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.
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Four Things In Houston Not to Miss This Month
- Moms and Mahjong: Mother’s Day is just around the corner and there’s no better way to celebrate the maternal figures in your life than treating them to a great meal (and maybe a strong drink or two, if that’s their style). It’s not too late to make a Resy on the patio for Little Hen’s Mother’s Day brunch on May 10, where $65 gets you a tower of pastries and a main dish from the prix fixe menu. Le Jardinier also honors moms with Mother’s Day brunch featuring a $140 four-course, spring-inspired prix fixe menu curated by executive chef Felipe Botero and pastry chef Tiffani Gkaris. Meanwhile, William Price Distilling is hosting a two-hour Mother’s Day Cocktail Class: For $75 per person, you’ll receive learn how to craft an espresso martini, a honey-ginger French 75, and a strawberry-lemon refresher. The next day, May 11, head over to Tinys No. 5 for Mahjong Monday, where a breakfast spread of quiches, mini parfaits, a cheeseboard, coffee, and mimosas, as well as rousing games await. Book these experiences and more on Resy’s Events page.
- New Additions: Comma Hospitality — the team behind Neo, Kira, and Oru — continues its expansion in Houston with Toga, an izakaya-style concept focused on yakitori, curries, rice bowls, noodles, and other Japanese pub snacks. Pro tip: Try the Toga burger, made with wagyu grind, Comté, tomato marmalade, and red onion, served between a pillowy potato bun. Also new on Resy is Soma Sushi, which has been operating on Washington Avenue for nearly 20 years serving traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist. A short drive to West University Place brings you to Osteria di Mercato, a cozy 30-seat restaurant offering contemporary Italian cuisine with a wine-forward beverage program. Cap the night off with a Resy at Clarkwood, an intimate cocktail bar that delivers seasonal drinks and romantic vibes. Explore these and more on New On Resy.
- Celebrating AAPI Month: Houston’s dining scene is famously diverse, and when it comes to Asian fare, the range is especially far-reaching. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re highlighting some of the Asian American-led restaurants that have put a stamp on our city. At Kira and Katami, seafood sourced fresh from Japan takes center stage, while Hidden Omakase and MF Sushi offer exquisite omakase experiences, and Norigami keeps it casual with overstuffed hand rolls. Traveler’s Table and sister restaurant Traveler’s Cart weave together a global menu that includes dishes inspired by cultures across the Asian continent. Where Osha Thai Kitchen and Silk N Spice deliver bold, comforting Thai classics, Moon Rabbit channels modern Vietnamese flavors with finesse. In the mood for dim sum? Silk Road hits all the right notes with handcrafted dumplings, noodle rolls, and buns. Consider these a mere starting point.
- Crust We Trust: Houston’s pizza game is getting stronger by the day, and these spots are proof. At Tiny Champions, expect wood-fired pies with perfectly blistered crusts and seasonal toppings. Pizzana brings its signature Neo-Neapolitan style — light, chewy, and expertly charred — to the mix. Newer addition Murray’s Pizza and Wine pairs crowd-pleasing slices with a thoughtful wine list, while Duckys Jr leans into neighborhood-joint vibes and tavern-style pies. In Katy, Fuzzy’s Pizza is a go-to for Chicago-style deep dish pies that hit every time. And chef Bryan Caswell offers his own leveled-up takes at Latuli, with a truffle pepperoni and a seafood pizza featuring jumbo lump crab, crispy guanciale, pecan pesto, and herby watercress. Whether you’re after a classic slice or a pie worth driving across town, Houston’s got you covered.
New to the Hit List (May 2026)
BeauSoleil, Coltivare, House of Bowls, Nori Nori.
1. Squable Heights
Squable is the kind of restaurant you’ll want to revisit often — every season brings a brand-new experience. That’s thanks to chef Mark Clayton’s expert ability to refresh the menu with dishes that feel vibrant, inventive, and of-the-moment. The only catch? Some seasonal standouts become so adored that their retirement creates an uproar. (Case in point: the social media outcry over the 25-layer vegetable lasagna’s “final” run. In response, the team now serves rotating new and favorite lasagnas on Sundays.) One staple that’s never going anywhere: the marinated mussels on grilled bread with calico beans. Because Houston would surely riot.
