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
- Mark Your Calendars: On Jan. 21, chef Naoki Yoshida (formerly of Shun) returns to the sushi counter at Nori Nori alongside chef Cong Nguyen for their second collaboration: a 16-course omakase featuring Hokkaido-sourced ingredients and techniques from Japan’s northernmost region. Tickets are sold out, but hit the Notify button to be alerted if seats open up. For those inspired to try making sushi at home, CocuSocial is hosting a class on Jan. 22 at William Price Distilling, teaching beginners how to make three different sushi rolls. Also at William Price Distilling on Jan. 14, Jan. 21, and Jan. 28 is Big Prize Bingo + Steak Night, with happy hour (4-7 p.m.), $30 steaks (5-9 p.m.), and bingo (7-9 p.m.) with a rotating grand prize. Make a Resy for a bonus card and find all upcoming experiences on Resy’s Events page.
- Taste of Japan: After two years and some construction delays, Oru has finally opened its doors in the Heights. The latest concept from Comma Hospitality — the team behind acclaimed Japanese hot spots Neo and Kira — showcases a la carte offerings of sushi, composed plates, and seasonal desserts from chefs Paolo Justo and Luis Mercato. Keep an eye out for Neo favorites including signature dry-aged fish and standout sweets like banana ice cream topped with Osetra caviar and a lava cake-like pistachio coulant. Anchored by a 24-seat hinoki counter, the intimate space is designed to welcome guests with the warm spirit of Japanese hospitality. Not too far from Oru, Tins (short for This Is Not Sushi) offers a 14-course omakase experience guided by Japanese techniques and subtle Malaysian influences, plus unlimited sake and karaoke after 8 p.m. For a Japanese experience with Latin vibes, head to Casa Kenji for sushi and tapas-style dishes. And rounding out the new Japanese restaurants on Resy is OG hibachi pioneer Benihana, which popularized teppanyaki cooking in the U.S. and has multiple locations throughout the city. Discover more on New on Resy.
- Katy Mini-Guide: As the Katy area continues to grow as a food destination, these spots show why it’s worth the drive if you’re not already nearby. Start with Phat Eatery, the James Beard-recognized Malaysian favorite from the late, great chef Alex Au-Yeung, known for its savory roti canai, award-winning beef rendang, and sambal-forward dishes. For an interactive, group-friendly AYCE meal, Chocho Hot Pot Katy offers a wide selection of broths, premium meats, and even Halal and vegan options. Flavors on Fire brings the heat with live-fire cooking and globally inspired flavors. (They also offer cooking classes for various cuisines.) Sushi enthusiasts should check out Little Sakana for a good-quality AYCE experience. And check out indoor/outdoor Katy Beer Garden for brews — about 100 options — and classic bar bites.
- Mocktail Magic: Dry January doesn’t have to mean dialing back on great drinks. Bar Bludorn is shaking up zero-proof cocktails with fun alternatives like the High Treason (a Thai tea-inspired drink with guava, cinnamon, and a hint of lime) and the dessert-style Phony Float (St. Agrestis Phony Espresso Negroni with cold brew and vanilla ice cream). At Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar, try the La Belle Rose (pink guava and rose syrup blend splashed with lime) while admiring the view. At chef Bryan Caswell’s Latuli, sip on the Spring Saddle or Ginger Spur, both crafted with Ritual zero-proof tequila for layered, vibrant flavors. And at Moon, Houston’s newest jewel-box bar from the Bastion Collection and Cafe Natalie, a $10 mocktail menu offers beverages like the punny Rice & Shine, the aromatic Laguna, and Familiar Tides, a salted pineapple twist on a classic margarita.
New to the Hit List (Jan. 2026)
Afuri, Annam, Burger Bodega, Di An Pho, Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition, Maht Gaek, Nancy’s Hustle, Silk Road, Uchi.
1. Theodore Rex Downtown
Chef Justin Yu’s downtown gem continues to delight with a menu full of comforting flavors and inventive pairings. Since 2017, the restaurant has won over Houstonians with French-influenced, seasonally driven dishes that highlight local ingredients. Expect the unexpected like roast Southern squab with rosewater, cumin, and raspberry, or a deceptively simple cold ratatouille elevated with red miso and olive oil. A Michelin Bib Gourmand honoree, T. Rex constantly reinvents itself while delivering unforgettable plates, proving it remains one of Houston’s most exciting and consistently creative dining destinations.
