What's cooking?

Summer is typically a tough time for restaurants. And business could be even slower this year, for a variety of reasons. One example of the struggles: Sonia Garcia's exclusive story about one of Houston's most prolific restaurant owners facing a lawsuit for an unpaid $3 million bank loan. We plan to continue our reporting about this topic, so as always we appreciate your readership, subscription and tips.

On a brighter note, critic Bao Ong has not slowed down his dining efforts. In fact, Bao is only ramping up as we prepare to unveil our Top 100 Restaurants list this fall, his first as our critic. Every quarter he puts out a list of the 25 restaurants he recommends for the season; the latest published today. Check it out.

Jody Schmal, Food Editor jody.schmal@houstonchronicle.com

Pick of the Day

Photo by: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

Best restaurants in Houston for summer 2025

The best Houston restaurants this summer include James Beard Award-winning Belly of the Beast, Truth BBQ and dim sum inside a Courtyard Marriott. See Bao Ong's full list here.

Local eats

Photo by: Kirsten Gilliam Prolific Houston restaurateur sued for $3 million unpaid loan A lawsuit has been filed against Benjamin Berg and his business entities for failing to pay a debt of $3 million to First Horizon Bank.

Photo by: Bao Ong / Houston Chronicle The 10 best dishes restaurant critic Bao Ong ate in June Chronicle restaurant critic Bao Ong’s best bites in June included brisket pho, roasted oysters and squash blossoms.

Photo by: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle Review: Maximo is one of Houston’s best modern Mexican restaurants Local Foods Group’s revamp of Maximo in West University Place offers masa-driven dishes, vibrant design and other creative takes.

Photo by: JRMH Photos Jay-Z and Beyoncé's family shoutout this Southern Houston restaurant Jay-Z and Beyoncé's cousin offered compliments to chef Don Bowie while in Houston for the Cowboy Carter tour.

Photo by: Bethany Ochs Exciting modern Mexican restaurant to open in Autry Park Highly anticipated restaurant Mayahuel will be the newest addition to Autry Park when it opens this month.

Photo by: The Finn Tokyo-inspired listening lounge with Filipino bites opens at downtown food hall HiFi at the Finn, a Tokyo-inspired listening lounge, celebrated its grand opening Friday.

Aprons on

Photo by: Carolina Ayala, Contributor

This chicken sweet corn soup is an ideal summer meal

The soup is very flavorful, so you can eat it as-is or add vinegar with chili for a kick, says Houston chef Anita Jaisinghani.

Photo by: Paula Murphy 42 iconic Houston recipes you can make at home To celebrate Houston's favorite foods, we compiled a cookbook of dishes and drinks from the city's favorite chefs and restaurants.

Barbecue

Photo by: J.C. Reid, Contributor

This Baytown trailer combines Texas barbecue with Caribbean flavors

Born in the U.S. and raised in Trinidad, Ron Kennedy grew up immersed in the communal cooking culture of that Caribbean island.

Houston's top restaurants

Photo by: Caroline Fontenot

Houston Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurants

Houston's food scene offers everything from barbecue and banh mi to fine dining. See the Chronicle's picks for the best restaurants in town.