2. Da Marco Montrose
Located in a renovated 1950s bungalow in Montrose, Da Marco is classic Italian dining in a white-linen tablecloth setting. Look for traditional favorites from across Italy, including Roman-Jewish fried artichokes, housemade spaghetti with clams (a Neapolitan specialty), and a Florentine-style 48-ounce prime porterhouse meant for two to four. Find a perfect pairing with the extensive regional wine list and be sure to save room for dessert — namely the cannoli filled with sheep’s milk ricotta, chocolate, and orange zest. Heads up: There’s a dress code, so plan accordingly.
3. Phat Eatery – The Woodlands Grogans Mill Village
More than seven years after first opening in Katy Asian Town, Phat Eatery remains a go-to for bold, deeply satisfying Malaysian street food. Founded by the late chef Alex Au-Yeung, the restaurant continues to earn both local love and national recognition — a testament to the strength of its bold flavors. Today, that legacy is in the hands of a talented team: restaurateur Terry Wong (of Blood Bros. BBQ) and longtime chef Marvin He, who have expanded the menu while staying true to its roots. Alongside signatures like the award-winning beef rendang and flaky, crowd-favorite roti canai, you’ll now find a lineup of smaller bites (and dim sum) that complete the experience. It’s the kind of place that invites you to order a lot, share generously, and come back often.
4. Crawfish & Noodles – Bellaire Little Saigon
Crawfish season is officially here, and Houstonians are more than ready to roll up their sleeves. For a classic Viet-Cajun crawfish experience, this longtime Asiatown favorite on Bellaire Boulevard delivers every time. Open since 2008 from James Beard-nominated chef Trong Nguyen, the restaurant is nationally known for its bold take on boiled crawfish. Expect mudbugs drenched in rich, garlicky butter and coated in a delicious blend of Vietnamese and Cajun spices. If you’re feeling ambitious, the salt-and-pepper blue crabs and snow crabs are well worth the extra work. And for the more adventurous, try the crispy frog legs sautéed in butter.
5. Coltivare Pizza & Garden Heights
More than a decade in, Coltivare remains one of Houston’s most consistently reliable Italian spots. From the Agricole Hospitality team, this Heights trattoria continues to draw crowds with its rustic charm, vibrant outdoor patio, wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and other seasonal Italian staples. Much of that freshness comes straight from the backyard garden, which quietly shapes the menu day to day. And then there’s the cacio e pepe, chef Ryan Pera’s study in simplicity that somehow delivers maximum flavor — there’s peppery heat and a nutty depth with every twirl of the fork. It’s the kind of dish that inspires loyalists. If you know, you know.
6. Jersey Bagels Northwest Houston
In discussions of Houston cuisine, bagels rarely enter the chat. That’s because it’s hard to find a truly legit one in town. This was the case for East Coast transplant Jaclyn Yates, who missed the crusty-chewy breakfast staple after moving to the Bayou City — so much so that she decided to make and sell her own. Nearly seven years later, Jersey Bagels continues to be one of the best and busiest bagel shops around. Known for its large selection of Jersey-style bagels (hand-rolled, boiled, and baked multiple times daily), wide variety of cream cheeses, strong coffee drinks, and stuffed-to-the-brim breakfast sandwiches, the Northwest Houston storefront regularly sells out of its most popular items. Our advice: Go early or order ahead for in-store pickup so there’s no fear of missing out.
More info here.
7. BeauSoleil HTX Houston
This Garden Oaks gem just marked its first anniversary, and it’s only gaining momentum. Set inside a converted home, it’s the debut solo project of chef Zachary McClendon, a longtime presence in Houston’s dining scene. The menu is rooted in classic French technique, with subtle Gulf Coast and Cajun touches. Think seared foie gras with blackberry compote, Burgundy-style snails, and a velvety snow crab bisque, among other standouts. It’s polished but never stiff — the kind of place that feels special and welcoming all at once.
