Four Houston Spots Make Top Texas List

For the second year in a row, Houston has led all Texas cities with four establishments on *Texas Monthly's* list of best new restaurants. This year's honorees include Agnes and Sherman, an Asian American diner in the Heights, and Zaranda, a downtown Mexican restaurant with inspiration from California. Also on the list are Di An Pho, a Vietnamese spot in Chinatown, and Latuli, an eclectic neighborhood eatery in Memorial from chef Bryan Caswell. *Texas Monthly's* first-ever list was compiled by new writer Paula Forbes, who took over for longtime critic Pat Sharpe. Forbes named Agnes and Sherman as her Restaurant of the Year, praising chef Nick Wong's inventive dishes like a French dip sandwich, shrimp cocktail, and crab rangoon. The other Houston honorees also received acclaim for their unique offerings, from Zaranda's seafood cooked in a wire basket to Di An Pho's definitive versions of beef and chicken pho from 70-year-old chef Hung Van Tran. Houston's strong showing in the *Texas Monthly* list is part of a larger trend of national recognition for the city's culinary scene. In November 2024, the city received its first Michelin stars, with six area restaurants earning the prestigious honor. Publications like *Food & Wine* and *Travel + Leisure* have also recently named Houston as one of the best food cities in the United States. Houston's success on the annual list is not new. In previous years, acclaimed restaurants like Xochi (2018), Squable (2020), and Katami (2024) have been featured, with Xochi and Katami both earning the top spot in their respective years. This consistent recognition highlights the depth and innovation of Houston's restaurant landscape. Meanwhile, *Time Out's* 2026 list of London's 50 best restaurants reflects a dynamic and diverse dining scene. The list includes a mix of high-end, Michelin-starred establishments like Cycene and Ikoyi, alongside more affordable and neighborhood-focused spots. Recent additions to the list highlight a trend towards casual yet high-quality dining experiences, with Italian, Lebanese, and modern Cantonese cuisines being represented. The London list also showcases the city's strength in a variety of culinary categories. Singburi was named the best Thai restaurant, while Berenjak was recognized for its Middle Eastern cuisine. For those seeking affordable options, Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar in Covent Garden was highlighted as a top choice. The inclusion of gastropubs like Rake at The Compton Arms further demonstrates the breadth of London's food offerings.