Houston’s Hottest Eats
Houston is a city known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, with a wide range of cuisines and restaurants to choose from. From smoky barbecue joints to upscale eateries, there’s something for every taste and budget. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the hottest eats in Houston, featuring dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Downtown Delights
One of the top restaurants in downtown Houston is Barbacana, which serves up a mean Texas Wagyu carpaccio with Gouda and pickled strawberries. This dish is a game-changer, with the sweetness of the strawberries pairing perfectly with the richness of the Wagyu beef. Another standout is the braised pork collar with nuoc cham and toasted rice powder, which is a masterclass in textures and flavors.
East End Eats
If you’re looking for a great burger, look no further than Boo’s Burger in the East End. This burger stand serves up smashburgers with crispy edges, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, all paired with a side of hot fries and a tangy sauce. For a unique twist, try the garlic aioli sauce on the side for an extra $1.
Greater East End Gems
Cochinita & Co. is a hidden gem in the Greater East End, serving up some of the best Mexican food in the city. The black bean and epazote tamales are a must-try, with a crispy exterior giving way to a tender and flavorful interior. If you’re looking for a cookbook to inspire your own Mexican cooking, be sure to check out chef Victoria Elizondo’s superb taco cookbook.
Galleria Grub
For sushi lovers, Hachi is a must-visit destination in the Galleria area. This restaurant serves up only the freshest fish, with a guarantee of quality that’s hard to find elsewhere. Try the nigiri, which features perfectly sliced Scottish salmon, Kanpachi, and Madai, all with the ideal rice-to-fish ratio.
Washington Avenue Wonders
Kitchen Rumors is a new Indian fusion restaurant on Washington Avenue, serving up innovative dishes that blend Indian cuisine with flavors from around the world. The saucy Gossip lamb chops are a highlight, with a spice explosion in every bite. Be sure to try a cocktail, such as the Love Marriage mocktail, which features cucumber, lemon, salted pistachio, lemon-honey, and rosewater.
Memorial Must-Tries
Latuli is a Gulf Coast cuisine restaurant in the Memorial area, with a menu that features a range of seafood options. The Double Dip smoked redfish dip is a must-try, paired with a pimento cheese that’s good enough to eat on its own. The Wagyu barbacoa is also a highlight, with fall-apart tender beef topped with slices of pear and jalapeño for spice and a fresh tang.
Montrose Marvels
Mayahuel is a Mexican restaurant in the Montrose area, with a menu that features a range of dishes from blue fin tostadas to tacos stuffed with adobo-glazed Gulf shrimp and beef cheek confit. The carne asada is a standout, with a tender and juicy slow-cooked combination of New York Strip steak and beef cheek, served with a side of black beans, avocado, charred onions, and housemade tortillas.
Upper Kirby Gems
Picos is a beloved restaurant in the Upper Kirby area, with a menu that features a range of Mexican dishes. The menudo is a must-try, with a perfectly spiced recipe that’s a thing of beauty. Unfortunately, Picos is set to close soon, so be sure to visit before it’s too late.
More Upper Kirby Favorites
Yiayia’s Greek Kitchen is a new restaurant in the Upper Kirby area, serving up a range of Greek dishes with a modern twist. The Youvetski is a standout, featuring grilled shrimp, scallops, and octopus on top of orzo pasta, cooked with brown butter and olive oil. The chocolate cake is also a must-try, soaked in cocoa syrup with a dark chocolate glaze and served with vanilla gelato.
Conclusion
Houston’s food scene is a vibrant and diverse reflection of the city’s cultural heritage. From downtown to the East End, Galleria to Washington Avenue, and Memorial to Montrose, there’s a wide range of cuisines and restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, Mexican, Indian, or Greek food, there’s something for every taste and budget in this great city. So why not get out there and start exploring the hottest eats in Houston? Your taste buds will thank you!
