We’re Houstonia. We live in Houston. Of course we talk about food 24/7 in the editorial chat. Our glorious art director, Todd, asked about our favorite ramen spots. I’m a Tiger Den devotee—and still am—but when our editor in chief, Brittany, started bringing up Mensho (incidentally, in the same shopping center as good ol’ Tiger Den), I decided to try something different. And now I have a co-favorite ramen place. The matcha duck ramen is so decadent: rich and creamy (probably because it's made with actual cream) and a perfect cheat day treat. The lighter, spicy vegan ramen balances the signature umami flavor of ramen with a satisfying amount of piquancy. Save the mushroom for last. It soaks up all the good stuff. —Meredith Nudo, arts and culture editor

Duckstache Hospitality has gone wild with its diverse sushi bars and hand roll restaurants over the past few years. Though I’m a frequent customer at Duckstache’s concept, Himari, I found myself at Handies Douzo during a catch-up lunch with a friend. Hand rolls have been an increasingly popular choice for sushi aficionados across the city, but at Handies Douzo, the kanpachi crudo won me over. Slices of amberjack tuna are seasoned with Thai chilies and sanbaizu, a Japanese dressing made of vinegar, soy sauce, and mirin. It’s everything you want as summer ends—sweet, sour, umami, and perfectly refreshing. —Erica Cheng, news and city life editor

There’s something special about dipping a meat-filled taco into a consommé that screams fall. Maybe it’s because traditionally, birria is a stew, perfect for cold days. But in Houston, when it is still 99 degrees out, we settle for tacos. At Tacos Doña Lena, the birria platter reigns supreme and just might be the best deal on the menu. For just $35, birria fans can split two tacos, two quesabirrias, and their choice of two birria-stuffed gorditas or two tortas. Pair that smorgasbord with sides of rice, beans, consomme, and TDL’s six signature salsas, and you’re golden.—EC 

After a hard week, there’s nothing better than getting together with your best friend for a meal accompanied by some wine, and a few weeks ago, I did just that. Brennan’s of Houston held a wine dinner on September 12 with Sonoma winery Rodney Strong. The evening kicked off with creamy Buffalo shrimp and grits, paired with glasses of Davis Bynum sauvignon blanc, followed by a Berkshire pork frito pie, an elegant take on a more casual childhood favorite, served with a reserve pinot noir. The finale: a tender beef debris po-boy complemented with a glass of pinot noir. —Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor 

While the drinks are the star of the show at this cocktail bar (you can’t go wrong with the blood orange margarita or the Cynar mojito), the food is also a standout. Highlights include the refreshing tuna crudo, crispy fried calamari with spicy tomato and Calabrese aioli, and the chopped Caesar salad. But the burrata and tigelle dish is a must when visiting, the tigelle punctuated with fresh rosemary the perfect vessel for the burrata. Make it into a sandwich, but not before swirling the blueberries into the mix to make for a sweet and savory bite. —SG 

A tasting menu is always exciting, but especially when it comes to eating at Michelin-starred restaurant March. The upscale Montrose restaurant from Goodnight Hospitality is known for its exploration of the Mediterranean region through food, cocktails, and wine, offering a tasting menu that changes twice a year. Diners who visit there now are in for a night of exquisite flavors from the coastline of the Levant. Every dish here is exceptional, but the carrot course is particularly noteworthy, as it incorporates the root in myriad ways. Glazed carrots are plated with chamomile yogurt, spiced honey, carrot oil and powder, and a smoked carrot puree that gives it a classic Texas barbecue taste. —SG 

Although I’ve lived in Montrose for years, I’m ashamed to say that I only recently tried out Nobie’s. Thank goodness I did. I started with the Dilly Bread, a must-try for dill lovers everywhere. This pull-apart milk bread is loaded with garlic and "everything" butter, with the option of adding smoked trout roe for an additional $7 (absolutely worth it). Each bite is fluffy and full of rich, briny flavor. Another must-try dish for any first timer: the Nonno’s Pasta, a comforting bowl of tagliatelle bolognese that pairs well with the bibb salad for a pasta-salad situation. Save room for dessert. The olive oil cake deserves all the raves. —SG

A drive out to The Woodlands might seem daunting, but the influx of restaurants opening in the master-planned community makes it worth it. One of its newest additions, Local Public Eatery, opened in August, offering American classics, such as sandwiches, burgers, and pizza, often with a unique twist. I started with the loaded crispy potatoes, layered with Parmesan horseradish aioli, bacon, jalapeños, and shaved Grana Padano. Next, I had the spice-laden tandoori chicken pizza and the fried chicken ramen. The steak and dumplings served as the protein-packed main event. Shrimp and pork dumplings, accompanied by an 8-ounce primed sirloin, are plated atop a garlic chili sauce and gochujang mayo. It’s steakhouse comfort colliding with bold Asian spice. —SG