Oxheart

The space us super cozy. I love the tasting menu! Everything is always fresh and delicious! I can't wait to see what the new concept will be like, but I'm sure the good will be just as good.

Delicious six course garden menu! Perfect for my wife and I who are vegetarian. Came for my wife's birthday. We both agree and loved the mung bean pancake. Cozy place, friendly and attentive staff. Personable chef. Will continue to check menu for updates and would come again. Highly recommended. Wouldn't be able to afford this weekly but as a splurge, definitely worth it. Call or email for reservation.

My husband and I experienced the 7 course tasting menu and was blown away by the service and quality of food being served. This is probably one of the most unique experiences we have had, and certainly since we moved to Texas last year. The food was amazing and the passion put into the food was easy to see because of the taste. The menu is mind boggling how the Chef came up with these wonderful concoctions, but it worked! One of our favorite places to go and I am already looking forward to returning.

Single best dining experience in Houston. Staff is beyond accommodating and friendly. The interior is small and balanced homey with post industrial. And most importantly the wine and food are out of this world. First vegetarian menu I've had that is just as good as the meat option. If you have the chance, do not pass it up, you will regret not going.

One of my 2 favorite restaurants in the city. Every dish wows you both before and after digging in. The plating is spectacular and the food is divine. Definitely go for the wine pairings if you can because they are just as surprising. One of the most interesting meals I've ever had. In a good way of course.

Amazing. Tiny. Intimate. All the smells! The kitchen is within reach of every table and smells amazing. Service is on point and helpful. Limited, but we'll appointed wine and beer pairings/offerings. 5 or 7 course daily, weekly menu. Vegetarian and vegan compatible. Not cheap, but well worth a visit.

We first visited Oxheart the week it opened and were blown away. Our second visit was less stellar: esoteric ingredients to the point of borderline pretentiousness and flavors that, while interesting, (some) weren't delicious. The "cat's meow" wine pairing was fine but nothing to write home about. Still, the service was excellent and the meal was lovely. At that price point and with so many accolades as one of the best restaurants in Houston, we just would have hoped for a little more.

Yes, they can do amazing things with vegetables. Honestly, this is the most creative place in town for veggies. Their presentation is incredible. Absolutely. Great execution on the food. Portions are dainty. You will walk away full, not stuffed. The bread course is always too small, and I think here they do so well. I have had homemade english muffins here served with lard. Incredible. Where I fall apart on this is sometimes the wine pairings are off. Pairings at times just aren't right, and really give conflicting notes. Sometimes your food and wine don't come at the same time. The menu isn't always diverse. They definitely have some vegetables they love more than others. I have seen the same offerings for multiple seasons. I want to like them more, food portions aren't large, the wine pairings sometimes are off due to flavor or timing. I wish they would try to be less hipster, and just focus more on the food. I would give them 3 1/2 stars. Want to go somewhere they hit it on all notes? Try the Pass.

Amazing from start to finish! Very quaint spot situated outside of downtown. Food was spectacular! The coconut chicken looks odd but was the best tasting dish in my opinion. I can see why it's a staple. Our server was really cool and even gave us bar recommendations for after. The bar we went to was amazing too but for another review lol! Highly recommend coming here for an elevated food experience while in Houston.

Went out to celebrate my brother in laws masters graduation last night and hadn't been to T-Rex in a few years but really remember loving it. Sat down as a party of 4 and asked for some wines by the glass, server gave us a taste and the wives didn't like 2 so we swapped them out (but not before the server gave a annoyed face). This places shares multiple servers per table and we ordered exactly how they asked (all the food at once so it could be coursed out) but our server seemed annoyed that we ordered too little food (4 smalls and 3 mains!? We were full at the end). All the plates were presented beautifully and the food was incredible. Get the melted onions! And on the mains do not miss the Redfish! Truly one of the best dishes I've had in a long time. The reason for 2 stars is in the middle of our meal 2 of our male servers seemed very annoyed with us (we weren't loud and we have a high EQ for kindness/respect). At onne point I asked to see the wine list, we wanted a high abv peppery red without any fruit and when I asked the server he looked annoyed and took the list to say he'd do some research. He came back 5 mins later with a Syrah but not the wine list and said nothing about the price (normally servers come back with a recommended option and a backup and also let you know the price) when I asked to see the list just to confirm (really I wanted to check the price) he rolled his eyes getting it begrudgingly. At this point our dinner was tainted by the experience. I tasted it and was happy with the bottle and said thanks then My brother in law tried to lighten the mood while he was pouring our glasses saying "my brother in law has never steered us wrong on a bottle of wine" the server rudely said "but I picked the wine it was me". I almost walked out at that moment but a cooler head prevailed and we stayed to finish our dinner. Overall fantastic food but the servers are a******* and for that reason we will never go back. It's a shame that such an incredible restaurant has forgotten such a simple first principle as kindness and respect and to top it all off there is a 22% gratuity auto included for any party size (I often tip higher for great service but this is the one time that stung because of the experience) food was 5 stars but the rest brought me down to 2. Please make a change T Rex

Small, romantic, upscale restaurant nestled on the edge of downtown, street parking is available Went for my birthday dinner and enjoyed the dishes. They were definitely all unique and shows a love for food by the chefs. I actually had 2 birthday dinners here, a few years apart, planned by others. The ambience is nice, the food is yummy, and the beef was very good in particular. People rave about the tomato toast, I thought it was decent. The bread was really thick and very well toasted and I'm honestly not a big tomato fan lol (they told me this dish would convert me, it didn't) This might just be a me thing but the staff here was a little stuffy for me. I didn't feel like they were trying to accommodate me, it felt like they just had their own idea of how the night needed to go and I was a piece in their moving puzzle. I wouldn't come back on my own because I don't like feeling cramped or rushed at dinner.

