The Resy Hit List: Where In Houston You’ll Want to Eat Right Now — Resy | Right This Way
Updated: June 1, 2026
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
Watch Parties: Houston plays host to some of this summer’s sports excitement, and there are plenty of places to soak up the energy. William Price Distilling kicks things off with watch parties — the first one takes place on June 11 — with VIP tables available to book ahead. Prolific restaurateur Ben Berg also teams up with nightlife impresario Army Sadeghi (Clarkwood Melrose) and Houston Dynamo legend Brian Ching (Pitch 25) for The Ranch Presents Pitch Live, a 35,000-square-foot destination built inside the former Warehouse Live venue in EaDo. Expect lively vibes and Tex-Mex, barbecue, and specialty cocktails on order. Over in San Leon, Pier 6is going big with family-friendly watch parties on its new patio, with tacos, drink specials, lawn games, and plenty of screens. And for a more casual hang, all four Kirby Ice House locations (Upper Kirby, Memorial, the Heights, and The Woodlands) remain reliable go-tos for match days, thanks to expansive patios, abundant TVs, and ice-cold refreshments.
Celebrate Pride: It’s Pride month, y’all. And yes, there are ample celebrations. On June 6, Chapman & Kirby will host its Pride Royale Queen Brunch with fabulous drag performances, as well as a brunch buffet and festive cocktails. In Montrose, Boheme keeps the party going weekly with Drag Show Brunch on Sundays and Drag Show Bingo on Saturdays. Craving tacos? Husband team Angel Cabrera and Brian Ponce serve up some of H-town’s best birria at Tacos Doña Lena in Spring Branch and Garden Oaks. You can also support allies like KP’s Kitchen and Spanish Flowers, both active members of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. Finally, for something sweet, look for rainbow-inspired treats at Michael’s Cookie Jar, La Sicilia Italian Bakery & Cafe, and Dessert Gallery Bakery & Café.
Lock It In: The World Cup and Pride festivities may be dominating June, but Houston’s dining calendar is packed with other exciting events, too. Le Jardinier’s Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Dinner takes place on June 4, featuring a $400 five-course seasonal tasting menu with wine pairing. (It’s currently sold out, but worth setting a Notify.) On June 13, Nori Nori celebrates its two-year anniversary with a giant bash at Kim Son Plaza, where for $200, guests can enjoy unlimited small plates, a live bluefin tuna breakdown, and a complimentary drink, with the option for a VIP upgrade with additional perks. On June 16, J. Alexander and Far Niente Winery collaborate for a four-course tasting with wine pairings. In Katy, Flavors on Fire— known for diverse cooking classes, kids’ cooking camps, and chef’s tastings — marks Father’s Day a day early on June 20 with a tomahawk steak dinner for dads. Cap off the weekend revelry on June 21, with a hands-on Father’s Day old fashioned Class at William Price Distilling. Book these experiences and more on Resy’s Events page.
Honoring Thy: Houston’s hospitality community continues to mourn the devastating loss of Traveler’s Table co-owner Thy Mai and her children, Maya and Max, whose deaths in early May shook the city deeply. Remembered for her generosity and commitment to uplifting others, Thy leaves behind a lasting impact on the local dining and small business scene. In her honor, the Texas Restaurant Foundation and the Greater Houston Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association — where Thy served as a board member — have established the Thy Mai, Maya & Max Memorial Hospitality Scholarship, an endowed fund to support future hospitality professionals. Her family has also announced plans for the Thy Mai Foundation, which will focus on advocacy and programs aimed at protecting women and children from gun violence. Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart remain open at this time, too, so please keep supporting the restaurant and staff.
New to the Hit List (June 2026) Christie’s Seafood & Steaks, Koffetieria, KP’s Kitchen, MF Sushi.
