Over the course of 19 years, Michelin had only awarded stars in six states and territories; including Washington D.C:, Illinois, New York, Colorado, Florida and Georgia. Now, for the first time ever, the Michelin guide recognized restaurants in multiple major Texas cities. On Nov. 11, Michelin announced that it would award a total of 15 stars in Texas, with seven of them going to restaurants in Austin. 

Of the seven starred restaurants, La Barbecue, Leroy & Lewis Barbecue and InterStellar BBQ are all barbeque, marking an important distinction for Austin as a known city for the cuisine. 

Only three of the four American barbeque restaurants who have Michelin stars are in Austin, and four out of four are in Texas. 

The additional starred restaurants in Austin include American cuisine from Hestia and Olamaie, Japanese cuisine from Craft Omakase and contemporary from Barley Swine. 

While no restaurant in Texas earned more than one Michelin star, any restaurant that manages to earn a Michelin star can receive up to three. According to Michelin Guide’s official website, one Michelin star is considered “high quality cooking,” two stars are “excellent cooking” and three stars, the highest ranking of them all, is “exceptional cuisine.”

However, Michelin doesn’t just rank restaurants based on stars. Michelin also includes a “Bib Gourmand” ranking below Michelin stars that can be described as restaurants which provide “good-quality, good value cooking” and a green star to restaurants that maintain sustainable practices in the kitchen. 

While many may not make the initial connection, Michelin tires and Michelin stars originate from the same company. After the tire company was founded by André and Édouard Michelin in 1889, the pair began accompanying drivers with a guide that provided individuals with traveler information and basic motorist tips. 

By the 1920s, the guide began including recommendations for the best hotels and restaurants in Paris. Now, with over 3,600 restaurants carrying a Michelin star globally, the Michelin Guide has developed into the gold standard for some of the best fine-dining worldwide.