We wanted to book for the counter but unfortunately those are some hard seats to get for a part of 4 :(. However the host sat us at a big table near the door that had a great overview of the restaurant. The most memorable dish we had was the crudo, melted onions & the pasta. It's recommended to order everything at once so the server could course it correctly. It's a pretty small restaurant so I would say book far in advance.

First thing you notice is this place is very small but the location is nostalgic for me being by Last concert cafe, a Houston young adult right of passage. This place is a bit museum of modern art with their menu but the flavors are undeniable. The tomato toast is as good as advertised and to me seems like a dream dish for a vegetarian. The mushroom broth finally drives home what people are going for with a savory cocktail. The tenderloin did what its supposed to but that beefy flavor does come with a cost. The chicken leg flattened out was good as well but again may be a lil pricey for some. The strawberry cake is a 10/10. So good I may bring my lil sister just for that.

As a native Houstonian who adored Oxheart, it took me what, 8 years of having Theodore Rex at the top of my "restaurants to try in Houston when I'm back" list. My friend made a snap decision to make a late reservation on my las tnight in town and there we were, sitting at the bar, facing the kitchen. We got front row seats to the genius of the pastry chef (Frank Hermosilla). Tony greeted us immediately at our bar seats and was absolutely DELIGHTFUL. I wanted to be friends with him right away. He was extremely attentive to our dietary retrictions, and was able to clearly and humorously communicate what the best options would be considering my inability to tolerate dairy. We started with beautiful broth just oozing with umami with the addition of a tiny drop of Madeira wine. Enter the first course that transported me to summertime, the Evercrisp apples with beets and umeboshi. Every bite was direclty going to battle against the winter weather outside. My main course was abosutely stand-out - the chicken leg, my gosh, so juicy with the perfectly crisped skin. It was paired with the lovely green salad that brighted everything up. They made their signature rice without butter for me, and it was also perfectly balanced with the chicken. So we arrive at dessert. I was able to admire Chef's buttering of the butter cake all evening, and while I couldn't taste the cake I was over the moon about the fact that the chocolate mouse on the menu is completely dairy-free and in fact, vegan. Needless to say, I licked the plate. If you've been sleeping on Theodore Rex or if you think it's old news, THINK AGAIN. Come back and try Chef Justin Yu's amazing concept, and you won't be disappointed. From the bottom of a homegrown Houston girl's heart, thank you to the team at Theodore Rex for a truly amazing experience. I'll be back, and say hi to Tony for me when you visit.

When we got seated, the server keeps on suggesting we should get 5-6 courses for just 2 people. We weren't that hungry and thought they just had small tapa size, but when the food came out (it took very long between dishes) it was actually decent sized. The food was good, but you can get good American food at any other restaurant these days, since there is a such competitive food scene in Houston. Then, there is 22% mandatory tip that they don't tell you until you get the bill. Now it makes sense that the server is trying to push 5-6 meals for just 2 people. Low key felt like we got scammed. Would not come back.

Absolutely my favorite place in Houston. I keep coming back. Food is fun and unique. Service is always outstanding. Well informed and helpful for a complicated menu. Ambiance is hip and casual. Great for a formal meal or chill date night. If you haven't tried it, you must

Was in town for a work event and my team and I came here. It's a small little restaurant tucked away in some alley lol. But it was a cool, fancy yet cozy vibe inside. The service here was absolutely impeccable! They explained each food as they come out and I will say the food is solid. Very interesting dishes I've never heard before and they all had a unique spin as far as flavor profiles. But would I say it's out of this world? Not really. It was cool experience though and the star here is the service.

I came here to celebrate my birthday and had a fabulous time. You have to order tapas style to really get the most out of your experience. There really wasn't a dish that missed. The staff were fun, lively, and gave great suggestions. Best noods in Houston. I will note that it is a small space so if you want a restraurant that can accommodate a large group - this may not be the place for you.

Everything was phenomenal, from the food to the service to the drinks. Seating is tight quarters, so don't be divulging any juicy secrets; everyone could hear you.

Theodore Rex is one of my favorite restaurants in Houston. Top 3. We have had a number of truly spectacular dishes here. I love everything about this place. The service is always top level. Perfect service and they make it look and feel easy. Genuinely service that cares about their customer. Of course the menu changes but they always have a few of the same items. The tomato toast should not be missed. Dumplings are always great. The wine list is well done and well priced. No alcohol. Limited seating. Make a reservation!

