Benjy’s in the Village, Shabu Zone and Savoir Now on the Resy Hit List

Because this Rice Village spot is an institution for good reason: celebrating 25 years in business, Benjy’s has reopened with a new look and revitalized menu. Seth Siegel Gardner (co-chef at The Pass & Provisions) is behind the revamped offerings, which include bone broth with dumplings from Blood Bros BBQ.

Because few things are more enjoyable than satisfying hot pot in the Hong Kong City Mall. Choose your broth (we like it spicy); order your choice of prime meats; then hit the buffet to pick up seafood, a vibrantly colored array of noodles, lots of veggies, and make-your-own sauces for dipping.

Because this chef-driven restaurant is an elegant expression of the season’s best, and fall produce has the kitchen busy. Like chef Micah Rideout’s whimsical Carrot Away, an assemblage of seven different carrot preparations, all staggeringly delicious and like nothing else in the city.

Because there’s nowhere better to indulge in truffle season than at this Italian fine dining temple. As the cold front finally sets in, settle in with an excellent glass of wine and an extra-large egg-filled ravioli blanketed in shaved truffles.

Because skip the line: this neighborhood classic now takes reservations. The homemade pastas are excellent, but locals queue for the chicken cannelloni– pasta filled with mortadella, ricotta, and vegetables, then topped with Béchamel sauce. Pro-tip: round out your order with a side of fried cheese ravioli.

Because Robert Del Grande’s influential and award-winning brand of fine Southwestern dining is back in a new form thanks to co-owner Benjamin Berg (best known for B&B Butchers). With a sleeker look, the restaurant has dishes that are original, but still vintage Del Grande—like duck breast with cocoa mole and a duck confit crêpe.

For reservations, call the restaurant at (713) 597-2001.

Because October calls for a much-needed dose of liang pi. Known in English as “cold skin noodles,” the silky wide noodles from the northern Shaanxi region of China are prepared with a mouth-watering slap of heat at this casual eatery in Bellaire Food Street. Pro-tip: don’t miss the eponymous cumin-dusted skewers.

Walk-ins only.

Because come to Hotsome for destination-worthy Korean fried chicken. With exuberant service and K-Pop playing throughout the space, this feel-good beacon (formerly Von’s Chicken) has preserved the masterful sauces made famous by its predecessor. We like the jalapeño-bedecked Gochu Mayo: a bit of spice that will leave your tongue ready to be cooled with the freshly shaved ice of a bing su.

Walk-ins only.

Because this Italian mid-century stunner is proving to be one of Houston’s hottest destinations for locals in-the-know. Order a pie covered in briny trout roe, or any of the plates fresh from the wood-burning hearth, like the Basque-style sea bream. 

Because Bobby Heugel and Justin Yu—the minds behind Squable and Better Luck Tomorrow—keep on playing the hits. This all-day café and wine bar is a visual stunner, boasting  natural light and design-forward fixtures. Settle into the welcoming space with a menu that ranges from pistachio butter toast and Japanese chicken-and-egg bowls at breakfast to kale salad and fried chicken sandwich at dinner.

Walk-ins only.