Dallas-Fort Worth Joins Michelin Guide with Pride and Room to Grow: One Star, Many Highlights

Dallas’ first Michelin Star Award

Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) has officially earned its culinary stripes, becoming a key player on the global dining map with the first-ever Texas Michelin Guide. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights the region’s dynamic food scene, from high-end fine dining to hidden gems offering incredible meals at great value. The guide’s recognition of DFW is a testament to the area’s exceptional chefs, innovative menus, and diverse culinary offerings.

The Lone Star: Tatsu’s Michelin Triumph

The headline of the Michelin Guide 2024 for DFW is undoubtedly the one-star award for Tatsu, a tiny yet mighty omakase sushi restaurant located in Deep Ellum. With just 10 seats, this intimate dining experience is curated by Chef Tatsuya Sekiguchi, whose background includes Michelin-starred establishments like Sushi Yasuda in Manhattan. The menu reflects Chef Sekiguchi’s precision, creativity, and commitment to top-tier ingredients, making Tatsu a must-visit for sushi aficionados.

Beyond the star winner, the guide recognized 20 other restaurants in North Texas, showcasing the rich tapestry of flavors that DFW offers. These establishments earned their spots for delivering exceptional dining experiences:

Dallas Recommendations

  1. Barsotti’s – Italian comfort food with a modern twist.
  2. Mister Charles – Upscale American cuisine in an elegant setting.
  3. Crown Block – Elevated steakhouse offerings with stellar city views.
  4. El Carlos Elegante – A celebration of Latin American flavors.
  5. Fearing’s – Iconic Southwestern cuisine by Chef Dean Fearing.
  6. Georgie – Contemporary American dining with Australian influences.
  7. Knox Bistro – A cozy French-inspired eatery.
  8. Mercat Bistro – Parisian charm meets Texas flair.
  9. Monarch – Luxe Italian fare atop a downtown skyscraper.
  10. Quarter Acre – Refined dishes with farm-to-table freshness.
  11. Rye – Creative small plates with bold flavors.
  12. Sachet – Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on sustainability.
  13. Stillwell’s – A modern take on Texas classics.
  14. Stock & Barrel – Elevated comfort food with Southern roots.
  15. Tei-An – A serene spot for artisanal Japanese noodles and sushi.
  16. Written by the Seasons – A rotating menu inspired by seasonal produce.

Fort Worth Recommendations

  1. Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez – Authentic Mexican fare with bold flavors.
  2. Panther City BBQ – A Fort Worth staple for Texas barbecue.

Nearby Recommendations

  1. Smoke ‘N Ash BBQ – Arlington’s unique fusion of Ethiopian and Texan BBQ.
  2. Harvest – A farm-to-table dining experience in McKinney.

Bib Gourmand Honorees: Affordable Excellence

The Bib Gourmand distinction celebrates restaurants delivering exceptional three-course meals at reasonable prices. These DFW honorees showcase the region’s ability to offer world-class flavors without breaking the bank:

Dallas Bib Gourmand Winners

  1. Cattleack – Elevated comfort food in a casual atmosphere.
  2. Gemma – Californian-inspired dishes with local ingredients.
  3. Lucia – Renowned for its handmade pastas and Italian delicacies.
  4. Mot Hai Ba – Vietnamese classics with contemporary twists.
  5. Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen – Fresh, vibrant dishes highlighting authentic flavors.
  6. Nonna – A neighborhood favorite for Italian cuisine.

Fort Worth Bib Gourmand Winner

  1. Goldee’s Barbecue – Consistently ranked among the best for Texas-style smoked meats.

DFW’s Culinary Legacy Grows

The Michelin Guide’s recognition solidifies DFW’s reputation as a culinary destination, appealing to food lovers from around the globe. From refined omakase at Tatsu to affordable gems like Goldee’s and Lucia, the region offers something for every palate.

As locals and visitors alike explore the guide’s recommendations, they’ll discover a food scene that celebrates tradition, innovation, and diverse flavors. Whether you’re seeking a Michelin-starred meal or a memorable dining experience at a Bib Gourmand spot, DFW delivers excellence at every turn.

Explore DFW’s Flavors on a Curated Food Tour

Group of women enjoying wine and food during a wine tour in Grapevine, TX.

While the Michelin Guide has recognized only one restaurant in Dallas-Fort Worth with a coveted star, the diverse range of recommended establishments highlights the incredible culinary depth of the area. From world-class omakase to Texas barbecue and Bib Gourmand gems, there’s so much to discover in the DFW food scene. What better way to experience it all than with a guided food tour tailored to your interests?

At Food Tours of America, we offer curated experiences in DFW’s most iconic neighborhoods. Explore vibrant areas like Deep Ellum, with its rich jazz and street art culture, or dive into the Fort Worth Stockyards for a taste of Texas barbecue and cowboy history. Our food tours include expertly planned stops at local restaurants, fascinating insights into the area’s history and culture, and of course, plenty of incredible food to sample along the way.

Planning something for a larger group or company outing? Our private and corporate food tours are perfect for team-building events or client appreciation days. With our expertise and passion for connecting people through food, we make it easy for you to experience the best of DFW’s culinary scene in a way that’s uniquely yours. Whether you’re a local exploring hidden treasures or a visitor diving into the flavors of Texas, there’s no better way to savor the region’s vibrant offerings.

Ready to Plan Your Culinary Adventure?

Join us on one of our popular neighborhood food tours, or contact us to create a bespoke corporate experience tailored to your group’s taste. Together, let’s celebrate the remarkable flavors that make Dallas-Fort Worth a culinary destination worth exploring.