Michelin Guide is Coming to Austin, Texas

I’ve been lucky to experience several Michelin-starred restaurants on my travels: The French Laundry in Napa, California (three stars), Yugen in Osaka, Japan (two stars), and Rooster & Owl in D.C. (one star). Dining at these restaurants made me think about how Austin certainly has Michelin-quality restaurants even if they don’t have the official designation.

Well, now Austin has its chance! The Michelin Guide is coming to Texas by the end of 2024. Restaurants in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth also have the opportunity to earn star ratings.

What is the Michelin Guide and who should be awarded? Keep reading to learn more.

Michelin Star Criteria

The Michelin Guide is yes, run by the French tire company, and they created the international restaurant star rating system in 1889 to encourage driving tourism. Michelin partners with local destination management organizations, like tourism boards, to bring the guide to their city. Local organizations pay annually to promote the guide and support the inspectors.

The anonymous inspectors review restaurants based on the following criteria:

Quality of ingredients
Mastery of flavor and cooking techniques
Personality of chef in the cuisine
Value for money
Consistency between visits

The levels between one to three stars can be subtle. While one designates noteworthy, three means a very special trip. Additionally, Bib Gourmand is a designation for restaurants exhibiting simple yet skillful cooking at an affordable price and Green Star designations are for high-level sustainable and eco-friendly practices. So, there are several ways to earn Michelin Guide honors.

The Good and Bad of Michelin

Why would a city, restaurants, and chefs want the Michelin Guide?

Let’s start with the bad.

Award Bias. Like any award system, Michelin won’t be perfect (see: World’s Best or James Beard). It’s based on the expertise and preferences of a group of people, albeit professional reviewers. That means there could be bias.
Negative Change in Restaurant Focus or Culture. Chefs and teams obsessed with the star could negatively change their restaurant culture. Is the restaurant cooking for the love of food and to bring customers joy or is it solely for recognition and prestige?
Fewer Reservations Available. The restaurant’s popularity could increase, which is great for revenue but could push out loyal customers who can’t get a reservation.
Increased Prices. The prestige gives restaurants a reason to raise their prices.

On the other side, recognition means more money, more opportunities, and more customers.

More Visitors to Texas. Texas is already known worldwide and by adding Michelin restaurants, it attracts more visitors.
Encourage Chef and Restaurant Creativity. The competition of Michelin encourages chefs to exercise their creativity and push for innovation and consistent excellence.
Chef Development. Those looking to progress in their culinary career gain clout by working at a Michelin restaurant. This could bring new talent to the city and take professionals to the next level.
Grow Chef and Restaurant Prestige. From awards to TV shows, we already have celebrity chefs in Austin, but Michelin’s promotion can expand their visibility, which can lead to more opportunities.
Expand Customer Knowledge and Palette. A restaurant’s unique creativity can teach customers about different cuisines and introduce them to new ingredients and flavors. If they’re not already visiting these restaurants, maybe it’ll encourage them to start.

Restaurants impact the culture of a city. We already see this with the abundance of creativity and variety. Overall, having the Michelin Guide in Austin will be a change and hopefully for the better.

Austin Michelin Restaurants

Who deserves a star (or two) or Michelin Guide recognition? Here are my guesses. Overall, these restaurants are providing quality, consistency, and thoughtfulness. I’ve been lucky to have visited all of these, so click through to read more about each restaurant.

One or Two Star