8. Annam Vietnamese Restaurant Houston
Chef-owner Chris Kinjo, well-known to Houstonians for MF Sushi and Ume Sushi, brings his signature finesse to Annam, his Autry Park restaurant with longtime managing partner Dung “Lang” Nguyen. Another Bib Gourmand honoree, Annam puts the spotlight on Vietnamese cuisine, serving classic fare with fine-dining presentation. Under the direction of chef Kaytee Nguyen, dishes like canh chua do bien (tamarind seafood soup) and bo nuong la lot (grilled beef in betel leaf) are reimagined with inventive flair. A thoughtful, globally minded wine list complements the menu, making Annam a must-try for Houstonians seeking bold flavors and refined execution.
9. Sushi Horiuchi Houston
In the Harlow District, just steps from Katami, chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi has debuted his most ambitious endeavor yet: a six-seat omakase counter designed to evoke the spirit of his native Japan. The intimate setting sets the stage for deeply personal hospitality from Hori-san, assistant chef Anne Tran, and sommelier Jessica Cano, as diners enjoy carefully curated plates that weave together pristine seafood flown in from Toyosu Market and modern interpretations of traditional dishes. Dinner is $300 per person, with optional $100 classic or $200 premium sake pairings. With just one seating each night, Tuesday through Saturday at 7 p.m., reservations are highly coveted. Set a Notify and be ready to snag your seats the moment they drop.
10. Pondicheri River Oaks
At Pondicheri, chef Anita Jaisinghani — a multiple James Beard Award nominee — brings a fresh, modern approach to Indian cuisine that’s earned a devoted following since the restaurant first opened its doors over a decade ago. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu balances comfort and creativity, with standouts like coconut crab dosa, richly spiced curries, and colorful thali platters. An impressive range of vegetarian and gluten-free options also ups Pondicheri’s curb appeal. Upstairs, the Bake Lab + Shop is a destination in its own right. Pro tip: Always (and we mean always) save room for dessert. Order a chocolate chile cookie to enjoy on the spot — and grab another to go.
11. Cochinita & Co. East End
This East End favorite from chef-owner Victoria Elizondo is a heartfelt ode to the flavors of her native Mexico — and the community has returned that love in spades. A DACA recipient who came to Texas at 12 with her mother, Elizondo launched Cochinita & Co. as a pop-up in 2016 before opening a brick-and-mortar in 2021. The counter-service spot serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering everything from tacos, quesadillas, and tamales to signature savory entrees like cochinita pibil (shredded pork shoulder) and chicken mole negro. Pro tip: You can also take a taste of Cochinita & Co. home with packaged staples from the market including totopos, salsas, frozen tamales, aguas frescas, and salsa macha.
Find more info here.
12. Oru Greater Heights
If you haven’t been to Oru yet, you haven’t experienced the soothing thrill that is watching partner-chefs Luis Mercado and Paolo Justo and their team at work behind the striking, 24-seat hinoki wood counter, assembling nigiri, sashimi, crudo, and temaki to order. That said, the latest concept from Comma Hospitality (the minds behind Japanese faves Neo and Kira) features more than sushi. Mercado and Justo have also rounded out the menu with a thoughtfully curated selection of hot and cold dishes that showcase the same level of care and creativity. For those desiring that feeling of delighted surprise that comes with leaving your meal up to the chef, Oru offers an omakase experience at the cocktail bar every Friday and Saturday evening.
13. Sushi by Hidden Rice Village
This Rice Village gem — a sister restaurant to the Michelin-recommended Hidden Omakase — looks like a small gallery from the outside. But step through the side door, covered by a large piece of art, and you’ll find a 10-seat sushi counter where chefs expertly curate each meal based on what’s fresh at the market that day. Sushi By Hidden is designed for those who want an intimate omakase experience, but one that’s faster paced and more affordable. And at $60 for a 30-minute, 12-course lunch and $75 for a 45-minute, 13-course dinner, you get top-quality sushi without compromise. It’s BYOB with a $20 corkage fee, or you can enjoy one of the sakes on offer.
