Houston’s culinary scene has some impressive standouts. Here are the restaurants in Houston that have been honored by the prestigious MICHELIN Guide.

On November 11, 2024, Texas received its first MICHELIN Guide. Several notable restaurants in Houston are on the list, including six one-star MICHELIN ratings and 17 Bib Gourmands. The one-star ratings indicate “high-quality cooking, worth a stop,” and the Bib Gourmand designations are defined as restaurants that provide “good-quality food for a good value” and are “personal favorites” of inspectors dining on their own time. 

Here are the MICHELIN Star and Bib Gourmand restaurants in Houston, where you can dine, along with our recommended dishes to try. We’ll start with the six MICHELIN one-star establishments.

MICHELIN One-Star restaurants in Houston

BCN Taste & Tradition

4210 Roseland St, Houston, TX 77006

BCN Taste & Tradition is situated in a white stucco bungalow that’s over 100 years old and oozing with charm. The Spanish menu is riddled with spectacular seafood options, and owner Ignacio Torras has displayed his private art collection on the walls, giving diners some electric eye candy to enjoy.

What to try: Sea Cucumber on Lobster Rice, Iberian Suckling Pig

March

1624 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006

You might look at March and simply see a month—or a command if you’re in a drumline—but the March restaurant hopes to define what “Mediterranean” means. Each region of the Mediterranean gets its own “season,” so the menu rotates regularly. You’ll sip on a cocktail in the snazzy lounge before moving to the dining room for the main courses. All the while, the presentation of the food is just as incredible as the taste.

What to try: Whatever strikes your fancy on the seasonal menu

Musaafer

5115 Westheimer Rd, Ste C-3500, Houston, TX 77056

When you think about Houston dining, you probably aren’t picturing Indian cuisine inside a shopping mall. Yet that’s what Musaafer provides, and it’s an extraordinary culinary experience in a palace-esque setting. This is a must-visit for fans of creative spice blending. You’ll enjoy rich aromas from both your own plate and from those you wish you had also ordered.

What to try: Onion Xuixo, Dal

Tatemó

4740 Dacoma St, Houston, TX 77092

Tatemó head chef Emmanuel Chavez embraces heirloom corn across his native Mexico, and the result is a delightful assortment of classic twists. Ceviche and gorditas are plated so stunningly that you might be hesitant to eat them. You should overcome that hesitancy, however, since they’re really good. The restaurant doesn’t have a liquor license, so there’s a bring-your-own wine policy.

What to try: Mole Negro, Quesadillas

Le Jardinier Houston

5500 Main St, Houston, TX 77004

Chef Alain Verzeroli serves up his artistic creations at Le Jardinier Houston in the Museum of Fine Arts. Some people might roll their eyes at diners taking pictures of their food—here, everyone will be pulling out their cameras. As a heads up, Le Jardinier also has locations in Manhattan and Miami. If the GPS tells you your drive will be over a dozen hours, you know you’re headed to the wrong one.

What to try: Maine Diver Scallops, Yuzu Mousse

Corkscrew BBQ

26608 Keith St, Spring, TX 77373

Spring’s top BBQ joint, CorkScrew BBQ has drawn crowds since its opening in 2015. Get there well before the 11 a.m. opening to secure yourself a spot and ensure nothing you want sells out. An alternative option is to order ahead of time—just make sure you’re trying multiple cuts of meat, because they’re all fantastic.

What to try: Brisket, Beef Ribs

Bib Gourmand restaurants in Houston

Theodore Rex

1302 Nance St, Unit A, Houston, TX 77002

Sadly, dinosaurs no longer roam Earth, but you can at least dine at Theodore Rex. It’s not quite the same, though the relaxed fine dining spot with a French touch is a much safer proposition than going toe-to-toe with another T-Rex. By the way, did you know Theodore Rex in French is “Théodore Rex?” We’re multilingual here in Houston!

What to try: Gulf Redfish, Butter Cake with Strawberry Jam

Nancy’s Hustle

2704 Polk St, Houston, TX 77003

We love a good hustle ‘round these parts, and this New American restaurant in EaDo is one of the best. Whatever you order at Nancy’s Hustle will likely have a hearty helping of butter to bring out the flavor even more, and just about everything pairs with the natural wine, cider, and cocktails available from the bar.

What to try: Nancy Cakes with Smoked Trout Roe, Parmesan Cheesecake

Truth BBQ

110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007

We’ll let you in on the truth: This location isn’t the original Truth BBQ. That honor belongs to a small roadside shack in Brenham. Nevertheless, the Houston Heights joint is just as finger-licking good. They say the truth hurts; you might feel that way after indulging in one too many ribs. The pain is worth it.

