San Antonio’s vibrant blend of art, culture and fun isn’t limited to its historic missions and colorful festivals — it’s also on the cutting edge of culinary excellence. With local chefs and restaurants earning accolades from Michelin and the James Beard Foundation, our city’s food scene is a feast for both the palate and the soul. The Alamo City is exceptionally proud to have a long list of chefs who have received, not only local, but national and even global attention from these top organizations.
You may know that the whole of San Antonio was abuzz in 2024 when it was first announced that the Michelin Guide was expanding its reach to Texas. Here are some of the chefs to top both lists.
At the heart of this gastronomic renaissance is one of the City’s oldest fine dining establishments, Biga on the Banks, led by the “godfather” himself, Chef Bruce Auden. A James Beard Finalist for Best Southwest Chef from 2001 to 2005 and again in 2011 and 2012, Chef Bruce has been a pillar of the culinary community.
“All of us at Biga are very humbled by the national recognition we have been receiving from March 2000 and continuing through present day 2025. More importantly, is the love that San Antonio gives us,” he shared.
As Biga on the Banks celebrates its 25th anniversary on April 22 — coinciding with Earth Day — the restaurant will close for an evening fundraiser. This special event will feature guest chefs and Biga alumni like Mark Bliss, Elise Broz and Luis Colon, uniting the culinary community in a celebration. And during Fiesta®, Biga delights guests with its holiday river parade dining experience — no set menu, no reserved balcony seats, just a casual, festive atmosphere where diners can enjoy their meal while watching the famous parade on April 28.
Adding to the city’s culinary accolades is Chef Jennifer Hwa Dobb of Best Quality Daughter at the Historic Pearl. Known for her creative Asian fusion cuisine, Dobb was a 2024 James Beard Best Chef Texas semi-finalist.
“I’m happy to be considered — it’s good for business and great for San Antonio. I always want to credit my team at BQD; the restaurant literally doesn’t exist without them. I’m proud of all of the nominees this year and hope one of us can bring home San Antonio’s first win!” she announced.
Chef Berty of Ladino, also at the Historic Pearl, is another shining star. Recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Chef Berty Richter, Partner and Executive Chef of Ladino and Ezov, explained, “From day one, our goal has been to showcase the cultures and cuisines of the Mediterranean region while using the local ingredients we have right here in San Antonio. Getting recognition from Michelin is an incredible achievement for all of us at Ladino.”
And finally, not to be outdone, Chef Chris Cullum of Cullum’s Attaboy has also earned some Michelin recognition — specifically for his no-frills approach to great food.
“Being recognized by Michelin — and for Attaboy — is an incredible validation of our efforts. It feels like the world is acknowledging what we do and encouraging us to keep pushing forward,” said Cullum. “This honor is a lifetime achievement for our entire team, a testament to our dedication to excellence and to each other. Long live the legend, long live Attaboy.”
Together, these culinary innovators have not only helped create San Antonio’s food scene but have taken this great culinary city to the next level.
