Chef and owner Andrew Savoie poses with pork rib carnitas at Resident Taqueria in East Dallas, Texas, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand listing on Oct. 8, 2026.
Anja Schlein/Special Contributor
Resident Taqueria is the latest addition to the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes restaurants that offer good food at reasonable prices.
The Lake Highlands restaurant, owned by chef Andrew Savoie and his wife, Amy, received the recognition on its 11th anniversary, making the moment even more special.
“What a gift we received,” Andrew Savoie told The News.
Article continues below this ad
For the chef, the inclusion is above all a recognition of his team’s work. Some members of the team have worked with him at the restaurant for a decade.
“It’s always wonderful and humbling to be recognized,” Savoie said. “I think it’s great. I think it’s wonderful for my staff and my team.”
Pork rib carnitas at Resident Taqueria in Lake Highlands, Texas, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.
Anja Schlein/Special Contributor
Savoie has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Originally from Long Island, he studied culinary arts and worked in restaurants in New Orleans, Washington, D.C., California, Maine and New York before moving to Texas in 2003.
He taught at the Art Institute of Dallas for nine years and later opened Resident Taqueria in 2015, inspired by the idea of creating a restaurant for his own neighborhood.
Article continues below this ad
The idea came up during a family outing, when the Savoies were looking for breakfast tacos and couldn’t find a place that served them. His wife then asked why he didn’t open his own restaurant, and he thought it was a good idea, Savoie recalled.
Savoie’s fine-dining experience became the foundation for a taco concept that does not aim to be a traditional Mexican taqueria, but instead offers an interpretation of cuisines around the world.
“The idea was to provide something for my community, my neighborhood here, that people could eat every single day,” Savoie said. “I wanted something where I could express the stuff that I’ve been doing for the last 20 years or so. And I thought the tortilla was a perfect vehicle.”
His tacos may draw on Latin American, French, Japanese or other cuisines. The menu changes regularly so customers can try different tacos each time they visit.
Braised pork shoulder taco at Resident Taqueria in Lake Highlands.
Claire Ballor
Nothing will change at Resident Taqueria after its inclusion on the Bib Gourmand list, Savoie said. The chef said his main motivation is to give neighborhood residents access to quality food close to home.
Article continues below this ad
“Basically, I am going to create,” he said. “I’m going to be hospitable. I’m going to do the same thing we’ve always done.”
In September, the restaurant had to close for two days because of water repairs by the city of Dallas at Lake Highlands Plaza, where the restaurant is located.
Savoie said the situation was a challenge for his small business, but he understands that the city works on its own schedules and processes. The problem has been resolved, he said, and he does not expect future interruptions.
Savoie is sure the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand recognition will bring new customers to the restaurant. That is a natural consequence of the distinction, he said, but it is not the goal behind his work. The chef also does not aspire to earn a Michelin star someday.
“I’m not looking for recognition. It’s not about that for me. It never has been, it never will be. I am grateful for anybody who recognizes us. I strictly do it for the love of what I do,” the chef said. “I have a job. I do what I do every single day and I love it. That’s my star.”
Article continues below this ad
Resident Taqueria is at 9661 Audelia Road, No. 112, Dallas. residenttaqueria.com.
What are your biggest surprises from this year’s announcement of the Michelin Guide Texas?
The Michelin Guide Texas revealed its 2026 winners on Oct. 8, 2026.
Dining and Cooking