Dallas, October 6, 2025
News Summary
The Michelin Guide’s entry into Texas elevates Dallas’s culinary status with 23 local restaurants recognized in its inaugural list. Notable among them is Tatsu Dallas, which earned a Michelin star. Anticipation builds ahead of the upcoming Michelin event in Houston on October 28, where more restaurant accolades will be unveiled. Local culinary figures share their top dining recommendations, showcasing a diverse range of eateries from time-honored favorites to Michelin-starred establishments, reflecting the city’s vibrant food culture.
Dallas — The Michelin Guide’s expansion into Texas has elevated Dallas’s profile as a culinary destination, with the guide’s inaugural Texas selection recognizing multiple local restaurants and an upcoming Michelin event on October 28 expected to reveal additional restaurant recognitions. Local influencers and culinary figures from the region have also shared personal dining recommendations that highlight a mix of long-standing neighborhood favorites and Michelin-recognized venues.
Key developments and immediate details
The Michelin Guide expanded into Texas, leading to an initial round of recognitions that included 23 Dallas restaurants acknowledged in the guide’s first year. Among early accolades, Tatsu Dallas earned a Michelin star. The guide’s first year received criticism for listing errors and for being perceived as overly focused on barbecue. An upcoming Michelin Guide event on October 28 will reveal new restaurant recognitions. The Michelin event will take place in Houston and is invitation-only for media and recognized restaurants.
Local voices and restaurant recommendations
Five North Texans from diverse backgrounds share their favorite local dining spots. These recommendations reflect a range of cuisines, atmospheres, and price points across Dallas and the broader North Texas area.
Mark Thompson — Michelin advocacy and recommendations
Mark Thompson advocated for Dallas’s culinary scene and aided in bringing the Michelin Guide to Texas. His recommended spots include El Carlos Elegante, known for Mexican-inspired dishes and skyline views with menu items such as charred octopus and tamarind halibut and recognized by Michelin; The French Room Bar, offering handcrafted cocktails and an extensive Champagne list in an elegant environment; Pecan Lodge, renowned for legendary barbecue and located in the Deep Ellum area; Written by the Seasons, celebrated for a seasonal, globally inspired brunch menu and also a Michelin recommendation; and Fearing’s, the signature restaurant of chef Dean Fearing at the Ritz-Carlton, described as a definitively Dallas experience and a Michelin recommendation.
Chandra North Blaylock — familiar favorites
Chandra North Blaylock, a model turned local, favors familiar spots for dining. Her selections include Mama’s Daughters’ Diner, offering comforting, home-style cooking with a noted favorite of chicken-fried chicken; The Zodiac, a nostalgic restaurant with a menu dating back to the 1950s that now faces an uncertain future post-store closure; Parigi, a bistro known for a calm ambiance and a highlighted menu item called Cali Roll Deconstructed; Avila’s Mexican Restaurant, popular for Tex-Mex offerings with a go-to dish of Papito’s Special; and The Mansion Bar, which she cites as ideal for cocktails and prime people-watching.
Richard Rawlings — hearty and classic picks
Richard Rawlings, a car entrepreneur, lists a range of Dallas-area spots. His recommendations include Hurtado Barbecue, favored for Texas-style barbecue with innovative twists; Bob’s Steak & Chop House, a staple for steak; Neighborhood Services, known for chicken pot pie; Evelyn and The Mexican, identified as premium spots for impressing dinner guests; and Joe T. Garcia’s, noted as a classic Fort Worth location famous for a limited but highly demanded menu.
Cristina Lynch — diverse and family-focused choices
Cristina Lynch, founder of Mi Golondrina, emphasizes diverse tastes in her list. She highlights Cafe Pacific for old-school charm and date nights; Sanjh, an upscale Indian restaurant; José, a family-friendly spot for authentic Mexican food with a favorite dish of carnitas; Rise, known for French soufflés and a cozy ambiance; and Le PasSage, which offers a gorgeous ambiance and exceptional food options.
Don Myers — sommelier-selected options
Don Myers, a seasoned sommelier, recommends a mix of late-night and seafood-focused venues. His list includes Town Hearth for quality cuts of steak at reasonable prices; Bowen House, noted as a late-night spot for bites and Champagne; Rex’s Seafood & Market, notable for fresh seafood; and Montlake Cut, welcomed for a diverse menu and recognized for top-notch fish and chips.
Context and broader impact
The Michelin Guide’s arrival in Texas has prompted attention across the region’s restaurant community, combining formal recognition with scrutiny of the guide’s initial selections and accuracy. The guide’s first year in Texas prompted discussion due to listing errors and a perception of heavy emphasis on barbecue. The planned October 28 event in Houston is positioned as a follow-on moment when additional recognitions will be announced to invited media and recognized restaurants.
What to expect next
Observers can expect the Michelin event on October 28 to expand the list of recognized restaurants in Texas. Local restaurateurs and diners are likely to continue debating the guide’s methodology and choices, while the personal dining recommendations shared by North Texans provide a snapshot of the city’s culinary variety beyond formal accolades.
FAQ
What happened with the Michelin Guide?
The Michelin Guide expanded into Texas, leading to an initial round of recognitions that included 23 Dallas restaurants acknowledged in the guide’s first year.
Which restaurant earned a star in the guide’s first Texas year?
Tatsu Dallas earned a star.
Did the Michelin Guide face criticism?
The guide’s first year faced criticism for listing errors and being overly focused on barbecue.
When and where is the next Michelin event?
Upcoming Michelin Guide event on October 28 will reveal new restaurant recognitions. The Michelin event will take place in Houston and is invitation-only for media and recognized restaurants.
Who shared local restaurant recommendations?
Five North Texans from diverse backgrounds share their favorite local dining spots.
What role did Mark Thompson play?
Mark Thompson advocated for Dallas’s culinary scene and aided in bringing the Michelin Guide to Texas.
| Key Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| The Michelin Guide expanded into Texas | Initial recognitions included 23 Dallas restaurants; Tatsu Dallas earned a star. |
| Upcoming Michelin Guide event on October 28 | Will reveal new restaurant recognitions; event will take place in Houston and is invitation-only for media and recognized restaurants. |
| Local recommendations | Five North Texans from diverse backgrounds share favorite local dining spots, including Michelin-recognized venues and neighborhood staples. |
| Guide criticism | The guide’s first year faced criticism for listing errors and being overly focused on barbecue. |
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Additional Resources
- D Magazine: Rants and Raves
- CultureMap: Michelin Texas Guide 2025
- Dallas Observer: Michelin Restaurant Dallas
- Dallas News: Michelin Guide Texas 2025
- Secret Dallas: Michelin Guide Texas Announcement
- Wikipedia: Michelin Guide
- Google Search: Michelin Guide Texas
- Google Scholar: Michelin Guide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michelin Guide
- Google News: Michelin Guide Texas
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF 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.
