"Houston only has three tasting-menu-only restaurants (that aren’t omakases), and one of them is Barbacana. This fusion spot Downtown has a small counter and bar, open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner, and reservations are required. And while the tasting menu does change, expect dishes like Thai-style smoked fish, dry-aged duck with Mediterranean spices, and grilled chicken with housemade tortillas." - brooke viggiano, gianni greene, chelsea thomas