Little’s Oyster Bar
Seafood restaurant · Montrose
3001 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77098
Highlights
Caviar service, grilled octopus, lobster gnocchi, and seasonal oysters
Caviar service, grilled octopus, lobster gnocchi, and seasonal oysters
"A refined addition to the Pappas Restaurants roster with a focus on high-quality seafood and a standout raw bar; appetizers include a delicate local greens salad with honey dressing and creamy goat cheese, while the cioppino comes with buttery sourdough for dipping. The grilled octopus is tender and served with aromatic zhug and marbled potatoes perfect for sopping up sauce, the Gulf grouper shines with an heirloom tomato sauce vierge, and the lobster gnocchi is a showstopper — herbaceous, studded with blistered cherry tomatoes and finished with crisp potato chips for texture." - Brittany Britto Garley
"With California chef Jason Ryczek at the helm, this Pappas-owned restaurant delivers top-tier service and thoughtful dishes. Its menu features a stellar caviar service with pillowy fried potato dumplings and a tender grilled octopus that might be Houston’s best. Explore its 10-seat raw bar stocked with all the seafood favorites, and consider entrees like the chicken-fried snapper or the Yellow Edge grouper bathed in brown butter. Those who miss Little Pappas Seafood House should try the crab croquettes, a meaty appetizer filled with jumbo lump crab, scallops, and shrimp — an ode to the original restaurant’s crab cake. And don’t forget to dabble in the cheeky cocktails and decadent desserts for a true treat." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Occupying the former Little Pappas Seafood House, this chef-driven concept has made waves since debuting in 2023. Along with an impressive raw bar and caviar service that features eggs from his own harvested white sturgeon, chef Jason Ryczek further spotlights Gulf Coast cuisine and seafood in thoughtful dishes like crab croquettes, pan-roasted wild mussels, Texas redfish in heirloom tomato sauce vierge, and a delicate Gulf grouper in radish beurre blanc and caper brown butter." - Brianna Griff
"Eater Houston’s Best New Restaurant of 2023 has quickly become a staple of the Montrose community. Chef Jason Ryczek’s love letter to the ocean is communicated through colorful, elegant plates highlighting the Gulf Coast. The celebratory environment means that a visit here is meant for indulgence, so don’t be afraid to go all out. Lobster gnocchi and crab croquettes served with tomato gazpacho have become calling cards, and the oyster bar’s crustacean offerings are plentiful. Looking to truly splurge? Consider the caviar by the ounce: Little’s White Sturgeon Golden Imperial from California and Golden Imperial Osetra from China are served with pillowy soft potato dumplings, hush puppies, radish butter, onion jam, and chives. Must-try dish: Caviar fans searching for the best in the city should indulge in Little’s caviar service. The tender grilled octopus with marbled potatoes and zhug will also not disappoint." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Few pairings rival the classic combination of martinis and oysters, and at Little’s Oyster Bar, it’s almost a requisite order. The Montrose restaurant, which replaced Little Pappas Seafood House, offers the must-try Golden Martini, a prime complement to the delicate, briny shellfish. Imbibers will find the Golden’s floral, fragrant notes of chamomile with the tang of grapefruit bitters and a subtle anise kick from licorice stock, harmonized by Aviation gin and Dolin Blanc vermouth. Make it a complete experience by splurging on the restaurant’s decadent caviar service, which uses pillowy potato dumplings as a comforting accompaniment." - Brianna Griff
