It’s no secret that Houston has some of the best chefs in the world who are constantly cooking up new and exciting dishes. So many chefs with so many delicious options means it can be daunting to look at their menus and make a decision on what to eat. Fortunately, the city has a number of restaurants with chef’s tables and chef-led tasting menus, curated by the executive chef and his or her team to showcase their vision in fine fashion.
Whether it is a special table set amid the action of the kitchen, or a cozy omakase counter where the menu is wholly left to the chef, the experience is personal and adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Behold the 12 best chef’s tables in Houston boasting private spaces, exclusive chef-curated menus, and exciting views of some of the city’s best kitchens.
Cocody
French-born chef Lionel Debon is at the helm of this sophisticated and modern restaurant in River Oaks and its chef’s table is a special experience. With its pale pink walls and bubble lights overhead, the private dining space feels like being immersed in a glass of sparkling rose. The room has a window into the kitchen, offering a glimpse of the action, as the team creates dishes like scallop rosace carpaccio, gruyere-truffle souffle, or roasted moulard duck breast. The menu changes with the seasons, and guests can choose from a four-course or six-course menu. 1971 W.Gray St., Houston, cocodyrestaurant.com
Brennan’s of Houston
Brennan’s chef experience is called the “Kitchen Table”, because that’s exactly where the special dining table is set. The space is semi-enclosed in glass in the restaurant’s kitchen, allowing guests to dine right in the middle of the action. Available once per dining service, a group of four to 10 guests can enjoy an exclusive lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch of chef choices. The kitchen table can be upgraded to include multi-course wine pairings as well. 3300 Smith St., Houston, brennanshouston.com
Hamsa
This modern Israeli restaurant in Rice Village offers its guests a unique opportunity to experience a cuisine they may be unfamiliar with by way of the Hamsa Experience, a multi-course showcase of Middle Eastern flavors and Israeli dishes. Curated by chef Yotam Dolev and his team, the experience is made up of shared plates and meant for the entire table. The tasting might begin with a variety of salatim (dips and condiments), then progress to skewers off the charcoal grill. There is also an option of wine pairings, with choices from general manager and sommelier Melissa Rogers. 5555 Morningside Dr., Houston, hamsahtx.com
MF Sushi
Chef Chris Kinjo’s modern Japanese restaurant has been open in Houston’s Museum District since 2012, and it has become a favorite for its omakase experience. At the flush sushi counter, diners can watch the chefs in action, knives out. The counter omakase is costly, but it is also intense, with plate after plate of precisely-formed nigiri and glistening sashimi set before diners, for an hours-long adventure. Cocktails tend to be whiskey-forward, like the Ancho, a Japanese whiskey and agave drink, garnished with a shishito pepper. 1401 Binz St., Houston, mfsushi.com
Hidden Omakase
Chef Marcos Juarez and his crew lead the only Michelin Recommended sushi restaurant in Houston, and its omakase set-up means that every service is a chef’s table for 18 guests. Tradition is thrown to the wind with Juarez playfully adding touches of Thai tom kha to hirame or mole verde to A5 wagyu. Don’t be fooled by its strip center setting. Inside is a cozy U-shaped counter flanked by two stunning murals. It’s one of the most expensive omakase experiences in Houston, but with a menu of sushi and hot dishes, and a popular BYOB policy, it is well worth the price. 5353 W. Alabama St., Houston, hiddenomakase.com
Uchi
This Hai Hospitality restaurant from Tyson Cole hails from Austin, but its various locations, including the one in Houston, have served as launching pads for many young chefs. There are three different chef’s table options: omakase, somakase, and vegetarian. The selections often feature traditional menu items, accompanied by some specials, and vary according to the season. The tastings are market price, so consulting with your server beforehand would be wise. 904 Westheimer Rd., Houston, uchi.uchirestaurants.com
Oheya by Uchi
Oheya by Uchi is an omakase-exclusive restaurant with a 12-seat counter, located right next door to Uchi in Montrose. It’s an intimate little cavern, hidden behind a dimly-lit door, making it feel like a Japanese speakeasy. ChefsSteve Conklin and Kevin Le, in collaboration with featured Hai Hospitality chefs from around the country, create a menu that changes bi-monthly. The tasting is 15 courses featuring sushi, nigiri, oysters, and more. It doesn’t come cheap, but given the opportunity to get a sampling from visiting chefs, it’s worth the splurge. Oheya recently added a 10-course happy hour tasting from 5 to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday for $50. 904 Westheimer Rd., Houston, uchi.uchirestaurants.com
Amrina
This stunning fine dining restaurant in the Woodlands is part of the Kahani Social Group, and is led by executive chef Jassi Bindra. Bindra’s cooking celebrates the flavors of India while combining a variety of techniques and ingredients that are innovative and, often, mind-blowing. The plating can be cheeky and playful, and with entrees and desserts mimicking works of art. The restaurant offers a tasting menu, but the true gastronomic adventure awaits those who are lucky enough to reserve the chef’s table in the kitchen. It is only available by reservation of Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and can accommodate up to six guests. 3 Waterway Square Pl., The Woodlands, amrina.social
Aya Sushi
Take to the counter at Aya Sushi for a dining experience that’s as much about performance as it is about flavor. Under the direction of chef Yoshi Katsuyama, the counter is reserved exclusively for the omakase experience, giving diners front row views of the chef’s theatrical display. The multi-course meal includes rare cuts of fish, hot and cold dishes, and dessert. 5407 A Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, ayasushi.com
Verandah Progressive Indian Restaurant
Husband-and-wife team Sunil and Anupama Srivastava opened this modern Indian restaurant at Upper Kirby in 2019, after deciding to close their more casual concepts Great W’kana Cafe and W’kana Express. The inner loop move meant that chef Sunil could display his culinary skills in a way that showcased regional Indian flavors in a contemporary setting. There are several dining options and menus, but the coveted chef’s table is an exclusive introduction to chef Sunil’s culinary point of view. The table is tucked away in a little nook, conveniently located by a wine cabinet. It can accommodate six guests, with a four-person minimum. Guests can enjoy a multi-course tasting menu with the option of wine or ambient tea pairings. 3300 Kirby, Houston,verandahrestaurant.com
Doris Metroplitan
There isn’t a bad seat in the house at Doris Metropolitan, but for a seat next to all of the steak-grilling action, reserve the chef’s table adjacent to the kitchen in the back pocket of the restaurant. With seating for up to 12, the table offers guests a multi-sensory experience. Dishes can be ordered a la carte, or a special tasting menu curated by executive chef Micheal O’Connor can be requested in advance. Doris requires two weeks notice for any off menu items. 2815 S. Shepherd Dr., Houston, dorismetropolitan.com
State of Grace
This buzzy River Oaks restaurant from Ford Fry recently brought in Canadian-born chef Ryan Lachaine to lead the kitchen. Along with his crew, Lachaine offers a seven-course tasting for $145 per person at a private chef’s counter, which varies seasonally. Seatings are offered by reservation at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. Springing for the optional wine pairing is a wise choice, considering the restaurant’s extensive and well-curated wine list. Marble counters, brick walls, and custom light fixtures add a touch of European glamor that doesn’t steer too far from its Houston origins. 3258 Westheimer Rd., Houston, stateofgracetx.com
