Michelin’s Impact on Dallas’ Dining Scene

Dallas, a city often touted as a culinary destination by local food writers, has recently received a dose of reality from the Michelin Guide. While many paint a rosy picture, the truth is that Dallas’ dining scene, while improving, still lags behind many other major cities.

The Michelin Guide’s arrival in Dallas sparked both excitement and skepticism. Anonymously, inspectors evaluate restaurants based on a strict set of criteria, including the quality of ingredients, the skill of the chef, and the overall dining experience.

This year, several Dallas-Fort Worth restaurants earned Michelin nods, including Georgie, Rye, Knox Bistro and Pappas Bros.’ wine director. Tatsu, a modern Japanese restaurant in Deep Ellum, was awarded the sole Michelin star in Dallas for its innovative cuisine and impeccable technique.

While the chosen restaurants are impressive, it’s important to note that Dallas still lacks the diversity and depth of culinary talent found in cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Many restaurants rely on familiar concepts and lack the creativity and innovation that define truly great dining experiences. And the Michelin inspectors overlooked what Dallas does well: steakhouses and Tex-Mex. Dallas is the king of steakhouse cities. Tex-Mex, more a staple than barbecue, is equally noteworthy. Restaurants such as Mesero and Las Palmas are just two consistent, excellent examples.

Unlike the James Beard Awards, which now prioritize diversity and inclusion over pure excellence, the Michelin Guide seems to employ an approach devoid of such social engineering.

The Michelin Guide’s arrival in Dallas is a step in the right direction, but it’s crucial to maintain realistic expectations. While the city has made significant strides, it still has a long way to go before it can truly claim a place among the nation’s culinary gems.