Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1545128
Lands in Houston I n case you haven't noticed, Houston's been rather busy lately. When the city was announced as one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026, our officials sprang into action — repairing roads, painting and cleaning barriers, and planting trees in preparation for the 500,000-plus guests projected to arrive this month. At PaperCity, we've been preparing in our own way. Here, our guide to where to dine and shop. For more destinations, go to papercitymag.com. ARMANDOS This iconic Tex-Mex destination, located in River Oaks, is part of Armando and Cinda Palacios' restaurant empire. It's our go-to for classics such as enchiladas, quesadillas, flautas, seafood, and homemade guacamole and margaritas. BARI RISTORANTE This casual-chic Italian restaurant in River Oaks District is known for its pasta vongole, veal Milanese, pappardelle Bolognese, and risotto. There's all-day service in the handsome interior or on the outdoor dining terrace, overlooking ROD's green space. By Caitlin Hsu. Additional reporting Danielle N. Bartholet serving Italian dishes and pasta made in-house. The hotel's cocktail bar, Bar Daphne, is inspired by the speakeasy history of the Houston Heights. KATAMI It's no wonder the name translates to "gift" in Japanese. Five-time James Beard Award-nominated chef Manabu Horiuchi's eatery offers hot and cold dishes, nigiri and sashimi options, and a 17-course omakase experience. Also check out Katami's sister restaurant, Kata Robata. L E C O L O N I A L T h e Houston outpost of Le Colonial, the perennially popular hot spot that first opened in the 1990s in New York City, serves French- Vietnamese fare such as heritage pork ribs, spicy shrimp stir-fry, roasted duck, shaking beef, and crispy red snapper. LE JARDINIER This stunning Michelin- starred restaurant, located inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is led by culinary director Alain Verzeroli and offers a seasonal French menu. Ask for a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows or on the patio overlooking the Cullen Sculpture Garden designed by Isamu Noguchi. LUCILLE'S At this Museum District restaurant, James Beard Award finalist Chef Chris Williams honors the legacy of his great-grandmother by serving well- loved, familiar Southern cuisine with a modern twist: chili biscuits, shrimp and grits, yardbird, baked macaroni and cheese, jalapeño poppers, and more. MARCH This Michelin-starred restaurant is named not for the month, but for the medieval notion of a borderland — a frontier between realms. Each season, the menu is dedicated to a different area of the Mediterranean; as we go to press, the focus is España Verde, serving delicacies from Spain. THE MARIGOLD CLUB British sensibility meets Gallic cuisine in this Montrose neighborhood eatery. Chef/partner Austin Waiter presents elevated dishes such as Fish "Not" Chips, duck Wellington, and loup de mer. To Dine BCN TASTE & TRADITION This Spanish culinary destination earned a Michelin Star in 2025. Owner Ignacio Torras and chef Luis Roger, both from Spain, bring the best of their home country's flavors, textures, and nostalgia. BLUDORN Located in the heart of Montrose, chef Aaron Bludorn's restaurant serves French-inspired New American cuisine with seasonally rotating dishes paired with wines and handcrafted cocktails. HOTEL DAPHNE BAR AND HYPSI Nestled in the Houston Heights, this boutique hotel houses the restaurant and lounge Hypsi, FIFA Le Colonial 74