October is here, and this year it’s brought us a nice break from the heat, plus plenty of fun eating options. Need a lunch or dinner recommendation? Here’s where you should eat right now in Houston.

The Pass & Provisions
Houston’s living the high life now that Provisions is here. The spellbinding menu is full of win; breads, pizzas, and pastas are outstanding, but it’s hard to go wrong in any category. Chefs Seth Siegel-Gardner and Terrence Gallivan sum it up with a menu note: “We made Provisions to be the place that, if we weren’t standing in the kitchen, we’d be standing in the bar.” So you know it’s casual, contemporary, and #awesome.

In the future, the chefs/owners also plan to open The Pass under the same roof for an intimate, tasting-menu-only dining experience.

Adair Kitchen
It’s nice to see a newcomer, local spot doing well in the Galleria, and that’s exactly what’s happened with Adair Kitchen. Owned and run by a dynamic brother-sister duo, Adair offers plates for the health conscious (shredded kale and quinoa salad) and flavor seekers (burgers). They’re currently open for breakfast and lunch; dinner service begins soon.

Flip ‘n Patties
I’ve found my new favorite food truck, and it’s Flip ‘n Patties, a Filipino fusion truck offering small plates with a side of karaoke. The various burgers on homemade buns are phenomenal. But don’t worry if they’re sold out of those — which happens often — because the Filipino street food samplers are fantastic as well. We loved the chicken pupu, siopao, and halo halo dessert.

Killen’s BBB
Ronnie Killen makes a great steak, but his real passion is barbecue. That’s why he’s decided to convert his epic Pearland steakhouse into Killen’s BBB (for barbecue, burgers, and beer). Preview dinners have begun, and soon the new place will officially offer things like brisket, ribs, sausage, barbecued chicken, potato salad, and beans. We can only hope his bread pudding will remain gloriously attainable.

Alma
We were sad to see Samba Grille close, but there’s good news for chef David Guerrero, who has opened the new Alma in the Energy Corridor. Alma’s casual Peruvian menu features all of your South American favorites: rave-worthy ceviches, hearty meats and chifa, and brightly creative small plates. Alma is open both lunch and dinner.

Koagie Hots
Philly fans: Take note of Koagie Hots, a new food truck on the scene. The Asian-inspired cheesesteaks are large and messy, but worth a try. It’s best to stick with the basics here: Get yours with the beautifully thin ribeye topped with whiz or Provolone, and leave it at that. Not into it? Hotdogs are a worthy choice, but skip the fries.

Bellissimo
Houston’s Italian scene is on the rise with Bellissimo, a neon-green emerald in the Heights. The owner/chef spent 14 years at La Strada and 11 more at Mia Bella before striking out on his own. His Italian training and Mexican heritage mean bold flavors — jalapeno fettuccines, cilantro sauces, chorizo pizza, avocado pesto, and more. More good news: Bellissimo is BYOB and offers delivery service.

Sweet Cup Gelato
Less heat probably does nothing to curb your love of cool treats. So swing by Sweet Cup on Montrose, where the stunningly delicious gelatos will stir your senses. Flavors run the gamut from traditional to unique…. From stracciatella, limoncello, and cheesecake to blackberry-cardamom, avocado sweet basil, and butter pecan bacon.

Underbelly
Chris Shepherd’s Underbelly has received plenty of national attention this year, but just recently received two fabulous local endorsements: A coveted four-star review from the Chronicle’s Alison Cook and the top spot in Katharine Shilcutt’s list of 100 Favorite Dishes. The place is clearly firing on all cylinders these days. Keep in mind that you can get the full menu in the open-seating bar area.

Roost
We’ve had a crush on Roost since the diminutive joint opened at the end of last year. They’ve just updated to their new fall menu, and the added items continue to impress: cod fritters, peppered tofu lettuce wraps, chicken and dumplings, fantastic desserts, and more. But don’t worry, y’all — that famous roasted cauliflower is still there.

Need more recs? Try our where to eat right now lists from previous months:

March – May – June – July – August – September