The Resy Hit List: Where In Houston You’ll Want to Eat in August 2025
Updated:
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.
Consider it your essential resource for dining in Houston: a monthly-updated guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In Houston Not to Miss This Month
- Get Your Flavor Fix: Craving Craft Pita’s Lebanese tacos, cheesy flatbreads, and flavor-packed pitas? You’re not alone — and now there’s an easier way to get your fix. The popular Lebanese restaurant from Rafi Nasr is now on Resy, with reservations available on Fridays through Sundays at both the Briargrove and West University locations. And it’s not the only local favorite to join the platform. Diners can now also make Resys at family-friendly Italian spot Russo New York Pizzeria – Westheimer, the all-you-can-eat Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse, Midtown’s Gazebo Seafood House, and neighborhood bar Rosewater in Clear Lake. See what else catches your eye on New on Resy.
- Wishing Hours: Perseid is celebrating its celestial namesake with Wishing Hours, a nightly happy hour from 8 p.m. to 11:11 p.m. running through August 23 — timed to coincide with the meteor shower’s most active and visible period. The all-day bistro — chef Aaron Bludorn’s fourth Space City concept — is tucked inside the Hotel Saint Augustine, adjacent to the Menil Collection in Montrose. Guests can sip astrology-inspired cocktails while watching for shooting stars overhead. Pro tip: The Perseids reach their peak around August 12-13, so plan accordingly.
- Best Burgers: There’s a reason burgers are a staple of American cuisine. When done right — with a juicy and flavorful patty, melty cheese, a lightly toasted bun, and a zippy sauce to tie it all together — it’s an immensely satisfying bite. With so many standout options in Houston, it’s tough to pick just one, so here are a few worth seeking out. Start with Squable’s French cheeseburger, rich with ooey-gooey raclette. Riel’s famed butter burger sliders come topped with caramelized onion and two per order — ideal for sharing. (Or not.) Bar Bludorn’s dry-aged tavern-style burger and Nancy’s Hustle’s cheeseburger on a brioche English muffin also deliver. And for crispy-edged smash burgers, head to Burger Bodega, Trill Burgers, or burger-chan — all top-tier takes.
- Support Restaurants: After the devastating flash floods in Central Texas in July, restaurants across Houston and beyond quickly stepped up — donating proceeds to disaster relief organizations, collecting supplies, and delivering warm meals to affected communities. Now, Houstonians have an opportunity to show up for those restaurants, too. Summer is often a slower season for restaurants, and one meaningful way to support those who gave back is by dining out. That includes local spots like the Bludorn restaurants, Marmo, KP’s Kitchen, Craft Pita, and many others. Read more about flood relief efforts here.
New to the Hit List (August 2025)
5Kinokawa, Lumikha, Navy Blue, Tiny Champions, Phat Eatery (The Woodlands).
1. Kira Upper Kirby
In August 2024, Comma Hospitality — the team behind exclusive omakase spot neo — debuted its second concept in the Shops at Arrive River Oaks. The intimate 15-seat counter is reminiscent of vintage Japanese jazz vinyl bars and specializes in temaki (hand rolls), donburi (rice bowls), and kakigori (shaved ice), with a focus on premium ingredients such as A5 wagyu, bluefin tuna, sea urchin, and more. You can either order à la carte, or let the chefs lead the way with a seven- or eight-course prix fixe meal. Marc Rodriguez, formerly of the two-Michelin-starred Atomix in New York City, consulted on the beverage program, which focuses on Japanese spirits. Pro tip: Visit during happy hour for 20% off temaki and select alcohol.
Read more about Comma Hospitality here.
2. Da Gama Houston Heights
Houston thrives on fusion cuisine, and Da Gama exemplifies how to do it right. Husband-and-wife chefs Rick and Shiva Di Virgilio pay tribute to their respective backgrounds with the restaurant — located at the M-K-T mixed-use development — merging the flavors of Portugal and India to great effect. (The couple also owns Portuguese mainstay Oporto Fooding House & Wine in Midtown.) You can’t go wrong with any of the aromatic curries, including the Goan fish curry, lamb keema, or Mum’s chicken curry. Small plates like the samosas, crab pani puri, and aloo gobi bravas (crisp potatoes and roasted cauliflower in a spicy curry) are also consistent crowd-pleasers. End with a steaming cup of housemade chai and thank us later.
