Houston We’ve reached the stars!

Michelin, originally known as a tire company, has become a renowned name in the culinary world through its prestigious Michelin Stars. Established in 1889 by brothers André and Édouard Michelin, the company sought innovative ways to boost car travel and, consequently, tire sales. In 1900, they launched the Michelin Guide, which offered useful travel information, including maps, tips, and restaurant recommendations.

Michelin Stars were introduced in the 1920s to highlight exceptional dining establishments. The rating system awards one, two, or three stars based on several criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of flavors and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in their cuisine, value for money, and consistency between visits. A single star indicates a “very good” restaurant, two stars denote “excellent cooking worth a detour,” and three stars signify “exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.”

The process of awarding Michelin Stars is meticulous. Inspectors, often trained chefs or individuals with extensive culinary knowledge, ensuring they have the expertise to judge the subtleties of top-tier dining visit restaurants anonymously to guarantee an unbiased assessment. This thorough evaluation ensures that only the finest dining establishments receive Michelin Stars, making it a coveted accolade in the culinary world.

This month, Houston’s culinary landscape reached a remarkable milestone as six local restaurants received Michelin stars, marking the first Michelin-starred establishments ever in Texas. Each restaurant was awarded one star, signifying exceptional cuisine that is “worth a visit.” Let’s dive into our winners.

BCN Taste & Tradition brings the elegance and depth of Spanish cuisine to the heart of Texas under the guidance of Chef Luis Roger. Popular menu items include the sumptuous “Lobster and Rice Stew” enhanced with a creamy coral roe sauce, and expertly grilled duck breast paired with Idiazábal cheese sauce and quince paste—harmonizing traditional Spanish ingredients with creative flair.

Le Jardinier, located in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is a contemporary restaurant led by Chefs Felipe Botero and Alain Verzeroli. Inspired by a garden-centered approach, the menu emphasizes fresh, plant-forward ingredients, with offerings that also cater to meat and seafood lovers.

March, helmed by Chef Felipe Riccio, specializes in Mediterranean-inspired tasting menus. With thoughtfully curated six- and nine-course experiences, March takes diners on a flavorful journey through different Mediterranean regions, celebrating the diversity of this cuisine.

Musaafer, a fine-dining Indian restaurant led by Chef Mayank Istwal, is renowned for its exquisite flavors and stunning presentations. Situated in the Galleria area, Musaafer delivers a memorable experience with distinctive decor and exceptional service, showcasing refined Indian cuisine.

Tatemo, under the direction of Chef Emmanuel Chavez, elevates Mexican flavors through inventive preparations. Featuring an eight-course menu, Tatemo reimagines traditional tastes with a contemporary twist, presenting Mexican cuisine in a fresh light.

Finally, Corkscrew BBQ, located in Spring, Texas, is led by Chef Will Buckman and has earned Michelin acclaim for its Texas-style smoked meats, including brisket and homemade cobbler. With a high-quality menu and cozy atmosphere, it’s a must-visit destination for Texas barbecue enthusiasts.

Congratulations to the chefs, staff, and teams whose dedication and passion have earned Houston its very first Michelin stars! A special LUXCIOR applause also goes to all the fabulous restaurants, chefs, and management teams who make Houston a world-class destination for exceptional dining experiences. We are proud and grateful to have such culinary brilliance in our city!