Review Indigo - Houston

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.

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!

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!!

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.

Wonderfully imaginative and tasty food. Love everything from the glassware to the cutlery- and did I mention the food? Intimate atmosphere and friendly service. A memorable and onderful birthday!

Beautifully presented set course menu, with an interesting historical back story to each dish.

To bifurcate the evening into traditional categories such as "food", "service", "value", "atmosphere", etc is to completely miss out on the cumulative impact of the unique experience. The price feels VERY reasonable, especially considering that the restaurant is only configured to serve a couple of dozen people per night. If you believe wallethub's assessment of Houston as the most diverse city in the US, then an evening at Indigo is a microcosm of that diversity. The seating arrangement allows for socializing amongst patrons while still providing enough individual privacy to allow for quiet one-on-one conversations. Chef Johnny's commentary on the inspiration and origins of the dishes added a personal touch to the dining experience. Every dish was unique and purposeful in its composition. The high counter seating kept us eye-to-eye with the staff and chef, making conversation and communication much more easy and natural. According to the staff, the menu changes roughly once a quarter, with a vegan flight being a year round option. If you have not tried it before, highly recommend the naturally decaffeinated okra bean coffee with dessert. The only room for improvement would be in the chef's presentation. Most of us would be more than happy to pause our dinner conversations for 15-20 seconds longer to have Johnny speak a little bit slower so we do not miss any of his presentation. Lowering the music volume or utilizing a wireless microphone would be even better - hearing the chef's insights and the story behind the food is one of the elements that elevates this from being just any night on the town, instead putting us all into an episode of "Chef's Table". Highly recommended experience!

Went to Indigo for the 6pm seating of the classic menu with a group of 5, I loved the food and it was a great experience. Usually tasting menus don’t fill me up but this one did. The portion sizes were good, and every single bite was delicious! I added the bread course and the okra seed coffee. I highly recommend adding the bread course, the decaf okra coffee was different but not in a bad way, so it was part of the experience but I don’t think I’d have okra seed coffee again. The service was fantastic. The story and history behind the food was a great addition to the dinner service. The 6pm seating was a perfect time, you get out at 8:30 and still have time to digest for going to bed. I highly recommend treating yourself to this experience.

The most incredible fine dining experience I have experienced so far in Houston. Johnny and his team were outstanding. Especially Bourbon who seemed to be a connoisseur of sorts. I love that throughout covid they have turned it into a grocery store selling the same quality of food. This place is legendary. MUST try.

Indigo is a very unique experience. The passion the chef has for the food and his way of setting the historical context is unparalleled in any other restaurant I have visited anywhere. Multiple dishes had ingredients that took years to make so it is well worth the price tag for cost and quality. I also appreciated that he only looks for local ingredients and could share where everything was sourced. I learned quite a bit about food during slavery and it was fascinating while also sad; I ate with more reverence than usual. The staff was very knowledgeable about the food and wine as well. Wine pairings were wonderful. The restaurant is located in the neighborhood where the chef grew up, which I took to mean that he is giving back to his community. I have to dock a star because on the night we visited, the restaurant was very obviously having sewage issues. I know this is out with their control, most likely due to the city, but before and after the grill was on and smoke masked the smell, the smell was awful. I hope they can get it fixed soon. I also had my water sit empty on more than one occasion which, not really note worthy other than out of respect for how much love and passion the chef puts into the food, the staff should ensure the the patrons experience leaves them only focused on the food and not their thirst. I very much admire what chef Johnny is doing and would visit again but I would call ahead to ask about the piping.

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 worked with chef Johnny owner of Indigo for about three days.  Two days which I didn't get paid for. On my third day he began to ask me very personal questions which did not pertain to work. He then began to touch me on my buttocks. I advised him that was not ok. I asked  to stop because I was uncomfortable. I asked Johnny to keep our relationship professional.   Johnny continued to pursue me in multiple ways such as, trying to hug or kiss me and again grabbing my buttocks. He then asked if he could take me out on a date and buy me drinks and just see where our evening would go from there.  I declined the invitation. The following day he texted my phone unprofessionally multiple time. Johnny asked me what I was doing and what have I been up too. My  reply  is that we need  keep our relationship professional inside and outside of work. He replied by terminating me saying, he and his crew spoke that they would no longer retain  me as an employee. I’m highly disappointed with the unprofessionalism Johnny the owner of Indigo displayed. I told Chef Johnny I was a single mother looking to grow and learn my culinary techniques. He was willing to teach me but the outward sexual advances were not agreed upon at the time of hire. When I tried to keep it professional he terminated me.

