Austin may not be the largest big city in Texas but as the capital, it is certainly one of the most well known. Host to the world-famous SXSW music festival, Austin has a more creative and artsy feel than some of the larger cities like Dallas and Houston. It is perhaps this vibrant art scene that spills over into the culinary scene as well.
For most restaurant owners and chefs, one of the most prestigious ratings they could receive is the elusive Michelin Star, often considered a career milestone for many chefs and their teams. This may have you wondering which of Austin's restaurants have received a Michelin Star and would be worth visiting.
Surprisingly, Austin doesn’t have any official Michelin Star restaurants, but there’s a simple explanation. There aren’t Michelin Star restaurants anywhere in Texas, since Michelin hasn’t created a guide for the Lone Star State.
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As of the end of 2023, only seven U.S. locations have Michelin Guides, but they’re always looking for new cities and states to add. If the Michelin Guide does ever come to Austin, keep reading to find out what restaurants could make the list.
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Michelin Worthy Restaurants in Austin, Texas
When it comes to cuisine, each city has its local favorites. With a creative and unique city like Austin, there are some restaurants that offer something you can’t find anywhere else.
Michelin announced two new guides in the U.S. in 2023, and although Texas isn’t one of them, there are enough unique and luxurious restaurants in places like Austin that they may add a Texas Michelin Guide in the future.
If Michelin did come to Texas, here are some of the restaurants in Austin that could make the list:
- Uchi
- Emmer & Rye
- Pasta | Bar
- Toshokan
- Barley Swine
- Red Ash Italia
- Canje
If you’re ever in the Austin area, these restaurants are worth visiting. Let’s find out what makes each restaurant unique and worthy of a Michelin Star.
Uchi
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Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole leads the way for a fantastic experience in this stylish Japanese restaurant. Uchi is the perfect place to make a reservation for a special occasion or a sophisticated night out.
In Japanese, Uchi translates to house, and it’s a fitting name for the stylish yet comforting atmosphere at this restaurant. The menu is focused on non-traditional Japanese cuisine and each dish strikes a balance between style and creativity. Choose from among their daily specials, or make a pick from their more permanent menu.
The daily specials are constantly changing, but you might choose a dish like the A5 Hot Rock with A5 Wagyu beef, or the Tako with bok choy, tom kha, and peanut. On the rest of their menu, you may find dishes like the Wagyu Striploin or the Grilled Striped Bass.
Emmer & Rye
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Located on the bottom floor of the Skyhouse Austin Apartments, Emmer & Rye is far from ordinary with a menu that changes daily based on the local farmer’s haul. The flavors of each dish are inspired by Chef Kevin’s unique experience cooking in Copenhagen.
Chef Kevin Fink was a James Beard Finalist for the Best Chef in Texas, and the restaurant has also been recognized by The New York Times, Austin American-Statesman, and Bon Appetit.
With an ever-changing menu, it’s always a surprise what dishes you might enjoy when you visit Emmer & Rye. You might find entrees like the Red Snapper with Fuji apple and corn relish, or the Grilled Zucchini with pickled turnip and toasted elephant garlic. Try their Texas Wagyu Beef Showcase for $105. Note that your whole table needs to participate in this experience.
Pasta | Bar
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Pasta | Bar is the newest addition to the Scratch Restaurant family, started by husband and wife duo Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee. Both Chef Phillip and Margarita have been featured in Zagat’s “30 Under 30,” and also recognized by numerous other publications.
The atmosphere at Pasta | Bar is definitely intimate, with only 10 seats available at the counter where you can enjoy the Tasting Menu. This seating arrangement also gives you a full view of the kitchen. The spectacular experience at Pasta | Bar begins as soon as you walk in the door and are offered a complimentary cocktail in the lounge.
Once the adventure of your meal begins, you’ll be surprised by each dish that brings several bold and creative flavors. With items such as the Scallop with lime granita and cucumber or the Escargot with smoke and bone marrow, there’s no limit to the flavors you’ll experience throughout your meal. Dinner starts at $195/person.