Went to Theodore Rex late October with the girlfriend. We ordered a few items to split: - Japanese turnips: interesting starter, comes in 6, which is a great number to share between 1, 2, or 3 people. While tasty, at least given its just turnip, it wasn't quite memorable. 2/5 - Tagliolini: pasta with cultured butter, oyster liquor, mignonette. It's a solid pasta though not quite al dente. Similar with the turnips, not particularly memorable or defining. 2/5 - Tomato toast: okay, now we're onto something! We got this because it was the house favorite and apparently always on the menu. Wow. This was amazing. Super rich rye bread with a tomato fondant and dried tomatos. Rich but superbly well-balanced. I would liken this to Nancy's Hustle's Nancy Cakes. A star dish, despite being an appetizer. 5/5 no doubt - Sformato: quite interesting, a flan of ricotta with spinach, and a jam-like egg yolk. Very fun to experiment with various combinations of the ingredients in front of you. 4/5 - Redfish: very delicious, wow fish with honey? Now that's a combo I'll have to write down. Garlic and green peas are an excellent sauce to provide some floral/vegetal notes. My only complaint would be the portion size is closer to appetizer than a main, since it's listed under 'large', with the 'large' price tag. 5/5 - Strawberry shortcake: delicious, strawberry with cardamom, also an interesting flavor combination, plus a juxtaposition of warm and cold. My only nitpick would be the texture is fairly one-dimensional, spongey/moist. Perhaps some crunchy elements? 4/5 Service is good, plus Chef Yu will bring a dish or two to explain the dish. Friendly guy. Not sure if there was a problem with the kitchen lights when we came in but it was fairly dark, it'd be cool to watch the kitchen if you're sitting at the counter. To be honest, not sure how Theodore Rex got Bib Gourmand since you're looking at over $50 per person for a decent meal, but definitely deserves to be a Michelin-recommended restaurant no doubt! Overall, chef definitely has a knack for experimenting with flavor combinations (and ones I haven't seen at Michelin-starred restaurants!), ever since his original concept, Oxheart. Not every dish was a banger, but those that were give me hope that a Michelin star is just around the corner. Just waiting for that tomato toast to show up at a farmer's market... I give Theodore Rex 4 tiny arms, out of 5.

Although James Beard Foundation Award winner Justin Yu shuttered tasting menu-only Oxheart in 2017 his cooking remains innovative and exciting in its current form at Theodore Rex, named after the Chef's nephew. Located just off the highway in a converted building, Houston's "warehouse district" living up to its name with few signs of activity Sunday evening, it is inside 1302 Nance Street that guests will find exposed brick and minimal adornment surrounding just twenty-eight seats. "Relaxed fine dining" by design, Chef Frank Hermosilla overseeing an open kitchen that works in silence, Theodore Rex changes its menu frequently with Foo that is aggressive yet accessible and exotic despite its roots in local Ingredients. Smartly staffed such that Chefs and servers all contribute to an experience best enjoyed at the counter, a 22% autograt assuring fair pay, most diners will begin with Yu's famous Tomato Toast that spins "pan con tomate" as Butter-soaked Pain de Mie that's brushed with Garlic and topped with Tomato Fondant plus a Salad of fresh Tomatoes. Gulf-focused with Asian elements, Sour Sausage spiced like Chorizo balancing Cucumbers and subtle Citrus, Yu's Ricotta finds itself lightened as crustless Quiche perfumed with Nutmeg atop chlorophyll alongside a creamy Yolk. Less interested in large-format proteins than small-plates, though Toast-crusted Redfish ordered by a neighbor received raves, T.Rex's Pastas shine brightly whether long ribbons flavored like dressed Oysters or filled beneath Cream and native Grapes. Torn as relates to Dessert, a female server allowed to break the tie, fans of rich flavors need look no further than Mousse that eats lighter than expected thanks to flecks of earth and sour on a bed of thick Syrup.

I have been wanting to try this place for years and last Friday me and a couple friends finally got to check it out. This place is a bit hidden, many Houstonians have never even ventured or knew about this area nestled in just above downtown and right down the street from Last Concert Cafe. Upon pulling up I tried to find this gated parking that my fellow yelper said there was, but to no avail so street parking it was and plenty of it as your drive around the building. This place is a bit smaller than I thought it would be with seating indoors & outdoors and also a few spaces right directly adjacent to kitchen so you can watch chefs in action. Though as close as you were to the next table I never heard any of the other patrons conversations so the music in the background or how acoustics traveled throughout must have drowned out other ppl's conversations which was nice. For food I'm in the middle of the road, some really unique dishes I would have to say, but it takes a whole lot to get full. The bill was quite high for not being full at the end. It is something to try and it's amazing how they can play with seasonings and techniques to trick the mind and the tastebuds. Most unique dish i would say is the eggplant dish that literally reminded me of fish in all the visual, taste....and the price aspect. Prices ran between $14 - $75. Pics will tell you why the 3 of us left hungry, yet astonished by some of the unique flavors. Favs were: Eggplant - looks and taste like fish Grouper Grilled - Grilled over coals Tomato Toast - simple but very flavorful Chocolate Mousse w/truffle Strawberry Buttercake w/cardamom cream Beef cap w/mushrooms - cook was done great On the fence if I'd order again Pink lady Apples - were unique in that everyone's palette gave off different flavor profile from an Indian dish to an Italian dish to a Mexican dish. Wouldn't order again Beef dumplings were okay, tasted just like pan seared sausage, but dumpling disappeared in bite and not in a good way like melts like butter. Basically felt like it wasn't even there. Chorizo and cucumber- i don't get it and will never order again. Reminded me of a slim jim in all ways even the acidity. Wasn't a fan of the grouper the 2nd way it was cooked. Grilled was way better, but make sure to eat all before it gets cool. Tagliolini - just not enough going on and really didn't even notice the oysters Servers...walked us through the dishes wonderfully 22% Gratuity already added into all meals. Some where just south of 4 star.

I've followed this spot since its Oxheart days, +10 years of visits at various times tracing its evolution. But my most recent return was a culinary letdown: nearly every dish--from the tomato bread to the pasta to the dumplings--was drowning in a tidal wave of butter and oil so excessive it made a muggy Houston summer feel refreshing by comparison. Any nuance of flavor was smothered beneath the butter, leaving the palate grasping for balance and finding none. Service, while consistently professional, now comes with a mandatory 22% service fee--a detail that grates when tethered to a lackluster meal. Perhaps the kitchen was having an off night, but at this price point, the margin for error is slim. A restaurant with this pedigree should know better.

