Introduction to Houston’s Food Scene
As a city editor of CultureMap and host of a bi-weekly podcast about Houston restaurants, I have the opportunity to regularly dine at various restaurants and form opinions about them. In this article, I will be sharing my favorite dishes from Houston-area restaurants that I had the pleasure of trying in October.
My Rules for Choosing Favorite Dishes
I have simple rules for choosing my favorite dishes. I expect to feature approximately 10 dishes each month, with only one dish per restaurant and no restaurant appearing twice in the same month. The dishes will generally be from new restaurants in the Houston area, but I will also mix in old favorites and occasionally include restaurants from other parts of Texas.
Favorite Dishes of the Month
Here are my favorite dishes from Houston-area restaurants that I tried in October:
Bucatini Amatriciana at Paulie’s
The Montrose staple makes all of its pastas in house, including this tube-shaped style that’s paired with an unapologetically spicy Amatriciana sauce. I add shrimp both for a little protein and to cut the heat a little. With the restaurant set to close December 31, I’ll certainly be back for another order as well as my other favorites on the menu.
Fried Squash Blossom Taco at Late August
Part of the restaurant’s recently-introduced, seven-to-nine-course tasting menu, the crispy squash blossom is paired with lettuces from Lucille’s 1913’s farm and wrapped in a tortilla made with nixtamalized blue corn. Earthy, crunchy, and a little spicy, it’s a compelling combination of flavors that shows off chef executive chef Sergio Hidalgo’s skills.
Mezze at March
One-star March includes this impressive spread of small bites as part of its Levant menu. If it only included the freshly baked pita and caviar, that would have been enough, but the ability to mix and match the various bites — everything from a sweet-and-spicy muhamara to a tangy cheese and briny olives — added an interactive, almost playful element that matches the restaurant’s light-hearted approach to contemporary fine dining.
Wonton Soup, Grilled Beef Spring Roll, and Vietnamese Egg Rolls at Kim Son
Before the restaurant closed on October 12, I put in one last to-go order that featured three items I’ve been enjoying for more than 30 years. Most of all, I’ll miss the wonton soup for being the perfect source of salty, savory comfort any time I felt a little under the weather or wanted to be warmed up on a cold day.
Stone Crab and Cold Seafood at Truluck’s
Recently reopened after a two-month renovation, the Galleria-area steakhouse is once again serving its signature stone crab. While the days of all-you-can-eat are gone, the sweet, briny crab remains as compelling as ever.
Barbecue Tray at Redbird BBQ
Admittedly, Port Neches isn’t in the Houston area, but this barbecue restaurant, ranked No. 4 in the state by Texas Monthly, is worth the 100-mile drive. Go for the hot honey ribs, the expertly-rendered brisket, the Persian-style koobideh sausage, the dinner rolls — well, all of it, really. And save a little room for banana pudding.
Capellini with Lobster at Coltivare
While every visit to this Heights staple should always include its signature black pepper spaghetti, those who eschew its other pastas are missing out. The thing, delicate noodle allows the lobster’s natural sweetness to shine, as do the herbs and lemon in the sauce. Given the seasonal nature of most of Coltivare’s menu, go soon, since it might not be around much longer.
Sea Bass with Frisee and Smoked Trout Roe at Leo’s River Oaks
Steaks are definitely the focus at this retro-styled establishment that won Best New Restaurant at the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, but chef Kirk Thompson and his team cook a nice piece of fish, too. Here, the seared sea bass gets a boost of umami from the smoked trout roe, while a citrus beurre blanc adds acidity to cut the rich flavors.
Ginger-Scallion Lobster at Fung’s Kitchen
Prompted by my mother to choose “something different” for dinner, we headed outside the Loop to this Southwest Houston staple. One of the lobster preparations is always a reliable choice, as the wok-seared meat is never rubbery or overcooked and the delicate sauce brightens up the meat.
Chicken Milanese at Maximo
Since taking over the kitchen earlier this year, chef Adrian Torres has continued to showcase his vision for modern Mexican cuisine at this Rice Village restaurant. Crispy, juicy, and paired with a spicy green spaghetti, the chicken Milanese is comforting, familiar, and utterly craveable. No wonder Michelin included Maximo as one of the city’s five new Bib Gourmand recipients.
Wild Mushroom Pizza at Murray’s Pizza & Wine
Newly opened in Memorial, this new concept from the owners of Leaf & Grain offers an elevated approach to pizza centered around a sourdough crust that’s fermented for three days. For this pie, a mix of mushrooms are roasted in wine and butter that’s further enhanced with a bright salsa verde and a garlic-cream sauce. The intensely savory flavors make for a compelling bite, especially when paired with the restaurant’s frozen Negroni.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Houston’s food scene is diverse and vibrant, with a wide range of delicious dishes to try. From the spicy Amatriciana sauce at Paulie’s to the wild mushroom pizza at Murray’s Pizza & Wine, there’s something for everyone in this city. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Mexican, or seafood, Houston’s restaurants have got you covered. So go ahead, get out there, and start exploring the city’s culinary scene – your taste buds will thank you!
