Texas has had a banner year in the culinary world. Last month, Michelin debuted its first-ever guide in the state, establishing Texas as a must–visit food destination. Now, two Texas restaurants—Mābo of Dallas and Late August of Houston—have landed on Esquire’s Best New Restaurants List of 2024, adding another accolade to the state’s growing culinary reputation.
Specializing in different cuisines, both restaurants showcase dedication to their craft. Mābo, an omakase restaurant, serves a two-hour dining experience centered on skewered chicken, Wagyu beef, fish, and duck, all grilled over binchotan charcoal in the yakitori style. “He [chef Masayuki Otaka] sources free-ranging heritage breeds from Pennsylvania, and he lets you order additional skewers—maybe you’re in the mood for more tail, or for the fatty triangular nub known as the pope’s nose—when the planned courses have reached their completion,” wrote Esquire contributor Omar Mamoon.
Northwest of Mābo is Late August. Helmed by chefs Chris Williams and Sergio Hidalgo, Late August’s blends African American and Mexican American culinary traditions under the leadership of chefs Chris Williams and Sergio Hidalgo. Esquire writer Joshua David Stein highlighted inventive dishes like citrus pork confit atop mustard-and-collard greens masa and field pea hummus garnished with roasted grasshoppers, calling the restaurant “a terra novus.”
While no other Texas eateries made the list, Mābo and Late August are proudly representing the state’s culinary prowess, proving that Texas is a force to be reckoned with in the food world.