The Resy Hit List: Where In Houston You’ll Want to Eat in Oct. 2025
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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
- Now on Resy: Brennan’s of Houston opened in 1967 as the sister restaurant to the famed Commander’s Palace in New Orleans and today stands as a local institution all its own. Known for its comforting Creole cuisine and lively Sunday jazz brunches, the restaurant also offers cooking classes, a ballroom for events, and an evening theatre shuttle with dining reservations. If that’s not true Southern hospitality, we don’t know what is. Also on Resy now is Ume Sushi, the more casual little sis to chef Chris Kinjo’s acclaimed omakase spot MF Sushi. It’s MF quality without the MF price tag. Discover more on Now on Resy.
- Save the Date: On Oct. 9, the ultimate chef collaboration dinner is happening at Bludorn, where chef Aaron Bludorn will team up with award-winning guest chefs Chris Shepherd, Michael Fojtasek, and Rebecca Masson to fête culinary legend Jacques Pépin for his 90th birthday. A cocktail reception kicks off the festivities, followed by a four-course dinner with wine pairing. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Jacques Pépin Foundation, which supports culinary education nationwide. For something more laid-back, join Heights & Co. at the bar and restaurant’s HalloweenTown events throughout the month of October, featuring spooky movies, themed cocktails, and more. Tinys No. 5 is also hosting its monthly Mahjong Monday on Oct. 13, for fans of the ever-popular tile-based game that originated in China. And for those who were hoping to grab a seat at the Shun x Nori Nori collaboration dinner with chef Naoki Yoshida and chef Cong Nguyen, the Oct. 22 event is sold out — but you can still tap Notify in case tickets become available. Find all these experiences and more on Resy’s Events page.
- Get Outside: It’s hard to say when the crisp fall breeze will finally reach Houston, but we’re putting positive energy out there to help will it into being. In the meantime, we’ve got your mini outdoor dining guide at the ready for when the cooler weather does arrive. Of course, there’s nothing like sitting outside enjoying drinks and snacks with friends after a long day at work — if that’s the vibe you’re after, we suggest heading to Bayou Heights Bier Garten, Boheme, or Heights Bier Garten. Craving pizza? Tiny Champions and Coltivare offer umbrella-covered backyard seating. For date night, make a resy at Da Gama, Traveler’s Table, or Squable, where the patios help set the scene for an intimate evening out.
- Celebrate Culture: Food is arguably the thing that connects us all, and with Houstonians’ enduring love of Latin cuisine, every month can feel like Hispanic Heritage Month. Still, in honor of this month, we encourage diners to explore restaurants that celebrate the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Hispanic and Latino cultures — places like Sal y Pimienta Kitchen, known for its mix of South American dishes; or Spanish Flowers – Main St., and Tacos Dona Lena. Visit Michelin-recommended Baso and Mesón Sommelier in Spring for a taste of Spain. And for a fusion experience, try Alora Restaurant and Bar, where Peruvian and Asian influences meet.
New to the Hit List (Oct. 2025)
Brothers Taco House, Latuli, Osha Thai Kitchen, Theodore Rex.
1. 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 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.
2. Theodore Rex Downtown
Chef Justin Yu’s beloved downtown restaurant has leaped into fall with a fresh menu that promises a reliable mix of comforting flavors and innovative pairings. Since opening in 2017, Theodore Rex has charmed Houstonians with its French-influenced, seasonally driven cooking that showcases local ingredients. Always expect the unexpected — whether it’s a protein married with surprising flavors (think roast Southern squab with rosewater, cumin, and raspberry) or a deceptively simple plate given unforgettable status (see: cold ratatouille with red miso marinated in olive oil). With its Bib Gourmand nod from Michelin and a reputation for constant reinvention, T. Rex continues to prove why it’s one of Houston’s most exciting dining experiences.
