Houston, Texas is the fourth most populous city in the United States and known for its diverse culture, thriving economy, and vibrant culinary scene. From Tex-Mex to world-cuisine and classic American fare, Houston offers a variety of culinary options for visitors and locals alike.
But what about those looking for a truly luxurious dining experience? Does Houston have any Michelin star restaurants?
The short answer is yes! Though there are no traditional Michelin star restaurants in Houston, the city does have one Michelin Bib Gourmand award recipient: Xochi.
Located inside The Marriott Marquis Houston Downtown, Xochi serves up some of the best Mexican cuisine in the city. The restaurant’s menu features regional specialties from Oaxaca and Puebla – two of Mexico’s most famous culinary regions – as well as traditional dishes from other parts of Mexico.
Xochi isn’t the only restaurant in Houston to receive recognition from Michelin. In 2017, James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd opened One Fifth Mediterranean, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in Montrose that received a Michelin Plate designation. Though it does not offer traditional Michelin star levels of service or cuisine, One Fifth Mediterranean still offers an impressive dining experience with its flavorful dishes.
Houston also has several other fine dining restaurants that have received recognition from critics and food guides alike. Hugo Ortega’s award-winning Caracol has been recognized by both The New York Times and Bon Appétit magazine as one of the best seafood restaurants in America. And chef Justin Yu’s Oxheart was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Restaurants in 2013.
Conclusion: In conclusion, while Houston may not have any traditional Michelin star restaurants, it still offers plenty of fine dining experiences for food lovers who are looking to indulge their taste buds. From Xochi’s authentic Mexican cuisine to Caracol’s delicious seafood dishes and Oxheart’s creative takes on classic flavors, there is something for everyone in Houston’s culinary scene.