The Resy Hit List: Where In Houston You’ll Want to Eat in Nov. 2024
There’s no question we hear more often: Where should I go eat? And while we at Resy know it’s an honor to be the friend who everyone asks for restaurant advice, we also know it’s a complicated task. That’s where the Resy Hit List comes in.
We’ve designed it to be your essential resource for dining in Houston: a monthly-updated (and expanded!) guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In Houston Not to Miss This Month
- News Flash: Baltimore’s Atlas Restaurant Group has grown its portfolio in Houston, delivering a range of experiences that include Italian chophouse (Marmo), classic seafood tavern (Loch Bar), and contemporary Japanese (Azumi) — their latest addition in the River Oaks District. And now diners can find them all on Resy, along with a host of other enticing options, including Maven at Sawyer Yards, the cozy cafe slash cocktail bar from Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr.. Find out what else is New on Resy here.
- Take a Load Off: Whipping up a Thanksgiving feast can be exhausting, no matter the size of the group. This Turkey Day, why not let the fine chefs at Bludorn, Navy Blue, and Bar Bludorn take care of the cooking while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of family and friends? A festive three-course menu is available throughout Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, at all three restaurants. Save your spot via the links above, and find more deliciously fun events here.
- Patio Season: It’s time to hit up your favorite restaurant and bar patios and take advantage of the gorgeous weather while it lasts, because we all know it can end any day now. For a winning combo, dine on the deck at Elro Pizza + Crudo. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail with marinated mussels on grilled toast at Squable. Da Gama’s charming outdoor space is the perfect spot to people-watch while feasting on Portuguese-Indian fare. And for beer fans, head to Heights Bier Garten, Bayou Heights Bier Garten,or Katy Beer Garden for a thirst-quenching cold one.
- New About Town: Fall brought a slew of exciting casual openings to our fair city. One highly anticipated spot was Michelin-recommended ramen shop Mensho, which recently launched its first Texas location. Chicago’s famed Italian beef sandwich chain Portillo’s also debuted its first Houston-area restaurant in Richmond last month, as did beloved Austin-born burger stand P. Terry’s. And popular Vietnamese fast-food concept Saigon Hustle and “Good Morning America”–approved breakfast spot Dandelion Cafe also opened new locales in Spring Branch and the Heights, respectively. Add them all to your must-try list.
New to the Hit List (Nov. 2024)
Bar Bludorn, Mastrantos, Neo, Refuge, Viola & Agnes’ Neo Soul Cafe.
1. Ostia Montrose
Before Houston native Travis McShane’s solo foray debuted in 2020, the chef spent a decade under the guidance of acclaimed chef Jonathan Waxman, of New York’s Barbuto. Waxman is widely credited as a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement in New York, and Ostia — which serves New American cuisine with Mediterranean and Italian undertones — pays homage to this with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients. If you’re familiar with Waxman’s restaurants, you’ll also know of his famed roast chicken, of which McShane has made plenty. The version on Ostia’s menu, which also tips a hat to McShane’s longtime mentor, is beautifully simple with crisp skin and served with lemon and salsa verde. You won’t want to miss it.
2. neo Hyde Park
Even after four years, it still feels like a delightful secret to dine at Neo. Launched in the summer of 2020 by Jeremy Truong and former Uchi chefs Luis Mercado and Paolo Justo, the 10-seat omakase counter is discreetly tucked away inside luxury menswear boutique Glass Cypress. The specialty: an “avant garde-inspired” experience that highlights their dry-aging program, a process in which various types of fish are hung in a temperature-controlled refrigerator anywhere from days to months to remove moisture and enhance flavor and texture. Another perk? The 18 to 20 courses include complimentary beverages such as sake and wine. Resys go quickly so secure your spot, stat.
3. El Tiempo Cantina Multiple locations
Houstonians love to debate about which restaurant serves the best fajitas in town, and with so many worthy options, it’s hard to give a definitive answer. But one mainstay that comes up time and again is El Tiempo Cantina, a chain of restaurants with locations across the city that was launched by the same family behind another local institution, Original Ninfa’s. Without a doubt the sizzling fajita platters — choose from beef, filet mignon, chicken, vegetable, salmon, shrimp, ahi tuna, or a combo — are a must. (The melted butter sauce that comes on the side adds an extra level of indulgence.) Pair it with one of their signature margaritas for a truly Tex-Mex meal.
4. Mastrantos The Heights
This charming restaurant from Venezuelan husband-and-wife team Xavier and Mari Godoy has become a Heights staple since opening in late 2018. Globally influenced flavors range from Latin American to European to Asian and are presented in the form of housemade pastas and shareable plates. The chorizo carbonara is a great example of how Mastrantos fuses cuisines, as is the tortelloni de elote, which reimagines how Mexican street corn would taste as a creamy pasta dish. The TexQueño — a thick cylinder of Venezuelan cheese housed inside fried dough served with cilantro sauce — is also a must.