Ok, I wanted to like this place. But way too much butter. The tomato toast (which is what I was most excited about), the bread was a rye bread that was cut too thick and the edges were inedibly burnt. The eggplant crudo type dish was ok, there could have been more eggplant and less oil. The onion dish was so rich... like a green bean casserole gone wrong... the butter was just one stick too many. The beef dumpling filling was overcooked and had way too much pepper. The steak was tasty but literally for one bite because it was cooked 3 different ways in butter and was just sitting in melted butter. The mushrooms it came with was the best food the whole meal. The leek ash it was rolled in gave it an acidity like no other, very cool idea and one that I was hoping for more of throughout the meal. The wine was excellent. The atmosphere was beautiful and intimate, the idea of low waste was amazing, just wish the butter was less. I love French food but this was a lot.

Amazing all around food service and atmosphere. The servers treated us like special guests. Only issue is having to park on the street

Don't bother showing up without a reservation. Very little seating. Service was good. Not good for intimate conversation as there's someone right next to you. Tomato toast - they'll try to sell you on it, pass. It is average. Sausage with the cucumbers - decent, wouldn't recommend. Taglionili - amazing, definitely must try. Strawberry butter cake - best part of entire meal, absolutely would recommend and would drive across town for.

I am only so sad that I have previously ranked restaurants a five star. Because this is the only restaurant that I truly can say has been one of a kind and an exceptional place. It is perfection. From food, service and ambiance. I literally cannot say enough great things. Small portions to share and have many options. It was spectacular!!!

5 stars for excellent service. Came here as a +1 with a group of 4 for a fundraising dinner for T Rex and PX project. Food- the tasting menu was pretty fab. But I won't get into the specifics of the food since it was an event. And likely separate from their usual menu, and specific for that night. But I went home full, there were some great dishes. Services- was pretty stellar. Loved the fine dining treatment. It was wonderful to see the chefs and staff hard at work, up close and personal next to the kitchen. The space is pretty cozy. Street parking in front of the broken meters, or across the street. Park in the grass lot at your own risk!

An interesting adventure in gastronomy. It's a nice concept, but not all of the dishes wowed me. Trout crudo (2/5)- It was a bit too deconstructed to adequately get the flavors as likely intended. It was doing too much and too little at the same time. Sweet melted onions (5/5)- Absolutely decadent and delicious. No notes. Smoked, braised greens (4/5)- A wonderful dish. It was savory and I loved the pickled radicchio. My only reason for taking a point off is because it's listed as a Large plate, but it's not that big a portion. It's really not much more than a side or appetizer. Gulf Snapper (4/5)- Enjoyable dish. Snapper was well prepared. The soupe was good. I am glad it came with rice. Overall we had a nice time here. We should have ordered more dishes because most portions were small, but my husband had eaten earlier and the bill was already adding up. Needless to say I left a bit hungry. I'd come here again if I'm in the area, but I wouldn't be rushing back.

Nut allergy friendly - You can write your allergies into the Resy reservation and they'll keep it in mind. I repeated at the table and the only dish with nuts on their Winter 2023 menu was the gulf oysters with almond milk. I feel like I went to a totally different restaurant than other reviewers. But I didn't, so let's get into things. Did same week booking on Resy for a Sunday night at 8:15PM. Their booking availability was limited. We had seven people and they have a mandatory $95 tasting menu style meal for 6+ people. This was a turn-off for some of our party, so we split into tables of 2 and 5. Turns out, this was a bad idea, as one of our waitresses mentioned that the family style meal has more plates per dish that make up for the price and it is considered a "value meal." Street parking is easy on a Sunday night. Arriving on time, my party of 2 was promptly seated at a cozy, intimate table in the middle of the small restaurant. Our group of 5 got seated in the Record Room, which is not accessible from the main restaurant - you actually have to leave and go down the street a bit to another door. After being seated, we were immediately handed a wine menu and asked what kind of water we wanted. I got sparkling water and my friend got normal water, both of which were complimentary and served with full bottles for self-refill. We chose not to order any wine, despite our waitress asking us multiple times if we wanted an alcohol or non-alcoholic beverage. Only after the third request was the wine menu taken away and replaced with two food menus. Service was pretty quick for us. We got our 3 appetizers 5-10 minutes apart, and both entrees ("large dishes") at the same time about 20 minutes later. Tomato Toast: 4.5/5. Best dish of the night. It's the flagship dish of the restaurant, and for good reason. Two slices (sliced diagonally = four pieces) of perfectly toasted rye bread with a generous serving of dehydrated tomatoes and fresh herbs. Serious TL;DR: just come here and order this to go. Crepe of Mung Beans Stuffed with Alpine Cheese and Onions, Lavender: 1.5/5. The second most disappointing dish of the night. This feels like someone ripped off a bánh xèo, doubled the price, halved the size, and replaced all of the good ingredients with caramelized onions. Lavender was unnoticeable - EXCEPT for a sharp piece of the branch that I bit into and nearly cut my cheek on. It was sharp to the touch. I actually thought it was a bone of some kind until I showed the waitress, who commented it was dried lavender. This is unacceptable in a food dish. Boiled Dumplings Stuffed with Grass-Fed Beef (Wagyu), Parmagiano-Reggiano, Ricotta, Celery: 2/5. The wagyu beef was not tender - borderline tough - and very minimal in each dumpling. Five pieces of borderline ground beef ravioli in an actually fantastic sauce. If they just served any bread with the parmagiano-reggiano, it would've been great. The dumplings (if you could even call them that) were just a flavorless disappointment. Chicken Breast Glazed in Coconut, with Anchovy-Garlic-Chili-Ginger: 2.5/5. I've had more tender chicken from the Rotisserie chickens off Costco's grocery section. It was dry and flavorless and clearly only intended to soap up the anchovy coconut ginger mix, which was very flavorful. Nevertheless, they could've replaced the chicken with bread and been perfectly fine. Gulf Snapper, Soupe Au Pistou: 3.5/5. The fish went very well with the squash and vegetables, but by itself it was a bit dry. The texture of the snapper was well done. I would've appreciated a touch of lime on the side as an option to eat the snapper alone. Frozen Dark Chocolate Mousse, Mushroom, Maple: 4/5. A surprisingly good dessert after disappointing main dishes. The sea salt and maple syrup were very complimentary to the chocolate and was a good palette cleanser. Service was a big miss on our entrees. The dishes came with one bowl of rice, despite the waitress saying that "each entrée is intended to be paired with a bowl of rice." We asked for clarity and she insisted on one bowl being appropriate for two dishes. Okay, sure. Later on, we visited our table of 5 eating at the same time and they ordered 3 entrees - and got 3 bowls of rice for 5 people. 1 bowl for 2 people/2 entrees, 3 for 5 people/3 entrees? Something's not adding up here, T-Rex. One extra bowl of rice isn't going to ruin your business. Our group of 5 also received much poorer service. They ordered 4 appetizers and 3 entrees, and by the time we received our check, they had just finished appetizers. They were also reportedly more pressured to order more dishes. Overall: Food: 2.5/5 Service: 3/5 (Pressured to order more, long wait on large groups, but good explanation of dishes) Value: 1/5 (100s of other places I'd rather go at $90+/person)

