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. read more

Theodore Rex - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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 read more

Theodore Rex - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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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!! read more

Theodore Rex - Tomato Toast - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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. read more

Theodore Rex - Veggies and the chicken plate. Can't remember the names but so phenomenal!! - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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. read more

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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! read more

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 read more

Theodore Rex - Tomato toast. Bread was great the tomatoes and beards even better - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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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. read more

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. read more

Theodore Rex - Boiled Dumplings, Tagliolini, and Cresc'Tajat - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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... read more

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... read more

My fiancé and I went for Valentine's Day dinner and everything was so amazing! Our favorite dishes were the beef dumplings and the beef tip. The beef tip is $69 but it's worth every dollar!! The service was great and the atmosphere of the restaurant was very intimate and warm. Definitely will go again and order the same things read more

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The beef cap and chicken leg were my favorite. The food was amazing! Family style is. recommended to be able to try most of the items on the menu. The service was attentive and welcoming. Great ambiance and beautiful restaurant. read more

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First time at this restaurant and we absolutely loved it! The mix of flavors in the dishes were unique and surprising. This is a must hit for foodies who live in or are visiting Houston! Although we loved everything we had, our favorite was the spring peas, and the braised greens. The menu is designed for sharing, so load up on all the tasty options and share with the table. For a table of 2, we had 3 small plates, 2 second's, and 1 large plate and had just the right amount of food. Definitely recommend ordering as a group and try everything you can! We will be back! read more

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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. read more

I visited today and opened a review - and saw that I had attached these pictures during my last birthday visit in May 2019. Covid kept us apart for three years but no longer! Will write another review for May 2022. read more

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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. read more

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! read more

Theodore Rex is located where Oxheart used to be. Or so I am told. Unfortunately, I never got to try Oxheart which is such a shame because I absolutely loved every minute of being at T-Rex! Parking was a little hard to find but not impossible. They have a dedicated lot across the street and a huge sign by the entrance telling you where to go but if you know me you know that I am directionally challenged and that sign did not help me at all LOL! Catheryn S, better known as meow mix, treated me to dinner here for my birthday and let me tell you - it was one of the best dinners that I have had in a while! We arrived a little before our 8:00pm reservation and were taken to a lounge right next to the restaurant. Once seated over there we were asked if we would like to order any drinks. Since we had so much to catch up on, we decided to wait until we got to our table. At 8:00pm sharp we were taken inside and it was a very tiny but efficient space. I was seating facing my rendez-vous amoureux, she got to enjoy the space, the kitchen, and most importantly beautiful views of me! Service was phenomenal. We got a bottle of white even though I am a fan of reds, but this was exactly what the doctor ordered! All euphemisms aside, this was a very nice white - just as what we had explained to our sommelière ~ not too fruity, bordering on sweet but not sweet, and fresh. Not only was this good by itself but it was also great with the food. Cat doesn't usually like to drink but tonight we both made exceptions to our rules and we are so glad we did because everything was amazing. Our server was extremely helpful in explaining all the ingredients for each dish. Even though the food took a very long time to come out, once it stopped coming, it came at a steady pace. We even got to try the "rice and beans" which was a puffed rice dish with beans that reminded me of large navy beans. This was actually a dish that we did not order but is a crowd favorite and I can definitely see why! This is also going off the menu in mid January so you better hurry while it lasts! Next came the tomato toast. While it was delicious, I think the bread could have been a little more toasty and less spongy. It was just a textural issue for me but the taste was outstanding! The butternut squash dish was probably a nod to the humble fry. The crème fraîche on top with whatever the green garnish was really completed the dish. I wanted to be stuffed with those! The farfalle rabbit was delicious when paired with the vouvray, otherwise it tasted a bit slightly salty but I think that's because of the generous amounts of parmigiano reggiano on top. I was a big fan of the bite that the pasta had - al dente perfection. I cannot remember the name of the mushroom dish but I don't think I really liked it. It wasn't a bad dish but with so much good food, it's really hard to pick your favorites and this was the least favorite. That is until I started mixing it with the sauce from the burnt ends that accompanied the A5 wagyu ribeye! The ribeye that came with the mustard seed "caviar" deserves a sonnet of its own. But since I am not Wordsworth, I suggest you go eat it yourself. And the green sauce that was underneath the burnt tips is worthy enough to make a trip to this place alone. After all this food, I could not imagine having dessert. This is by far one of the most memorable meals I have had in 2019 and cannot wait to come back. Definitely make reservations because we got very lucky to find ours just two days in advance. read more

