The November Hit List: Little’s Oyster Bar, Bludorn, Sewist’s Room, and More

The past few months have seen a flurry of seafood-focused restaurants debut in the Bayou City, and Little’s — the chef-driven concept from the prolific Pappas restaurant empire — has become a fast favorite of many Houstonians. Seasoned California chef Jason Ryczek leads this Montrose seafood haven, which centers its menu on the bounty of the Texas Gulf Coast.

Think wild-caught Gulf shrimp, sweet and succulent blue crabs, famous Texas redfish, and of course, Gulf oysters, all artfully prepared and plated. Enjoy your meal inside in the bustling white-and-navy galley-style dining room or in the quieter glassed-in, retractable-roof patio in the back. Add the white sturgeon caviar service, harvested by Ryczek himself, if you’re feeling extra fancy.

And as we said, Little’s recently claimed the coveted top spot on the Chronicle’s annual list, so secure those Resys before the inevitable mad dash.

Newly launched Annabelle Brasserie is the first in a long line of restaurants slated to open in Autry Park, a 14-acre mixed-use development nestled along Buffalo Bayou Park. The dining destination — from restaurateur Benjamin Berg’s Berg Hospitality Group (The Annie Café & Bar, B&B Butchers, Trattoria Sofia, and others) — serves French fare all day long.

That means guests can expect a wide-ranging menu that includes flaky pastries and fluffy omelets, traditional steak tartare, and nourishing duck confit cassoulet and beef bourguignonne. An elegant dining room, complete with vibrant florals suspended from the ceiling and set against warm wood paneling, punches up the Paris-style vibes, while an outdoor patio brings you back to Houston with picturesque park views.

Follow Annabelle Brasserie on Instagram for the latest news.

French fine dining restaurant Le Jardinier — tucked away in the Kinder Building at the Museum of Fine Arts — recently debuted a new bar bites menu from chef de cuisine Felipe Botero that showcases his take on classic snacks. Available during dinner service at the bar and lounge areas, the menu features nibbles such as toasted nuts seasoned with smoked paprika and rosemary, olives complemented with chile flakes and citrus peel, and yucca tots served with crème fraiche and caviar, plus drink specials Mon. through Thurs. from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

None of that should overshadow the new fall menu, which includes a special offering called “A Play on Light” for the continuing Culinary Canvas series. The dish marries red beets with green apples, horseradish, and creamy avocado in an edible piece of art that honors the MFAH exhibit “Rembrandt to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the Armand Hammer Collection.”  And of course the shaded outdoor patio gives guests a front-row seat to the exquisite Cullen Sculpture Garden.

The name of this new modern Thai restaurant occupying the ground floor of the Hanover River Oaks translates to “come to eat” in Thai. In a statement, owner Lukkaew Srasrisuwan (Kin Dee and the cloud kitchen M Express Thai Kitchen) said that in her native country, the invitation is “viewed as the highest honor one can bestow” — and it’s one Houstonians should take her up on. Diners enter through a gold door that leads into an opulent dining room, where jewel-toned banquet seating and gorgeous murals showing scenes from Thailand adorn the walls. The 800-square-foot patio is decked out in printed Thai umbrellas and lush planters.

The menu, created by co-executive chefs Eakkapan “O” Ngammuang and Aphassorn “Bell” Predawan, is inspired by royal Thai family recipes. Highlights include seared wagyu steak glazed with palm sugar, served with charred eggplant and grilled romaine hearts; chef O’s deboned chicken wings and stuffed chicken lollipops accompanied by massaman curry paste; and lemongrass sous vide duck breast.

Follow MaKiin on Instagram for more information.

Devotees of Squable’s Sunday brunch will be overjoyed to know they now have an extra day (Saturday) to indulge in its rich offerings, like the Dutch baby pancake with butter bacon and syrup, hash browns smothered in hollandaise and salty trout roe, and the oyster mushroom hash with poached eggs, among other decadent dishes.

To sweeten things up even more, executive chef-partner Mark Clayton has added new items, including a doughnut burger with salted honey glaze, cheddar, bacon, and an egg — available only on Saturdays. And don’t snooze on the dessert bread: A slice of Bread Man Baking Co. pain de mie is soaked in oloroso sherry custard and toasted in butter before receiving a generous drizzle of maple syrup. A scoop of Cloud 10 Creamery vanilla ice cream finishes it off.

This New York City-import opened its first Houston outpost in downtown’s Rice Hotel in October and has quickly garnered buzz. The menu centers mainly on South American and Latino Caribbean cuisine (empanadas, Caribbean-style roasted pork shoulder, churrasco with herbaceous chimichurri sauce, garlicky mofongo, ceviche, and more) but also veers into Asian-inspired territory (think fusion sushi rolls, including one named for H-town’s beloved Astros). A speakeasy-style bar serving classic and signature cocktails (the Oaxacan old fashioned is made with mezcal, Tequila, bitters, and a splash of simple syrup) can also be accessed from behind a large painting depicting a Dominican farmer.

Follow Mamajuana Café on Instagram for more information.

Koi marks another entry into the ever-expanding list of sushi spots popping up in the city — and this one is particularly worth a visit. Like many other standout Japanese restaurants in town, Koi procures the fish for its sushi and sashimi straight from Japan. The restaurant also employs a clever fix to ensure the nori for their hand rolls stay crisp: the nori is separated from the filling by way of a special wrapper that easily tears away when you’re ready to eat. From the hot tastings, you’ll also want to try the black cod in truffle oil, grilled yellowtail collar, and A5 wagyu steak (also imported from Japan).

Since opening shop in 2021, Chinese Puerto Rican restaurant Michy’s Chino Boricua has made fans of diners (including Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, reportedly) who tell owner Michelle “Michy” Lao that the food reminds them of home — where this union of Latin and Asian flavors and ingredients is much more commonplace than it is here.

Signature menu items include the carne frita, which are cubes of crispy fried pork that have been marinated in Chinese five-spice and curry powder; boneless pork ribs doused in housemade Chinese barbecue sauce; and juicy fried chicken seasoned with a blend of oregano, cumin, achiote, and other spices. For the full experience, complete your plate with a side of mofongo, tostones with garlic butter, ripened sweet plantains, or pork fried rice — a house favorite.

A second Katy location is in the works. Follow Michy’s on Instagram for updates.

This intimate wine bar and bottle shop located in the Asch Building evokes old-world charm with antique-inspired décor right out of Miss Havisham’s parlor. The menu, however, is all modern, boasting an impressive selection of wines and zero-proof mocktails, as well as charcuterie and other light fare. Due to the cozy space, Resys are highly recommended, though the beautiful patio is open for walk-ins.

This year, save yourself the time and energy of cooking an entire Thanksgiving feast and let Bludorn do the heavy lifting instead. Chef Aaron Bludorn’s eponymous restaurant is once again offering to play host with a traditional three-course meal ($105 per person) — or two courses for children under 10 ($55 per person) — on Nov. 23. A wine pairing is optional, and bookings are open from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the dining room and on the covered patio. All you have to do is make a Resy — and show up ready to chow down. Or book a table any other night, and enjoy Bludorn in its usual, exceptional form.