Introduction to Houston’s Food Scene
It’s part of the job: eating our way through Houston, one plate at a time. From smoky barbecue joints to underrated strip mall gems, the Houstonia team is on the hunt for what’s delicious and worth your time. Each month, we round up the bites that stuck with us—the perfectly crisped, the unexpectedly balanced, the unforgettable. These are the dishes we can’t stop thinking about.
Must-Try Dishes in Houston
We’re Houstonia. We live in Houston. Of course we talk about food 24/7 in the editorial chat. Our glorious art director, Todd, asked about our favorite ramen spots. I’m a Tiger Den devotee—and still am—but when our editor in chief, Brittany, started bringing up Mensho, I decided to try something different. And now I have a co-favorite ramen place.
Matcha Duck and Spicy Vegan Ramen at Mensho
The matcha duck ramen is so decadent: rich and creamy and a perfect cheat day treat. The lighter, spicy vegan ramen balances the signature umami flavor of ramen with a satisfying amount of piquancy. Save the mushroom for last. It soaks up all the good stuff.
Birria Platter for Two at Tacos Doña Lena
There’s something special about dipping a meat-filled taco into a consommé that screams fall. Maybe it’s because traditionally, birria is a stew, perfect for cold days. But in Houston, when it is still 99 degrees out, we settle for tacos. At Tacos Doña Lena, the birria platter reigns supreme and just might be the best deal on the menu.
Berkshire Pork Frito Pie at Brennan’s of Houston
After a hard week, there’s nothing better than getting together with your best friend for a meal accompanied by some wine. Brennan’s of Houston held a wine dinner with Sonoma winery Rodney Strong. The evening kicked off with creamy Buffalo shrimp and grits, followed by a Berkshire pork frito pie, an elegant take on a more casual childhood favorite.
Burrata + Tigelle at Lee’s
While the drinks are the star of the show at this cocktail bar, the food is also a standout. Highlights include the refreshing tuna crudo, crispy fried calamari with spicy tomato and Calabrese aioli, and the chopped Caesar salad. But the burrata and tigelle dish is a must when visiting, the tigelle punctuated with fresh rosemary the perfect vessel for the burrata.
Carrots at March
A tasting menu is always exciting, but especially when it comes to eating at Michelin-starred restaurant March. The upscale Montrose restaurant from Goodnight Hospitality is known for its exploration of the Mediterranean region through food, cocktails, and wine. Every dish here is exceptional, but the carrot course is particularly noteworthy, as it incorporates the root in myriad ways.
Dilly Bread from Nobie’s
Although I’ve lived in Montrose for years, I’m ashamed to say that I only recently tried out Nobie’s. Thank goodness I did. I started with the Dilly Bread, a must-try for dill lovers everywhere. This pull-apart milk bread is loaded with garlic and "everything" butter, with the option of adding smoked trout roe for an additional $7.
Steak and Dumplings from Local Public Eatery
A drive out to The Woodlands might seem daunting, but the influx of restaurants opening in the master-planned community makes it worth it. One of its newest additions, Local Public Eatery, opened in August, offering American classics, such as sandwiches, burgers, and pizza, often with a unique twist. The steak and dumplings served as the protein-packed main event, with shrimp and pork dumplings accompanied by an 8-ounce primed sirloin.
Conclusion
Houston’s food scene is a vibrant and diverse reflection of the city’s cultural melting pot. From the spicy vegan ramen at Mensho to the decadent matcha duck ramen, and from the birria platter at Tacos Doña Lena to the burrata and tigelle at Lee’s, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to try. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or new and adventurous, Houston’s got you covered. So go ahead, take a culinary journey through the city, and discover the flavors that make Houston a food lover’s paradise.
