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The stars at night are about to shine bigger and brighter for some Lone Star State restaurants as the Michelin Guide comes to Texas.
The Michelin Guide, long the gold standard for the food-obsessed seeking a memorable meal, has confirmed plans to introduce a Texas edition in partnership with Travel Texas. Independent inspectors are already in the field across Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and San Antonio, and the first Texas recipients will be announced by the end of 2024.
The guide was first published by the French tire company in 1926 to give motorists advice on the most travel-worthy destinations. Since then, Michelin stars have become the most coveted accolade that any restaurant can receive worldwide. The Guide focuses on a three-star rating and also acknowledges trip-worthy, non-starred restaurants with its Bib Gourmand designation.
“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. “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.”
What does that mean for restaurants in the suburbs? While it’s not entirely clear what the future holds, independent inspectors will be focusing solely on restaurants within the city limits for the time being. However, there are downstream benefits for the surrounding communities.
According to some estimates, up to two-thirds of travelers will choose a Michelin-rated destination over a non-rated destination if given the choice.
“While diners will come for experiential meals, they will also be eating at other restaurants during their stay, which is the perfect opportunity to showcase more of what Texas has to offer,” says Emily Williams Knight, Ed. D, CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association and Southlake resident. “The fact that the Michelin Guide is coming here is an incredible recognition of the vibrant culinary culture that we have here in Texas.”