Came here on a random Tuesday night for a much needed date night with the wife. This place has been on our list for a while, so I was glad to finally fill visit! The interior is very charming and homey. Tables almost too close to one another, open kitchen, small bar area. Overall it's a pretty romantic setting. I wouldn't bring a bring group here. They recommend ordering 4-5 dishes on the menu for two people. The portions are t that big, but everything we had was packed with flavor. They offer a revolving menu, but the tomato toast is a staple here and you should definitely get it! The pasta dishes that we got were great. The snapper was phenomenal. On the other hand, the mung bean crepe for me was too overpowering on the lavender but was still good. We ended the meal with a blueberry cake - and it was just the best way to end our night. Service was pretty good and friendly. I even told our server he sounded like Ira Glass from This American life. Lol We would definitely be back for another date night in the near future.

All the dishes were beautiful, and excellently executed in taste. The service was at a good tempo for the menu, and the wine service matched the quality and decadance of the selections we made. My favorite personal bites were the beef dumplings, and the taglioni. The taglioni is the one thing you must have at any and all costs on the menu. Jacob is a pleasure and we'll be coming back to see him and everyone else again!

Excellent service, great atmosphere, lovely wine, delicious and unique food. The menu was a little complex but our waitress explained everything perfectly and made great recommendations for food and wine. The tomato toast was a must order. The homemade bread was insane. The beef dumplings were also a must have! I could've eaten 10 myself. The trout and tagliolini had more mixed reviews. I love the trout, my boyfriend thought something was weird about it. To be fair it was an interesting combination of flavors and textures. The tagliolini was advertised as adult buttered noodles, and it was exactly that. It was good, but just not the kind of dish I expected based on the rest of the menu. The chicken was crispy and flavorful but I wish it came with more of the curry sauce to eat over the rice! The potatoes with the chicken were INCREDIBLE but they only give four!! More potatoes!!! Dessert was delicious. Definitely would love to go back and try more things!

Delicious food and wine!! Loved the tomato toast like a classy bruschetta. We had a dry Riesling that so fresh and perfect for houston march patio weather. One of the best restaurants in Houston! Just be careful parking and pack some pepper spray or park near Last Concert Cafe. So many people walking around it seems safer.

This was 1 of the best food experiences we have had. It feels like you are home with your own personal chef cooking for you. We sat at the kitchen bar definitely recommend. I loved that every dish was explained. We started with the cured Japanese turnips, then the raw oysters next was the incredible tomato toast, followed by the pasta. And last but not least was the chicken breast glazed in coconut with anchovy garlic chili ginger sauce. This was the most tender and juicy chicken I have EVER had. It was so delicious I forgot to take a pic lol

Hidden gem in a weed-overgrown block. The inside is warm and inviting. The place is small, and the background music is well-curated. The noise is lively and allows us for conversation. I loved every dish we had. There were three of us, and we tried half of the small plates! Get a reservation!

Of course it was pricey but very intimate and personal. Good food. Can't remember what we had. But of a wait for the food for the small crowd.

It's a very small restaurant so it's best to make reservations. It's an open kitchen. My meal was lovely ish. Service was good while there was almost nobody in the restaurant. But then felt like we were forgotten when the place filled up. The tomato toast was good but not as good as they were describing. The hiramasa could have been good but drowning in a pool of oil that I mostly tasted the oil and nothing else. Sformato was small but comforting and loved the mixture of flavors. The chicken leg was the worst thing I ordered. It was just sitting in so much oil drenched in each bite. It was too much oil. Like disgusting amount. I started feeling sick. The best thing was definitely the chicken breast glazed in coconut. Presentation wise it looks awful. But it was super delicious. I almost wanted to order an extra to go home to eat later. And the dessert I got strawberry butter cake that was just like a nice break from all the oil that was served. 22% gratuity is automatically added but service didn't feel 22%. We sat around for a while before they noticed us sitting around doing nothing and existing to ask for the check. There's only like ten tables at this place... everyone is visible to everyone.

don't write this negative review lightly, but waiting 25 mins after our reservations start time for our table is unacceptable. I don't think the team tried to correct this the rest of the evening through other means nor was an apology and explantation given until the end of our meal. Truly jealous for those customers who came to the end of their working week looking forward to this meal and enjoyed it. We were in a foul mood the rest of the evening and didn't. Despite obviously being closed off we didn't feel that we were rude to any of the staff, but to not even get a thank you or goodbye while leaving really drove me over the edge. Look forward to someone getting into contact with us...

