The Hundred-yard Journey

Landmark Rice Village restaurant readies to relocate — but thankfully, not too far

Prego will have a new home in 2024.

Courtesy of Prego

One of Rice Village’s staple restaurants will have a new home in 2024, but it isn’t going far. Prego, an Italian restaurant that’s been in business for more than 40 years, is moving from its current location due to redevelopment plans by Rice Village owner Rice Management Company.

“After 40 years in the village, it was hard to imagine relocating to anywhere else in Houston. We are pleased we were able to work with the university and we won’t be going far,” Prego’s general manager and operating partner David Cook said in a statement. “Our new location is only 100 yards away at 5515 Kelvin Dr., Suite # 130, and we are thrilled that we will continue to be a part of this community. Our roots here are deep, and this is where our customers look for us to be.”

Part of H-Town Restaurant Group with establishments such as Hugo’s and Backstreet Cafe, Prego serves a diverse menu of Italian dishes including appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta, and mains. It’s also known for its extensive wine list.

Prego will remain open at its current location (2520 Amherst) until the new restaurant — currently a Talbots clothing store — is ready to open. Anthony Vu from 2X Studio will design the new space, which will blend elements of the current location with some more contemporary touches.

In the run up to the move, Prego is inviting diners to share their memories of meals at the restaurant. Diners are asked to email photos or memories to pregodavid@yahoo.com. The restaurant will share them on its social media accounts.

Prior to the move, Prego is planning a farewell celebration for the existing space. Details will be shared in the future. The goal is to celebrate the regulars who have supported the restaurant since the beginning.

“We are excited to start this next chapter, but also know that restaurants with rich Houston history like ours are becoming scarce especially after the hard road the hospitality industry has been on the past few years,” Cook added. “We know that our successes and longevity are due to our loyal regular customers. They inspire us to continue to provide a place where families and friends can gather to relax, share a meal, and be there for one another. Our commitment to quality, comfort, reliability, and hospitality has never been stronger.”

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we are all made of stars

Michelin Guide makes big change to 2026 Texas restaurant announcement

Michelin Guide 2025 Houston bib gourmand

Courtesy of Houston First Corporation

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Restaurant rating organization the Michelin Guide will reveal the third edition of its Texas selections on October 8, the organization stated, but it’s making a change in how it will make the announcement.

Unlike in 2024 and 2025 when Michelin held elaborate ceremonies in Houston that drew chefs and restaurateurs from across the state, the organization will distribute the list of restaurants via a press release.

Michelin employs anonymous inspectors to evaluate restaurants on five criteria: product quality; mastery of cooking techniques; harmony of flavors; the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; and consistency over time and across the entire menu. Based on that, they may recognize restaurants with one of three designations:

Michelin stars, rated at one, two, or three for restaurants that offer exceptional experiences
Bib Gourmand, described as “restaurants that offer great quality food at good prices”
Recommended for good restaurants that don’t quite meet the level of either a star or Bib Gourmand

The guide also gives out professional awards, such as to Elliot Wood of Credence, who received the Michelin Service Award in 2025, and Steven McDonald of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, who received the sommelier award in 2024.

Last year, Michelin added three starred restaurants statewide, bringing Texas’ total to 18, along with eight new Bib Gourmands and 16 Recommended restaurants. Overall, 140 restaurants are included in the Guide.

Initially, Michelin made a three-year commitment to Texas, which was paid for in part by a $900,000 partnership with the statewide tourism organization Travel Texas and local tourism organizations in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. No announcement has been made about whether those partnership will continue, but a Michelin representative provided CultureMap with the following statement about the company’s future in Texas:

“Michelin cannot discuss the terms of its relationships for competitive reasons, although Michelin respects that partners might have disclosure agreements. It’s worth mentioning that once the Guide arrives in a destination the intent is for it to remain there. Supported by partnerships, the inspectors will continue to evaluate restaurants in the current coverage areas while keeping an eye on other locales as possible culinary hotspots for inclusion.”

"Houston First has an ongoing and productive relationship with Michelin that has helped to elevate the city’s culinary reputation to new levels. We don’t have any additional comment on Michelin’s announcement at this time.," A.J. Mistretta, Houston First vice president, corporate communications, said in response to CultureMap's request for comment about whether the corporation has renewed its contract with the Michelin Guide.

In terms of local additions, one possibility is Sushi Horiuchi, the intimate, six-seat omakase counter from revered Houston chef Manabu Horiuchi. Shawn Gawle, chef-owner of Camaraderie in the Heights, worked at several Michelin-starred establishments before opening his project last year, which could help draw the inspectors attention. Similarly, James Beard Award winner Benchawan Jabthong Painter already had a Bib Gourmand for her Thai restaurant Street to Kitchen, so it’s certainly possible that Janta, her eight-seat tasting menu concept, could also earn a spot in the Guide.

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