Toshokan
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If you’re ready for an intimate, exclusive dining experience, Toshokan is the place to go. This restaurant offers a 14-course sushi speakeasy-style meal, served to only six people at a time. You have to be quick if you want to snag reservations here. Toshokan was even included on the list of The Toughest Restaurant Reservations in Austin.
If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation, you’ll find your seat after entering the restaurant through a secretive bookcase door. Chef Saine Wong brings his talent and knowledge to Toshokan after spending years focusing on different types of cuisines all over the world. Before opening Toshokan, he traveled to 26 different countries to study the food and ingredients used in different cultures.
After opening its doors in 2022, Toshokan has become one of the most prestigious and exclusive sushi restaurants in Austin. Within the first year of opening, they were ranked one of the best new restaurants by Austin Monthly.
Barley Swine
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Since 2010, Barley Swine has brought fresh flavors and local ingredients to life in the heart of Austin. The team at Barley Swine is led by Austin local Bryce Gilmore and this restaurant is committed to supporting local farmers and ranchers. They’re also committed to doing their part in protecting the environment, working closely with the non-profit organization ZeroFoodprint. Through this partnership, Barley Swine hopes to achieve and maintain carbon neutrality.
Barley Swine is a popular and well-loved restaurant in Austin, so reservations are encouraged. The entire dining experience at Barley Swine will take about two hours, and throughout that time, you’ll get to experience every bit of the Chef’s Tasting Menu.
The menu does change seasonally, but you can expect each dish to include bold flavors and a mix of local ingredients. You may see options like the Cured Bluefin Tuna with brown butter squash and a mushroom dressing. The meal wouldn’t be complete without desserts, such as the Grapefruit Ice Cream or the Apple Pavé with an oatcake, oatmeal cookie butter, and cheddar.
Red Ash Italia
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Red Ash Italia stands out on the list of Michelin-worthy restaurants in Austin as a restaurant with craft Italian cuisine. Executive Chef John Carver leads his team to prepare creative dishes inspired by the cuisine of Northern and Southern Italy.
The menu at Red Ash includes items such as handmade pasta, seafood, and delectable Italian desserts. There are signature dishes, such as the Wood Roasted Beef Bone Marrow with Wild Mushroom Risotto. You can also enjoy fresh pasta, such as the Potato Gnocchi with fresh cream, gorgonzola, and smoked prosciutto.
During your meal, feel free to choose selections from the extensive wine list. Here you’ll find wines from across the world, including selections from Austria, France, Spain, and Argentina. You can also opt to have one of the restaurant's signature craft cocktails.
Canje
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Traditional and modern dishes collide at this lively and vibrant Caribbean restaurant in Austin. At Canje, you’ll find bright colors, bold flavors, and cuisine inspired by Guyana, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and every island in between.
Even the name of the restaurant adds to the story of the environment. Canje is named after the Canje pheasant, which is the national bird of Guyana. This tropical bird provides some insight into the type of vibrant food you’ll experience when you dine at Canje.
The menu includes a variety of dishes, such as the Sea Bass with mojo, tomato, squash, and orange. Or, you might try the Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop with mango vindaloo, achar, and green papaya. You can’t complete your meal without tasting one of their unique desserts, such as the Cassareep Ice cream with dark chocolate, passion fruit, puffed rice, and pepitas sprinkled on top. Or, try their Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Texas pecan, Rhum Agricole, and strawberry jam.
The Best Restaurants Austin Has to Offer
Anyone who has lived in or visited Austin will tell you how unique the city is. From its vibrant art and music scene to its vast array of creative restaurants, there are plenty of exciting things to do and see in Austin.
Although there aren’t any Michelin Star Restaurants in Austin so far, Michelin may add a Texas guide in the future. There are plenty of restaurants for Michelin to explore across the great state of Texas, especially in the capital. If Michelin does visit Texas one day, they may consider some of these luxury restaurants in Austin.
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