Houston’s Culinary Crown: A Look at the City’s Newly Awarded Michelin-Starred Restaurants in 2024

In a culinary moment that Houstonians have long anticipated, six Houston restaurants were awarded the prestigious Michelin star for the first time in 2024. Known as the pinnacle of fine dining accolades, a Michelin star instantly signals excellence, creativity, and a dining experience that is worth a special journey. For Texas, and Houston in particular, this recognition marks a major step into the global spotlight, positioning the city among the world’s most celebrated dining destinations.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the six Houston restaurants that earned their spot on the Michelin Guide. From vibrant Spanish cuisine to classic Texas barbecue, these establishments showcase the diversity and innovation that define Houston’s food scene. Let’s dive in and explore what makes each of these restaurants unique and worthy of this international acclaim.

A staple of Houston’s fine dining scene, BCN Taste & Tradition brings the flavors of Spain to Montrose with authenticity and elegance. BCN, named after the abbreviation for Barcelona, combines traditional Spanish flavors with a contemporary twist, using locally sourced ingredients. Chef Luis Roger crafts dishes that reflect his Catalonian heritage, drawing inspiration from both his childhood and his extensive culinary training in Europe.

Signature Dishes and Ambiance
At BCN, diners can expect dishes like jamón ibérico, lobster paella, and a range of tapas that transport you to the heart of Spain. What sets BCN apart is its dedication to the Spanish culinary arts, making it a well-deserved recipient of Michelin’s prestigious honor.

March offers an immersive Mediterranean tasting menu that transports guests across the flavors and cultures of Southern Europe and North Africa. Chef Felipe Riccio takes diners on a journey through regions like Spain, Italy, and Morocco with meticulously curated tasting menus. Each course is a story in itself, featuring unique flavor pairings, hand-picked ingredients, and carefully selected wine pairings.

Why March Stands Out
Located in a beautifully designed, intimate space, March isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that captures the essence of each Mediterranean region with every dish. This level of thoughtfulness and creativity helped March earn its Michelin star.

Texas barbecue is a world unto itself, and Corkscrew BBQ embodies the spirit of the Lone Star State. Located just outside of Houston in Spring, Corkscrew BBQ is known for its tender brisket, juicy ribs, and sausage with a perfect blend of smoke and spice. Owned by husband-and-wife team Will and Nichole Buckman, Corkscrew has gained a loyal following, often drawing long lines of patrons eager to savor Texas-style barbecue.

The Heart of Texas BBQ
With a commitment to traditional methods and high-quality ingredients, Corkscrew BBQ has elevated Texas barbecue to Michelin star status, proving that the heart of Houston’s culinary excellence lies not only in fine dining but also in its deeply-rooted local flavors.

Squable has quickly become a Houston favorite, blending European and American cuisine with flair. Chef Mark Clayton and his team are known for their innovative approach, offering dishes like Dutch baby pancakes with caviar, roasted chicken with polenta, and a rotating list of artisanal pastas. The creativity of the dishes is balanced by an unpretentious atmosphere, which has made Squable a go-to spot for food enthusiasts across Houston.

What Makes Squable Unique
Squable’s Michelin star reflects its dedication to bold flavors, unique concepts, and the perfect balance of sophistication and comfort, embodying Houston’s spirit of innovation.

Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions, has found a perfect home in Houston at Pacha Nikkei. Chef Masaru Fukuda brings his Japanese-Peruvian heritage to life with dishes that meld sushi, ceviche, and grilled meats in unexpected and flavorful ways. The menu at Pacha Nikkei is adventurous, offering dishes like tiradito, lomo saltado sushi rolls, and miso-marinated fish, each blending elements of both cultures.

Why Pacha Nikkei Reflects Houston’s Diversity
Pacha Nikkei is a true representation of Houston’s multicultural identity, bringing together ingredients and techniques that reflect both Texas’s diverse population and its love for bold, innovative flavors.

Tatemó is a celebration of Mexican culture through the art of masa (corn dough). Chef Emmanuel Chavez focuses on traditional techniques such as nixtamalization, a process used to make masa from corn kernels, which is then transformed into tortillas, tamales, and other iconic Mexican dishes. Each dish is a tribute to the indigenous foodways of Mexico, prepared with a modern twist that keeps diners coming back.

Cultural Significance and Recognition
Tatemó’s Michelin star is a nod to its dedication to cultural authenticity and culinary craftsmanship, offering Houstonians an authentic taste of Mexican heritage with a fresh perspective.

Houston’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide is more than just an acknowledgment of culinary talent; it’s a celebration of the city’s vibrant cultural mosaic. In a state as vast as Texas, Houston stands out as a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects that diversity. The newly awarded Michelin stars serve to underscore Houston’s role as a culinary destination and highlight the city’s openness to different cuisines, flavors, and traditions.

With these Michelin stars, Houston has solidified its place among the world’s great dining cities. This honor is likely to spur further growth in the local culinary scene, attracting top chefs, culinary tourists, and food enthusiasts eager to experience Houston’s acclaimed restaurants. Already, the city has witnessed an influx of new concepts, pop-ups, and chef-led ventures, which shows no signs of slowing down.

While Houston’s restaurants bask in the glow of Michelin recognition, this achievement also reflects a broader shift for Texas’s culinary scene. Cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio are home to their own unique food traditions, and it may only be a matter of time before we see more Michelin stars lighting up Texas. The state’s rich agricultural landscape, combined with a dedication to local sourcing, provides chefs with the ingredients needed to craft world-class dishes that represent Texas’s regional flavors.

Houston’s Michelin stars mark the beginning of an exciting era for the city’s dining culture. These six newly awarded restaurants showcase the range of flavors and culinary talent that Houston has to offer, from traditional Spanish tapas to contemporary Mexican masa. As Michelin stars become part of the city’s culinary fabric, Houstonians can look forward to a dining scene that continues to evolve, welcoming new talent and introducing more people to the rich flavors of Texas.

For food lovers in Houston and beyond, the city’s new Michelin stars mean one thing: it’s time to make reservations and experience these celebrated restaurants firsthand. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Houston’s Michelin-starred dining spots promise an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates both Texas’s heritage and its future.