Feb 23, 2026 | 5:00 pm
The time has come for the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, our annual celebration of the people and places who make Houston’s culinary scene so special. As always, we begin with the nominees for Rising Star Chef of the Year.
Our nominees are a distinguished group. Five of them lead restaurants that have earned a place in the Michelin Guide. Others have earned national recognition from the likes of the New York Times and StarChefs. Some are the trusted lieutenants of well-established restaurateurs, while others own their businesses.
Collectively, they’re the future leaders of Houston’s restaurant community. We suggest getting to know them now, because they’ve already shared so much with their fellow Houstonians…