The MICHELIN Guide has dropped its latest Texas selections, and Houston’s culinary powerhouse status is once again in the spotlight. Reflecting on the state's soaring dining landscape, Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, noted: "Over the past three years our anonymous Inspectors have watched the culinary talent across Texas flourish and continue to push boundaries, which is evident in this year's restaurant promotions. Congratulations to the entire restaurant selection. Your commitment to high quality and culinary excellence has been proven again and again."
From world-class fine dining to incredible neighborhood value hits, here is how Houston fared in this year’s MICHELIN Guide awards.
One MICHELIN Star
BCN Taste & Tradition, photo by Julie Soefer
One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants using top-quality ingredients, where dishes with distinct flavors are prepared to a consistently high standard. As the guide puts it, a restaurant with one MICHELIN Star “is worth a visit.”
MARCH, photo by Zach Horst
While there are no new One-Star additions to the Houston roster this year, the city's reigning stars continue to hold down the fort. MICHELIN mainstay favorites Le Jardinier Houston, March, BCN Taste & Tradition, Musaafer, and Tatemó all retained their coveted stars, proving their world-class consistency.
Houston Bib Gourmands
Kitchen Rumors, courtesy
The Bib Gourmand distinction highlights eateries that deliver exceptional cooking without high-end price tags. MICHELIN inspectors added five new Houston spots to the lineup this year:
- Bar Buena: The latest hit from the Goode Co. family, this West Gray hotspot and an addictive frozen mezcal margarita that's practically required drinking.
- Khói Barbecue: Founded by brothers Don and Theo Nguyen, this craft barbecue joint bridges their Vietnamese heritage with classic Texas smokehouse traditions.
- Kitchen Rumors: Chef Jassi turns out globally inspired Indian fusion in the Old Sixth Ward, drawing influence from New York street food to Tokyo markets.
- Murray's Pizza & Wine: Built on a three-day fermented dough made with Texas grains, this cozy Memorial spot crafts light, airy pies.
- Xolo: Sitting on Westheimer, owner and bartender Angel Bautista leads a modern Mexican cocktail bar and kitchen serving street food alongside house-infused drinks.
Theodore Rex, photo by Jenn Duncan
Returning Bib Gourmand Favorites: Joining the new class are Houston's returning value heavyweights: Annam, Casaema, ChòpnBlọk, da Gama Canteen, Mala Sichuan Bistro, Maximo, Nam Giao, Nancy’s Hustle, Nobie’s, Papalo Taqueria, Pinkerton’s Barbecue, Street to Kitchen, The Pit Room, Theodore Rex, and Truth BBQ.
MICHELIN Recommended
Mayahuel, photo by Bethany Ochs
This category highlights restaurants featured for their high culinary standards and exceptional technique. While they don't quite fit the criteria for a Star or a Bib Gourmand, inspectors consider them top-tier dining destinations worth your time. MICHELIN added nine new Houston spots to the recommended list this year:
- 1111: Sitting on the Westheimer Cruve, this modern culinary destination takes inspiration from Mexico City’s layered culture and contemporary creative scene.
- Angie's: A charming neighborhood hit built around wood-fired pizzas, locally sourced meats and produce, and an elegant cocktail lineup. What’s not to love?
- Di An Pho: This lively, music-filled spot in Asiatown serves up hearty, comforting bowls of pho.
- Jantra: Tucked inside Street to Kitchen in the East End, James Beard Award-winner Chef Benchawan "G" Painter opens an ultra-intimate, 8-seat tasting counter that steps far outside traditional Thai.
- Levant BBQ: Founder Mohamad Kharboutli combines his Syrian roots with Texas pit tradition to craft halal barbecue.
- Mayahuel: Led by acclaimed Chef Luis Robledo Richards and Culinary Khancepts, this elegant space channels the energy of Mexico City.
- Oru: From Comma Hospitality, this refined à la carte concept showcases Japanese precision through seasonal sushi and signature dishes.
- Osteria di Mercato: A 30-seat boutique dining room serving traditional Italian classics with a modern twist.
- Sushi Horiuchi: Chef Manabu Horiuchi’s most personal project yet — a cozy, highly personal sushi bar inspired by the intimate neighborhood spots of his youth in Japan.
Agnes and Sherman, courtesy
Returning MICHELIN Recommended Favorites: Rounding out the recommended selections are returning Houston spots that continue to deliver standout meals: Agnes and Sherman, Bar Bludorn, Baso, Bludorn, Candente, Credence, Hong Kong Food Street, Josephine's, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Perseid, and The Marigold Club.
MICHELIN Special Awards
In addition to stars and dining categories, the guide recognized individual industry talent whose craftsmanship takes Houston's hospitality scene to the next level:
- Exceptional Cocktails Award — Angel Bautista (Xolo): The Mexico City native brought global mixology pedigree to Montrose after training alongside the founders of Handshake Speakeasy (ranked the world's #1 bar in 2024).
- Sommelier Award — Jessica Cano (Sushi Horiuchi): Managing the beverage program at Chef Manabu Horiuchi’s six-seat Montrose omakase counter, Cano was honored for her masterfully curated sake pairings.
- Young Chef / Culinary Professional Award — Jacques Varon & Max Lappe (Baso): After refining his craft from Austin to Tokyo, Houston native Jacques Varon teamed up with L.A. chef Max Lappe to bring Baso's live-fire cooking to life.
Photos: Courtesy of restaurants mentioned in this post. Header photo: MARCH by Zach Horst; opening photo: Musaafer, courtesy.