3. Katami Montrose
Katami means “gift” in Japanese — and it’s one you’ll want to treat yourself to over and over again. The restaurant is chef Manabu Horiuchi and business partner Yun Cheng’s ode to “the future of Japanese cuisine,” and gives chef Hori (as he’s known in these parts) more freedom to innovate on what he started at Kata Robata 16 years ago. With fish flown in from Japan almost daily, the sushi-driven menu promises exceptional quality. An additional focus on A5 wagyu also yields a number of outstanding dishes, including a shabu-style preparation that’s guaranteed to have you slurping up every drop of the delicate broth. And don’t sleep on dessert: The kakigori (Japanese-style shaved ice — with ice flown in from Japan) comes piled high in popular flavors like green tea and strawberry Nutella. Meanwhile, those who prefer to leave it up to the chef can make Resys in advance for omakase with chef Hori.
4. ALORA Restaurant and Bar Montrose
This exciting genre-bending restaurant opened just after the new year, claiming the space in Montrose once occupied by celebrity chef Nikki Tran’s Viet-Cajun spot Kau Ba. Run by two married couples — Ngoc Tran and Louis Quy, and chefs Diego and Makayla Ponce — Alora (which means “beautiful dream” in Latin) fuses the cuisines of Peru and Vietnam with delicious ease, borrowing vibrant flavors from both cultures. The most prominent examples of this are the ceviche with leche de tigre and fish sauce vinaigrette, and shaking beef-style lomo saltado, which is served with huayro potatoes and garlic rice. Chefs in Houston have garnered a reputation for pushing the boundaries of fusion, and Alora continues that tradition.
5. Navy Blue Restaurant Rice Village
Sustainably sourced seafood takes center stage at chef Aaron Bludorn’s Rice Village gem. Here, diners indulge in decadent offerings from recently promoted executive chef Jeffrey Lin—who joined the opening team at Bludorn in 2020 and worked his way up the ranks — like pan-seared Dover sole, de-boned at the table and finished with a rich meunière sauce, and barbecue shrimp sauteed with Creole spices, served over a savory cheddar scallion biscuit. Pro tip: Make a Resy for Monday or Tuesday to catch the seafood paella special, loaded with shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, and chicken. Whether it’s a laid-back date night or a special celebration, Navy Blue is sure to deliver a memorable experience.
6. Squable Heights
This cozy neighborhood gem from the award-winning team behind Theodore Rex, Better Luck Tomorrow, Anvil, and Refuge recently celebrated six years of service, and the restaurant still hasn’t lost its creative edge. Executive chef-partner Mark Clayton is a whiz in the kitchen, summoning up inventive yet approachable “casual European fare with American influences.” Seasonal dishes — like ricotta-stuffed spinach and artichoke dumplings drenched in umami-rich crab butter, and sweet roasted beets tossed in blueberry vinaigrette — are just a few reasons to make a return visit if it’s been a while. Though, trusty mainstays like the marinated mussels on crusty grilled bread and the decadent French cheeseburger with gooey raclette also keep loyal diners coming back for more.
7. Nan Xiang Express Cypress
Soup dumpling enthusiasts on Houston’s northwest side no longer need to travel to Asiatown to satisfy their cravings now that Nan Xiang Express has opened its doors. The fast-casual Shanghainese spot is an offshoot of the famed Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, which originated in Flushing, Queens, in the 2000s; this is the brand’s first Texas location. Guests order at self-service kiosks and choose from a menu that features noodle and rice bowls, scallion pancakes, and — naturally — a variety of steamed and fried dumplings. No surprise: the soup dumplings steal the show. The succulent crab and pork version, with its delicate wrapper filled with piping-hot broth, is a must. Pair it with a side of cucumber salad with garlic vinaigrette for the perfect combo.
Call 281-653-9103 for more info.