This was an excellent dining experience. The food was absolutely delicious and my favorite was the "fairy tail" eggplant. The service was spot on, since every time we completed our dish, the table was immediately cleaned and the next dish came. It's quite cozy, but the tables are a little too cozy for me. We could easily have taken part of the conversation at the table next to us, we were so closely seated. Beware, there's no parking lot available for this restaurant. I would never have driven by it and thought of going to Theodore Rex, but it was recommended by a friend.

Quality over quantity. Really perfection in both food options and preparation. Cool ambience but too small which makes it hard to get a reso sometimes. Redfish especially, but each was so creative and unique. A ton of individual attention to food prep. Excellent service.

Here's my quick notes and considerations. The first cold course? It's all pretty skippable. The oysters were kinda lame and disappointing but I've never had an outstanding oyster. The peas were only good with a bit of the fish, otherwise it was really imbalanced. But it only got better from there. The pastas were absolutely perfect and rich and delicious. The mains were even a step above that. I can confidentially say the steak was the best I've ever had. The waitress was really sweet and knowledgeable. I think I accidentally marked it was an anniversary but she still gave us some complimentary bubbles. The restaurant itself was small and chill. Didn't feel pretentious at all which I appreciate. Overall, I'd say it's a solid pick for a date night or family occasion alike

The food was amazing! And our group just completely loved all the creative dishes and attention from the staff.

Overall, I think for the area, ambience, plating, etc, every dish felt overpriced. However, the service was great, and the dishes all had such unique bold flavors, I thoroughly enjoyed our meal. I don't think I'd come back here on my own accord, but I might suggest it to friends to try. My fiancée and I reserved a table for our anniversary after hearing from someone that it's their favorite restaurant. A nice surprise was that we were greeted with sparkling rose when we first sat down :) For two people, we got 3 starters, 2 pastas, 1 large, and 1 dessert. We were decently full afterwards. It is a no tipping restaurant because they add a 22% service charge to every meal. Parking: It seemed like there was only one open spot available for street parking. We went around 5:30pm on a Friday. Service: Service was great! Servers all seemed to work together, our cups were always full, and they cleaned up the dishes/table after every course. Very attentive and friendly. I found it weird however that they give the beverage menu first and do not give the food menu until after we ordered our drinks. Food: Overall, I enjoyed everything we tried. They coursed out the meal for us, I only wished that our large plate (chicken breast) had come out with something else instead of by itself. - spring peas with flounder: very refreshing, citrusy - soured pork: almost reminded me of eating fancy beef jerky, was good though - tomato toast: this is their signature dish, the toast itself I didn't care for but the tomato sauce is *chefs kiss* - tagliatelle: very simple dish, you could definitely taste hints of the oyster and the cheesy breadcrumbs. i wasn't completely sold on the price, but it was my partners favorite - cresc'tajat: I really enjoyed the flavors of this, and the jus was delicious too - chicken breast: despite literally only being chicken breast, sauce, and rice, this was surprisingly delicious. I just wished they had served it with a side of vegetables or SOMETHING, or have it come out with the pastas... it just seemed so plain. (I forgot to take a pic) Nonetheless, the anchovy sauce was so good. Quite salty, so may not be for everyone. Dessert blueberry cake: yummy! Blueberry was very tart. Almost tasted like a cheesecake. However, I didn't like that it was brûlée, the top was caramelized sugar, because it had a burnt taste to it. Drinks: I had a glass of wine (merlot). It was really good. I overheard the server tell a table that they believe they have the best wine in the city. Im not a wine expert but I wouldnt be surprised if it were true! They also have NA drinks. No cocktails though, also not sure if they make any.

Came here for a lovely dinner on a Friday night - reservations are strongly recommended, so make sure to book far in advance to get the timing you want! We were immediately seated at a nice table at the back for our group of 3 and were given a wine/cocktail list. After some recommendations from our server, we ordered the wine and were given the month's food offerings. For 3 people, they recommended ordering 7-9 dishes total, I personally think we would have been ok with just 6 since we wanted to try several dessert items. For our dishes, we ordered: Tomato Toast, Soured Pork Sausage, Sweet Melted Onions, Beef Dumplings, Cresc'Tajat pasta, Roast Chicken, and Roasted Cap of Beef. All were unique and delicious in their own way, but the standouts to me were the Tomato Toast, Sweet Onions, and the Roast Chicken. The two "entrees" (chicken, beef) were served with two bowls of rice - not really necessary, but also surprisingly good for being plain rice (thank you, butter). To end the meal, we ordered all 3 desserts on offer, because why choose: frozen dark chocolate mousse, warm blueberry cake, and panna cotta. The winner here to me was the Panna Cotta - topped with sea salt, it was the perfect sweet and salty bite every time. Service throughout the night was thoughtful and appropriately attentive. Parking in the area is sketchy at best; all street parking.

