The stars will be big and bright, deep in the heart of Houston when the Michelin Guide returns to reveal its 2025 selection for Texas this fall. Per an announcement made today by the Michelin Guide, Houston will once again be the host city for the ceremony, which will be held at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown on the evening of Monday, October 28—a shakeup from last year, which commenced at 713 Music Hall.
“Last year marked a milestone for the Texas restaurant industry, and we’re excited to continue celebrating the state’s exceptional culinary talent at this year’s ceremony,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide in a press release. “Texas’ culinary scene boasts a rich heritage, defined by its diverse flavors, unique cuisines, and remarkable talent—qualities that make it distinctly Texan. It offers something for every kind of traveler, and we look forward to unveiling our Inspectors’ findings in the coming months.”
The Texas guide spotlights restaurants in Houston, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, with selections based on a set of universal criteria, including quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, cooking techniques, reflection of a chef’s voice and personality within the cuisine, and consistency.
One, two, and three stars are awarded to restaurants that shine when it comes to the above-mentioned criteria, while its Bib Gourmand serves as a separate selection honoring restaurants that offer quality food for a good value. Green Stars are awarded to those restaurants that serve as pioneers of sustainable gastronomy; while a separate distinction is given for Michelin Recommended restaurants.
Since last summer, when rumors began swirling of Michelin entering the Texas market, Houston chefs and restaurant owners have been on high alert of the Guide’s anonymous inspectors. Michelin inspectors take full financial responsibility for their meals, and are expected only to evaluate the quality of each restaurant’s cuisine. Members of the discreet group are trained to adhere to the same guidelines that inspectors from around the world have followed for decades.
Houston was well represented at the inaugural ceremony last year, with six restaurants taking home Michelin stars. The recipients included BCN Taste & Tradition, March, Le Jardinier, Musaafer, Tatemo, and Corkscrew BBQ. And, Master Sommelier Steven McDonald of Houston’s Pappas Bros. Steakhouse snagged the Sommelier Award, adding greater cause for celebration.
Like last year, the event will be limited to invited guests only, with invitations sent closer to the date. While chefs that receive an invitation indeed have cause for celebration, they will only learn if their restaurant received a Michelin Star or another level of distinction at the ceremony itself.
It’s safe to say speculation will run wild in the months leading up to the ceremony, and after last year, who takes home what is anybody’s guess. For now, locals can bask in the win of Houston, once again, serving as a warm and welcoming host for its thriving Texas culinary community.