8. Marmo Montrose
This swanky Italian chophouse from Baltimore-based Atlas Restaurant Group — whose other properties include classic seafood tavern Loch Bar and contemporary Japanese restaurant Azumi, both in the River Oaks District — is known for its housemade charcuterie, hand-rolled pastas (the squid ink campanelle with blue crab is perfection on a plate), and beautifully marbled dry-aged steaks (Marmo does mean “marble” in Italian, after all). But for the best value, visit during the daily happy hour, when diners can try bites from the regular menu for a fraction of the price, plus enjoy a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine for $8 or less. Creamy, al dente rigatoni alla vodka for $5? Count us in.
9. Camaraderie Houston Heights
Drawing on the vibes he experienced working in acclaimed kitchens across the country, chef Shawn Gawle made it a mission of his highly anticipated Heights restaurant to recreate that same welcoming environment for guests. Gawle most recently impressed Houstonians as the executive pastry chef for Goodnight Hospitality, the group behind fine-dining destination March. With his first solo venture, he’s showcasing his expertise in both sweet and savory dishes, serving up “fine-casual” American cuisine rooted in French techniques. Guests order from a $75 three-course prix fixe, where you get a choice of main (including a flounder en croûte for two) and dessert. An à la carte menu is available on the patio and in the lounge, featuring standout dishes like carrot cavatelli with mimolette and English peas, and dauphiné ravioli filled with Comté, caramelized onion, and saba.
10. Nancy’s Hustle EaDo
Now with a Michelin Bib Gourmand to its name, this darling of an East Downtown bistro continues to impress seven years after its debut in late 2017. Unfussy in its ambience but always impeccable with its service and endlessly inventive with its food, it’s easy to see why diners keep coming back. The menu of shareable savory plates changes with the seasons, save for fixtures like the toasty Nancy cakes with cultured butter and smoked trout roe. Pro tip: Save room for dessert, like the scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with a chili crisp concoction of candied almonds, guajillo and arbol chilis. It’s cold and warm, sweet and savory, velvety and crunchy — and all kinds of incredible.
11. Tiny Boxwoods Houston River Oaks
Tucked beside the Thompson + Hanson nursery, this charming River Oaks gem — with its airy interior and sun-drenched garden and patio — offers an ideal setting for a long, leisurely lunch or a laid-back weekend brunch. The made-from-scratch fare leans fresh and seasonal, featuring current favorites like the sourdough grilled cheese served with housemade tomato basil soup and the summer burrata paired with watermelon and heirloom tomatoes. Don’t forget to save room for Tiny’s legendary chocolate chip cookie. Or better yet, take a dozen to go.
12. Hidden Omakase Galleria
Hidden Omakase continues to offer one of the most unique omakase experiences in town. You just have to know where to look. The 18-seat sushi counter is tucked away in a shopping center near the Galleria, but there’s no exterior signage for it, only a display of comic books indicating you’ve arrived. Once inside, you’re led through a multi-course tasting curated by chef Marcus Juarez, an Uchi alumnus. In addition to the signature nigiri courses, which feature premium seafood sourced from Japan and other places, the menu also utilizes seasonal ingredients to create more composed dishes. An à la carte lunch menu using seasonal ingredients from the dinner service is also available every Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
13. 5Kinokawa Heights
Chef Billy Kin is continuing to bring both his culinary talent and craftsmanship to the table here — quite literally. He hand-built the 14-seat rare wood counter where he personally prepares, serves, and entertains guests. Kin, an alum of Blackbird Izakaya and Hidden Omakase, has chosen to offer an intimate Edomae-style omakase experience at this latest project. The ever-evolving menu is built around top-tier ingredients flown in weekly: think buttery otoro, fresh uni, and melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu. This ensures no two dinners are quite the same, making each visit a new experience worth savoring.
14. Nam Giao Asiatown
This unassuming family-owned shop run by Ai Le in Houston’s Asiatown got its first taste of national recognition when it appeared on chef David Chang’s Netflix series “Ugly Delicious.” But the publicity — and the recent Bib Gourmand designation by Michelin — isn’t why diners flock to the restaurant, which specializes in traditional central Vietnamese cuisine. They come for the flavor-packed dishes, consistent quality, incredible value, and friendly service. Pro tip: Order the bánh bèo chén (delicate mini rice cakes topped with minced shrimp and chicharron), bánh bột lọc lá (chewy pork and shrimp crystal dumplings), and bánh ram ít (sticky rice dumplings set atop discs of crispy fried mochi) — all appetizers — to make a complete meal.
