A hearty steamer of xiaolongbao (or, soup dumplings) will heal your soul of ailments you didn’t even know existed. At the new Spring Branch location of Loves Dumpling House, these broth-filled orbs reign supreme, holding an obscene amount of soup in one of the thinnest skins I’ve ever seen in Houston. Choose from flavors such as crab with pork, pork with tomato, and the sleeper hit, chicken and mushroom. Top off the experience with crispy pot stickers and hearty wontons to really get your fill. Loves also operates an OG location in Katy, but this new restaurant gives citydwellers a new dumpling haven to flock to. —Erica Cheng, news and city life editor

After attending a tuna breakdown and omakase dinner at Neo (now closed ahead of its next chapter) and downing hand rolls at Kira, I was more than ready to try Comma Hospitality’s newest restaurant, Oru, in the Heights—and it delivered. The space carries a similarly clean, minimalist aesthetic, with chefs firmly at the center, serving high-quality sushi and inventive, often seafood-forward dishes. Start with the trout roe bread service, served with taiyaki, and don’t skip the Wagyu lumpia—a playful, almost inverted take on beef Wellington. Nigiri is a must (ordering the chef’s selection makes things easy), but my standout of the night was the sushi roll, layered with balanced flavors of fresh tuna, spinach, and housemade daikon pickles that I could have eaten by the bowlful. If you’ve already tried Neo’s banana ice cream with caviar, opt for something different for dessert, like the pistachio coulant. Our server also highly recommended the jam-filled taiyaki. —Brittany Britto Garley, editor in chief

When I learned the owners of Duck N Bao and Hongdae 33 had opened a new spot in Chinatown, I knew I had to try it. Seven Sushi & Robata offers two all-you-can-eat specials: one for $37 and another for $57, which includes even more options. I opted for the latter. With a two-hour dining period and a wide range of dishes, I went full speed ahead and ate as much as I could. Start the visit off with the truffle salmon sashimi and the yellowtail and jalapeño plate for a heated kick. For more sustenance, tack on chicken karaage or one of the several dishes on the robata and grill menu—my favorite was the miso beef belly. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without sushi and sashimi. While they offer classics such as Rainbow and California rolls, the Chirashi roll is a refreshing combination of salmon, tuna, tilapia, yellowtail, and cucumber, topped with ikura and sweet vinegar. Everything here is extremely appetizing, so whatever you do, take full advantage of the AYCE option. Remember to keep your receipt. It'll give you access to some claw machine fun in the area. Ask your server for details. —Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor 

This Harlow District Tex-Mex spot is officially closing its doors on Saturday, January 17, after two-and-a-half years. The garden-themed spot prides itself on its variety of made-to-order margaritas, cocktails, and more than 250 Mexican spirits. During my first visit here, I tried the herbaceous Verde, a combination of mezcal, tequila, parsley, and mint. —BBG

Families can experience Meow Wolf Houston’s Radio Tave exhibition at a significantly reduced price thanks to a new access program tied to Museums for All. Guests who show a valid EBT card can purchase $5 tickets for up to four people during regular hours, making one of the city’s most immersive art experiences easier to fit into a weekend plan—no special reservations required. —BBG

Spend the early evening assembling botanical-themed LEGO sets inside the Houston Botanic Garden, then step outside just in time to see the Radiant Nature lantern installations light up across the grounds. Each ticket bundles the build experience, entry to the light trail, and parking, turning a seasonal stroll into a creative, low-stress night out that works for both families and friends groups. —BBG

Step behind the scenes of Houston’s restaurant world with our deep dive into the dishwashers who keep the city’s kitchens running, often unseen but absolutely essential.

Start planning your next getaway with our updated guide to all the direct flights you can catch from Houston airports—no layovers required.

Commiserate (and maybe laugh a little) over Houston’s biggest transportation frustrations, from traffic woes to transit headaches we all know too well.

And don’t miss the latest installment of Only in Houston, our roundup of the strange, funny, and uniquely local stories making headlines this month.