Houston enjoyed a standout year on the plate, marked by everything from elegant, white-tablecloth openings to unassuming spots turning out remarkable food. As DiningOut’s Texas editor, I took note… many, many notes. After months of dining through Houston’s diverse neighborhoods and cuisines, I wanted to reflect on the dishes that sparked joy and stayed top of mind long after the table was cleared. What emerged is a curated look at the flavors, chefs, and moments that shaped Houston dining in 2025, remembered one extraordinary bite at a time.
Here are some of my most memorable bites of the year at Houston restaurants:
Moussaka at Yiayia’s
Yiayia’s Pappas Greek Kitchen stood out as one of the year’s most exciting openings, and after two visits, I found myself with a growing list of dishes I’m eager to revisit. A standout among them is the moussaka, made from a recipe that honors the Pappas family’s matriarch and restaurant’s namesake, Yiayia Mary. The dish is comforting and indulgent, layered with braised beef, roasted eggplant, sheep’s milk béchamel, and topped with a velvety layer of Greek tomato sauce.
Tiger Shrimp with Arak Beurre Blanc at Októ
After several visits to Sof Hospitality concepts Hamsa and Októ, I developed a fascination with, and appreciation for, arak, the spiced, distilled Mediterranean spirit offered at both restaurants. A sampling of Okto’s tiger shrimp, served with a fragrant arak beurre blanc, sealed the deal. The dish, which features shrimp from Myanmar, is enhanced with garlic, tarragon, and thyme, and has a layered, herb-forward depth that elevates the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Crab and Endive “Caesar” at Chardon
I have a soft spot for anything bite-size. Sure, I might eat 10 of them, but that’s simply a commitment to the concept. Chardon’s crab and endive “Caesar” delivers that same small-but-mighty satisfaction with a platter of crisp boat-shaped greens filled with buttery Texas blue crab, caper aioli, garlic streusel and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Butter Burgers at Riel
Over the nearly 10 years it was open, I enjoyed many butter burgers at Riel, but the bites I savored in the final days of chef Ryan Lachaine’s restaurant at 1927 Fairview in Montrose this year were bittersweet. The doors closed just two weeks later. Thankfully, Lachaine has resurfaced as executive chef at State of Grace in River Oaks, bringing the beloved butter burger recipe along with him. I don’t doubt they’ll land on my list of best bites of 2026 as well.
OG Grilled Pizza at Coastline Pizza
My opinion on Houston’s best pizza is ever-evolving, but this year I felt especially confident in my devotion to Coastline Pizza in Sixth Ward. The OG grilled pizza was among my grandest pizza bites—and bites in general—of the year. Italian sausage, pepperoncini, basil, and habanero honey paired with a mix of mozzarella and ricotta strike a near-perfect balance of heat and flavor, while the oiled, herbed crust is chewy in the best way.
Butter Cake-Pineapple Upside Down Cake at Brasserie 19
Now absent from the menu at Brasserie 19, this dessert left a lasting impression—and I hope this nod to it is enough to inspire a return. Described by executive chef Michael Hoffman as part butter cake, part pineapple upside-down cake, it was easy to claim it as my own after bite upon bite of moist cake topped with plump citrus slices and a globe of housemade strawberry ice cream.
Pickle Chick at Good God, Nadine’s
I am far more the smashburger than the fried chicken sammy type, but Good God, Nadine’s pickle chick sandwich had me curious—and I’m so glad I indulged. The sky-high handheld packs a pickle-brined fried chicken thigh between buns with lemon caper buttermilk dressing, shredduce, and house pickles. It sounds like a lot of pickle, but it’s balanced by a rich, tangy creaminess, letting each bite land bright and juicy.
Sittin Sidewayz Burger at Josephine’s
Seafood may be the star at Josephine’s, but dishes like the Sittin’ Sidewayz Burger shouldn’t be overlooked. Named after Houston rapper Paul Wall’s hit song, and its cheeky sideways build, the hefty handheld stacks 44 Farms beef with butter pickles, crisp onion straws, and American cheese, delivering a rich, unapologetically indulgent bite that holds its own alongside dishes like the Mississippi hot catfish sandwich and shrimp po-boy.
Black Pakoda at Musaafer
This dish appeared on Musaafer’s summer tasting menu, a thoughtfully composed progression filled with whimsical courses that read as art on the plate. The black pakoda arrives on a platter, seemingly camouflaged among the inky coals beneath it; the mound of spiced potato, cloaked in onion-skin ash, is a striking sight and an even more memorable bite, delivering smoky depth beneath its dramatic exterior.
