Helen in the Heights, Savoir, Nancy’s Hustle, and Rosalie: Now on the Resy Hit List

Because one of our favorite patios in town just happens to be found at Resy’s newest Houston addition. There’s no better way to simulate a Greek vacation than by catching some rays alongside spiced meatballs and the Greens and Cheese Pie, a phyllo pastry with fried capers, oregano and myzithra cheese. For even better effect, add a creative drink from the bar — either alcoholic or virgin.

Because this under-the-radar spot isn’t so under-the-radar anymore. Recent raves in various publications mean it’s tougher to get a table, but you won’t mind the extra effort after one taste of the tandoori fajita, which pairs spicy-and-tangy lamb belly with housemade roti. If you can’t score a seat at dinner, brunch is now an option. Set that Notify alert.

Because more than one critic declared it the best new restaurant of 2019, and if you haven’t tried it yet, it’s time to catch up. Start with the focaccia di Recco: This layered bread contains strata of melting robiola cheese and mortadella. It’s not an intuitive choice before a meal of pizza, but the pleasure is worth a little bread-on-bread action.

Because few restaurants in town take better advantage of local farms than this cozy, hidden treasure. The seasonal specialties have recently included a fried egg with crispy sunchokes, sunflower tahini and smoked chile vinegar. Always save room for the staple Nancy Cakes, which come topped with whipped butter and smoked trout roe.

Chef Chris Cosentino’s first Houston outpost, inside the buzzy C. Baldwin Hotel, is devoted to his great-grandmother’s Italian home cooking. The soulful menu includes interpretations of familiar classics, such as blue crab manicotti; rigatoni with Texas wild boar ragu; and chicken Milanese, made here from a whole, boneless bird. 

For reservations, call the restaurant at 713-351-5790.

Because the Gulf Coast installment of Chris Shepherd’s rotating concept is a few months in and really finding its footing. To make matters even more compelling, it’s currently crawfish season in Houston — and right now, One Fifth is all about the boils. In other words: Now is the time to go. 

Because February doesn’t bring only fresh produce: It also delivers interesting fish from Japan. This month is fugu season, the only time of year when chef Manabu Horiuchi uses his special certification to carve up the poison-bearing blowfish into safe portions of sashimi.

Because we’ll drive anywhere for great xiao long bao, and our new favorites are in Cypress and Katy at this restaurant, which focuses on — you guessed it — Peking duck and dumplings. The rich broth and gloriously delicate dumpling skin are sure to make you melt, no matter which location you choose.

For reservations, call the restaurant at 832-913-3226.

Because fans are flocking to the popular food truck’s brick-and-mortar evolution in Sawyer Yards: Even local celebrity Deandre Hopkins has already paid a visit to his favorite purveyor of chicken and rice. But we’re in it for the new menu, which includes a legit take on karaage, served either over rice or in sandwiches.

Walk-ins only.

Because there’s only one Portland chain that doles out a vegan doughnut shaped like a blunt, and it’s finally arrived in Houston. Open 24 hours, Voodoo Doughnuts can combat any case of the munchies with its eclectic doughnuts that range from guava-filled to hibiscus-dipped.

Walk-ins only.