Recently given a warmly atmospheric facelift, the surroundings at Little Tokyo now match the richness and zest of the food. The rolls reinvent expectations, combining your favorite ingredients in bright new ways. After trying the wonderful, almost overwhelming Ceviche Roll (cilantro, jalapeno, marinated octopus, lemon juice and roe) you'll be captivated—and after the Houston Roll (salmon, yellowtail, eel, avocado, green onion, fish eggs, teriyaki sauce) and the Pasadena Roll (raw rib-eye with white radish and shrimp, green onion, black pepper, cucumber, and pon zu sauce, without rice or soy paper) you'll be hooked. This is fresh, surprising stuff, presented creatively, served quickly, and worth a trip from anywhere in the area. Call ahead because it fills up fast. Beer and wine are available.

Little Tokyo Sushi
8201 Broadway Dr. Suite 101
Pearland, TX 77581
(281) 485-0297
www.littletokyosushi.net

From its perch on an island in the Port of Houston, Brady’s bewitching water views are especially dramatic at night.  The vibe here is muted elegance; all dark wood, creamy linens, and heavy drapes—a rustic Victorian feel. There’s nothing to distract from the amazing display outside, and unfortunately that extends to much of the menu. It’s big on seafood, with a few meat standards like New York Steak and Chicken New Orleans. Brady’s real draw, however, is the all-you-can-eat Sunday Champagne Brunch.  It crams over 100 items into two rooms of food, from fluffy made-to-order omelets, to grit cakes and fajitas, to pasta, to scrumptious cinnamon rolls.  It’s not cheap ($29.95 per adult; $11.95 kids, plus tax and tip), but with complimentary champagne and mimosas, your out-of-town guests will see that Houstonians know how to party.

Brady’s Landing
8505 Cypress Street
Houston, TX 77012
(713) 928-9921
www.bradyslandingrestaurant.com

Sudie's Seafood House is a great choice for the budget-conscious family who wants a break from the assembly-line seafood chains. With only two locations, Sudie’s keeps a tight grip on quality control, consistently serving up a huge selection of mid-price, high-quality Gulf favorites like Crawfish Gumbo. But the real draw here is the farm-raised Mississippi catfish. Sudie’s claims it’s the best in the world, and whether you like it classic—fried in a light, sweet batter, with hushpuppies and fries—expertly blackened, or in a tangy lemon pepper sauce, it’s remarkable stuff, pure and flaky, a feast for all five senses. The catfish entrees run about 12 bucks, or have it all all-you-can-eat for $15.99. Don’t enjoy too many of the blended (and very strong) tropical cocktails—you’ll want to save room for the fish!

Sudie’s Seafood House
352 Gulf Fwy N.
League City, TX 77573
(281) 338-5100
www.sudies.com