The Resy Hit List: Where In Houston You’ll Want to Eat Right Now
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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
- Season of Eats: Kick off Thanksgiving early at Triola’s Kitchen, which hosts its third annual Friendsgiving Feast Nov. 18. The $48 set menu features all the classics, making it a perfect opportunity to share a festive meal before the big day. It’s prelude to the main event: Some relish the ritual of preparing an elaborate Thanksgiving meal for family and friends. Others prefer to skip the stress and let the pros handle it. If you fall into the latter camp, consider making a Resy at Bludorn, Navy Blue, or Bar Bludorn for your feast. Each restaurant will offer a three-course prix fixe menu — priced at $105, $85, and $75 per person, respectively — with optional wine pairings. Find all these experiences and more on Resy’s Events page.
- On the Books: Japanese heavyweights Uchi Houston and sister spot Uchiko Houston — from award-winning chef Tyson Cole, whose original Austin outpost started it all — are now on Resy. They’ve long been regarded as a training ground for some of Houston’s top sushi chefs, and still set a benchmark. Speaking of sushi, chef Chris Kinjo’s acclaimed MF Sushi has also joined Resy — book a counter seat to watch Kinjo work his magic. Another Japanese option? The Fish delivers with a sleek Midtown setting and a menu focused on sushi and other shareable plates. For dim sum inside the loop, Silk Road is where to exult in chef Thawatchai Insingha’s signature crispy shrimp cheung fun, delicate har gow, and savory-sweet lava buns. Meanwhile, Mesón Sommelier brings Spanish tapas and an expertly curated wine list to Spring, serving it all in an intimate space that invites you to linger. Also joining the Resy lineup” Spanish Flowers, (Main St. and Durham St), a longtime go-to for traditional Mexican favorites and Tex-Mex cuisine. Discover more on Now on Resy.
- Seafood in All Guises: Seafood lovers, we know it’s your happy season, and we’ve got recs. First up: Navy Blue, Aaron Bludorn and Cherif Mbodji’s beautiful homage to the Texas Gulf Coast. One of H-Town’s oldest restaurants, Christie’s Seafood & Steaks, has been serving steaks and delicious seafood since 1934. For distinctly Houston flavors, Crawfish & Noodles delivers spicy Viet-Cajun crawfish boils and garlicky noodle dishes meant for sharing (no judgement here if you don’t). Then there’s Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition from Mississippi-born chef Lucas McKinney, who honors coastal cuisine from states up and down the Gulf. Gazebo Seafood House, meanwhile, keeps it strictly Cajun — and does it well. Want something where fish is the main star? Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi’s Kata Robata blends Japanese precision with seafood-forward dishes, from sushi to inventive small plates. Whether you’re looking for classic Gulf flavors or modern creations, Houston is your place.
- Feast Mode: The holidays are here, which can only mean one thing — lots of meals with friends and colleagues. And luckily, Houston has plenty of space for group dining. For Portuguese-Indian fusion, check out Da Gama at the M-K-T development, where the wood-filled space itself is as compelling as the food. Traveler’s Table offers globally inspired dishes in a buzzing communal setting. Annam in Autry Park is ideal for groups wanting vibrant Vietnamese classics in an elegant and serene setting. For something more interactive, The Melting Pot lets your party cook, dip, and toast together over fondue — and who doesn’t love cheese? Perseid, Aaron Bludorn’s restaurant in the hip Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose, offers bistro fare with seasonal touches that make any night feel like a celebration.
New to the Hit List (Nov. 2025)
Brennan’s of Houston, Granny Dee’s Kitchen, Le Jardinier, Rosewater.
1. 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.
2. Le Jardinier – Houston Museum District
Crowned with a Michelin star alongside its New York and Miami siblings, this is where you come for French-inspired cuisine elaborated as would-be masterpieces on a plate. Nestled in the Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s Kinder Building, the kitchen is led by culinary director Alain Verzeroli and chef de cuisine Felipe Botero. Their ever-changing menu emphasizes farm-fresh produce and sustainably sourced proteins, making each dish a thoughtful reflection of the season. Whether you’re wrapping up a museum visit or celebrating a special occasion, Le Jardinier offers a dining experience that’s as artful as it is memorable.
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. Brennan's of Houston Houston
Brennan’s has been serving up Southern charm since 1967, when it first opened as the Bayou City sister to New Orleans’ legendary Commander’s Palace. Over the decades, it’s become a true Houston institution — known for its comforting Creole favorites, white-tablecloth hospitality, and a can’t-miss Sunday Jazz Brunch. Beyond the dining room, Brennan’s keeps the good times rolling with hands-on cooking classes, an elegant ballroom for celebrations, and even a theater shuttle for guests headed downtown after dinner. It’s Houston hospitality at its finest.
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. Rosewater Clear Lake
Clear Lake gem Rosewater is the kind of bar every community wishes it had — laid-back, a little quirky, and deeply serious about its cocktails. Since opening in 2016 with just 30 seats and a passion for fine spirits, it’s grown into a local favorite with an expanded space, a small kitchen, and a loyal following. Expect expertly made drinks, from clever revamps of the classics to rare pours for the true connoisseurs (yes, even vintage Blanton’s from 1992). The food menu keeps things casual but satisfying — think housemade falafels, burgers, fries, and other comforting favorites that pair nicely with whatever you’re drinking.
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. Granny Dee’s Kitchen Spring
Tucked into the corner of a modest strip center anchored by a gas station in Spring, Granny Dee’s serves some of the most satisfying soul food in the greater Houston area. Owned and operated by Delores Hutching, the restaurant is one of those rare, no-frills discoveries that locals initially want to gatekeep — but ultimately can’t stop talking about. Hutching prepares each hearty, comforting dish from treasured family recipes, piling generous portions into styrofoam takeout containers whether you’re dining in or taking it to go. That’s a blessing in disguise, because one plate easily stretches into two or three meals. (And we’re all for good value these days.) Standout dishes include the oxtails over rice, smothered pork chops, and classic meatloaf. Each entrée comes with two sides and a thick slice of golden cornbread to round it all out.
More info here.
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.