2. BASO The Heights
A Michelin-recognized standout, BASO has earned acclaim for good reason. Chefs Jacques Varon and Max Lappe bring global flavors to life through Basque-inspired live-fire cooking, with nearly every dish finished over the glowing hearth of the open kitchen. Bold, inventive, and precise, the menu lets each ingredient shine — don’t miss the fire-grilled pork chop topped with minced pork jowl and powdered chamomile. For the full experience, grab a counter seat to watch the chefs in action, or surrender to the “Trust the Chefs” tasting and let them guide the evening.
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. Navy Blue Restaurant Rice Village
Sustainably sourced seafood shines at chef Aaron Bludorn’s Rice Village restaurant. Executive chef Jeffrey Lin, who has risen through the ranks since joining the team in 2020, delivers outstanding dishes like pan-seared Dover sole — de-boned tableside and finished with a rich meunière sauce — and Creole-spiced barbecue shrimp over a savory cheddar scallion biscuit. For a show-stopping special, book a Monday or Tuesday Resy for the seafood paella, brimming with shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, and chicken. Whether it’s a relaxed date night or a celebratory dinner, Navy Blue delivers memorable flavors and impeccable service.
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. LATULI Hedwig Village
Houston culinary icon Bryan Caswell is back in the kitchen with Latuli, his latest venture in the Memorial area, launched with entrepreneur Allison Knight. Here, Caswell revisits the Gulf Coast flavors that first made him a star at Reef, while weaving in global influences that keep the menu vibrant and fresh. Diners can enjoy new creations alongside nods to his classics, from Reef’s iconic pecan-smoked pork chop to the hearty wild boar ragu pappardelle once loved at Stella Sola. The result is a menu that’s both familiar and entirely new, a true celebration of Caswell’s signature style.
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. Di An Pho Asiatown
The name says it all: Di An Pho translates to “go eat pho” in Vietnamese. Our advice: Heed the call. Opened last May as a longtime dream realized for chef Hung Van Tran, the family-run shop serves just one type of dish — you can guess — alongside a selection of drinks including strong Vietnamese coffee. It’s everything you’d want in a steaming bowl of pho: perfectly bouncy vermicelli noodles in a beautifully balanced, subtly sweet broth, topped with tender morsels of meat. Each bowl is accompanied by a generous plate of fresh herbs and bean sprouts to dress your bowl. (Ask for pickled onions for a bright contrast.) Weekend crowds are common, so arrive early to secure a seat.
Call 281-896-0002 for more info.
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. Moon Rabbit HOU Houston Heights
Craving Vietnamese comfort beyond Asiatown? This Heights gem delivers. Chefs Rudy Vasquez and Tam Nguyen — whose family once ran the beloved Spring Branch staple Kim Chau Restaurant — serve up traditional dishes like bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and aromatic bowls of pho, alongside wholly new creations like curry chicken pot pie and grilled pork katsu with pickled yellow peaches. With a menu that honors classic flavors while exploring playful, modern twists, it’s the kind of spot that keeps diners coming back for both nostalgia and culinary surprises.
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. Rosewater Clear Lake
A Clear Lake favorite since 2016, Rosewater is the kind of bar every neighborhood hopes for: laid-back, a touch quirky, and fiercely committed to cocktails. Starting with just 30 seats, it has grown into a local institution with an expanded space, a small kitchen, and a devoted following. The drinks menu includes clever twists on classics and rare pours for true enthusiasts, including vintage selections like Blanton’s from 1992. The food is casual but satisfying — think housemade falafel, burgers, fries, and other comforting bites that pair perfectly with whatever you’re sipping.
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. Granny Dee’s Kitchen Spring
Tucked into a humble strip center in Spring, Granny Dee’s serves some of the most satisfying soul food in the Houston area. Owned by Delores Hutching, the no-frills spot has become a local favorite for its hearty, comforting dishes made from treasured family recipes. Generous portions come in takeout containers whether you’re dining in-house or taking it to go, making it easy to stretch a meal across two or three sittings. Standouts include oxtails over rice, smothered pork chops, and classic meatloaf, each paired with two sides and a thick slice of golden cornbread.
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.