What to try: Smoked Pork Ribs, Tater Tot Casserole

Killen’s

101 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007

Killen’s is one of the finest Southern spots in the land. Ronnie Killen certainly knows what he’s doing, dishing out comfort food that greets you like a warm hug. Killen’s is also essentially neighbors with Truth BBQ. Diners who somehow manage to gorge at both in one visit should probably earn a medal.

What to try: Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Deviled Eggs with Pork

Killen’s BBQ

3613 Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581

Killen’s BBQ restaurant has received some MICHELIN love, too. The Pearland location earned the Bib Gourmand designation, though the Cypress offerings are just as high-quality. Killen’s sources ingredients from Snake River Farms, and the meat is so tender that you might actually exclaim out loud. There will be a line before the 11 a.m. open, so get there early and make a few new friends.

What to try: Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Crème Brûlée Bread Pudding  

Street to Kitchen

3401 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011

Providing an “unapologetically, authentically Thai” experience, Street to Kitchen offers plenty of tasty options with an appropriate (even if sometimes aggressive) kick. Chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter does not play around with heat, and it pays off with incredible flavor. 

What to try: Pad See Ew, Green Curry

Rosie Cannonball

1620 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006

Rosie Cannonball is a stone’s throw from March, though the vibes are quite different. Rosie’s menu is all about European comfort food, with champagne greeting guests upon entry and a wood-fired oven ensuring they’re well-fed. In fact, you might wish you could cannonball directly into your plate. 

What to try: Any pizza, Honey Cake with Crème Fraîche Gelato

The Pit Room

1201 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006

Brisket has a lot of versatility, and The Pit Room uses brisket trimmings to make their tortillas. It’s a game-changer that might make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about barbecue. The establishment also has a brilliant seating layout both inside and out, so your wait for beautiful brisket will be kept to a minimum.

What to try: Breakfast Tacos, Beef Ribs

Pinkerton’s Barbecue

1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009

Ask any Weezer fan to name their favorite albums, and “Pinkerton” would likely be among the top. Coincidentally, Pinkerton’s Barbecue is also among the top barbecue restaurants in Houston. Grant Pinkerton’s spot is littered with mounted deer heads to set the mood as you wait to order, and the meat is tender, lip-smacking good, with plenty of sauce that accentuates that smoky BBQ flavor. 

What to try: Beef Ribs, Brisket

nobie’s

2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098

Step into a house party vibe at nobie’s, where an inviting 1930s bungalow is adorned with unique artwork and classic vinyl spins all day, every day. Do your best to avoid filling up on dilly milk bread topped with “everything butter” (everything is better with butter, after all) so you can save room on the wide variety of rotating menu items.

What to try: Nori Egg Noodles, Fried Quail Stuffed with German Potato Salad

Ema

5307 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009

“Two Chefs and a Coffee Roaster” could be the name of an upcoming sitcom. However, in this case, it refers to the minds behind Ema, which has evolved from a charming bakery pop-up to a mainstay in the Heights. Everything on the menu is phenomenal, with the pastries offering the perfect blend of flakiness, crunch, and lip-smacking goodness. But get there early—they (understandably) tend to sell out quickly.

What to try: Horchata Cream Doughnut, Guava-Queso Empanadas

Blood Bros BBQ

5425 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401

A blend of Texas barbecue and Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean dishes, Blood Bros BBQ is an absolute melting pot of joy. The menu specials change frequently, so you can return regularly and always experience something new. Don’t be afraid to keep your head on a swivel to see what looks tasty. This is one place where your eyes won’t steer you wrong.

What to try: Brisket Fried Rice, Watermelon Salad

Mala Sichuan Bistro

9348 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036

There are multiple locations of Mala Sichuan Bistro—we’ve listed the one in Houston proper, but Sugarland, Katy, and Montrose all give you opportunities to “savor the spice.” And savor it you will; each dish packs a noticeable amount of heat, though it’s never overwhelming to the point that it’s all you taste.

What to try: White Fish, Mala Bean Curd Sauce

Nam Giao

6938 Wilcrest Dr, Ste C, Houston, TX 77072

Little Saigon is a bustling environment, and Nam Giao is perhaps the best of the Vietnamese options in the area. Specializing in dishes from the Hue region, the restaurant has an array of appealing appetizers and authentic entrees. Don’t be afraid to go wild—this is a meal you’ll remember for a while.

What to try: Pork and Shrimp Crystal Cakes, Grilled Flank Steak 

Belly of the Beast

5200 FM 2920 Rd, Ste 180, Spring, TX 77388

The casual dining room of Belly of the Beast might not turn too many heads, but Chef Thomas Bille’s creations certainly will. This contemporary Mexican restaurant embodies the country’s tradition of sharing food, so be sure to order a few appetizers to share (or enjoy them all on your own).

