The Resy Hit List: Where In Houston You’ll Want to Eat in March 2026
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.
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Four Things In Houston Not to Miss This Month
- New and Notable: Lots to check out, y’all, and first up is Duckys Jr, now open in the former Riel space in Montrose. The neighborhood sports bar specializes in New York-style pies, ice-cold brews, and game-day vibes. Also fresh on Resy: Silk N Spice, a welcome addition to the Cypress dining scene serving bold, fragrant Thai flavors. And in the Heights, Good God, Nadine’s — from the team behind Verdegreens — pairs garden-to-glass cocktails with the charm of “everyone’s favorite eccentric aunt.” Explore these and more on New on Resy. Looking for group outings in March? William Price Distilling is hosting guided tours and tastings all month long, plus Big Prize Bingo + Steak nights. On March 28, BeauSoleil celebrates its one-year anniversary with a blowout bash featuring oyster and caviar stations, carving boards, charcuterie spreads, and dedicated wine, whiskey, and martini stations. Tickets are $220 for general admission, or $600 for a VIP Bordeaux tasting (which includes GA access). Find these experiences and more on Resy’s Events page.
- Not Our First Rodeo: Get your stretchy pants on and your stomachs ready, because Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo season is upon us. From March 2 to 22, prepare to fill up on all the carnival foods, from deep-fried classics (who doesn’t love fresh-from-the-fryer funnel cakes and corn dogs?) to new creations (bacon jam beignets, anyone?) Like last year, Houston rap legend Bun B’s Trill Burgers will also be setting up its very own Trill Town on the northeast side of NRG Stadium. But hey, if you’re looking for sustenance before heading over for the night’s big concert, plenty of nearby options abound, including Tinys No. 5 and Craft Pita in West University, Granger’s in the Museum District, Blood Bros. BBQ and KP’s Kitchen in Bellaire, and Pizzana in River Oaks — all just a short drive to NRG.
- Boss Ladies: This month, we’re recognizing the women chefs and restaurateurs who keep Houstonians happy and well fed. At all-day River Oaks cafe Pondicheri, chef Anita Jaisinghani turns out innovative, nourishing Indian fare — be sure to grab a chocolate chile cookie (or two) from the upstairs Bake Lab + Shop. Over at Traveler’s Table and sister restaurant Traveler’s Cart, wife-and-husband team Thy and Matthew Mitchell serve up internationally inspired cuisine ranging from duck chilaquiles to Singaporean soft shell chile crab. Married chefs Diego and Makayla Ponce, alongside business partners Ngoc Tran and Louis Quy, deliver Peruvian-Vietnamese fusion at Alora. Meanwhile, at Mastrantos, owners Xavier and Mari Godoy blend global flavors into their handmade pastas and shareable dishes. Fancy sashimi or specialty rolls? Uptown Sushi and Sushi Rebel, from owners Peggy and Daniel Chang, always hit the spot. And for beautifully blistered pizza pies, try EaDo gem Tiny Champions, where co-owner and pastry chef Julia Dornan’s fine-tuned dough makes a perfect base for classic and creative toppings. Let’s show up for these industry leaders, and read on for Resy’s updated Women of Food coverage!
- St. Patrick’s Day: Throw on your favorite green outfit and toast to the luck of the Irish at some of Houston’s most festive watering holes. For those on the west side, Katy Beer Garden offers plenty of patio space and cold pours for a laid-back hang. Inside the 610 loop, Heights Bier Garten and Bayou Heights Bier Garten keep things lively with expansive tap lists and high-energy after-work crowds. Looking to sip cocktails instead? Bar Boheme and Refuge mix up strong, spirited drinks perfect for saluting the day. Be sure to book a Resy — these spots are bound to fill up fast with revelers chasing a little Irish cheer.
New to the Hit List (March 2026)
Cochinita & Co., Mimo, Squable, Sushi Horiuchi.
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. Le Jardinier – Houston Museum District
A two-time Michelin-starred favorite alongside its New York and Miami siblings, Le Jardinier turns French-inspired cuisine into art on the plate. Located in the Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s Kinder Building, the kitchen — led by culinary director Alain Verzeroli and executive chef Felipe Botero — highlights seasonally driven dishes with farm-fresh produce and sustainably sourced proteins. Every plate is thoughtfully composed, considering flavor, texture, and visual beauty. Whether you’re ending a museum visit or marking a special occasion, Le Jardinier delivers a dining experience that is as elegant and deliberate as it is memorable.
