Summary

The Texas Restaurant Awards returned July 20 at Houston’s 713 Music Hall, celebrating culinary excellence from big‑city halls to small‑town kitchens.

Key North Texas Winners:

• Ernie Quilantan, E Bar Tex Mex - Greater Dallas Restaurateur of the Year

• Adrian Burciaga, Don Artemio - Tarrant County Restaurateur of the Year

• Amanda Case, Pelican’s - North Texas Restaurateur of the Year

Emerging Talent Honored:

• Diego Galicia & Rico Torres, Mixtli (San Antonio) - Rising Star Award

• Kyle Citrano, George’s/Jorge’s (Waco) - Deep in the Heart Award

Other Accolades:

• Best Chef Awards - Mastering menus across Texas

• Community Impact & Educator Awards - Shaping the industry’s future

With a $138 billion annual impact, Texas’s restaurant scene thrives on innovation, leadership, and community spirit—qualities that this year’s winners embodied as they raised a glass to the Lone Star State’s next chapter.