What to try: Street Corn Agnolotti, Tres Leches with Passionfruit and Torched Merengue  

Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue

200 N Elm St, Tomball, TX 77375

Chocolate on its own is a terrific indulgence. This list underscores that barbecue is always a good idea, too. Put them together, and you’ve got something extra special. Scott Moore Jr. is the chocolatier pitmaster of Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue. No matter what you order, he’ll make sure your meal is memorable. 

What to try: Chile Relleno Sausages, Carrot Soufflé

Rosemeyer Bar-B-Q

2111 Riley Fuzzel Rd, Spring, TX 77386

Rosemeyer Bar-B-Q isn’t going to win any awards for decor. But that’s okay; the food trailer, started by childhood friends Ben Maxwell and Jordan Rosemeyer, delivers where it counts. Order a heaping pile of barbecue and then grab a seat at the picnic table and gorge. Pro tip: The truck features daily specials, which you can discover ahead of time through social media.  

What to try: Brisket, Pork Ribs

Other MICHELIN-recognized restaurants in Houston

We also want to shout out seven additional restaurants in Houston that have received MICHELIN recognition. These restaurants have earned the “Selected Restaurants” distinction of having “good cooking.” You know you’ll get a hearty meal here.

Baso

633 W 19th St, #A, Houston, TX 77008

There’s a party going on at Baso, with beats ringing out against the concrete walls. Of course, you might be able to block out the surrounding noise once you lose yourself in one of the restaurant’s dishes, pairing live-fire cooking with plates from all around the world. Bring some friends and share, so you can try all the goodness Baso has to offer.

What to try: Albacore Tuna, Basque Cheesecake

Hidden Omakase

5353 W Alabama St, Ste 102, Houston, TX 77056

It’s a bit hard to find Hidden Omakase, but once you’re inside, you’ll be immediately enveloped in an incredible dining adventure. There are plenty of recognizable seafood items on the menu, but they’re prepared in ways you’ve probably never experienced. That preparation is top-notch, with chefs offering a peek behind the curtain while serving guests.

What to try: Hokkaido Uni, Masu with Jicama and Pumpkin Seed Furikake

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

5839 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057

You’ll feel like royalty at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, which has served both Houstonians and visitors for over 20 years. The service is courteous and attentive, and the in-house dry-aged steaks are seared and seasoned just right. The side portions are lovely, too, giving you plenty of complementary flavors between bites of meat. As a bonus, Steve McDonald earned a MICHELIN Sommelier Award.

What to try: Your preferred cut of steak, Crispy Onion Rings

Bludorn

807 Taft St, Houston, TX 77019

There’s always a solid hum emanating from Bludorn, the creation of husband-and-wife team Aaron and Victoria Bludorn. The bustling spot tends to follow the seasons with its menu. So, if you’re a butternut squash or pumpkin fan, visit in the fall for a delightful coterie of options.

What to try: Seafood Tower, Baked Alaska (with multiple ice creams and sorbets)

Late August

4201 Main St, Ste 120, Houston, TX 77002

Late August resides in The Ion, a community tech hub developed from a Sears convenience store. While you can’t browse a catalog of what you’ll be eating, you can stuff it directly into your mouth, which is a massive improvement. Chefs Chris Williams and Sergio Hidalgo aren’t afraid to get creative with the menu, resulting in a dazzling array of yummy treats. The restaurant group also supports a 10-acre farm in Fort Bend County.

What to try: Smoked Chicken Drumettes with Mole, Goat Stew

Candente

4306 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX 77006

Candente is one of those words that has a different definition based on who you ask. One of those definitions is “burning.” Does this mean I will start calling my band Burning Years by the much cooler-sounding “Candente años?” You bet. At Candente the restaurant, the definition is “queso topped with chopped brisket, sea salt-rimmed margaritas, and the best Tex-Mex this side of Montrose.” With an enormous setting, you’re never hurting for a seat—and with hearty portions, you’re never hurting for more food, either.

What to try: Fajitas, Tortilla Soup

Brisket & Rice

13111 FM-529 Rd, Houston, TX 77041

You might think an unassuming place next to a gas station wouldn’t serve up MICHELIN-quality food, but you’d be entirely misinformed. Chef Hong Tran began cooking as a hobby and has transformed Brisket & Rice into a well-oiled, smooth-running operation. Whether you need to fill up the tank on your car or your belly, everyone is welcome here.

What to try: Jasmine Fried Rice with Brisket, Pork Ribs