call to join the celebration in Houston.
For more updates on the Michelin Guide and the honored restaurants in Texas, stay tuned to dallasnews.com/michelin.
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