Wagyu Lumpia at Oru
Oru opened just days before the end of the year, yet it still delivered a bite that has lingered in my mind long after the meal ended. The wagyu lumpia, a showcase of A5 Wagyu described as a “reverse beef Wellington”, features a thin buttery slice of Wagyu wrapped around a crisp fried egg roll filled with mushroom duxelle. The flavors and textures harmonize into a singular, unforgettable bite.
Pan De Muerto at Cucharita
A visit to Cucharita for the Catrina high tea this fall unfolded as a moody, magical evening, where an intimate group gathered to enjoy good company over tea sandwiches, pastries, and unlimited pours of tea and tequila. The experience felt like an exclusive dinner party at a friend’s home, and hostess Anna Beavan ensured each guest was thoughtfully welcomed and impeccably cared for. Among the many tasty delicacies, a sampling of the pan de muerto emerged as the standout of the night—airy, lightly sweet without being cloying, and deeply evocative of the tradition it represents.
Spinach Artichoke Pizza at Rosie Cannonball
I can’t believe it took me so long to encounter this combination on a menu, but the spinach artichoke pizza at Rosie Cannonball proved to be a perfect showcase of the beloved dip reimagined in pizza form. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing pie that works equally well as a table starter or a meal all to yourself.
Black Truffle Beef Tartare at Zanti
I was fortunate to sample countless tartare dishes this year, but Zanti’s take on classic beef tartare proved especially memorable. The dish bursts with flavor, showcasing a mound of hand-cut beef tenderloin dressed in truffle oil and accented with sun-dried tomatoes, celery, Parmigiano Reggiano, capers, parsley, arugula, and a Dijon lemon dressing.
Tuna Tartare Broken Arancini at Coppa Osteria
I was skeptical of the combination of tuna tartare and arancini when I spotted it on the menu, but with a bit of encouragement from our server, I gave it a try. Fluffy arancini filled with lemon risotto arrived on a sea of avocado mousse, topped with ponzu-marinated yellowfin tuna and microgreens. The result is a beautifully balanced dish that marries comfort with freshness.
Jalebi at Desi District
I experienced an unexpected dessert moment during my first visit to Desi District, a casual counter-service Indian restaurant in the Westchase District that offers a large menu of traditional and fusion dishes. Just outside the front entrance on the patio, a server was frying fresh jalebis for guests, a scene reminiscent of the street vendors found throughout India. The moment brought back a flood of childhood memories and anchored the experience in a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Meatball Sub at Ploughman’s Deli
When I discovered there was a Star Wars-themed sandwich shop near my home in Garden Oaks, my curiosity was piqued. The retail strip gem is indeed decorated with movie memorabilia, from collectibles to playful nods to the galaxy far, far away. I went all in and ordered the meatball sub—a brick of a sandwich packed with house-made organic beef meatballs, spicy marinara, a blend of provolone and Parmesan, and a slather of pesto giving it a bright, herbaceous lift. The sandwich was deeply satisfying, and generous enough to stretch into two meals.
Macaroni at Amore
The macaroni at Amore stood out not only as one of the best pastas I tasted this year, but as one of the year’s best dishes overall. The Albrusese ragù clings to the pasta, while petite meatballs and creamy burrata enhance, rather than overwhelm, the sauce, allowing the dish’s comforting depth and balance to truly shine.
Dhokla Chaat at Da Gama
With a menu that blends Indian traditions with Portuguese-inspired fusion, dining at Da Gama feels both nostalgic and exciting. On a recent visit, a sampling of the dhokla chaat revealed plump steamed semolina cakes layered with cooling raita, a combination of chutneys, and crisp sev. Combining dhokla and chaat into one indulgent bite was a clever and satisfying reinterpretation of two beloved street-food classics.
Butter Chicken Ramen at Kitchen Rumors
Kitchen Rumors, from the team behind Amrina, Pok Pok Po, and Bol, ranked among the year’s best openings in my book; after three visits, I’ve developed a short list of repeat-order dishes, including the butter chicken ramen. When I spotted it on the menu, I couldn’t help but wonder how it would translate on the plate—or rather, in the bowl. The velvety blend of tomato and chicken stock paired with thick ramen noodles formed a rich foundation for tender, spice-bathed chicken breast and a perfectly soft-boiled egg. It delivers a best-of-both-worlds experience without sacrificing the fundamentals of either dish.
Bulgogi Fries at Nyam Nyam
With so many dining options under one roof, Houston’s food halls can feel overwhelming—but they also house some of the city’s best bites. A personal favorite is Nyam Nyam, a counter inside Downtown’s The Finn that puts a modern, Texas-tinged spin on Korean barbecue. While the menu is packed with standouts, the slow-smoked bulgogi beef fries earned a spot among my best bites of the year, layering grilled bulgogi ribeye, chili garlic aioli, and green onion over a bed of crisp fries.
