Overview

Hugo's opened in 2002 in a beautifully restored 1925 building in Houston's Montrose neighborhood, introducing the city to authentic interior Mexican cuisine beyond the familiar Tex-Mex. Chef Hugo Ortega, who immigrated to Houston from Mexico as a teenager and worked his way up from dishwasher to acclaimed chef, showcases the diverse regional cuisines of his homeland through meticulously researched recipes and techniques. His efforts earned him the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2017 after being a finalist for six consecutive years. The restaurant's sophisticated approach to Mexican cuisine, with its house-made tortillas, complex moles, and seasonal specialties, has educated Houstonians about the depth and refinement of authentic Mexican food.