Xochi (so-chee), from Xochitl, Goddess of the Flowers, meaning to bloom or catch fire, is a creative endeavor of award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega and the H Town Restaurant Group team. Xochi celebrates the culinary and indigenous richness of Oaxaca, Mexico and its varied geographic regions and preservation of primitive customs with an unrivaled menu of Oaxaca-inspired food and drink.
Oaxaca is known for mole, chocolate, mezcal and insects, which are all highlighted in Xochi’s menu. In keeping with tradition, everything is made from scratch, from cheeses, salsas, exotic moles, handmade tortillas and masa items fresh from the comal, and cacao beans roasted and ground in-house to create authentic Mexican chocolate.
A variety of meats, seafood and vegetables are prepared in the wood-fired oven. There are even a few types of edible insects – delicacies in Mexico – on the menu! Xochi’s mole menu offers varieties from classic mole negro to mole de chicatana (ant mole). Dessert lovers will rejoice at the unique offerings, including a separate menu dedicated to chocolate.
No trip to Oaxaca would be complete without Mezcal and Xochi offers close to 100 varieties of the area’s signature spirit, along with a unique selection of Mexican craft beers, inventive cocktails and a global wine list.
We offer private rooms that are available for events, also our patio offers a view of Discovery Green Park and a view of bustling downtown Houston.
Many customers praised the attentive and knowledgeable service from various staff members, particularly highlighting individual servers like Diego, Francisco, and Cesar.
Food Quality
The food received mixed reviews; while many found it delicious and authentic, some felt it was overpriced or lacking in flavor.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's ambiance was generally appreciated, though some noted it could be too loud for intimate dining.
Reservation Issues
Several reviews mentioned difficulties with reservations and seating, particularly during busy times, impacting the overall experience.
Brunch Experience
The Sunday brunch was frequently highlighted as a standout offering, with many customers enjoying the variety and quality of the buffet.
NP
Nicole Peña
1 day ago
5.0
It was my first time here and I had a really good time after my Half marathon. Ulises the bartender it was very welcoming and made the moment really especial. Thank you!! I definitely come back :)
PZ
Patrick Zajac
Dec 27, 2025
5.0
Xochi is stellar! First time having purely Oaxacan cuisine and it was great. You MUST start with the Mole sampler; I didn’t even know so many varieties of Mole exist! They were all delish and so different from each other, yet I couldn't pick a favorite because I loved them all.
For my main I had the Barbacoa de Res de Zaachila which I really enjoyed. The rolled tenderloin was really cool and it was just a well rounded dish.
For dessert if I’m gonna get anything here it’s gonna be chocolate. So we got the Cremoso de Chocolate, some Mexican Hot Chocolate, and Churros on the side. Everything was fire and I would have again.
LS
L S
Dec 24, 2025
3.0
We visited Xochi last night to celebrate a special occasion and were excited to continue exploring Hugo Ortega’s restaurant collection. Upon arrival, valet was prompt and efficient—$11 for the first two hours felt very reasonable, especially with easy access and visible security at the entrance.
We were seated quickly, and the hostess kindly helped us find a semi-private table that suited our preferences perfectly. Our server was pleasant and answered our questions, though the overall knowledge of the menu felt limited. One nice surprise was the all-day happy hour, which was a great perk.
For drinks, we ordered a gin and tonic with prickly pear and a margarita topped with jalapeño foam. The gin and tonic was fantastic—beautifully presented and reminiscent of a tiny forest in a glass, and equally delicious. Unfortunately, the jalapeño foam margarita wasn’t for me. The egg white–based foam was overpowering and masked the tequila almost entirely.
We started with the ceviche de atún with cactus pear aguachile. While refreshing and visually appealing, the flavors didn’t quite live up to the presentation. The style of the chips felt awkward, and when I asked a busser about them, he admitted he didn’t know why they were served that way, which suggested a lack of staff training. Our server later explained they’re fried that way for extra crispiness. Personally, I think homemade blue corn chips would elevate both the flavor and the aesthetic, especially alongside the dish’s pink tones.
