The food and people here are great - excellent food in a tasting menu format (read - small portions - though i did not leave hungry). The menu is based around soul food and is really exciting - I won’t even try to describe in detail, as I’m not educated enough on the topic. Suffice it to say that I knew I might learn something, and i did, but the deliciousness of the food was the best part!
I can’t remember ever leaving a restaurant inspired... but I did tonight. This Chef connected meaning and food in the most moving and informative way I have experienced it. To hear the very history of foods I have consumed for decades without ever considering the sociological context of that food item was phenomenal.
We had a fantastic evening with delicious and interesting food paired with history. This is a place I will definitely return and can’t wait to take guests.
Fantastic food! The meal was outstanding, completely different to anything we had ever tasted with an incredible balance of flavour. The chef is so engaging and really puts each dish into a fascinating and eye opening socio-economic context. Highly recommend!
![5]( "Recensione")
Unique environment and great food. The small seating arrangement creates an intimate atmosphere. I highly recommend the pescatarian menu with the herbivore dessert. The green tomato cake with the cornflake ice cream exquisite.
My favorite meals were the crab with crispy shallots and the crayfish goulash. With that being said everything was extraordinary.
The dishes were exquisite, flavorful delicacies. The infusion of the flowers added beauty and an unexpected but tasty profile.
Chef Johnny was welcoming and descriptive about the meals he created. I would like to suggest a microphone when discussing the meals and/or turning down the music.
Overall a great experience and would definitely recommend this establishment and I look forward to attending again to see what Chef Johnny creates next.
To those who complain about the price probably have not been to many fine dining places to experience the ambiance, creativity, and unique dishes. They do not stuff you with heaping mounds of food, but want you to enjoy the flavors and meal choices.
![5]( "Recensione")
An amazing journey through neo-soul cuisine. Each dish an ode to African American History. Chef Rhodes creates a very intimate dining experience, eloquently describing the cultural and historical elements of his tasting menu. In particular, the
great depth of flavour and layering of multiple elements in the dishes was intriguing. The goulash had a deep rich flavour cut slightly by a bitter touch and the fish entree which was cooked to absolute perfection was complimented brilliantly with dill pickle and caramelized tomato. The ambiance was at first surprising considering this was a fine dining restaurant, however the intimacy of the guests and the chef and waiters actually supplemented the experience positively to create a homely and very personal touch. It felt as though the chef was a good friend inviting us all to dinner to showcase his talents and present a beautiful piece of work. I appreciated the look and vibe of the restaurant quite a lot. While the food was terrific and they are BYOB, I would truly love to have had a wine pairing or some selection of unique cocktails that further illustrates his message. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Houston, a must try.
My first fine dining experience which definitely exceeded all expectations! I'm not going to lie, the first 2 courses of an oyster and delicious creamy crab meat were good but did you wanting more. I thought that this would merely be a tasting experience as opposed to an actual meal, and I was very wrong. After the crawfish toast, the courses started picking up in heavier proteins. The meyer lemon drop was so refreshing against the fish. The turtle soup was a little bitter for my tastes but the ash cake was so delicious and worked beautifully as a taco against the fish. The shrimp in a sack and avocado parfait were so delicious as well. I cannot emphasize enough how many different flavors I experienced with beautiful plating. The courses were also put in a precise order to allow a palate cleanser in some form. So sad this place is closing but will always be forever grateful that I got to experience it. Thank you Chef Johnny! Can't wait for the grocery store!
![5]( "Recensione")
Great unique menu, atmosphere, and service. My wife and I frequented Indigo for our birthdays and couldn't be happier with our choice. The restaurant layout is unique set in a large "u" shaped table facing a sliding bookshelf that hides the kitchen. I really enjoyed observing the team prepare our dishes over the wood fire. The service was great with each server being thoughtful and attentive. In addition, the chef made multiple appearances to meet everyone and give background on the unique menu that explores the history of African American cuisine. Which brings us to said cuisine. Since the menu changes I won't get into specifics but everything was phenomenal. The complexity and depth of flavor in every dish was incredible, with many of the flavors being new to me. We can't recommend Indigo enough for it's unique menu and fantastic service. Some logistics, the restaurant is easy to find with ample parking out front. Other people have mentioned they don't feel safe at the location. Don't be like those people. The location is perfectly safe.
Excellent...a creative, flavor filled evening intertwined with an exceptional Black American history lesson. Loved how Chef Rhodes took essential classic soul food and created such a memorable savory experience. It was their first sitting after the August break and the teams timing was a bit off resulting in a bit a rush on the last two courses but the staff were welcoming, helpful and accomodating. Thank you for providing me an opportunity to be immersed in such a gem within your community.
Great food and a great EXPERIENCE.... This is about history, passion, and good food. Place is next to a convenience store in an old formerly abandoned building. Chef Johnny used to play on these streets growing up, and inspired him to open this restaurant in that same community. Fine dining in a totally unexpected neighborhood. Bravo for the effort!
The place to go for a culinary experience without the whistles and bells. Located in a quaint shopping center in forth ward. Very simple ambiance (curtain window, no dining room ventilation). Food is the focus. A set menu, two seatings each evening, pre-payment online required. Chef would explain the culture behind the dishes, increasing the appreciation of each dish. What are unique is the creativity as well as preparation of ingredients, many of which are aged and prepared well in advance. Each dish is flavourful and rich, compensating for its small portion. Recommend a visit to all food explorers out there!!
![5]( "Recensione")
Indigo is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind place that is well off the beaten path. We discovered this place through Eater Houston’s “16 Hottest Restaurants - January, 2019” (Indigo occupied the #1 spot). The service is highly personalized, and the opportunity to learn about the cultural history and context behind each dish is fascinating. We loved the special little touches, like the unique dinnerware and presentation, heated plates, personal interaction with Chef Jonny, opportunity to sign our bottle (This is a BYOB establishment, and at the end of your meal Chef Jonny will hand you a sharpie and ask you to leave a note on the label of your empty bottle describing your favorite dish, so you’ll always be a part of their story). Again, all of these touches combine for a one of a kind experience. However, the ultimate highlight is the food. Each dish is unique, creative, and perfectly prepared. We will daydream about the hay-smoked, dry aged waterfowl with the duck fat sauce, candied yam emulsion with ember infused marshmallow and pecan butter, and lemon curd with panna cotta and olive oil cake. Wow.
Jonny and Chana Rhodes have created a special experience for their guests, and we will absolutely return!
One of the most amazing and inspiring dining experiences I have had in Houston. Chef Jonny Rhodes opened Indigo in the neighborhood where he grew up, transforming a space that had sat vacant for over 20 years. With only 13 seats at one communal table, Jonny has created an intimate setting to showcase his take on “neo-soul food.” Each dish in the five-course tasting menu was perfectly executed, melding the staples of southern African American cooking into imaginative gourmet creations. Jonny personally guided us through each dish, explaining the history, catalysts, and inspirations behind his work. The vision Jonny has for Indigo and the passion he exhibits were infectious and inspiring. Truly an experience not to be missed.
This was by far one of the best meals I’ve had in Houston/ever. Do whatever you can to get a seat to dine here. The chef puts his heart and soul into every single dish and it shows. Every dish has a story that the chef comes out and describes dish by dish. Best duck we’ve ever had! Ashcakes, yams and panna cotta and lemon curd were worthy of licking the handmade plates and bowls.
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in Houston
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes