Michelin Guide Awards Stars to 7 Austin Restaurants in First-Ever Texas Guide

The Michelin Guide has unveiled its first-ever Texas edition, awarding a range of prestigious accolades to restaurants across the state, with Austin receiving the most honors in several categories. Announced Monday, Nov. 11, at 713 Music Hall in Downtown Houston, the Texas Guide recognizes the state’s dynamic culinary landscape and its contributions to international dining.

The 2024 Michelin Guide for Texas awards Michelin Stars, Bib Gourmands, Green Stars for sustainability, and special distinctions to restaurants in cities such as Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth. Originally established in France in 1900 as a free travel resource, the Michelin Guide has since evolved into a globally respected authority in fine dining. The guide now ranks over 30,000 establishments worldwide, awarding stars for culinary excellence based on food quality—evaluated through ingredient quality, flavor balance, technical expertise, chef’s expression, and consistency.

Texas “One-Star” honors include seven standouts from Austin

In Texas, no restaurant received the highly coveted two-star rating; however, 15 earned one star, with Austin claiming seven of these awards.

Austin’s one-star honorees include:

• Barley Swine
• Craft Omakase
• Hestia
• Olamaie
• Interstellar BBQ
• La Barbecue
• Leroy and Lewis Barbecue

“Completely surreal,” Bates of Interstellar BBQ said of the award. “It’s such an amazing thing to be a part of and share with my heroes in food.” Alison Clem of La Barbecue, another one-star recipient, shared her excitement, saying, “This is incredible, not just for me, but for my restaurant and the staff that have worked so hard.”

Austin awarded with 23 notable restaurant picks

Austin also led the Texas Selected category, securing 23 of the 57 Texas recognitions. This category highlights notable dining establishments from family-owned spots to elevated fine dining.

Austin’s recommended restaurants include:

• Apt 115
• Birdie’s
• Comedor
• Con Todo
• DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya
• Discada
• Este
• Ezov
• Garrison
• Jeffrey’s
• Joe’s Bakery and Coffee Shop
• Launderette
• La Condesa
• Lenoir
• Ling Kitchen
• Lutie’s
• Maie Day
• Mexta
• Mum Foods Smokehouse & Delicatessen
• Suerte
• Tare
• Terry Black’s BBQ
• Toshokan

14 Austin eateries recognized with Bib Gourmand distinction for quality and value

In addition, Texas received 45 new Bib Gourmands, awarded to restaurants that provide quality dining at a great value, with 14 of these in Austin.

Austin’s Bib Gourmand recipients include:

• Briscuits
• Cuantos Tacos
• Dai Due
• Distant Relatives
• Emmer & Rye
• Franklin BBQ
• Kemuri Tatsu-Ya
• KG BBQ
• La Santa Barbacha
• Micklethwait Craft Meats
• Nixta Taqueria
• Odd Duck
• Ramen Del Barrio
• Veracruz Fonda & Bar

Local honorees recognized for culinary innovation and sustainability

Austin chef Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria received Michelin’s Young Chef Award, recognized for his creativity and dedication to Mexican cuisine. “Just making delicious food and representing Mexican culture every single day,” Rico said, emphasizing the contributions of immigrants to American dining.

In the Green Star category, which honors sustainable gastronomy, Austin’s Dai Due and Emmer & Rye were lauded for their commitment to environmentally friendly practices, reflecting Michelin’s increasing emphasis on sustainability since establishing the benchmark in 2020.

As Michelin inspectors remain anonymous and conduct multiple visits to ensure objectivity, these awards underscore Texas’ growing role on the international culinary map. The Michelin Guide’s debut in Texas highlights Austin’s unique blend of tradition and innovation and further establishes the city as a culinary destination.

RELATED: Austin’s New & Notable Openings for Fall