Michelin announced Thursday that Fabrik in Austin and Goldee’s Bar-B-Q in Fort Worth have both been promoted to one star. Meanwhile, Kappo Kappo in Austin is new to the list and to the one-star club.
On the other hand, la Barbecue in Austin lost its star from 2025 to ’26, with the smokehouse moving down to recommended status. That brings the Texas star total now to 19.
The Houston area restaurants that are new to the Bib Gourmand list include:
A Bib Gourmand means a restaurant has great food at a great value.
Houston area recommended restaurants new to the 2026 list include:
A recommended restaurant is one that Michelin wanted to recognize, though it may be lacking something that gets it to a star.
Angel Bautista of Xolo won a special award for exceptional cocktails, while Jessica Cano of the new Sushi Horiuchi took home Michelin’s sommelier award, and Jacques Varon and Max Lappe of Baso won the young chef/culinary professional award. Stefan Davis of Austin’s Barley Swine nabbed the outstanding service award.
In all, there are now 19 starred restaurants in Texas, 54 Bib Gourmands and 76 recommended restaurants. Interestingly, Houston barbecue restaurant Brisket & Rice lost its spot in the Michelin Guide, per the list.
“This year marks another standout year for Texas with three new Michelin stars being awarded,” said Michelin Guide International Director Gwendal Poullennec. “Over the past three years our anonymous inspectors have watched the culinary talent across Texas flourish and continue to push boundaries, which is evident in this year’s restaurant promotions.”
Michelin arrived in Texas in 2024 on a three-year agreement worth $2.7 million to produce guides each year for the Lone Star State. Multiple local tourism agencies and organizations, including Houston First Corporation, contributed to the payment, with the company vowing to cover the Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio metropolitan areas for the guides. Houston was chosen to host the Michelin Guide announcement events in both 2024 and ’25, but this year the French tire company opted to forgo a party for an email.
“In some cases, instead of a Michelin Guide Ceremony, selections will be released digitally via press release and the Michelin Guide’s digital channels,” read a statement by Michelin in August upon revealing the lack of an event. Past events have included bites from local restaurants and food vendors, drinks and appearances by Bibendum, the mascot built like several tires and also known as “the Michelin Man.” (Fun fact: “Bibendum” in Latin means “to drink.”)
It’s still unclear whether Michelin will continue producing guides for Texas beyond 2026.
Correction: Houston First Corporation is the official Houston destination marketing organization. An earlier version of this article misstated the name of the organization.