5. Pondicheri River Oaks
Anita Jaisinghani — a multiple James Beard Award nominee — runs the show at Pondicheri and Pondicheri Bake Lab + Shop, where her modern approach to Indian cuisine has developed a loyal following since the restaurant’s debut more than a decade ago. Customer favorites include fragrant butter chicken, spice-laden curries, and vibrant thali platters. Many dishes are also vegetarian and gluten-free. Pro tip: Save room for dessert at the Bake Lab upstairs — we recommend enjoying a chai pie on site, then ordering an extra one to go.
6. Norigami West University
Originally a pop-up from the Hidden Group (Hidden Omakase and Sushi by Hidden), Norigami opened its first brick-and-mortar location in late September 2023. Like its sister concepts, it’s designed for intimacy, with seating for 24 at a wrap-around counter — ideal for observing the sushi chefs as they deftly compose lavish hand rolls that regularly make the rounds on social media. One in particular, the ménage foie gras, is stacked with lightly seared wagyu, toro, creamy uni, and foie gras, then topped with caviar and gold flakes. The restaurant also houses a speakeasy-style bar — accessed via a secret door — where diners can enjoy a selection of wine, beer, sake, and cocktails.
7. Tiny Champions EaDo
This chill pizzeria — from the team that gave us perennial EaDo favorite Nancy’s Hustle — doesn’t only serve pizza, although, most definitely come for that beautifully charred thin crust. Indeed, the restaurant also offers a host of rotating starters, vegetable dishes, pastas, desserts, and other shareable items inspired by what’s in season. Case in point: We suggest hightailing it over there before peak melon season ends, and the refreshing chilled melon salad and cooling labneh ice cream with melon granita bid adieu. That said, however, every season’s worth a visit (or several) to Tiny Champions.
8. Viola & Agnes’ Neo Soul Cafe Seabrook
The New York Times recently listed Viola & Agnes’ Neo Soul Cafe as one of its 50 favorite places in America right now — but this quirky Creole spot from chef Aaron Davis has long been a go-to for Houstonians since opening in 2015. Named for Davis’ grandmothers, the Seabrook restaurant honors the chef’s Louisiana roots, serving up soulful Southern fare such as crispy fried catfish, NOLA barbecue shrimp and grits, and a flavor-filled gumbo overflowing with chicken, sausage, blue crab, and more. Be sure to check the chalk wall for limited-time specials, too.
See what chef Davis is cooking on Instagram.
9. Riel Montrose
Seven years after its debut, Ryan Lachaine’s celebrated Montrose restaurant continues to deliver one of the city’s most exciting menus — one heavily influenced by the Texas Gulf Coast, Lachaine’s Ukrainian heritage, French-Canadian food, and other global cuisines. Start with Riel’s signature pierogies and caviar tots before digging into a comforting bowl of kimchi carbonara with grilled shrimp or the juicy butter burgers. Or head over Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for happy hour and enjoy deals on select drinks and light bites — you can’t go wrong with the French onion–inspired dip topped with salmon roe or the savory boudin balls.
10. Kata Robata Upper Kirby
This Upper Kirby institution has been serving Houstonians its mix of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine for the past 15 years, and what an exquisite time it’s been for diners so far. James Beard–nominated chef Manabu Horiuchi — endearingly known to all as Chef Hori, and whose other restaurant, Katami, has been garnering raves since opening in late 2023 — leads the charge here, ensuring that everything from the cold and hot dishes (the lobster and crab ramen is a crowd favorite) to the sushi and sashimi selections are executed to the nines. And with fish sourced from Japan multiple times a week, guests are all but guaranteed an exceptional experience.
11. Hong Kong Food Street Katy Asian Town
Houstonians lamented the loss when this venerable restaurant closed its doors after 18 years, following a flood that created one too many challenges during the pandemic for husband-and-wife owners Hansun Cheung and Christine Wong. Nearly four years later, the restaurant has reopened to great fanfare in Katy Asian Town with the couple’s son, Johnny Cheung, leading the way. Those who frequented the former location on Bellaire Boulevard will be pleased to see familiar gems on the menu, including the umami-laden wonton noodle soup, congees, and their signature Cantonese-style barbecue. The Peking duck two ways and egg tofu dishes are also must-orders.
Call 832-212-8128 or find more info on Instagram.
12. Moon Rabbit HOU Houston Heights
Craving the homey goodness of Vietnamese food but don’t feel like going to Houston’s Asiatown district or Katy Asian Town? Head to Moon Rabbit in the Heights, from chefs Tam Nguyen and Rudy Vasquez. Alongside traditional offerings such as steaming bowls of pho and vermicelli or rice plates, guests will also find specialties like the bánh xèo tostada (a crisped-up Vietnamese crepe topped with shrimp, pork belly, lettuce, and coconut crema) and the salt and pepper squid served with a green sauce so fragrant and flavorful you won’t want to leave a single drop on the plate.