1. Squable
- Heights
- European
- $$$
2. Da Marco
- Montrose
- Italian
- $$$
3. Phat Eatery – The Woodlands
- Grogans Mill Village
- Malaysian
- $
4. Crawfish & Noodles – Bellaire
- Little Saigon
- Vietnamese
- $$
5. Coltivare Pizza & Garden
- Heights
- Italian
- $
6. Jersey Bagels
- Northwest Houston
7. BeauSoleil HTX
- Houston
- French
- $
8. MF Sushi
- Museum District, Houston
- Sushi
- $
9. Sushi Horiuchi
- Houston
- Japanese
- $$$$
10. Pondicheri
- River Oaks
- Indian
- $$
11. Cochinita & Co.
- East End
12. Oru
- Greater Heights
- Japanese
- $
13. Sushi by Hidden
- Rice Village
- Sushi
- $$$
14. Christie's Seafood & Steaks
- Mid West
- Seafood
- $$$
15. Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition
- Midtown
- Seafood
- $
16. Mimo
- Greater Eastwood
- Italian
- $$
17. House of Bowls
- Asiatown
18. Nori Nori
- Bellaire
- Sushi
- $
19. Koffeteria
- EaDo
20. KP's Kitchen – Memorial
- Memorial
- American
- $
20 venues
1.Squable Heights map
Photo courtesy of Squable
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.
Photo courtesy of Squable
2.Da Marco Montrose map
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 map
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 map
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 map
Photo courtesy of Coltivare
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.
Photo courtesy of Coltivare
6.Jersey Bagels Northwest Houston map
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 map
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.MF Sushi Museum District, Houston map
More than a decade in, MF Sushi still feels like one of Houston’s premier omakase experiences. At the center of it all is chef Chris Kinjo, whose famously deft technique inspired the restaurant’s name: MF stands for “magic fingers.” Guests can reserve a table in the dining room, but the best seat in the house is at the counter, of course, where Kinjo sways to his own rhythm as he shapes each piece of sushi. The multi-course omakase highlights seasonal and luxury ingredients that may include prized cuts of bluefin tuna, Hokkaido uni, and A5 wagyu. Resys for Kinjo’s omakase — offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. only — must be booked directly through the restaurant.
9.Sushi Horiuchi Houston map
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 map
Photo courtesy of Pondicheri
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.
Photo courtesy of Pondicheri
11.Cochinita & Co. East End map
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 map
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 map
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’sfaster 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.Christie’s Seafood & Steaks Mid West map
A Houston institution since 1934 (with roots stretching back to Galveston in 1917), Christie’s remains one of the city’s oldest family-run restaurants and a longtime destination for seafood and steaks done the old-school way. Generations of regulars can’t be wrong as they return again and again for signature dishes like the 1917 famous fish “sandwich,” the fish en papillote stuffed with wine-butter seafood stuffing, and the Thursday strip sirloin special — a juicy 12-oz. steak for $35 served all day. Pro tip: The Greek menu, comprising family recipes from the motherland, is equally worth exploring.
15.Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition Midtown map
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 map
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 map
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 map
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.Koffeteria EaDo map
This two-time James Beard Award–nominated bakery and coffee shop has built a devoted following thanks to chef-owner Vanarin Kuch’s inventive pastries that reflect his Cambodian American roots and Bayou City upbringing. The menu changes often, but the creativity is consistent: think a limited-run sach ko ang Danish for Cambodian New Year featuring pickled green papaya, or a crawfish and rice grits Danish with beurre blanc (tell us you’re from Houston without telling us you’re from Houston). The aromatic beef pho kolache also remains a popular pick for good reason. Order ahead online if there’s something specific you’ve got your eye on. And if you’re closer to Spring Branch, sister spot Lil’ Koffeteria opened there last year.
Find more info here.
20.KP’s Kitchen – Memorial Memorial map
Photo courtesy KP’s Kitchen
This neighborhood gem from longtime restaurateur Kerry Pauly has long mastered the all-day bistro formula. While the Bellaire outpost recently closed, the original Spring Valley/Memorial location continues serving the comforting dishes diners know and love. Stop in for a weekday lunch, an easygoing dinner, or a leisurely weekend brunch, and expect everything from crisp salads and hearty sandwiches to stacked burgers and fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs. The warm, family-friendly atmosphere remains part of the draw — and parents should note that kids eat free on Tuesdays.
Photo courtesy KP’s Kitchen
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