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I'm split between 3 and 4 stars. I think I'll return and update the review. The tomato toast may be one of the best dishes I've ever had. I could have ordered 10 of those plates and been happy with my experience. Their wine list is awful. They had 1 Chianti on the menu, which we ordered, and when we were dissatisfied with the wine the manager took personal offense. Maybe she picked the wine out herself and assumed it was good: it was not. I should have known better than to order a wine called PorocaLoca, but live and learn. The food here is phenomenal. I can't remember one fault in the food. The ambiance is stellar. Very quaint and you feel removed from Houston. You instantly forget you are 10 feet away from the freeway. Overall, a decent experience soured by a manager who gave us a sh!tty attitude about her beyond sub-par wine. I'll return, just won't order wine next time. Maybe they have a corkage fee. Worth checking out. Order the tomato toast, you won't be disappointed! read more

Theodore Rex - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Very mid. Very. This place was so underwhelming. Their tomato toast, which is supposed to be one of the stars on the menu, was good but it wasn't amazingly great. It was very fresh, yes. And it was one of the only dishes that actually had flavor. But I could make shakshuka that tastes similar, it wasn't anything special. Everything else pretty much all tasted the same. We got the roast chicken leg, the chicken breast, the gulf snapper, the tagliolini (second best thing we had), the wagyu dumplings, and oysters for apps. Everything was also very salty which I don't know if it's from the actual dish or the ghee-made rice. The rice was too oily and buttery. The star of the menu was dessert, the warm blueberry butter cake. It was so warm and gooey on the inside, but had a really good crispy, sugary crust. The other thing I didn't know about this place that I wish I had, is that they don't have a real bar. It's wine and champagne and beer only. Also, they act VeRY exclusive, but I can assure you, it's more for the limited space than it is for the quality of food. I just think there's way better fusion type restaurants in houston that would overshadow this one. read more

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

My experience feels like poor man's Michelin. I know of the chef Justin Yu because he collaborated with American express lounge but have to say i am very disappointed at the food. The dishes are unique combination of cheap basic ingredients. I understand and appreciate the concept but the food is just not delicious.... Tomato toast: 7/10. Their founding dish and the best dish we had there, but still not great. Trout with pea: 5/10. Unique to my palette but not delicious. Tagliolini: 6/10. Fresh pasta with bread crumb, and it taste just like that. Smoked veggie: 4/10. Taste like fermented cabbage. Chicken leg: 5/10. Most excited about this because many people ordered it. Took 30 minutes to come out and it is dry...how can any chef make chicken leg dry? Blueberry buttercake: 8/10. Solid tasty dessert but nothing special. Service was friendly but they definitely are pushy and try to get you to order more. (Don't mind upselling but the food is just not good). BTW, they automatically charge 22% service fee. Overall experience to me, is an expensive mistake/lesson. read more

Shout out to one of my favorite restaurants in Houston! We recently moved away from Houston but really miss this place. I've been here multiple times and their food is always outstanding. Always order the tomato toast, maybe two haha. The room was dimly lit, a nice romantic ambiance. Menu items change from time to time, double check their website for the most up to date dishes. They do not have many tables, make sure you book in advance! read more

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

Came to celebrate a birthday. Fabulous service! The food was creative and delicious. Nice wine list too! Four of us shared the spring peas with kombu and grapefruit, flounder sashimi and fumet, tomato toast, sformato (pictured), sweet melted onions in buttermilk, snapper, roasted cap of beef and the strawberry buttercake (pictured). Oh, and lots of wine!! It's a party for your mouth! read more

Theodore Rex - This is the Sformato of house-made ricotta with spinach, nutmeg and egg yolk! - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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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! read more

Theodore Rex - Melon and tomato toast - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

