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Michelin Guide Awards Set to Transform Dallas-Fort Worth Dining Scene

Chefs preparing dishes in a vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth restaurant.

Houston, October 16, 2025

News Summary

A ceremony in Houston will unveil the upcoming Michelin Guide for Texas, with expectations of a rise in prestigious 1-star awards for Dallas-Fort Worth restaurants. Concerns linger over fewer Recommended listings statewide, while four barbecue restaurants face scrutiny regarding their current status. The event could mark a significant shift in how local establishments are recognized, fostering changes in menus and overall dining experiences as chefs align with Michelin’s rigorous standards.

Houston

A ceremony scheduled for October 28, 2025, in Houston. The Michelin Guide for Texas will announce awards that could reshape the Dallas-Fort Worth dining scene, with industry observers expecting an increase in the number of restaurants receiving the prestigious 1-star designation.

Top developments

The upcoming ceremony may bring a shake-up in the Dallas-Fort Worth dining scene, with expectations for more restaurants to receive the prestigious 1-star Michelin honor. Concerns arise regarding whether fewer Recommended restaurants will be chosen statewide, indicating a shift toward prioritizing Michelin stars. Currently, four 1-star barbecue joints in Texas are under scrutiny regarding their ability to maintain their status.

Decision process and evaluation

The final decisions on awards rest with anonymous Michelin inspectors, who evaluate restaurants based on criteria such as product quality and the personality of the chef. Inspectors weigh factors including consistency, technique, ingredient quality, and the overall dining experience when determining distinctions such as Michelin stars, Bib Gourmand recognitions, and Recommended listings.

Dallas-Fort Worth context and 2024 baseline

A total of 28 Dallas-Fort Worth restaurants were honored in 2024, with only one receiving a Michelin star (Tatsu) and others earning Bib Gourmands or Recommended status. Fort Worth was notably the only Texas city visited by Michelin inspectors that had no Michelin-starred restaurants in 2024, which has focused attention on that city as inspectors revisit the state for 2025 evaluations.

Potential candidates and category areas to watch

Four new Fort Worth restaurants are being considered for Michelin recognition. Observers anticipate a potential rise of additional Tex-Mex restaurants included in the guide and express hopes for greater recognition for Fort Worth establishments.

Specific venues cited as contenders include a range of concepts across Dallas and Fort Worth. Bar Colette in West Village Dallas is noted for innovative mixology and is being suggested as a potential recipient for a cocktail award. El Carlos Elegante, which received Recommended status in 2024, is highlighted for contemporary Mexican cuisine. New Fort Worth entries such as The Chumley House, featuring a diverse menu, are being monitored. Other restaurants under consideration include Crown Block in Reunion Tower, Fearing’s, Don Artemio, Fond, Georgie, and Goldee’s Barbecue.

What the reassessment means

The guide is expected to reassess previously recognized restaurants, determining if any will be demoted or removed from the list. This review process, combined with closer attention to star awards, may lead to fewer entries labeled simply as Recommended while increasing the number of starred or Bib Gourmand distinctions in some categories.

Implications for the local dining landscape

Expectations revolve around the continuous evolution of Dallas-Fort Worth’s culinary landscape as it adapts to Michelin’s standards and scrutiny. Restaurants may respond by adjusting menus, service, and sourcing to align with inspection criteria. The potential reshuffle could influence diners’ perceptions, tourism promotion, and local investment in hospitality.

Background and notes

Michelin has been critiquing Texas restaurants for over a year, with the state-level process attracting attention after previous releases raised questions about list accuracy. Notable past reviews have raised issues about Michelin’s list credibility, including inaccuracies in the guide’s initial release. The anonymity of inspectors and the confidentiality of their reports remain integral to how Michelin operates nationwide and within Texas.

Industry observers will watch the October 28, 2025 announcement closely for measurable changes in how restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are recognized and for possible shifts in the overall composition of the Texas guide.


FAQ

When and where will the Michelin Guide Texas awards be announced?

A ceremony scheduled for October 28, 2025, in Houston.

How many Dallas-Fort Worth restaurants were honored in 2024 and what was the breakdown?

A total of 28 Dallas-Fort Worth restaurants were honored in 2024, with only one receiving a Michelin star (Tatsu) and others earning Bib Gourmands or Recommended status.

Was Fort Worth visited by Michelin inspectors and how did it fare in 2024?

Fort Worth was notably the only Texas city visited by Michelin inspectors that had no Michelin-starred restaurants in 2024.

Are there Fort Worth restaurants being considered for 2025 recognition?

Four new Fort Worth restaurants are being considered for Michelin recognition.

Are any Texas barbecue restaurants at risk of losing status?

Currently, four 1-star barbecue joints in Texas are under scrutiny regarding their ability to maintain their status.

Who decides Michelin awards and what criteria are used?

The final decisions on awards rest with anonymous Michelin inspectors, who evaluate restaurants based on criteria such as product quality and the personality of the chef.

Is Michelin expected to change how it labels Recommended restaurants statewide?

Concerns arise regarding whether fewer Recommended restaurants will be chosen statewide, indicating a shift toward prioritizing Michelin stars.


Key features

Feature Detail
Ceremony date and location October 28, 2025 — Houston
DFW 2024 honors 28 restaurants honored; 1 Michelin star (Tatsu); Bib Gourmands and Recommended listings
Fort Worth 2024 status No Michelin-starred restaurants among inspected Texas cities in 2024
Barbecue scrutiny Four 1-star barbecue joints under scrutiny
Potential shifts Possible increase in 1-star awards and fewer Recommended listings statewide
Inspection process Anonymous Michelin inspectors evaluating product quality and chef personality

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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