Call 281-568-4888 for more info.
15. Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House San Leon
Seafood that’s fresh from the Texas Gulf and gorgeous waterfront views? Yes, please. Houstonians can find this enticing combination year-round at Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, where second generation oysterman Raz Halili of Prestige Oysters offers tide-to-table fare for hungry customers. Executive chef Joe Cervantez, formerly of Brennan’s of Houston, utilizes his veritable experience in Creole cuisine and deep commitment to sustainable sourcing to create a menu that includes both classic (seafood gumbo, blackened snapper) and creative dishes (crawfish empanadas, lobster tacos with sriracha mayo). Trust us when we say it’s worth the trek to San Leon.
16. Craft Pita – Briargrove Houston
Houston native and first-generation Lebanese American Rafael Nasr opened this fast-casual Lebanese spot alongside his mother, Claudia, in the Briargrove neighborhood in 2019, adding a second location in West University in 2022. Their menu features Mediterranean classics such as hummus, babaganoush, tabbouleh salad, Lebanese flatbread, and pita sandwiches, as well as what Nasr calls Tex Med — think shredded rotisserie chicken tacos stuffed with fries, rice pilaf, pickles, hot sauce, and garlic aioli. Tying it all together is extra virgin olive oil imported from the Nasr family’s olive orchards in northern Lebanon. You can even buy a bottle to take home with you — and you should.
17. Lumikha Downtown
Lumikha means “to create” in Tagalog, and Emmanuel Garcia (better known as chef Bham) fulfills that mission at his Filipino-inspired supper club in downtown Houston. Garcia, whose bona fides include working under acclaimed chefs Guy Savoy and Joel Robuchon, admits he once ran from Filipino food, unsure of its fine-dining potential. That all changed when he started at Alinea in Chicago, where in a supply room he spotted bottles of fish sauce, a common Filipino ingredient. This eureka moment reshaped his view of his native cuisine. Fast-forward a few years, and Lumikha was born. The $89 five-course tasting menu (drinks included) is a modern tribute to Filipino ingredients and French techniques. Garcia executes each dish with passion and precision, explaining the history and intention along the way.
Book on Tock.
18. Phat Eatery – The Woodlands Grogans Mill Village
Seven years after its debut in Katy Asian Town, this beloved Malaysian street food restaurant — founded by the late chef Alex Au-Yeung — continues to earn acclaim both locally and nationally. Now under the culinary leadership of Terry Wong (co-owner of Blood Bros. BBQ and LuLoo’s Day & Night) and longtime Phat Eatery chef Marvin He, Au-Yeung’s legacy lives on at both this newer location and the Katy original (which is closed for part of August). The duo added smaller bites to complement signature dishes like the award-winning beef rendang and ever-popular roti canai.
19. Corkscrew BBQ Old Town Spring
What started as a small catering business for Will and Nichole Buckman in 2010 is today a Michelin-star-earning, line-out-the-door barbecue shop that longtime customers will attest lives up to the hype. The husband-and-wife team’s brick-and-mortar restaurant in Old Town Spring, open since 2015, has won various accolades over the years, but they still say the Michelin honor came as a surprise. After all, their goal has always been to just serve the best barbecue they can — and that they do. Be sure to join the line early for a taste of their award-winning ’cue because the most in-demand proteins (i.e., lean and moist brisket, tender pork ribs, juicy pulled pork, smoky sausage links) sell out quickly.
Keep up with CorkScrew BBQ on Instagram.
20. Tiny Champions EaDo
Delicious pizza. Strong drinks. Good tunes. Chill vibes. Those are the four main points you need to know about Tiny Champions, sister restaurant to EaDo favorite Nancy’s Hustle. Pastry chef and co-owner Julia Dornan brings her dough expertise to the restaurant’s airy, perfectly charred thin-crust pizzas, while executive chef Taylor Tucker handles the mains, pastas, and small plates. There’s something for every kind of pizza lover here. For a sweet-and-savory combo, try the mortadella with fig and plum mostarda. Want a little heat? Go for the salami picante with chèvre ricotta and hot honey. And if you’re a purist, the pepperoni with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan won’t disappoint. Oh, and save room for ice cream — always.
