Ishtia - A Reverent Journey Through Indigenous Cuisine Tucked away like a sacred story waiting to be told, Ishtia is not just a restaurant--it's a cultural revelation. Created by Chef David Skinner, a proud Choctaw tribal member, Ishtia (meaning "to cook" in Choctaw) offers a rare and powerful immersion into indigenous traditions through food. Each dish is rooted in ancestral wisdom, elevated by modern techniques but never divorced from its soul. From corn, squash, and beans--often called the Three Sisters--to wild game, foraged herbs, and heirloom grains, the menu is a love letter to pre-colonial ingredients. Every bite tells a story: of survival, of connection to the land, and of a people whose culinary heritage is finally being honored on a fine-dining stage. The experience is intimate, intentional, and deeply spiritual. Chef Skinner doesn't simply cook--he guides. He shares the meaning behind each element, treating diners not as customers but as guests in a sacred space. The decor, minimalist yet warm, allows the food and stories to take center stage. Ishtia isn't just about what's on the plate--it's about reclaiming a narrative, respecting heritage, and walking away changed. Rating: 5/5 - A transformative dining experience that feeds both body and spirit. read more

Our meal at Ishtia, with Chef David Skinner, was an astounding event. 20+ courses of amazement. Each and every bite of the food was created instead of simply "cooked." There were innovative dishes that could only have been conceived of as a way for Chef Skinner to tell his own personal story. He was able to relay ideas, memories, and feelings from his life experiences using only the food. As much as I would love to describe the perfect flavors, textures, and presentation of absolutely every taste, I will have to leave that part up to someone else. If you were not wondrously surprised numerous times throughout the event, you would still enjoy it just as much, but I want you to feel that same wonder and surprise that I did with every new revelation. If you have already experienced Ishtia, I beg you to share it with your friends. read more

Hands down, Chef David and staff provide the best 'tasting menu' restaurant in the Houston area. We've had the pleasure of dining here three times (although the first two time were eculent). The food, the service, the presentation, the stories, the atmosphere, (and the wine pairings!) were all above and beyond. The warm and welcoming theme is ​inspired by Native American cuisine. We found each tasting to be authentic and full of flavor....like a work of art presented in the most beautiful way. I highly recommend ISHTIA by eculent. This is not your typical dinner out at all. From the very beginning until the very end, it's the most incredible dining EXPERIENCE. read more

From start to finish, your restaurant took me on an unforgettable journey with my taste buds. The service was top notch with a highly professional fill in chef/presenter. I would have really hoped to meet up with the head chef David, but unfortunately due to an unfortunate event with his health I was denied that pleasure. The ambiance was something to be feared. The cleanliness of the restaurant was bar none. If I had the chance to communicate my experience with the Michelin star reviewers I would. I would recommend this place for it's first Star. read more

This restaurant offers a truly unique and visually stunning dining experience. The ambiance is wonderful, and I loved the creative presentation of the 19 small bites (3 of them are tiny cups of soups) attached photos. However, while the concept is intriguing, the portion sizes were quite small, and the overall meal wasn't very filling. Our bill was about $600, we left feeling hungry. While I appreciate the artistry and effort, I would have hoped for a more substantial and satisfying meal. read more

Excellent dinning experience from the moment we arrived at the tasting room to the end of the meal. We enjoyed the great service, story behind each dish, and the careful curated dish that highlight Chef David's heritage. The dishes complimented each other and ingredients were well balanced. Ceasar salad, scallop, and parsnips mousse were out favorite. We were pleasantly surprised by Citrus and sumac sorbet with dehydrated tomato! read more

The ambiance and staff were great! Every plate was tasty, some simple, some complex. I have no complaint about the food, everything was delicious. I was a single party dining alone and they were able to accommodate me. The wine selection was very nice and complimented each dish. I was very satisfied with the evening and would dine there again! read more

Everything was amazing from start to finish. Servers and chef were very knowledgeable about dishes being served. Ambiance was relaxing and fitting to the theme of the dinner. Price is high... but a once in a lifetime experience. Outside signage didn't match current name and making a reservation was a little difficult on the open table app. read more

First off, I never expected such an experience. It was an All exciting, All adventurous, and an All Romantic dinner All in one. Me and my wife had the most exquisite experience now in our core memory. I would most definitely try this place again when there is new dishes to be tried. All in all-worth every dollar. Thank you. read more

Amazing food and presentation. As a member of the Choctaw tribe I truly appreciated the commitment to sourcing indigenous food and using these simple beautiful ingredients to create layered, elegant dishes. The integration of story telling and whimsy paired with the exceptional food make for an enchanting experience! read more

We had such a wonderful time at Ishtia! What a beautiful place! The food was so unique and everything was absolutely delicious! The service was top-notch as well! Wine pairings were so well thought out, and were perfection with the tastings. I so highly recommend this experience as a date night or family event! read more

One of our favorite restaurants in the world! We fell in love with Chef Skinner's work at Ecculent and have loved Ishtia just as much. Dining here is always an experience worth making a trip to Houston for. The food is absolutely phenomenal and the atmosphere is unparalleled. read more

My husband and I had the pleasure of dining at Ishtia for our anniversary and it did NOT disappoint! 10/10 on the dining experience down to the creativity and taste of each dish. Big applause to each chef, they made our experience memorable! We will definitely be back. read more

We had a great evening! The venue, the food, and the service were exceptional. The start of the evening felt special, followed by a quick tour of the kitchen, concluding in the main dining area that was adorned to match the cuisine. read more

Absolutely incredible experience. My wife has a slew of food allergies and chef David and his team were able to provide her with a memorable dining experience that did not compromise in quality. Thank you so much to the entire team!! read more

The successor to Ecculent did not disappoint. It was an evening filled with great friends, food and fun! Every course brought a new story and a new experience. Chef Skinner lived up to his own high standards with Ishtia. read more

Food was amazing and the service was top notch. The chefs and servers were all very knowledgeable about the menu and background of it. The atmosphere was right in line with the service. 10/10 will be going back again! read more

It was a wonderful experience made not only by the food but staff and level of service. Food was amazing and the presentation for each course was absolutely stunning. read more

Truly one of the most amazing culinary experiences we've ever had. Food was unreal. Service was impeccable. Could not imagine how to improve it. We will be back! read more