Xochi

Nestled in the heart of downtown Houston, Xochi brings the vibrant flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico to our city’s diverse culinary scene. This gem offers an unforgettable dining experience with its authentic dishes, colorful ambiance, and exceptional service that transports diners straight to southern Mexico.

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What Is Xochi? A Houston Culinary Gem

Xochi represents the culinary vision of award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega, bringing authentic Oaxacan cuisine to downtown Houston. Located in the Marriott Marquis hotel, this restaurant has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Houston’s diverse food scene since opening in 2017.

The name “Xochi” (pronounced “so-chee”) derives from Xochitl, the Nahuatl word for “flower,” reflecting the restaurant’s focus on the blooming flavors of Oaxaca. Chef Ortega and his team craft dishes that showcase indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking techniques from this culturally rich Mexican region.

At Xochi, diners experience the complexity of Oaxacan cuisine through signature offerings like house-made chocolates, diverse mole varieties, and hand-crafted masa preparations. The menu features distinctive items such as tlayudas (Oaxacan-style pizzas), memelas (thick corn cakes with toppings), and chapulines (crispy grasshoppers) – all authentic regional delicacies.

The restaurant’s beverage program complements its food perfectly, highlighting mezcal, the smoky spirit native to Oaxaca. Their extensive collection includes rare, small-batch varieties from family producers across the region, offering guests an education in this traditional Mexican spirit.

Xochi’s interior design blends modern elegance with traditional Oaxacan elements – colorful textiles, indigenous art pieces, and warm wood tones create an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and welcoming. The space feels simultaneously upscale and approachable, making it ideal for special occasions or casual business lunches.

With its James Beard recognition and consistent appearances on Houston’s top restaurant lists, Xochi has cemented its reputation as more than just a restaurant – it’s a cultural ambassador bringing the heart of Oaxaca to Texas.

• Name: Xochi
• Address: 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010, United States
• Phone: +17134003330

The Story Behind Xochi and Chef Hugo Ortega

Xochi, pronounced “so-chee,” represents the culmination of Chef Hugo Ortega’s culinary journey and deep connection to his Mexican heritage. The restaurant’s name derives from “Xochitl,” the Goddess of the Flowers, meaning “to bloom or catch fire” – a perfect representation of the vibrant flavors found within.

Located in the Marriott Marquis Houston Downtown, Xochi stands as the crown jewel of H Town Restaurant Group’s collection of authentic Mexican establishments. The restaurant celebrates the culinary and indigenous richness of Oaxaca, a region known for its distinctive and diverse food traditions.

Chef Ortega’s dedication to authenticity shows in every aspect of Xochi’s menu. Each dish features elements made entirely from scratch – from house-made cheeses and complex mole sauces to handcrafted tortillas and artisanal Mexican chocolate. The menu even embraces traditional Oaxacan ingredients like chapulines (grasshoppers) and other edible insects that have been part of the region’s cuisine for centuries.

Chef Ortega’s personal story parallels the perseverance celebrated in Oaxacan culture. Born in Mexico City as the eldest of eight children, he began working at just 15 years old to help support his family. In 1984, he immigrated to Houston with no contacts or job prospects, eventually building his culinary empire through determination and exceptional talent. His journey from immigrant to award-winning chef exemplifies the American dream and infuses Xochi with personal significance beyond its culinary achievements.

Xochi’s Oaxacan-Inspired Menu Highlights

Xochi’s menu showcases the authentic flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico through carefully crafted dishes that honor traditional ingredients and cooking techniques. Each offering celebrates the culinary heritage that Chef Hugo Ortega has masterfully transported to downtown Houston.

Oaxacan-Inspired Menu

Xochi’s culinary selections celebrate traditional Oaxacan cuisine with distinctive ingredients rarely found in other Houston restaurants. The menu prominently features regional specialties like mole, chocolate, mezcal, and edible insects—elements deeply rooted in Oaxacan cultural traditions. These authentic ingredients appear throughout various dishes, creating a genuine taste experience that transports diners directly to southern Mexico.

Tlayudas stand out as one of Xochi’s signature items—large, thin Oaxacan tortillas cooked over wood and topped with an array of ingredients. These crispy specialties come adorned with various combinations of meats, vegetables, and even traditional Oaxacan insects like flying ants and grasshoppers, offering adventurous diners a truly authentic experience.

