You’ll never be at a loss for delicious dishes to try in Houston, whether you are in town on business, vacation, or feverishly hunting down apartments in Houston for the chance to set down new roots. Here are five excellent dining establishments in the Southern City where you can get your mouth-watering and your senses tuned to all-things Texan.
1. Xochi
The name of this restaurant is derived from the Xochitl, Goddess of the Flowers, and means to bloom or catch fire. Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega opened Xochi to celebrate the culinary richness of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Image credit: XochiHouston.com
According to their website, the menu includes “a wide variety of house made masas incorporating many types and colors of corn, an endless variety of moles, house made chocolate and ribbons of cheese (called quesillo) wrapped into balls, imported Oaxacan, coffee, grasshoppers, tlayudas (huge tortillas, fire-roasted with toppings), beans cooked with avocado leaves, and many other very distinctive and diverse Oaxacan-inspired dishes. Our stellar bar program has an extensive offering of mezcals, tequilas, and Mexican craft beers.”
2. OSTIA
In the Montrose neighborhood, you’ll find this spot and it’s botanical-inspired patio. Chef Travis McShane has curated the flavors of this neighborhood-style restaurant, with a rustic approach to light Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. They also have air-conditioned outdoor terraces, so you can enjoy the Texas air without the heat!
The brunch, dinner, and lunch menus are packed with tempting dishes like pork chops, groupers, lamb, several varieties of pizza, and more. If you’re looking for a place where farm-fresh meets the Mediterranean, OSTIA is the place to go.
3. Nancy’s Hustle
This modern Bistro on Houston’s east side serves a mix of New American and European cuisine, as well as an ample variety of natural wines and cocktails. Their menu is divided into the categories savory and sweet, with the former touting incredible dishes like spicy beef and butter dumplings, lamb tartare with green olives, grilled grouper, and more. The sweet menu offers three delectable dessert items: parmesan cheesecake, profiteroles, and chocolate mousse.
4. Rosie Cannonball
This lively restaurant centered around a wood-burning oven and grill serves European comfort food, drawing inspiration from simple local ingredients. The dinner menu includes a variety of pizzas and pastas, vegetable dishes, and “fire” dishes, like grilled tilefish, charred octopus, and chicken basquaise. The real attraction at this spot, however, is the impressive wine and spirits list.
5. Bludorn Restaurant
This gulf-centric restaurant headed up by chef Aaron Bludorn serves New American and French-inspired dishes which are seasonally rotated. Considered a neighborhood landmark, this tempting place touts a dinner menu that includes numerous seafood dishes like oysters, shrimp, tuna, and even a seafood tower. They also offer lamb, quail and chicken dishes, a separate brunch and dessert menu, and an impressive list of cocktails.
Finding a place to sit down and enjoy a relaxing meal in a new city can be a challenge, but these five restaurants are your best bets when you’re perusing the Houston sites. Chances are you’ll enjoy the meals so much that you’ll decide to stay and eat in Houston!