For entrées, we ordered the pulpo with papas con mole and the Tlayuda de Res. The pulpo was just okay. The portion included 6 ounces of octopus, two red potatoes, and a green chorizo. The chorizo was creative and delicious, but sadly the octopus itself was chewy and rubbery. The papas con mole lacked both crispiness and sufficient mole, which was disappointing.
The Tlayuda de Res was a generous portion—easily shareable—and decent overall, but it didn’t wow us. It essentially felt like a Mexican pizza.
We ordered another round of drinks: Hugo’s Rita with a salt-and-pepper rim. While this is a common request in Houston Tex-Mex, the server seemed surprised by the order. Another recurring issue was the lack of explanation or storytelling behind the dishes. When spending close to $200, I expect to learn more about what I’m eating. While our server was kind, the service felt undertrained—something I’ve never experienced at Hugo’s other restaurants.
They did generously bring out a complimentary congratulatory dessert, which was appreciated and tasty, though it was essentially a dressed-up vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup. Adding to the confusion, despite providing celebration details in advance, we were given another couple’s “Happy Anniversary” card—with their names on it. We had a good laugh and gladly accepted the extra anniversary.
Overall, the food was good, portions were fair for the price, but for several reasons, we likely won’t return to this specific location. So far, Caracol remains our favorite experience, and while we still plan to try Zaranda, this visit felt like one of Chef Hugo’s less impressive offerings.
MS
Michael Sosa
Dec 23, 2025
5.0
Diego was amazing for our anniversary! He totally went above and beyond, explaining every dish and drink so we really got to know the whole story and knew what to expect. His passion for the craft and what he does really made our dinner special. He deserves the recognition, and we recommend you request him for a wonderful experience!
YG
Yasmi Gutierrez
Dec 23, 2025
5.0
When i tell you the experience here is immaculate, words cannot describe how great our experience was. We went here to have a anniversary dinner and the waiter Diego needs a raise every meal he would informed us what it was, which i think that is so informative and he was also very intentive. Im very closed minded when comes to trying nee places but this place im glad i gave it chance, everything was 100000/10!!!
Xochi is located downtown in the 1st floor of the Marriott Marquis Houston across from Discovery Green at the corner of Walker and Crawford.
Does Xochi offer Valet?
Valet parking is located on Crawford St for $11 with validation. We kindly ask that you use our valet service only while dining at Xochi. If you choose to leave your car with our valet while attending another event downtown, you may be subject to additional valet charges.
Is Xochi open Mondays?
Yes, Xochi is open Mondays for lunch and dinner service.
How much is Xochi's Sunday Brunch Buffet?
$45 per person and $15 per child ( ages 12 and under)
Where is Xochi located?
Xochi is located downtown on the 1st floor of the Marriott Marquis Houston, across from Discovery Green at the corner of Walker and Crawford Streets.
Does Xochi accept reservations and how can I make one?
Yes, Xochi accepts reservations. You can make a reservation online through their reservation link.
What types of cuisine does Xochi serve?
Xochi celebrates authentic Oaxaca, Mexico cuisine featuring dishes like mole, mezcal, handmade tortillas, and unique desserts including chocolate and edible insects.
What are Xochi's opening hours?
Xochi is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday brunch from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
Does Xochi offer delivery or pickup options?
Yes, Xochi offers both in-store pickup and delivery services. Delivery is available through Uber Eats.
Is valet parking available at Xochi?
Yes, valet parking is available on Crawford Street for $11 with validation. The valet service is intended for Xochi diners only; attending other downtown events with valet may incur additional charges.
What payment methods does Xochi accept?
Xochi accepts American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa as payment methods.
Can I enjoy a view while dining at Xochi?
Yes, Xochi offers a patio with views of Discovery Green Park and downtown Houston for a pleasant dining experience.
How can visiting the nearby METRORail Convention District Rusk Station help me get to Xochi?
The METRORail Convention District Rusk Station is nearby, providing convenient light rail access to reach Xochi in downtown Houston.
What nearby attractions can I visit before or after dining at Xochi?
You can visit Discovery Green Park just across from Xochi, or explore the nearby Houston Convention Center and the Monument au Fantome landmark for a full downtown experience.