Our coverage of the nominees in the 2024 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards has reached the final two categories. First up are the nine nominees for Restaurant of the Year.
It’s easy to point out their differences. Our nominees offer a range of service styles, price points, parts of town, capacities, and even how long they’ve been open for business. Both Phat Eatery and Kata Robata serve hundreds of diners on busy nights, while the total headcount of a night at Neo or Tatemó would barely fill the seats on an airport shuttle.
Despite those differences, these restaurants have a lot in common, too. They’re united by a commitment to serving consistently excellent food, of course, and providing warm, hospitable service. When those elements are combined correctly, they create memorable experiences that keep people coming back again and again. That's why our panel of local restaurant industry experts has selected them for this recognition.
Who will win? Find out March 27 at the Tastemaker Awards party. We’ll dine on bites from this year’s nominated restaurants and sip cocktails from our sponsors before revealing the winners in our short and sweet ceremony.
Buy your tickets now. VIP passes are already sold out and fewer than 100 General Admission tickets remain.
Here are the nominees for Restaurant of the Year:
Kata Robata
While Katami has been getting lots of well-deserved attention, let’s recognize that chef Manabu Horiuchi’s first establishment remains one of Houston’s most compelling Japanese restaurants. Not only does Kata Robata operate at a consistently high level of quality, it does so whether diners are splurging on a multi-course omakase or enjoying one of the surprisingly affordable lunch specials. Picking a single favorite dish is essentially impossible — wagyu skewers, Philly cheesesteak sando, iberico shumai, yellowtail with jalapeno, and that doesn’t even include sushi — but it’s always a good idea to examine the specials menu for what’s in season. Save a little room for a bowl of the same shaved ice desserts that have been such a hit at Katami.
Nancy's Hustle
As its recent James Beard semifinalist nomination for Outstanding Restaurant demonstrates, the EaDo staple remains one of Houston’s most accomplished dining destinations. Sure, it’s possible to roll in solo for a cocktail and a burger at the bar, but the best way to experience Nancy’s Hustle is to go with a group of friends and order as much of the menu as possible. That means not having to choose between favorites like the dumplings and Nancy cakes or whatever new items chef Jason Vaughan and his team have dreamed up. The knowledgeable front of house staff, all of whom seem genuinely happy to work there, help make each meal there a memorable one. Taken together, that might be enough for Nancy's to repeat its 2019 Restaurant of the Year win.
Navy Blue
Like Godfather II is to The Godfather or Vs. is to Ten, Navy Blue has a legitimate claim that the follow up is even better than the original. Sure, Bludorn has set a high standard with its warm hospitality and signature items, but have you tried chef Jerrod Zifchak’s seafood dishes that blend his French training with Gulf Coast touches? The blackened snapper, the swordfish au poivre, and BBQ Shrimp have all established themselves as fan favorites. Even better, being open for lunch gives it an all-day utility that’s made it one of Rice Village’s most essential destinations.
Neo
Houston has a handful of omakase restaurants, but Neo stands out. Part of that is its location in a Montrose clothing boutique, which adds to the “if you know you know” factor. Once inside, diners are treated to 15 or more courses, many of which are pieces of nigiri made with dry-aged fish that's enhanced with a globally-inspired mix of sauces and other components. The intimate environment and experience of having each piece served directly by the chefs makes for a memorable evening that justifies the premium price.
Nobie's
Having sat out the required two years, our 2021 Restaurant of the Year winner returns to the ballot for 2024. Yes, it’s easy to praise the pun-filled menu that covers everything from the essential Nonno’s Pasta (on the short list of Houston’s best bolognese) and dilly bread to seasonal specials like the Parsnippin’ on Four Fours. We could single out the hospitable staff, eclectic wine list, or banging soundtrack, all of which make it a favorite of local hospitality workers. Even better, Nobie’s is open until 11 pm on Mondays, making it an ideal choice for their peers on a rare day off.
Phat Eatery
Calling Phat Eatery the best restaurant in Katy feels a little bit like damning with faint praise, but even the most jaded inner looper will find themselves contemplating a trip down the Katy Freeway to sample Alex Au-Yeung’s eclectic fare. Staples like roti canai and beef rendang are must order, but so too are the dim sum, noodle dishes, and seasonal specials that range from a beef rendang Wellington to Malaysian crawfish. Residents of The Woodlands will get an even better version of the restaurant with additional space that allows for Chinese barbecue and other additions to the menu.
Squable
As it prepares to celebrate its fifth anniversary, this restaurant remains one of the very best dining options in the Heights. Mark Clayton, who won Chef of the Year in the 2023 Tastemaker Awards, brings an unmatched level of discipline and focus to every dish on the menu. For example, he sears each piece of lasagna on the griddle to ensure it has crispy edges, which means that every piece gets the texture of a corner square. General manager Terry Williams' wine list is equally thoughtful; it won Wine Program of the Year in 2021. We recommend stopping by for happy hour, held weekdays from 4-6 pm, when all alcoholic drinks are half-off for people sitting at the bar.
Navy Blue.
Tatemó
The wider world has discovered the thoughtful and creative Mexican cuisine that’s served as part of this restaurant’s seven-course tasting menu — consider its recent recognition in the James Beard Awards, Food & Wine magazine, and others. Despite the attention, Tatemó continues challenging itself creatively. For example, the current menu is mostly vegetarian, which better allows the restaurant to showcase locally-sourced produce. In addition, chef Emmanuel Chavez spreads the restaurant’s ethos of celebrating dishes made with heirloom Mexican corn by participating in events and other pop-ups across the country. Thankfully, all of the press hasn't gone to anyone's head. The creative preparations remain satisfying to eat, and the staff is committed to making every diner feel welcome.
Theodore Rex
James Beard Award winner Justin Yu has always been clear that he aspires for his downtown restaurant to be considered among Houston’s best dining destinations. Theodore Rex achieves that goal with a combination of refined dishes, polished service, and a focused beverage program. While it’s mostly a serious affair, Yu’s sense of humor comes out from time to time in the form of pop-ups devoted to burgers, steakhouses, or, coming soon, a revival of the Yuston’s menu that it served during the early days of the pandemic. The recent promotion of chef de cuisine Frank Hermosilla should bring a fresh new perspective to the menu.
----
The 2024 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards ceremony takes place 6-10 pm Wednesday, March 27 at Silver Street Studios (2000 Edwards St.).
The Tastemaker Awards ceremony is brought to you by Stella Artois, Rías Baixas Albariño, Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water, 8th Wonder Cannabis, Tito's Vodka, CASE Chocolates, and more to be announced. A portion of proceeds will benefit our nonprofit partner, the Southern Smoke Foundation.