I want to write an honest review about my experience in this restaurant. The reason why I am giving it a 1 star rating is because I truly do not believe it deserves the hype it's getting due to the disconnect between the price you pay and the quality you get.<br/><br/>I paid 160 dollars (tax and service fee included) for the 5 course pescatarian menu. This meal does not include any wine or spirits due to the fact that the restaurant does not have a liquor license. They make you pay in advance and charge you immediately, making it impossible to cancel the reservation. <br/><br/>Despite the fact that you are paying the price of a fine dining experience, the ambience leaves a lot to be desired. The restaurant has clutter everywhere. Behing the u-shaped table where everyone sits there is trash, paint, chemical products. The courtain that separates the kitchen and the dining area is very short and ugly and it allows you to glimpse at the cooks' socks and crocks. This definitely did not scream fine dining to me. There is a huge clock on the wall that is running very behind. There is absolutely no attention to detail that would justify the price they charge.<br/><br/>The AC did not work properly, so the atmosphere was extremely stuffy. The fact that the whole menu was served very hot and the food was very heavy, did not help the situation. By the end I couldn't wait to leave.<br/><br/>On the website they urge you to wear business casual attire. However, one of the waiters was wearing baggy jeans and a dirty t-shirt.<br/><br/>They also say on the website that if you arrive more than 30 minutes late you lose your reservation. Even though we were on the 8:45 shift, we weren't served any food until 9:20.<br/><br/>Regarding the food, when you are paying 160 dollars for a 5 course menu you are expecting the following:<br/><br/>- 5 unique and distinct dishes: The first dish was a turtle stew very heavily spiced. The third dish featured a clayfish goulash that tasted exactly the same.<br/><br/>- A couple of surprises between dishes (like maybe a small appetizer?): Nope.<br/><br/>- A full explanation of each dish: I had read reviews online saying that the chef did a really good job explaining and linking the African-american slavery experience to each of his dishes and that was the main reason why I was attracted to this restaurant. However I was disappointed to see that wasn't the case. I never got any explanations so to me, conceptually the restaurant did not make any sense. The only time I saw the chef was at the end when he came to ask which dish we had liked best.<br/><br/>- Elevation and unique take on each dish: The food we were served had nothing special to it. The first course was a very strong flavored turtle stew. It was a very heavy way to start the meal. The second course was crab with butter sauce. It was good but not surprising or innovative. The third couse featured three small dishes: a shrimp on a giant skewer (horrible presentation, good taste but not elevated in any way), clayfish goulash that tasted exactly like the turtle stew, a boiled oyster. I did not get the connection between the three to be honest. The fourth course was laminated fish cooked on embers. The taste was good, but again nothing special. The texture was cod-like. My favorite was the dessert, avocado parfait with chocolate and preserved strawberries. Aesthetically pleasing and nice taste and texture.<br/><br/>When the time came to leave, we had to stand up to go pay for the wine glasses (it's BYOB but you have to pay 3 dollars per glass you use which is pretty standard for BYOB). I found it upsetting that after paying 160 dollars per person they don't even bring the check to you.<br/><br/>Overall and given all of the factor above, I am sorry to say that it was probably my worst dining experience in Houston and I cannot in good faith recommend this restaurant to anyone. I felt scammed I'm not going to lie and I find the fact that there are so many positive reviews very surprising and undeserving of this establishment.

I read many great reviews raving about this new restaurant, so I decided to give it a try as nice treat for my birthday! Starting off, you can only reserve online via their website and you must pay online for each person in order to confirm your reservation, you will need to pay at the restaurant if you decide to get the carnivore menu or if you bring your own drinks. On that note, please note that this place DOES NOT have an alcohol license until further notice so it is recommended to BYOB (Note: they charge for each glass that you'll need!). Currently there are two dinners each night the restaurant is open at 6:00pm and 8:45pm, and there are a limited number of seats, ~8 people in one table for the whole restaurant. During the online process for reservations, I had the option of selecting that it was my birthday and so I did!<br/> <br/>Now to get to the experience- I left extremely disappointed!<br/>To start off, this restaurant is in a very sketchy area of town and it is next to a local food store, which is okay but just a heads up! Additionally, there is limited parking so keep that in mind. Entering the room, the first thing you'll notice when you sit down is that the table is extremely high compared to your seats! There are two menus shown in front of you, the omnivore and the carnivore menu. When they took our order, we were recommended to do one carnivore and one omnivore to get the full experience and so we did! To our disappointment, the first item on the carnivore menu was not available therefore we both the same item for the first course (total for 5-course menu including dessert). Some of the plates were pleasantly warm to keep the food warm longer, some were cold. Overall, the food was decent, but small and nothing to rave home about. Chef Jonny came out twice to give his spiel on how the restaurant itself and its food represents African American roots/background. Overall, I would not recommend this place to any of my friends for any reason, this place is overpriced and overhyped for what it is. There were only ~4 people working at this restaurant, and they clearly didn't have their stuff together, they were late and forgetful and rushing around, maybe over time they will get better but for now it was sloppy and unprofessional.<br/> <br/>A couple things that stood out:<br/>- We had to ask THREE times in order to get tap water to us, and we never got a refill to our water bottle when we asked.<br/>- The service and food was extremely slow to come out to us, and at 08:45pm, people started to walk into the restaurant when we hadn't even gotten dessert!!! How awkward!!<br/>- Why ask people if its their birthday, if nothing special is going to be for them. Left disappointed.

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!