The highlight here is simply great tasting and original food. Stupid delicious. Score one for H-Town with this place, glad chef has a soft spot for the city. The mung bean crepe was crazy - it had crispy, fresh lettuce inside of it. No idea how they pulled that off. The tomatoes on the tomato toast reminded me of what tomatoes are supposed to taste like, and the toast was special toast. Magic toast even. The Mrs. and I were dumbfounded by that damn toast. There's a wizard in the kitchen with a toast wand. It's the only possible explanation. The dumplings were served with the stock they were poached in, and I slurped all of it from my spoon. I want some more right now. The greens were smoked up and braised with some type of little brown bean and paired perfectly with the Wagyu - which was a special steak, so much better than your standard steakhouse fare. Justin came to the table to say hello. So wonderful and special to get a paid a visit by the wizard himself. I asked him why he hasn't exploited his brand by blowing it up with a River Oaks food factory. He simply said he didn't care about the money - it's just him and a dog. I was stunned. But so pleased. Good for him. Just a badass with no f's given. The location is kinda sketchy. There were some dudes down the way puffin' on their ganja as we went in and out. Randoms rolling by on bikes carrying things far too large for the typical bike ride. I'm sure folks get robbed on occasion leaving that place. Whatever. Totally worth the risk. Even better, take an Uber so you don't have to walk around. T Rex is a worthy of a full on 5 stars. No hesitation - as good a meal as you will have anywhere in the US. Worthy of the praise it's received. read more

Theodore Rex - You think it's just toast. And then you slap yourself, because you can't believe toast is that freaking good. It's SuperToast. - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Second time here. Good and innovative food, great ambiance and warm service. The wine list was good too and we got great wine pairing recommendations. For the food, we got the tomato toast, crudo with string beans, ricotta pasta, chicken with curry and roasted cap of beef. Everything was good except for the pasta. read more

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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!! read more

What a stunning and romantic experience I had at Theodore Rex. Seated outside on a cool February evening, I was kept very warm by the intentional placing of heaters and blankets. Tony, our generous server, gave fantastic menu recommendations all of which were delightful. I will most definitely be back. I am rooting for them to win the James Beard Award! read more

A bit of a hole in the wall in a sketchy part of town but the interior is nicely decorated and has a very homey yet sophisticated feel. Service was attentive and food was good. They start out by pouring you a champagne toast while you're looking at the menu. The dishes are made to share and they recommended 4-6 dishes for two people. We ended up ordering 5 dishes and 2 desserts and came away pretty full. All the food is meant to be shared family style, which is what I prefer because I like to try everything. My favorites were the boiled beef dumplings and the panna cotta. read more

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The very best casual fine dining in Houston! The wine list is incredible with good selection of hard to find wines. Impeccable service. read more

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Setup: dinner The better: well balanced, beautifully nuanced food! Everything was delicious. Tomato toast, baked semolina, dumplings, wagyu... Small and intimate atmosphere (didn't really change much from Oxheart) The lesser: definitely make a rsvp! They have a couple designated parking spots, but really it's street parking read more

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I will never eat again after this perfect meal. It would be disruptive to my palate. Everyone deserves at least one meal at Theodore Rex. Tomato toast. A simple but essential almost pasty tomato and garlic delight full of herbs, ready to spread onto sinfully buttered toast. You wouldn't be able to recreate it at home no matter what you tell yourself while enjoying every last bite. Spring peas with flounder sashimi. This was beautiful, delectable, simply of the gods. The chilled spoons made it fun. The tarragon elevated it to BFF status. Cresc'tajat pasta (almost like pope's hats, but not stuffed), fermented radish crisp, mushroom, and dill. To be eaten with a spoon to properly enjoy the broth, as any saucy or smallish filled pasta deserves. T Rex doesn't shy away from herbs one bit, and we should all be thankful for that. Tagliolini warmed in cultured butter. Breadcrumbs with some sort of cheesy crumbly magic hidden beneath the perfectly al dente noodles. I allowed my date to enjoy one bite, and the rest was all for me. I think there was parsley. I'm not a big indiscriminate beef lover, and my date wanted something with beef. I told him we could order the roasted cap of beef with jus roti and chestnut mushrooms dusted with leek ash IFF he would forego the other beef thing. He was SO happy he decided to go along because this was an absolute delight. Heavily marbled beef that melted on our tongues--this is beef for people who won't eat a steak just anywhere but who require only the best bites of beef available. And you better like oregano, because this steak has a light but flavor bursting amount of it. Purrrrrfection. I really love how the chefs incorporate fresh herbs into everything--just beautiful. We almost ordered panna cotta, which is one of my favorite desserts. Instead, I asked about the blueberry butter cake and went with that upon hearing our servers description. A basic slice of cake coated with butter, inserted into the oven, brushed with additional butter, injected with blueberry jam, sprinkled with sugar, torched to crystalline dreams, then placed upon a welcoming pool of cold cream. We're halfway home, and I still haven't recovered from dessert, which we enjoyed with a fortified Italian wine. Great date night for our anniversary! I can't think of anything to be improved. read more