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. Nancy’s Hustle EaDo
This Bib Gourmand honoree continues to charm long after its 2017 debut. This beloved EaDo restaurant is relaxed yet polished, pairing warm, unfussy vibes with inventive, seasonally driven shareable plates. Signature items include the toasty Nancy cakes with cultured butter and smoked trout roe, while desserts evolve with the seasons — like the fall-inspired warm walnut upside-down cake with crème fraîche and vibrant Fuyu persimmons. It’s easy to see why diners keep coming back.
6. Burger Bodega Rice Military
Always a crowd-pleaser, Burger Bodega is home to Abbas Dhanani’s popular smash burgers and chopped cheese sandwiches. The signature order — a double smash burger — stacks two ultra-thin, juicy patties with melty American cheese, grilled onions, housemade pickles, and Bodega sauce on a soft potato bun, while singles, triples, and loaded fries complete the lineup. Inspired by classic New York-style grocers, the space features graffiti by Noke 713, Donkeeboy, and Young Art Pros students, alongside shelves stocked with merch and local treats like Pudgy’s “Thick AF” cookies. Chef collabs and Dhanani’s pop-up Bas’s Cheesesteaks keep things fresh. Pro tip: Top your meal off with a mango lassi milkshake — you’ll thank us later.
More info here.
7. Uchi Houston Montrose
Since opening in 2012, Uchi has been a game-changer for Houston’s dining scene and remains a benchmark for Japanese cuisine in town. An outpost of award-winning chef Tyson Cole’s Austin original, Uchi artfully balances tradition and innovation, a standard it continues to uphold alongside its sibling, Uchiko. Beyond the inventive dishes and precise technique, Uchi has also earned a reputation as a training ground for some of the city’s most celebrated sushi chefs, making it as influential as it is unforgettable.
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. Camaraderie Houston Heights
Chef Shawn Gawle has drawn on his experiences in kitchens across the country to create an especially welcoming space. 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.
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. Brennan's of Houston Houston
A Houston classic since 1967, Brennan’s brings the charm and elegance of New Orleans to the Bayou City. Known for comforting Creole favorites, polished white-tablecloth service, and the ever-popular Sunday Jazz Brunch, the restaurant (a sister to Nola’s legendary Commander’s Palace) has earned its place as a local institution. Beyond the dining room, Brennan’s offers immersive cooking classes, a grand ballroom for celebrations, and even a theatre shuttle for post-dinner outings downtown. Whether you’re savoring perfectly executed gumbo or celebrating a special occasion, Brennan’s delivers the kind of warm, attentive hospitality that keeps Houstonians coming back for more.
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. Maht Gaek Katy Asia Town
For a true taste of Seoul in Houston, this Carrollton import serves some of the city’s top soy sauce-marinated crabs, a Korean delicacy found in just a handful of local spots. The raw crabs, with their jelly-like texture, arrive swimming in an umami-rich sauce brightened with ginger and lemon. Enjoy the meat on white rice or straight from the shell, then scoop some rice into the carapace to catch every last drop of flavor. Not feeling raw? Cooked dishes shine, too. Must-orders include naengmyeon, a refreshing cold buckwheat noodle soup, and bossam, tender boiled pork wrapped in napa cabbage and eaten with fresh kimchi and a garlicky, spicy dipping sauce.
Find more info here.
18. Osha Thai Kitchen Westside
Houston’s Thai scene keeps expanding, and Osha stands out for its range of regional street food specialties. Opened in December 2024 by Saranya Danvetnukro, owner of Nua Thai, the West On West spot offers more than just a classic pad Thai. Highlights include blue crab fried rice cooked in a clay pot, pink seafood noodle soup, and khao soi kai, a Northern Thai curry egg noodle soup beloved for its rich, warming flavors. Pro tip: save room for mango sticky rice when in season — sweet, silky, and the perfect finish to a flavorful meal.
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.