Instant Classics and Must-Try Meals

Sumac-dusted fried chicken at Al Aseel Grill & Cafe
Image: Cooper + Ricca
Al Aseel Grill & Cafe
This is the city’s destination for a Palestinian feast of sumac-dusted fried chicken and intensely flavored kebabs.
B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Only nine restaurants in the United States serve true Kobe beef. B&B became Houston’s first purveyor this year.
Giacomo's Cibo E Vino
Exceptional homemade pasta is the draw at this restaurant, which welcomes pets on its patio and donates to animal charities. Our furry friends are sold, and so are we.

Helen Greed Food & Wine
Image: Cooper & Ricca
Helen Greek Food & Wine
The James Beard Foundation and Eater National both agree with us that this is one of the country’s best restaurants to open in 2015. Try the greens-and-cheese pie to see why.
Kata Robata Sushi & Grill
There’s no question that chef Manabu Horiuchi is having fun with his menu of ultra-modern raw creations and grilled small plates. You will, too.
Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen
Strange but true: Houston is home to one of the nation’s best Jewish delis. The proof is in the house corned beef and pastrami, piled high as they should be.

Killen's BBQ
Image: Kate LeSueur
Killen's BBQ
Ribs and brisket may get national attention, but we swear by the Sunday-only fried chicken with mac ‘n’ cheese.
La Crawfish
Crawfish pho. Need we say more? Fine. How about crawfish empanadas? No one fuses Gulf flavors with Vietnam cuisine quite like this.
Rainbow Lodge
The game burgers served on Fridays are some of the best in town, but the upscale Southern fare—and the view—are both spectacular every day of the week.