ICYMI: CultureMap Tastemaker Awards 2026

A guide to staying balanced with life and work in the hospitality industry

Culinary Agents

May 21, 2026

The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards celebrate the top restaurant and bar talent across Texas. Congratulations to this year's winners!

Austin

Restaurant of the Year: Odd Duck
Chef of the Year: Daniela Landaverde and Rosa Landaverde - La Santa Barbacha
Bar of the Year: Parley
Best New Restaurant: Moderna Bar & Pizzeria
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Ale Kuri - Este
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Allday Pizza
Dessert Program of the Year: Rockman Coffee + Bakeshop
Coffee Shop of the Year: Palomino Coffee
Best Sandwich: Mum Foods Smokehouse & Delicatessen

Houston

Restaurant of the Year: Casaema (Houston)
Chef of the Year: Manabu Horiuchi - Kata Robata/Katami/Sushi Horiuchi
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Adrian Torres - Maximo
Bar of the Year: Donna’s
Bartender of the Year: Julia Miles - Refuge
Best New Restaurant : Barbacana
Dessert Program of the Year: Barbacana
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: ChòpnBlọk
Coffee Shop of the Year: Un Caffe
Best Sandwich: B'Tween Sandwich Co.

Fort Worth

Restaurant of the Year: Cattlemen's Steak House
Chef of the Year: Jon Bonnell - Bonnell's, Waters, Buffalo Bros., Jon’s Grille
Bar of the Year: Crystal Springs Hideaway
Best New Restaurant: Cocodrie's Bayou Kitchen
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Levi Gardner - Westland Hospitality
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Rex’s Bar & Grill
Dessert Program of the Year: FunkyTown Donuts & Drafts
Coffee Shop of the Year: Buon Giorno Coffee
Best Sandwich: Carshon's Deli

Dallas

Restaurant of the Year: Mamani
Chef of the Year: Peja Krstic Mot Hai Ba, Pillar
Bar of the Year: Ayahuasca Cantina
Best New Restaurant: Frenchie
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Eduardo Osorio - Meridian
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Beverly's Bistro & Bar
Dessert Program of the Year: Lucia
Coffee Shop of the Year: Ascension
Best Sandwich: Trades Delicatessen

San Antonio

Restaurant of the Year: Cullum's Attaboy
Chef of the Year: Sue Kim - The Magpie
Bar of the Year: Jue Let
Best New Restaurant: Honey's Chicken Joint
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Matt Garcia - Gigi's Deli
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Con Huevos Tacos
Dessert Program of the Year: Nicosi
Coffee Shop of the Year: NoFi Slow Bar
Best Pop-up: Buddy's Big Trouble
Best Sandwich: Beacon Hill Market & Deli

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