5200 FM 2920 Rd., Spring, TX 77388
At Belly of the Beast, chef Thomas Bille and his team set out to celebrate their Mexican-American roots, sharing flavors and stories inspired by family, culture, and a passion for authentic cuisine in a warm and inviting setting. Unafraid to mix and match the cuisines that inspire him, chef Thomas delivers unforgettable flavors. Try Rohan Duck 2 Ways (strawberry mole, pickled fennel, salsa seca), Pea Agnolotti (scallops, prosciutto, snap peas, mushrooms, champagne butter), or Scallop on the Half Shell (Hokkaido scallop, kaluga caviar, tomato, ginger, scallion oil, basil). Spanish Octopus and Iberico Pork Chop are also among the patrons' favorites.
4740 Dacoma Str., Houston, TX 77092
For a unique tasting menu experience in Houston, visit TATEMÓ. The BYOB restaurant is open for a dinnertime tasting menu on Wednesday through Saturday by reservation only. Reservations are released in the first week of the month for the following month and sell out fast. ¿The reason? The patrons assure that the flavors are nowhere else to be found. Before opening TATEMÓ in 2022, Houston chef Emmanuel Chavez ran a tortilla-making business and sold his product at a local farmers market. He continues to focus on the three essential ingredients that, in his words, define Mexican cuisine to its core - squash, beans, and maize, which is a byproduct of corn.
5307 N. Main Str., Houston, TX 77008
EMA HTX brings quality food, pastries, and coffee to the Houston Heights area while preserving space for ancestral traditions, beliefs, and practices through their culinary offerings. They honor their indigenous lineage by showcasing the history of their culture through their craft and creativity. Drawing inspiration from Mexico and Latin American gastronomy, their story intertwines memories, nostalgia, travel, experience, and their love for Mexico. Their Mushroom Tetela is a must-try. An heirloom maiz Tetela is stuffed with a mushroom carrot tinga, which sits on a bed of green salsa and topped with dill sour cream and duro blando cheese. The maiz is comforting and aromatic. The salsa is addicting. Add a farm egg to it for extra protein.
1624 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006
MARCH is a fine dining restaurant with a ticketed tasting menu that explores the evolution of the Mediterranean through its food, history, and cultures. Chef Felipe Riccio’s reservation-only tasting menu restaurant is set on providing an experience that transports diners to different regions of the Mediterranean. A specific region is spotlighted for a few months. MARCH is now open for their 9th season—La Serenissima: The Republic of Venice. Six-course and nine-course food menus are available with the option of wine pairing for each. The cuisine of the Republic of Venice reflects its cosmopolitan identity, shaped by centuries of trade and control over the Adriatic Sea. As a major hub for the spice trade, Venice played a key role in introducing European kitchens to exotic spices that became essential in Venetian cooking, adding complexity and richness to many dishes. The drinks menu, too, highlights the region with special wine pairings by master sommelier June Rodil.