The menu extends beyond these specialties to include dishes like Barbacoa de Res de Zaachila, featuring braised rolled skirt steak simmered in a rich guajillo puya and costeño pepper broth. Seafood lovers appreciate the Callo de Hacha—perfectly prepared scallops served in vibrant mole verde with white beans, green beans, chayote, and handmade masa dumplings.

Signature Mole Dishes

Mole forms the cornerstone of Xochi’s menu, with Chef Ortega presenting multiple regional variations of this complex sauce. Each mole contains up to 30 ingredients, including specific chilies, nuts, seeds, and spices meticulously toasted and ground in-house. Standout dishes include Mole Negro served with tender braised short ribs and Coloradito Mole complementing heritage pork. The restaurant’s dedication to authenticity shines through these labor-intensive preparations that require days to achieve their perfect depth and balance.

House-Made Chocolate Creations

Chocolate holds sacred status in Oaxacan cuisine, and Xochi honors this tradition through their house-made chocolate program. The restaurant imports cacao beans directly from Mexico to create everything from rich drinking chocolates to sophisticated desserts. Their signature chocolate tasting plate features five distinctive preparations showcasing chocolate’s versatility. The Cacao offering includes items like chocolate-corn ice cream, chocolate soil, and spiced chocolate foam—demonstrating chocolate’s importance in Oaxacan culture beyond simple sweetness into complex culinary expressions.

The Unique Dining Experience at Xochi

Xochi offers more than just exceptional food – it delivers a complete sensory experience that transports diners to the heart of Oaxaca. The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity extends beyond its menu to every aspect of the dining experience.

Interior Design and Atmosphere

Xochi’s interior masterfully blends modern elegance with traditional Oaxacan elements. In the Houston location, sophisticated design touches harmonize with vibrant artwork and cultural artifacts that celebrate Oaxacan heritage. The space features warm lighting, comfortable seating, and thoughtful details that create an inviting ambiance. At the Sayulita location, guests enjoy a magical setting overlooking the town plaza, where the restaurant’s design complements the natural beauty of coastal Mexico. Both venues transport diners through their immersive environments that honor Oaxacan cultural aesthetics.

Service and Hospitality

The service at Xochi reflects the warmth and generosity inherent in Mexican hospitality traditions. Staff members are extensively trained in the nuances of Oaxacan cuisine, readily explaining complex dishes, traditional ingredients, and cultural significance to enhance the dining experience. At the Houston location, servers guide guests through Chef Hugo Ortega’s extensive menu, including the mole varieties and chocolate selections with expert knowledge. The Sayulita team delivers attentive yet unobtrusive service that emphasizes personal connections. Both locations prioritize creating memorable experiences through genuine hospitality that complements their exceptional culinary offerings.

Location and Practical Information

Where to Find Xochi

Xochi is located in the heart of downtown Houston, occupying a prime spot on the first floor of the Marriott Marquis Houston. You’ll find this culinary gem at 1777 Walker Street, Suite A, Houston, TX 77010. The restaurant sits directly across from Discovery Green, offering diners a pleasant view of the park and downtown Houston skyline from its inviting patio.

Hours of Operation

Xochi welcomes guests throughout the week with varying hours:

• Monday through Thursday: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm
• Friday and Saturday: 11:30 am – 11 pm
• Sunday: 11 am – 3 pm

The restaurant closes annually on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, giving their dedicated team time to celebrate these holidays.

Parking Options

Getting to Xochi is convenient with multiple parking options. Valet parking is available for $11, operating from 4 pm Monday through Saturday for dinner service, and from 11 am to 3 pm on Sundays for brunch. The valet station is located on Crawford Street. For weekday lunch or Saturday daytime visits when valet isn’t available, downtown street parking provides an accessible alternative.

Reservations and Contact

For reservations or inquiries, contact Xochi directly at 713-400-3330. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak dining hours, to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to experience Chef Hugo Ortega’s celebrated Oaxacan cuisine.