Arguably Houston's most exciting young chef and one its most recognized ambassadors nationally, Justin Yu made waves in 2017 when he suddenly closed his acclaimed project Oxheart, which earned him a James Beard award for Best Chef: Southwest. Theodore Rex, named after Yu's nephew, is the spiritual successor of Oxheart, though more relaxed, intimate, and whimsical. The tiny restaurant is situated in the warehouse district in an unassuming, old-fashioned building with a small side patio featuring a handful of tables. I've only sat inside once, but it feels homey and retro with an open kitchen and dim lighting. The service is casual but strong, and the food is about as close to Michelin-level as you'll find in town, which is to say that the dishes are labor-intensive and thoughtfully crafted with often rare or non-traditional ingredients and techniques. It feels like the kitchen is following its creative instincts and sharing the byproducts with us rather than catering to the public's whims, which I respect. The menu is revamped every so often, but here's what we had on my most recent visit: Tomato Toast - one of their signatures and a must-order item that feels like something you'd nosh on in the French or Italian countryside. The tomato fondant is buttery, tangy, complex, and herbaceous, spooned over toasted rye pain de mie. So heavenly that you will seriously consider ordering a second. Mung Bean Crepe - not much to look at, but the filling of salty alpine cheese and earthy, nutty mung bean packs a punch. This one was more controversial among our group, but I was a fan. Boiled Beef Dumplings - UFO-shaped dough packages stuffed with grass-fed beef, ricotta, and celery and swimming in a buttery broth. These were juicy, rich, and hearty. Cresc'tajat - a beautiful hand-folded pasta originating from Pesaro province of Le Marche in Eastern Italy, typically made from leftover polenta. The diamond-shaped bites are chewy and flavorful, soaking in a tangy dill-infused mushroom broth. In general, Theodore Rex doesn't shy away from tart and earthy notes, which aren't as well represented in Western food. Tagliolini - long and wide ribbons of pasta caressed with a sauce of butter, shallots, and oyster liquor. Just a deliciously round but sharp flavor profile that is reminiscent of a warm ocean dip. Roast Chicken Leg in French Curry -I 'm not a big fan of ordering chicken at restaurants, but here is an exception. Tender underneath a respectable crust, the meat had a deeply rustic flavor that lingers. Gulf Snapper - on the pricier side at $36, but the white fish was poached to perfection and the underlying Soupe Au Pistou, a vegetable soup hailing from Southern France, was a refreshing change of pace from an otherwise intense and decadent meal. Smoked Greens - braised hearty greens with strong BBQ vibes that marry sweet, smoky, and bitter elements. For when you want to get your veggies in but in the meatiest way possible. Warm Blueberry Buttercake - an eye-openingly flavorful dessert that balances tart, sweet, and buttery dimensions, pairing the warmth of each bite with cold cream. Dark Chocolate Mousse - this one was a hit with my friends, but I couldn't fully detect the mushroom in it, though the maple and lemon certainly came through. T. Rex also has an extensive and carefully sourced wine selection, along with a small selection of beer, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages. The exquisite dishes here are elegant in their simplicity yet deceptively complex, which makes every meal an adventure. I'm glad Houston has a restaurant like this.

I really enjoyed Theodore Rex! It is a very small, intimate spot that makes dinner that much more special. It is on the pricier side with being around $100 per person but the food is worth it! I started out with the tomato toast, pea dish with flounder and cooked onions. I have to say the tomato toast was amazing 5/5. It had so many different spices that you have to try it! The peas with flounder was excellent as well 5/5 as it was refreshing and the fish was a good cut! I would highly recommend as well. The cooked onions 2/5 had good flavor but it was weird eating a pile of mushy onions- I feel like if it were a topper it would be better. We also at the dumplings and the chicken leg in curry sauce. The dumplings 4/5 were good but nothing special. It was meat in a ravioli with very good broth. The chicken 4/5 was very good as well! It was cooked perfectly and had good flavor. Overall, I really enjoyed the food! I will be going back!!

This restaurant should have gotten Michelin! Very impressed with a quality pf service and food! Great wine list!

Theodore Rex or T Rex, as I like to call it, is one of those incredible upper echelon local restaurants which theoretically should--in a perfect world--be qualified to receive Michelin stars. Hopefully, one day this will change with a Michelin guide for Houston. Until then, we can all savor and explore the culinary artistry of this restaurant. I've known about this restaurant for quite some time, but it wasn't until the past year and a half or so that I decided to check it out. The Moneycat menu was a cool feature during the early days of quarantine, and I really enjoyed everything I ordered off the Moneycat menus. One dish in particular which stood out was the sliced carrots and tofu over a bed of rice. Like all other T Rex dishes, this one had the right flavors, textures, uniqueness and presentation. It is great to have such high quality culinary works of art available to the public in Houston. I would definitely return and also recommend this restaurant to anyone, especially travelers, foodies and people who want something off the beaten path.

I came here for my mom's birthday and loved the option for the private room - definitely book ahead of time though! I think prior to our dinner we had tried to come and it was always booked about a month in advance. The rest of the restaurant seemed quite small so I'm glad we had our space and privacy without giving up the attentiveness and service from the staff. To preface, we visited during the fall of 2021, and I know the menu is seasonal so they are subject to change. We ordered an assortment of dishes to share: my mom's favorites were the steak and the soup that accompanied it. I liked how the melon was refreshing with the tart and spicy toppings- it reminded me of Tajin on fruit. I would definitely recommend the private room for your special events, and it seats up to probably 6 people at most.

