Xochi occupies the ground floor of the Marriott Marquis Houston at 1777 Walker St, bringing the cooking of Oaxaca to the edge of Discovery Green and the George R. Brown Convention Center. Chef Hugo Ortega built the menu around the seven moles of Oaxaca, and the restaurant has become a reference point for Mexican regional cooking in a city that eats a lot of it.
Expect handmade tortillas pressed from heirloom corn, a mezcal list that runs deep into small-production bottles from Oaxacan palenques, and dishes like tlayudas, chapulines, and mole negro built on days-long preparation. The dining room reads clean and modern rather than folkloric, with warm wood tones and an open view into the kitchen’s masa station. Weekend brunch draws a steady crowd for chilaquiles and egg dishes layered with housemade salsas, while dinner service leans toward shared plates and wood-fired meats and seafood meant for lingering over cocktails.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Book ahead for dinner, especially on weekends and during convention events next door, since proximity to the George R. Brown and Discovery Green fills tables fast. Weekday lunch and early dinner slots offer a quieter read on the menu. Valet and downtown garage parking are both straightforward options, and the location sits an easy walk from Discovery Green and the Toyota Center, making it a natural stop before a show or game. Ask the staff for mezcal pairing suggestions if the list feels overwhelming — it rewards guidance over guesswork.
