“The stars at night... are big and bright.” Texans don’t need to sing “Deep in the Heart of Texas” to know how great our state is, but soon the culinary world will be humming right along. MICHELIN and Travel Texas have teamed up to bring the MICHELIN Guide — and its renowned stars — to the Lone Star State.
Set to launch later this year, the first Michelin Guide Texas will feature culinary gems in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio — showcasing the hottest sizzling Tex-Mex, juiciest barbecue, and cultural recipes that inspire gastronomy worldwide.
Michelin’s anonymous inspectors are already eating their way across Texas, evaluating restaurants based on: quality, flavor harmony, cooking techniques, chef’s personality, and consistency.
While we anxiously await the official guide, we figured we’d create one of our own using suggestions from you. Keep reading for the Fort Worth chefs and restaurants our readers think should have a Michelin Star.
🍳 Can’t miss chefs
Jon Bonnell | The Fort Worth native creates everyday staples like burgers and pizza at Jon’s Grille and Buffalo Bros and upscale cuisine at Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine and Waters Restaurant.
Greg Pawlowski | With 25 years of culinary experience, chef Pawlowski previously trained under Wolfgang Puck. He runs il Modo at the Kimpton Harper Hotel, which was recently added to the Michelin Hotel Guide.
Marcus Palsay | Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, chef Palsay focuses on from-scratch recipes that make you feel like you’re dining at Grandma’s house at Provender Hall, Clay Pigeon, Piattello, and Walloon’s.
Blaine Staniford | Chef Staniford graduated from the Culinary Institute of America at just 19 years old and trained in kitchens across America before taking up residence at downtown steakhouse Grace + the newly opened 61 Osteria.
Tim Love | Local restaurateur and entrepreneur chef Love runs multiple eateries and businesses across Fort Worth, including popular patio spot Woodshed Smokehouse and steakhouse Lonesome Dove Western Bistro.
🍽️ Recommended restaurants
Don Artemio | The restaurant brings cuisine from Saltillo, Mexico to Cowtown and was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2023.
F1 Smokehouse | Run by Felipe Armenta and celebrity chef Graham Elliot — who already has a Michelin Star — the establishment recently leveled up from a barbecue food truck to a brick-and-mortar fine dining establishment.
Ellerbe’s Fine Foods | Nestled on Magnolia Avenue, the upscale, farm-to-table establishment was a James Beard semi finalist in 2020.
Wishbone & Flynt | The reimagined comfort food restaurant serves creations like peanut butter and jelly wings with Thai peanut sauce and blackberry coulis.
Wicked Butcher | The swanky downtown steakhouse serves butcher-cut steak topped with an array of butters and sauces + a raw bar.
Bricks and Horses | Located in the newly opened Bowie House — which was also ranked on Michelin’s hotel guide — the fine dining establishment blends “down-home Texas cuisine with city sophistication.”
Teddy Wongs | Chef Patrick Wu is whipping up featured dishes like Honk Kong Peking Duck and 10+ types of dumplings. Plus, ask your server for the perfect wine to pair with your meal.
Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar | The upscale sushi bar offers fresh seafood like Hokkaido sea scallops and salmon topped with truffle ponzu.