This place was amazing! Finally a place that is inventive with their food! We were able to find last minute reservations while passing through Houston and it was 110% worth stopping for! This is finally a restaurant where I felt the service was impeccable! I blanked on our server's name, but he was amazing. He gave great recommendations, checked in on us the perfect t amount and everything was spot on! We ended up going with three of their small plates and sharing two entrees, which was a perfect amount of food. Highly recommend the tomato toast and melon from the small plates. The crepe was solid, but not a favorite for us. Now, for entrees, you may balk at the vegetarian smoked greens but let me tell you, they were amazing! The snapper was also perfect. Everything was so good, we decided to go for desert -- the ice cream and strawberries. Again, balk as you may at the strawberries, they were fantastic. Everything was unique and the food was all so creatively balanced and complex. Talk about a foodie's paradise! Would definitely go again for a really nice date night or special occasion!

T-Rex, as some have already said, is a holistic experience that is thoroughly enjoyable. The space is extremely small and reservations are hard to come by, so be sure to plan ahead. Street parking is your only option, but the parking meters are cut off after 6pm so at least it's free (at least on weekdays). The plates are meant to be shared, and 8 total plates + dessert filled up our party of 4 just fine. The Tomato Toast is quite good and a must-order (although felt a little over-hyped after reading all the reviews, so maybe don't get 2 like we did), and the Sweet, Melted Onions were a rich and creamy twist on onion soup. We loved all 3 of the medium plates, as the Tagliolini and Cresc'Tajat were delicious pastas and the Boiled Dumplings showcased some really excellent beef. We also got 2 of the Roast Chicken Leg which was tender and well-flavored, comparable in quality to the Half Chicken that Nancy's Hustle does so well. We finished our meal off with what was honestly the highlight of the night: the Blueberry Butter Cake (absolutely a must-get). The crunchy exterior, sweetness of the cake, and tartness of the cream combined for an amazing end to dinner. Will come again at some point. Totaled ~$70 per person before alcohol.

Theodore Rex (TRex) is more than a restaurant - it is a Dining Experience! Reservations are definitely recommended - it is not a big restaurant inside or out. There are a few seats at the bar, but there is a reason why this place is so popular! Service was superb. Food runners took the time to explain each dish with enthusiasm and anticipation. One cool thing is that silverware in in a drawer attached to the table! Our server, Stacy, recommended 5-6 items, with 1-2 things from each section of the menu (small, medium large). The menu changes quite frequently, so I am not sure my recommendations here will translate in the future. The only thing that has been on the menu since they started is the Tomato Toast, which is a fancy bruschetta. We also enjoyed a small plate for sugar snap peas and flounder. Second, the primary reason why I wrote a 5-star Yelp review is because of the medium late: CRESC'TAJAT, which is A PASTA FROM LE MARCHE, FERMENTED RADISH CRISP, MUSHROOM AND DILL. If there was one thing I wish to be on the menu on my next visit, it is this. We also enjoyed Boiled Dumplings stuffed with beef. We shared our large plate - gulf snapper. Alas, we ordered the blueberry buttercake with cold cream for a togo dessert, but my friend ended up eating that (she did say it was very good). I honestly can't wait to go back...

Had such a wonderful time at this exclusive space last night. The restaurant itself isn't very big, so you really need to make reservations. Once you are there, the ambiance is very intimate and relaxed. Our servers were all incredibly kind and knowledgeable, which added to the overall comfort of the space. The plates are intended as shareables. The wait staff can also help you to decide how many you need based on the size of your group. We were a group of four, so we got to try a lot of wonderful dishes while we were there! I love this food concept, where you are not just committed to a single elaborate meal, but instead you have the opportunity to try so many different creative flavors. There was literally nothing I tried that I didn't like (though there were definitely favorites that stood out!). The menu changes somewhat frequently, but some of the classics remain. Their tomato toast, for example, is a restaurant favorite, and I can see why! It's like a twist on bruschetta...be sure to order it when you're there! Check out my photos for some pictures of the individual dishes that we enjoyed. And be sure to save room for dessert!

Not in our area but not far. On a whim, the hubs and I went last night after looking for a place in the area. I called to see if you needed reservations and they had one table open. They only can seat 12. They stayed booked completely besides the one 2 top we slid happily into. It's a small, intimate setting and experience. It's almost tapas style but with a French twist that is out of this world. Quite possibly the best meal I've had in years. They recommended ordering 4-5 plates for a party of two. He has a rotating menu that's always on the website. Not going to lie, I had to google a couple of words but NOTHING disappointed. The homemade Rye butter bread with a think tomato paste type spread filled each space with aroma that literally left me drooling. We also had the Japanese turnips (good but different), collar bone, redfish, dumplings and the next ever strawberry fry cake with finger licking cream sauce to top off my already stuffed belly! Our neighbor had the split chicken leg, I would had most likely gotten that had I known at ordering the bone was removed. The wine and champagne list were outstanding and the staff really sets this place to the very top top. Truly 5 stars. Yelp is a little misleading stating $100 a plate, this would be several plates, drinks and dessert. Gratuity is included as they pay staff hourly. Additional gratuity is up to you. I almost didn't want to share this incredible gem but I wouldn't be doing the chef justice!!

Do not leave Houston without making a reservation here. The table that stores cutlery was a wow factor and one of the things that makes this place and its ambiance wonderful. Kind knowledgable staff and incredibly well paced meal. Tomato Toast is incredible - definitely order two for the table, the onion dish is phenomenal and so well made it will slow you down to a savoring level where you will miss it when it's gone. The cava was excellent and the Chicken Curry and chicken on bone made everyone so happy. this place nails sauces. they are complicated and fresh and deep in flavor on such a level that you can tell they were made with love. Upon leaving we applauded the entire kitchen staff and server staff - they are fun and worked hard and you can tell they are a fun family. We will be back Rex-ers! I promise!