14. Silk Road Houston
Tucked inside a Courtyard by Marriott lobby, Silk Road delivers dim sum that rivals the best in the city. Executive chef Thawatchai Insingha worked in Michelin-starred kitchens across Asia, brings precision and flavor to every dish. The har gow are perfectly folded with tender, seasoned shrimp filling, while the fried shrimp cheung fun pairs delicate steamed rice rolls with crispy-battered shellfish inside. Don’t miss the baked char siu bao or the indulgent salted egg yolk lava buns, and be sure to order from the thoughtfully curated tea menu, too. It’s a splurge, but every bite justifies it.
15. Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition Midtown
Midtown seafood destination Josephine’s, recent recipient of a Bib Gourmand, celebrates Gulf Coast flavors with a menu that spans the region. Chef Lucas McKinney, honoring his great-grandmother Josephine, draws inspiration up and down the coast: Mississippi hot catfish sandwiches nod to his home state, half-shell grilled redfish highlights Texas, and the stacked muffaletta salutes New Orleans. Finish with the rich and gooey peanut pie for a perfect ending.
16. Mimo Greater Eastwood
Nestled toward the back eastern corner of the historic, color-splashed Tlaquepaque Market Square, Mimo is a casual East End trattoria from chef Fernando Rios and sommelier Mike Sammons. The duo — who first teamed up more than 20 years ago at Da Marco — opened the restaurant to share their passion for Italian cuisine and wine with the Second Ward neighborhood where they both grew up. Since its 2023 debut, Mimo has earned steady acclaim for its seasonal approach and beautiful lineup of antipasti, pizzas, pastas, and mains. Truth be told, we’d stop in for the roasted carrot pizza alone. (If you know, you know.)
17. House of Bowls Asiatown
Some of the best Chinese food in Houston isn’t found in polished dining rooms, but you know this already. And that strip-mall energy is the case with House of Bowls. For more than two decades, this Asiatown staple has been serving up satisfying, wallet-friendly Hong Kong–style comfort food. Step inside and you’re welcomed like a regular, then handed a sprawling menu packed with everything from rice plates and noodle dishes to seafood specialties and sandwiches. Start with the signatures: the house special spaghetti topped with a fried egg, tender beef chow fun, and congee with preserved egg and salted pork. Pair it all with a classic Hong Kong-style milk tea, and don’t skip dessert. The peanut butter-stuffed Hong Kong-style French toast, drizzled with condensed milk, is non-negotiable. Come back again (and again) to keep exploring.
Call 713-776-2288 for more info.
18. Nori Nori Bellaire
This two-year-old Asiatown spot from partner-chef Cong Nguyen fully delivers on the temaki experience, with hand rolls made to order and best enjoyed the moment they hit the table. Go for a curated set or build your own. Each hand roll is loaded up with premium seafood — some with decadent touches like Hokkaido uni, buttery toro, and caviar. The scallop foie gras hand roll, the chef’s favorite, is a must. Beyond the signature items, the silky foie gras chawanmushi, truffle uni pasta, and oyster shooters won’t disappoint. Go forth and treat yourself.
19. Aga’s Southwest Houston
No matter what time of day you visit this Houston institution — whether for an early lunch at 11 a.m. or a late dinner at 10 p.m. — you’re likely to find a crowd. That’s your first clue that the food is worth the wait. For 25 years, Aga’s has been serving up some of the best halal Indian-Pakistani cuisine the city has to offer. Start with an order of the tender goat chops and chicken lollipops before moving on to one of the fragrant biriyanis and soul-warming curries (the beef kabab white karahi and goat karahi keema are favorites). Don’t forget to add an order of pillowy garlic naan to sop up every last bit. Pro tip: Go with a big group to sample more dishes.
Call 832-786-8000, or find more info here.
20. Afuri Houston
Houston’s ramen scene keeps growing, and Afuri Ramen brought a piece of Tokyo to the city with its Texas debut in November 2024. Named after Mount Afuri, the restaurant is celebrated for its yuzu shio ramen — a delicate chicken broth brightened with a hint of citrus. The recently launched izakaya-inspired menu adds sushi, skewers, and other small plates for a full experience. Don’t skip dessert: the Basque cheesecake with yuzu curd, whipped cream, and candied hazelnuts is the perfect combo of creamy and citrusy to finish the meal.
