Zaranda

We are so honored to be included in the Texas Monthly list of where to eat now, their picks of the best new restaurants in Texas. Thanks to our wonderful team and, of course, our customers!

The past year has been a lackluster one for Texas restaurants. Openings in 2025 seemed focused on delivering tried-and-true crowd-pleasers: French food, steakhouse fare, endless riffs on dirty martinis. Restaurateurs felt uncertain about the year’s economic and political climates, which made them cautious and made investors less willing to plunk down cash for anything that wasn’t a sure bet.

Texans have been struggling, too, to keep up with the increasing cost of a decent meal out. Restaurant experiences that feel truly worth it, that have the power to wow, are hard to come by. But they’re out there. Our restaurant critic Paula Forbes found them in a playful Asian American–Texan diner, an omakase counter that brings a sense of humor to serious sushi, and a cozy French bistro livening up northeast Texas. Houston leads this year’s class with four entries, fitting for an eclectic city that revels in diverse cuisines. 🍽️ Read our full list of the best restaurants in Texas here: txmnth.ly/4lnd5lv

🎨: Sean Freeman and Eve Steben

What is a day in the life of Chef Hugo like?

Breaking down one of Houston's great restaurant empires in a day A typical day for a Houston legend.

Talking this morning with our friends at skanskausa, our amazing landlords here at Zaranda. Have you visited us and our fellow businesses here in the Norton Rose Fulbright Tower?

Have you tried our Taquitos de Atun yet?

Zaranda, the newest concept from James Beard Award–winning chef Hugo Ortega, brings the cuisine of Las Californias to downtown Houston. A standout bite is the Taquitos de Atún. Yellowfin tuna marinated with ponzu, sesame oil, and fresh ginger, tucked into a crisp handmade blue-corn shell. Finished with silky avocado purée, green onions, and furikake for balance, texture, and depth. 🍽

➡Learn more at zarandahouston.com
➡ Read more at citylifestyle.com/memorial
Article by Gabi De la Rosa
Photography by Paula Murphy

Have you tried our Cured Red Trout yet? Houston Chronicle reviewer Bao Ong selected it as one of the best bites he had in January!

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/food-restaurants/reviews/article/best-food-houston-january-2026-21280171.php

Come by this Friday and enjoy our happy hour special, available every Friday this January. Our sister restaurants are participating too! Reserve for Zaranda at https://www.sevenrooms.com/explore/zaranda/reservations/create/search/?venues=zaranda%2Cxochi%2Curbehouston%2Chugos%2Ccaracol

See all of H Town Restaurant Group’s January happenings 🥳❤️‍🔥 Tap below 👇

Tomorrow, we welcome you to our very first Christmas Eve at Zaranda 🎄
Enjoy our full à la carte dinner menu alongside live music in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. A special evening awaits, and we’d love to celebrate with you.

Make your reservation here:
👉 https://www.sevenrooms.com/explore/zaranda/reservations/create/search/?venues=zaranda%2Cxochi%2Curbehouston%2Chugos%2Ccaracol

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Mañana te damos la bienvenida a nuestra primera Nochebuena en Zaranda 🎄
Disfruta de nuestro menú completo a la carta acompañado de música en vivo, en un ambiente cálido y relajado. Te espera una noche especial y nos encantaría celebrarla contigo.

Haz tu reservación aquí:
👉 https://www.sevenrooms.com/explore/zaranda/reservations/create/search/?venues=zaranda%2Cxochi%2Curbehouston%2Chugos%2Ccaracol

We are in great company on Houston Chronicle's list of biggest openings of 2025. Gracias!

Houston's biggest restaurant openings of 2025 Despite the challenges of operating a restaurant this year, these 15 exciting new spots all opened their doors.