It was big news for a big state: Texas is getting its own Michelin guide. The welcome development for Travel Texas broke as representatives from the state visited Canada last week, talking up and recent developments and current trends in the Lone Star state in both Montreal and Toronto.
And top of the agenda was the forthcoming Michelin guide, which will be released later this year and will be the esteemed publication’s 11th in North America. But, more importantly, Travel Texas says it emphasizes that the culinary scene in the state is about more than barbecue and steak (not that there’s anything wrong with that!).
Citing the popular staples, along with its locally sourced seafood and savoury Tex-Mex, Michelin says, “the state’s vibrant and mature gastronomic scene showcases culinary talents rooted in Texas culture and inspired by international cuisines both near and far.”
Adds Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides, “The Texas culinary scene has proven to be an exhilarating one, with multicultural influences, homegrown ingredients, and talent that is rich in ambition. Foodies and travel enthusiasts alike will find something to enjoy, with such a broad dining scene spanning farm-to-table dishes, fusion cuisine, upscale dining and the famous Texas-style barbecue.”
The first guide selection will feature in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.
“The Michelin Guide Texas will illustrate to global travellers the culinary journey that’s waiting to be discovered in our state, featuring restaurants that embody our heritage and introducing innovative chefs and local artisans who are redefining our food scene,” commented Tim Fennell, director of Travel Texas. “The introduction of the guide will be a tremendous asset for Texas, promoting our rich and diverse food culture and elevating the restaurant scene to an international stage.”
Zane Harrington of Visit Dallas noted statistics suggesting that close to 60% of travellers looking for a culinary destination are likely to be influenced by whether or not the destination has its own Michelin guide.
Texas takeaway
Of course, the Texas delegation had much more on its mind than its culinary chops, not least the growing number of visitations from this country, which topped 580,000 in 2023, of which close to 70% travelled for vacation or holiday and spending an average of six nights; the state is also popular for snowbirds.
Of those, 40% arrived by land and 60% by air, the latter not surprising given the significant airlift between the two countries, which includes 11 direct daily flights into DFW alone (as well as Houston and Austin).
Other news of note from Team Texas mission members:
Dallas-Forth Worth
Poised to be third largest metropolis in the US, the Dallas-Fort Worth (about an hour apart) also comprises dozens of smaller enclaves, like Arlington and Grapevine, that give the destination huge diversity within the region, not least the big city culture of Dallas and the quintessential cowboy appeal of Fort Worth.
Harrington, Director of Communications for Visit Dallas, notes that with multiple sports teams, the cities also attract a plethora of sports fans (including Canadians following their home teams when they play the Dallas Stars). In 2026, the World Cup of Football will see nine matches played in Dallas.
And, of course, Dallas takes pride in its status as the home of the frozen margarita, which can be amply sampled along the Margarita Mile, which also features a pass with perks, similar to City Pass offerings for the city.
San Antonio
For the 7th biggest city in the US (by population), and second in Texas (after Houston), San Antonio is somewhat of an undiscovered gem, not least for its colourful Mexican vibe and amazing Riverwalk. Of course, the Alamo is the city’s most famous draw, and the historic downtown landmark and surrounding area is undergoing a massive expansion/renovation that will include a museum dedicated to showcasing the extensive collection of Alamo artifacts collected for decades by Phil Collins (yes, the singer). It is scheduled to open in 2027.
Also coming this fall is a new World Heritage Centre to showcase the city’s five Spanish missions, which have collectively earned UNESCO World Heritage status. To be located on the grounds of Mission San José, the centre will “really coalesce the story (of the separate missions) and give one central point to tell the story,” says Dee Dee Poteete of Visit San Antonio.
Meanwhile, the city continues to build its hotel roster, with 20 new properties in the pipeline, a Kimpton being the first to arrive in August.
Lubbock
Lubbock is Buddy Holly country and the famed native son’s name is on the city’s performance arts centre, which is the pulse of a thriving cultural scene in the northwest Texas city, about five hours west of Dallas. Rich in western culture and history, the growing destination has poured a billion dollars into downtown redevelopment in recent years. At the same time, McKenna Dowdle of Visit Lubbock notes that the city is the centre of a surprising wine region, which produces 85% of vintage of the state, which itself is fifth largest producer of wine in the US. As such, visitors can visit wineries and explore the new Texas High Plains Wine Trail when in town.
Laredo
On the Mexican border two hours from San Antonio, Laredo not surprisingly boasts a vibrant Mexican culture that Aileen Ramos calls “Mex-Tex” rather than the other way around. Indeed, over 95% of residents come from the other side of the Rio Grande river. Visitors to the historic city often venture across the border (Monterey is two hours distant) but will find plenty to do in historic Laredo. Activities of distinction include excellent birding, showcased at the annual Laredo Birding Festival every February, where attendees can hope to spot up to 200 different species; also, a perky coffee culture that has spawned a Coffee Trail of unique coffee shops. Visitors should also try a “mariachi,” says Ramos – not the musical style, rather a local breakfast taco that is best sampled (surprisingly) at city gas stations.
Frisco
Not the one in California, Frisco is city located and about 40 km. north of Dallas and is gaining recognition as the new home of the OMNI Frisco PGA resort, a 500-room property with full amenities, not least two 18-hole championship courses, along with a 10-hole par 3 course. And in June 2026, the Universal Kids Resort will open as company’s first-ever theme park specifically designed for families with young children (maximum age 10). It will include a 300-room hotel.