San Antonio’s Michelin Moment: Hits, Misses, and What’s Next
The Michelin Guide’s second year in Texas has sparked significant discussion in San Antonio’s culinary scene. While our city celebrated new stars for Nicosi and Isidore at Pullman Market, many are questioning if the guide’s limited scope truly reflected the breadth of San Antonio’s vibrant dining landscape, especially given the substantial financial investment.
The Price of Prestige: Michelin’s Texas Debut
Texas paid a hefty $2.7 million over three years to bring the Michelin Guide to the state, with San Antonio and four other major cities contributing. This investment was intended to guarantee “consideration” and elevate the region’s dining profile, yet the results for San Antonio in Year Two suggest a somewhat superficial assessment by the inspectors.
San Antonio’s Michelin Scorecard: Year Two
San Antonio gained two new Michelin Stars in the 2025 guide, with Nicosi and Isidore at Pullman Market achieving this prestigious recognition. Mixtli retained its star, bringing the city’s total to three. Isidore also secured a Green Star for sustainability, and Mezquite, also within Pullman, earned a Bib Gourmand. However, the wider city saw only one additional “recommended” restaurant: Reese Bros Barbecue. This narrow focus, largely confined to a single development and one new barbecue spot, contrasts sharply with Year One, which saw broader recognition across the city with a star, four Bib Gourmands, and seven recommended establishments.
| Category | Year One (2024) | Year Two (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin Stars | 1 (Mixtli) | 3 (Mixtli, Nicosi, Isidore) |
| Bib Gourmands | 4 (The Jerk Shack, Southerleigh, Cullum’s Attaboy, Ladino) | 5 (Previous 4 + Mezquite) |
| Green Stars | 0 | 1 (Isidore) |
| Recommended Restaurants | 7 (2M Smokehouse, Barbecue Station, Garcia’s Mexican Food, Leche de Tigre, Little Em’s Oyster Bar, Nicosi, Signature) | 8 (Previous 6 + Reese Bros Barbecue, Nicosi promoted) |
A Closer Look: Beyond the Stars
While celebrating the innovation at Nicosi and Isidore – Nicosi’s daring dessert-focused concept and Isidore’s fresh take on Texas cuisine – critics point to the inspectors’ limited field of vision. The concentration of awards within a single Pearl compound and the subsequent visit to just one new barbecue spot outside it suggests a lack of deeper exploration into San Antonio’s rich and diverse culinary landscape. Michelin’s repeated emphasis on barbecue, even highlighting spots in smaller towns like Lockhart and Seguin, while neglecting other unique local cuisines, raises questions about the guide’s comprehensive understanding of Texas’s food identity. This narrow approach risks overshadowing the depth of talent across our city, making the investment’s broader impact debatable.
Michelin’s Missed Opportunities: San Antonio’s Unsung Heroes
San Antonio’s food scene is teeming with deserving establishments that warrant Michelin’s attention. Local food experts suggest a robust list of potential candidates for future recognition, including Clementine (Southern spin), Ro-Ho Pork & Bread, Petit Coquin (affordable French), Cured (Midwest craft), Chika, Kimura, Moroccan Bites Tagine, Taco House, The Magpie (Korean quirkiness), Outlaw Kitchens, Curry Boys BBQ, Paladar, Pharm Table (mind-body fusion), Sichuan House, and Shiro Japanese Bistro. These restaurants represent a blend of innovative concepts and well-executed dishes across various price points and cuisines, many of which offer more compelling experiences than some currently on the “recommended” list, such as Barbecue Station or Little Em’s Oyster Bar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michelin in San Antonio
- What is the Michelin Guide?
An esteemed international guide rating restaurants with stars for culinary excellence (1-3 stars) and Bib Gourmands for good value. - Why did Michelin come to Texas?
Texas, along with five major cities including San Antonio, collectively paid $2.7 million for three years to gain consideration from Michelin inspectors. - How many Michelin Stars does San Antonio have?
As of 2025, San Antonio has three Michelin Stars (Mixtli, Nicosi, Isidore). - What are Bib Gourmands and Green Stars?
Bib Gourmands recognize quality food at moderate prices. Green Stars highlight restaurants committed to sustainable practices. - Was San Antonio’s Michelin investment worthwhile in Year Two?
The value is debated. While new stars were awarded, the concentrated focus of inspections and limited new city-wide recognitions raise questions about the breadth of discovery for the significant financial outlay.
For the San Antonio culinary scene to truly receive the recognition it deserves, the Michelin Guide must commit to deeper, broader exploration. Until then, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to champion the countless exceptional restaurants that embody our city’s unique flavors and spirit.
San Antonio Michelin guide draws debate
