Xochi

• 1777 Walker St., Ste. A, Houston, TX 77010
• (713) 400-3330

Set in Downtown’s Marriott Marquis Houston, Xochi (pronounced so-chee) means to bloom or catch fire and represents another creative endeavor from award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega and the H Town Restaurant Group. There, fans will find a dining experience that celebrates the culinary and indigenous richness of Oaxaca, Mexico and its varied geographic regions.

The restaurant’s menu features a wide variety of house-made masas, incorporating many types of colors of corn, an endless variety of moles, as well as house-made chocolate and ribbons of cheese (called quesillo) wrapped into balls. Imported Oaxacan, coffee, grasshoppers, tlayudas (huge tortillas, fire-roasted with toppings), beans cooked with avocado leaves and many other very distinctive and diverse Oaxacan-inspired dishes are also on offer. Expect a bar program touting an extensive offering of mezcals, tequilas and Mexican craft beers.

Xochi is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Houston’s Top 100 Restaurants – No. 1 (2018)
• Named James Beard Winner for Best Chef: Southwest (2017)
• Xochi received Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator (2017)
• Hugo Ortega finalist for Best Chef: Southwest (2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 & 2012) James Beard Awards
• Xochi included in Eater National’s list of Hottest Restaurants in 15 American Cities (2017).
• Xochi named to USA Today’s 10Best list of James Beard Award-winning restaurants you can afford to dime (2017).