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. LATULI Hedwig Village
Bryan Caswell, one of Houston’s most celebrated chefs, is back in the kitchen — this time in the Memorial area with his latest restaurant, Latuli. Launched in partnership with entrepreneur Allison Knight, the name pays homage to Knight’s three kids: Lawson, Tucker, and Lillie. Here, Caswell revisits the Gulf Coast flavors that first made him a star at Reef, while also weaving in global influences that keep the menu exciting. Diners will find both new creations and nods to his greatest hits, from Reef’s iconic pecan-smoked pork chop to the hearty wild boar ragu pappardelle once loved at Stella Sola. It’s a return that feels at once nostalgic and entirely new.
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. BASO The Heights
BASO earned a coveted Michelin nod when the guide debuted in Texas last year — and anyone who’s dined at the Heights restaurant knows why. Chefs Jacques Varon and Max Lappe showcase global flavors through Basque-inspired live-fire cooking, with nearly every dish finished in the glowing hearth of the open kitchen. The results are bold and daring, and the ingredients shine brightly. (The fire-grilled pork chop topped with minced pork jowl and powdered chamomile is a must.) Book a counter seat for a front-row view of the chefs in action, or go all-in with the “Trust the Chefs” option.
9. Camaraderie Houston Heights
Chef Shawn Gawle has drawn on his experiences in kitchens across the country to create a space for himself that would be especially welcoming. 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 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. Chardon Fourth Ward
This charming French bistro from chef E.J. Miller — whose kitchen credentials include stints at Sol 7, Muse, and the recently closed Riel — is located inside the Thompson Hotel on Allen Parkway. Taking its cues from Parisian bistro culture, this convivial dining experience sees Miller combining seasonal Texas ingredients with traditional French techniques. Expect refined offerings such as R-C Ranch wagyu beef cheek Bourguignon, whole Dover sole Grenobloise, and lamb loin Provençal. Pro tip: Save room for the post-dinner cheese cart service (all French options, naturally), best paired with a glass of Cognac.
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. Moon Rabbit HOU Houston Heights
Searching for the homey goodness of Vietnamese food outside of Asiatown? Look no further than this Heights gem. Chefs Rudy Vasquez and Tam Nguyen (whose family used to run the venerable Spring Branch gem Kim Chau Restaurant) knock out comforting dishes like the umami-packed spicy beef noodle soup (aka bun bo Hue, a beloved holdover recipe from Kim Chau) and steaming bowls of pho, as well as inventive new favorites like curry chicken pot pie and grilled pork katsu with pickled yellow peaches.
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. Brothers Taco House EaDo
This beloved East Downtown taqueria has been a neighborhood staple since 2003, instantly recognizable by its bright pink-and-green facade. Inside, the draw is just as bold: breakfast tacos so big and so satisfying they’ve earned a loyal morning crowd willing to get in line bright and early. Think fluffy eggs paired with chicharrones in salsa verde, spicy chorizo, or picadillo con papas, all tucked into housemade flour tortillas. And while every taco here is worthy of a “favorite” designation, the tender, slow-cooked barbacoa and smoky al pastor are the stars that have kept Houstonians coming back for more than two decades.
No reservations. Call 713-223-0091 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. Osha Thai Kitchen Westside
The city has no shortage of standout Thai spots, but Osha shines for its wide array of regional street food specialties. Opened in Dec. 2024 in the West On West development in the Westchase District, it’s the latest venture from Nua Thai owner Saranya Danvetnukro. Sure, you’ll find an excellent pad Thai on the menu (always a classic), but you’ll also discover dishes like blue crab fried rice cooked in a clay pot, a pink seafood noodle soup, and khao soi kai ( a beloved Northern Thai curry egg noodle soup). Pro tip: Always save room for the mango sticky rice during mango season.
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. The duo added smaller bites to complement signature dishes like the award-winning beef rendang and ever-popular roti canai.
19. Chung Wang Chinese BBQ Katy Asian Town
Crispy roasted pork belly that crackles with every bite. Tender, flavorful Chinese barbecue pork that melts in your mouth. Roast duck so juicy it glistens on the plate. Find all these Cantonese-style barbecue classics and more at this little mom-and-pop shop in Katy Asian Town. Enjoy the proteins over rice, atop springy noodles, in comforting noodle soup, or by the half or whole portions. When even the pickiest Chinese moms and aunties rave, you know it’s the real deal.
More info here.
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.
