Michelin released its 2026 Texas selection on October 8, and a smokehouse stole the spotlight from the usual fine-dining crowd. Goldee’s Bar-B-Q in Fort Worth jumped straight from Bib Gourmand to One Star, a first for the city and a rare feat for Texas barbecue.
The rest of the list confirms Austin’s rise: the city now counts seven starred restaurants. Two newcomers joined this year: Fabrik, a plant-based fine-dining spot whose star had been expected since the guide first arrived in Texas, and Kappo Kappo, a hotel restaurant blending Japanese cooking with French technique. On the other side, La Barbecue, starred in 2025, lost its distinction this year while staying on the recommended list, and Olamaie, one of the city’s original one-star restaurants, closed in July.
Dallas and Houston held steady. Mamani and Tatsu kept their stars in Dallas, while Houston retained all five of its tables: BNC Taste & Tradition, Le Jardinier, March, Musaafer and Tatemó. Texas now counts 19 starred restaurants statewide. One notable change: Michelin skipped its usual in-person ceremony this year, announcing results only through a press release and its digital channels.
On the Bib Gourmand side, Houston added five new names without losing any: Murray’s Pizza & Wine, Khói Barbecue, Bar Buena, Xolo and Kitchen Rumors. In Dallas, Resident Taqueria earned its first Bib Gourmand while Lucia dropped off the list and moved to the Recommended category.
In a state where barbecue has always meant long lines and tin-roofed smokehouses more than white tablecloths, watching Goldee’s join that small circle of starred restaurants feels like something has shifted. Texas fine dining doesn’t look quite the same anymore.