Texas has its share of amazing restaurants (plus Buc-ee’s!), but which are the absolute best?
Here are the only 15 that currently carry a Michelin star.
There’s barbecue, of course, but as you’ll see, there’s so much more!
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Type of cuisine: Sushi
Location: Austin
A classic Omakaze-style sushi counter with much of the fish imported from Japan.
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Type of cuisine: Barbecue
Location: Austin
“Cute” is rarely something you say to describe a barbecue joint, but don’t let la Barbecue’s decorations fool you. They have real deal barbecue, elevated by offerings like fresh kimchi.
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Type of cuisine: Barbecue
Location: Austin
Frito Pie Sausage (beef, pork, cheddar, black beans, corn, poblano and dried chiles), Classic Polish, AND Beef Kielbasa? Yes, please!
Sides include Mac & Gouda.
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Type of cuisine: Mexican
Location: San Antonio
Mixtli is from the Aztec spoken word for cloud…which represents the restaurant moving among the various parts of Mexico for its ever-changing menu. Think elevated Mexican vs. the usual burritos.
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Type of cuisine: Sushi
Location: Dallas
This is a classic 10-seat sushi counter!
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Type of cuisine: Contemporary French
Location: Houston
Located in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, this restaurant can be found in three other cities (New York, Miami, Geneva). As you can expect from its location at a museum, each plate is a work of art!
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Type of cuisine: Contemporary American
Location: Austin
Since it’s named after the Greek goddess of the hearth, you might guess correctly that flame cooking is what’s on display at Hestia!
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Type of cuisine: Barbecue
Location: Spring (a Houston suburb)
Oh yeah, this is REAL Texas barbecue! Only open four days a week, and only from 11AM till 4pm (or, more likely, till it’s sold out). Long lines and knowing pre-orders means this place is the real deal!
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Type of cuisine: Contemporary Indian
Location: Houston
Great Indian in Texas may surprise some, but it shouldn’t based on its large Indian population. Musaafer serves elevated Indian dishes a la carte or via its tasting menu.
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Type of cuisine: “Creative” Mediterranean
Location: Houston
March goes all over the Mediterranean, focusing on one region at a time (for example, “La Serenissima: The Republic of Venice”).
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Type of cuisine: Contemporary American
Location: Austin
As chef Bryce Gilmore says, “We have fun cooking with bold flavors through multiple courses, all the things that we as chefs enjoy eating. Our seasonal tasting menu is inspired by the ingredients from our local farmers and we’re just trying not to mess them up.”
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Type of cuisine: Contemporary Spanish
Location: Houston
If you’re scratching your head at the name, BCN is the airport code for Barcelona (where the chef is from). Bonus points that the owner showcases his private art collection there (including Pablo Picasso!).
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Type of cuisine: Southern
Location: Austin
You’ll find so many Southern classics (biscuits, grits, red rice, etc.) but with polished twists!
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Type of cuisine: Contemporary Mexican
Location: Houston
You want to talk unpretentious? Tatemo’s in a strip mall, it’s BYOB, and it’s only open four nights a week, Wednesday through Saturday!
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Type of cuisine: Barbecue
Location: Austin
The two married couples who run this joint have an apt motto: “New School BBQ, Old School Service.” Unlike other Texas barbecue joints, you won’t find brisket all the time but what you will find is delicious variety that still has takes on your favorites (including a Big Mac-inspired half-pound burger and Texas Red Chili Frito Pie).
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Of the 15 best restaurants in Texas, there were…
7 in Austin
6 in or around Houston
1 in Dallas
1 in San Antonio
And only four were barbecue!
Were you surprised by any? Any the Michelin folks should consider? Let us know in the comments section!
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