13. Kolache Shoppe Greenway
If there’s one thing Houstonians can’t get enough of, it’s kolaches — those delightfully fluffy, buttery pastries brought to Texas in the mid-1850s by Czech immigrants. Made with either a sweet fruit jam or a more savory filling, these breakfast staples can be found in dedicated storefronts and doughnut shops across the city. One longtime purveyor of the beloved pastry is Kolache Shoppe, which opened on Richmond Avenue in 1970, and now has locations in the Heights and Pearland as well. In addition to serving up more classic flavors — who doesn’t love a jalapeno sausage with cheese, or an apricot kolache? — the shop also partners with local restaurateurs for special collaborations. Follow Kolache Shoppe on Instagram to see what else they have in store.
14. Karne Korean Steakhouse Houston Heights
Local restaurateur Jason Cho first won over the hearts — and stomachs — of Houstonians with the seriously crispy and oh-so-juicy Korean fried chicken wings served at his Museum District restaurant Dak & Bop. At Karne, he levels up with a concept that reimagines the traditional American steakhouse and imbues it with the flavors of Korean cuisine. Here, patrons can order cuts of wagyu (American or Japanese) and prime beef (non-marinated, marinated, or dry-aged), alongside Korean-inspired dishes such as spicy seafood stew, chewy cold noodles, and hot stone bibimbap. Meats are cooked to order by tableside hosts.
15. KP’s Kitchen – Memorial Memorial
This charming spot from industry veteran Kerry Pauly has everything you’d want in an all-day bistro. Stop in during the week at the Memorial or Bellaire locations for lunch or dinner, where on the menu you’ll find hearty salads, satisfying burgers and sandwiches, and dishes from the grill, including 12-hour baby back ribs. Meanwhile, weekend brunch features all the staples such as crab eggs benedict, buttermilk pancakes, chicken and waffles, and a rotating lineup of freshly made quiches. Pro tip: Kids eat free at this family friendly establishment on Tuesdays and Saturdays at brunch.
16. Bar Bludorn Memorial Villages
After winning over loyal diners with Bludorn and Navy Blue, chef-restaurateur Aaron Bludorn (along with wife Victoria Pappas Bludorn and their partner Cherif Mbodji) decided to go slightly more casual here, with what they describe as the “quintessential neighborhood tavern.” With Bludorn’s longtime sous chef Alexandra Peña at the helm, it offers classic gastropub fare made with a modern, Texas Gulf–inspired touch. Need suggestions? Start with the country ham beignets filled with ricotta and whole grain mustard, then move on to the tender roasted duck with foie gras jus. For dessert, round out the decadence with a foie gras candy bar (trust us).
17. NoriNori Asiatown
The Japanese-style hand roll boom has taken hold in Houston, and newcomer NoriNori is a welcome addition. The restaurant — which rebranded recently from its original name Nomi Nori — had been doing pop-ups at other local venues before launching its permanent location in Houston’s Asiatown in May. (Once upon a time, partner-chef Cong Nguyen also helped run the bi-monthly Norigami pop-up at i Omakase, before Norigami opened as a brick-and-mortar last year.) Although NoriNori specializes in hand rolls — the scallop foie gras is a must — the menu also includes other selections sfduch as a creamy truffle uni pasta and foie gras chawanmushi. Go on, you deserve a little luxury.
No reservations. More info here.
18. Urbe Uptown Park
This casual hot spot from award-winning chef Hugo Ortega (Backstreet Cafe, Hugo’s, Caracol, Xochi) and his wife, restaurateur Tracy Vaught, pays homage to Ortega’s childhood experiences of selling street foods such as flan, guisados, and wood-oven baked bread from a neighborhood stall in his native Mexico. The menu at Urbe includes all the usual favorites — like juicy al pastor, barbacoa, and birria tacos — alongside more modern takes, like the Urbe burger topped with Chihuahua cheese. Pro tip: Come for happy hour Monday through Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., where you can enjoy $5 tacos, $9 classic cocktails, and other delectable deals.
Find more info here.
19. Tacos Doña Lena Spring Branch
The original Spring Branch location of this street-taco hot spot from husband team Angel Cabrera and Brian Ponce opened in April 2020 amidst the pandemic. It has survived and thrived — enough to launch a second outpost in the Lazybrook/Timbergrove area this year. Named for Cabrera’s mother, Magdalena “Lena” Cabrera, Tacos Doña Lena offers a taste of Mexico in every way — including the traditional papel picado banners and colorful piñatas. Lena used to make and sell tacos in her native Mexico before the family moved in 1992 to Houston, where she then fed hungry customers out of their apartment. The birria tacos are a favorite, and the ramen birria has been gaining buzz, too.
Call 713-993-6486 or find more info on Instagram.
20. Refuge Montrose
This intimate bar from industry vets Bobby Heugel and Tommy Ho sits in the building just behind acclaimed cocktail bar Anvil, in the space where Tongue-Cut Sparrow once operated. Expect to find the same kind of playfully innovative — and potent — drinks here that are already so revered at its sister concept. As with their classic Corn N’ Oil, which blends four high-proof Caribbean rums and combines it with housemade velvet falernum and Caribbean spices. And don’t sleep on martini Tuesdays, when a separate menu of featured iterations is available for the partaking.
