The MICHELIN Guide was created by the French tire company Michelin in 1900. Initially designed to encourage drivers to explore the open road, the guide provided maps, car maintenance tips and lists of places to eat or stay. Over time, the guide evolved from a practical handbook into a prestigious authority on fine dining. By 1926, MICHELIN had introduced its star rating system, awarding a single star to outstanding restaurants and eventually creating the renowned three-star scale in 1931. Today, the MICHELIN Guide is a globally recognized report of dining excellence, with its stars highly coveted by chefs and restaurant owners around the world.

Barley Swine. Credit Richard Casteel. Courtesy MICHELIN Guide.

Restaurants in the MICHELIN Guide are graded by anonymous inspectors, each trained to evaluate food quality with an eye for consistency, technique, and creativity. Five core criteria determine a restaurant’s score: quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, the chef’s personality as reflected in the cuisine and consistency across the menu and experience. A single star denotes a "very good" restaurant in its category, two stars signify "excellent cooking that is worth a detour" and three stars recognize "exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey." 

Beyond stars, the guide may also award the Bib Gourmand (named after Bibendum, the Michelin Man and official company mascot) to highlight excellent, more affordable dining options, or the Green Star to recognize restaurants committed to sustainable practices. This meticulous process ensures that MICHELIN-awarded restaurants deliver not just a meal but a memorable experience.

Odd Duck. Credit Richard Casteel. Courtesy MICHELIN Guide. 

Austin has solidified its place on the culinary map with remarkable success in the MICHELIN Guide's recent Texas edition. Out of the 15 one-star accolades awarded across the state, Austin proudly secured seven, showcasing its diverse and innovative dining scene. The city’s reputation for excellence doesn’t stop there—Austin also earned 14 of the 45 Bib Gourmand distinctions, highlighting eateries that deliver exceptional quality and value. Adding to its list of achievements, Austin claimed both of the two Green Stars awarded in Texas, recognizing its leaders in sustainability and eco-friendly practices, as well as one of four special awards, further cementing its status as a hub for outstanding and responsible gastronomy. Congratulations to our 2024 Austin MICHELIN Guide Texas recipients!

Whether you’re a local or a visitor eager to experience Texas’ latest fine dining accolades, now is the perfect time to explore everything Austin has to offer. Discover more of Austin’s incredible food scene—from hidden gems to local favorites, you’ll find local breweries, food trucks and iconic Austin flavors all over town.