Houston Keeps Six Stars and Adds 14 Distinctions, Michelin Guide Says

Houston restaurants kept all six of their Michelin stars and added 14 new distinctions in the third year of the Texas guide, according to the article. The Michelin Guide released its statewide selections through an anticlimactic press release rather than an in-person ceremony, leaving local chefs without a gala event but preserving the city’s standing in the culinary network.

Six Houston Restaurants Maintain Star Status

All six Houston-area establishments that earned a star in their inaugural year maintained their recognition in the third edition of the Texas guide. The retained stars belong to BCN Taste & Tradition in Montrose, CorkScrew BBQ in Spring, Le Jardinier Houston in the Museum District, March in Montrose, Musaafer in the Galleria area, and Tatemó in Spring Branch, according to the article. No new Houston restaurants earned a star in 2026, and no Texas restaurant advanced to two or three stars.

While Houston held steady, the guide expanded elsewhere in the state. Austin gained two one-star restaurants with Kappo Kappo and Fabric, while Fort Worth saw Goldee’s Bar-B-Q advance from a Bib Gourmand to a star. In total, the Texas selection spans 149 restaurants across 30 cuisine types, with Houston accounting for 53 of those entries, roughly 36 percent of the statewide total.

Fourteen New Additions Expand Local Dining Distinctions

Houston claimed 14 new distinctions across the Bib Gourmand and Recommended categories, leading all cities in the state for new additions, according to the article. Five spots earned Bib Gourmand status, which the guide applies to establishments offering good food at a good value. The new Bib Gourmand recipients are Bar Buena in Montrose, Khói Barbecue in Near Northside, Kitchen Rumors in Sawyer Yards, Murray’s Pizza & Wine in the Memorial area, and Xolo in Montrose.

Nine additional eateries joined the guide’s recommended list for the first time. That group includes 1111 in Montrose, Angie’s in the Heights, Di An Pho in Chinatown, Jantra in the Second Ward, Levant BBQ in the Galleria area, Mayahuel in Montrose, Oru in the Heights, Osteria di Mercato in West University, and Sushi Horiuchi in Montrose.

Houston also captured three of the four special awards handed out in the state. Angel Bautista of Xolo won the Cocktail Award, Jessica Cano of Sushi Horiuchi took home the Sommelier Award, and Jacques Varon and Max Lappe of Baso earned the Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award.

Closures and Renovations Remove Restaurants from Michelin Guide

The 2026 selections also reflect several losses in the local dining community. Brisket & Rice dropped off the Bib Gourmand list, while the closures of Killen’s and Late August, alongside Neo’s ongoing renovation, accounted for other departures from the guide. Hidden Omakase, which temporarily relocated to Bar Moon, lost its recommended status.

Despite these shifts, local tourism funding continues to support the evaluation process. Houston First, the city’s tourism arm, committed $270,000 over a three-year period at $90,000 annually to fund Michelin inspectors who evaluate local kitchens full-time.