Dine alfresco at Hypsi.
Deciding where to go and what to do can feel overwhelming, but in a city like Houston, you don’t have to look far. From bold bites to buzzy bars to uniquely Houston pastimes, there’s always something worth exploring. That’s where Houstonia comes in. In this weekly series, our editors share their favorite places to eat, drink, and “Hou”—so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the city.
EAT
For pasta with a vibe: Hypsi
Heights
Step inside Hotel Daphne and you’re met with a moody lobby filled with groovy decor and the scent of florals from a sold-out candle that always seems to be burning. I snagged a last-minute seat on the patio, perfect for a breezy evening—the charming courtyard, shaded umbrellas, and leafy greenspace give the whole place a romantic, tucked-away feel. I started with the mozzarella cart bread service, featuring crispy-edged sourdough and warm focaccia with speck and a generous mound of mozzarella, then moved on to a bright beet salad layered with grapefruit, pistachios, and gorgonzola.
Pasta was my main motivation: The lumache alla vodka with rich stracciatella and the squid ink radiatori with baby shrimp and fried calamari both hit all the notes. But the mains held their own. Though served in a peculiar rectangular shape that made the braised short rib look like a brick, it was deeply flavorful, tender, and rich, served with rutabaga purée and a brussels sprouts–pickled currant salad. Pro tip: Order the chocolate soufflé with marsala ice cream and plan around the 15-minute cook time—just enough for a cocktail or aperitif.
For sushi worth the splurge: Katami
Montrose
Japanese restaurants often rack up praise from critics and organizations, such as Michelin and the James Beard Foundation. Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi—a four-time James Beard Award nominee, most recently for Outstanding Chef—shows exactly why at Katami. The Montrose restaurant, a sleeker sibling to Kata Robata, shines with pristine sushi and nigiri, along with daily specials worth a look. Standouts include chilled tomato somen that tastes like spring, tuna tartare topped with egg yolk and served with pillowy bread, and creamy lobster miso—a refined nod to Kata’s famous miso lobster mac and cheese. Small-ounce portions of top-tier Wagyu are also meant to be savored.
Dessert might be the biggest surprise. While kakigori (shaved ice) is the more traditional choice, the warm apple pie bread pudding, crowned with a scoop of vanilla ice, rarely leaves a crumb behind. Pair it all with a glass from Katami’s thoughtful cold sake selection and toast to the splurge.
Dining out with kids doesn’t have to feel like a gamble. Contributor Brianna McClane rounded up restaurants she’s personally tested with her boys, ages 5 and 8, narrowing it down to nine spots with menus that work for younger palates and atmospheres that won’t make parents tense about a little mess (or noise). Whether you’re after a casual patio or a menu that appeases even the pickiest diners, these picks make it easier to say yes to eating out with kids in tow.
DRINK
Wine down at the Rodeo.
astrodome area
Houston Rodeo’s Champion Wine Garden offers a welcome wine-fueled pause from the concerts, carnival festivities, and animal-fueled fun. What most locals and visitors don’t realize is that the wines poured here earn their place months earlier, when judges gather at NRG Center to taste thousands of bottles and narrow the field to about 75 award winners. Whether you prefer something sweet, dry, sparkling, or even nonalcoholic, the garden delivers a lineup worthy of your undivided attention between Rodeo events. —Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor
HOU
Take advantage of all the free things to do in Houston
If your budget needs a breather, Houston still has plenty of options to keep you entertained. From always-free museums and outdoor concerts to public art, markets, and neighborhood gems, Houstonia has rounded up some of the best things to do around the city that won’t cost you a dime. Consider it proof that in Houston, a good time doesn’t have to come with a price tag.
Houston Botanic Garden is worth a visit any time of the year.
Looking for an easy way to get outside without overthinking it? Contributor Claire Sewell has spotlighted some of the area’s most striking garden spaces—places where you can admire native plants, discover artist-designed landscapes, sit by a fountain, or even try a hands-on workshop. Some are expansive destinations worth lingering in; others are quiet corners perfect for a midday reset. If you need a low-effort plan that still feels intentional, start here.