Is Xochi Worth the Visit? Our Final Verdict

After exploring Xochi’s offerings in detail, we’re confident this Houston gem delivers an exceptional dining experience worthy of your time and taste buds. The restaurant’s dedication to authentic Oaxacan cuisine shines through in every carefully crafted dish.

The food quality alone justifies a visit, with standout items like crispy potato tacos, spinach salad with hibiscus vinaigrette, and the remarkable costilla de res in pasilla mole. Xochi’s mole selections—including mole amarillo, negro, verde, and almendrado—showcase nuanced, deeply developed flavors that pair beautifully with various proteins.

Service at Xochi consistently exceeds expectations. The attentive staff demonstrates genuine care for diners’ experiences, even customizing orders when needed. In one instance, servers quickly offered an alternative when they noticed a guest wasn’t enjoying their drink—a level of attentiveness that transforms a good meal into a memorable dining event.

For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Oaxaca without leaving Houston, Xochi delivers an impressive cultural and culinary journey. The combination of Chef Hugo Ortega’s expert craftsmanship, thoughtful service, and vibrant atmosphere creates a dining experience that’s both educational and thoroughly enjoyable. Xochi isn’t just another Mexican restaurant—it’s a celebration of Oaxacan culinary traditions executed with skill and passion in the heart of Houston.

Conclusion

Xochi stands as a vibrant celebration of Oaxacan culture right in Houston’s heart. From Chef Ortega’s inspiring journey to the meticulously crafted moles and artisanal chocolates the restaurant offers an authentic slice of Mexico that’s truly unforgettable.

We’re fortunate to have such culinary treasures in our city where tradition meets innovation on every plate. Whether you’re drawn by the unique ingredients the warm atmosphere or the storytelling through food Xochi delivers an experience that goes beyond dining.

Next time you’re craving a taste of something extraordinary head downtown and let Xochi take you on a journey to Oaxaca without ever leaving Houston. Your palate will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cuisine does Xochi serve?

Xochi specializes in authentic Oaxacan cuisine from Mexico. Chef Hugo Ortega and his team craft dishes using indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking techniques from this culturally rich region. The menu features house-made chocolates, various types of mole, hand-crafted masa preparations, and traditional items like tlayudas and chapulines (grasshoppers).

Where is Xochi located in Houston?

Xochi is located at 1777 Walker Street, Suite A, Houston, TX 77010, in downtown Houston. It’s situated inside the Marriott Marquis Houston Downtown, directly across from Discovery Green park, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors to the city.

What are Xochi’s operating hours?

Xochi is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. The restaurant is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

Who is Chef Hugo Ortega?

Chef Hugo Ortega is an award-winning chef whose culinary journey reflects his Mexican heritage. He immigrated to Houston with limited prospects and worked his way up to become a James Beard recognized chef. His story embodies the American dream while staying true to his cultural roots. He leads the H Town Restaurant Group, which includes Xochi.

What are some must-try dishes at Xochi?

Standout dishes include crispy potato tacos, spinach salad with hibiscus vinaigrette, and costilla de res (beef ribs) in pasilla mole. The restaurant is also known for its various mole preparations, house-made chocolates, tlayudas (Oaxacan tortillas with toppings), and Barbacoa de Res de Zaachila. Each dish showcases authentic Oaxacan flavors and techniques.

What does the name “Xochi” mean?

“Xochi” means “flower” in Nahuatl, an indigenous language of Mexico. The name derives from “Xochitl,” the Goddess of the Flowers, and symbolizes the blooming, vibrant flavors that the restaurant presents in its Oaxacan cuisine. The name reflects the restaurant’s focus on natural, fresh ingredients and cultural authenticity.

Does Xochi offer a unique beverage program?

Yes, Xochi’s beverage program highlights mezcal, the traditional spirit of Oaxaca. The restaurant showcases rare, small-batch varieties from family producers in Oaxaca. Guests can experience authentic Mexican spirits that complement the flavors of the cuisine, offering a complete cultural immersion through both food and drink.

Is parking available at Xochi?

Yes, valet parking is available at Xochi for $11. The restaurant’s downtown location also makes it accessible via public transportation, and there are various parking options nearby due to its proximity to Discovery Green and other downtown Houston attractions.

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• Address: 2100 Travis St #1393, Houston, TX 77002
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