Da Gama Canteen – $60 – “Drawing inspiration from the former Portuguese-Indian territory of Goa, Gujarat and Portugal all through our Houston lens” is how the experienced local restaurateurs (Oporto and The Queen Vic) describe the fare here, which will be mostly recognizably Indian to local diners but something a little different, and readily appealing. Appealing also applies to the quite comfortable, contemporary space scattered with tables, banquettes that feels roomy along with an attractive long bar punctuating one end and pleasant patio seating off the side. Set in the somewhat sprawling M-K-T complex at the edge of the Heights, the restaurant resides alongside a breezeway and a park that adds to the charm.

The patio at Da Gama wraps you in exhilarating modern design and subtropical plantings installed by chef-owners Rick and Shiva di Virgilio. Cheerful cadmium-hued basket chairs echo the high-vaulting yellow metal arcade above, a sort of industrial nave that architect Michael Hsu used to add drama and heroic scale to the bland industrial buildings repurposed as the M-K-T mixed use complex. At night, the arcade glows golden, and strings of Edison lights skim down to connect with the restaurant patio, echoing the curves of golden wood that wrap the space.

Along with its sister restaurant Oporto in Midtown, Da Gama is helmed by husband-and-wife team Rick DiVirgilio and Shiva Patel, who draw inspiration from their Italian-Portuguese and Indian roots, respectively. The menu and modern dining space, with a full bar and covered patio, is a welcome alternative to some of the more traditional restaurants in Houston. While guests can opt for comforting traditions like dhokla ($12), chili paneer ($15) and samosas ($14), there are a number of fusion dishes for those looking to get adventurous.

This M-K-T Heights hot spot is the brainchild of husband-wife duo Rick and Shiva Di Virgilio of Rishi Hospitality, an impressive follow-up to their equally enticing haunt Oporto in Midtown. Da Gama draws inspiration from the former Portuguese territory of Goa, as well as Gujarat and Portugal, resulting in a dynamic menu of tapas-style eats, curries and fusion plates. Start off with yucca croquettes and chutney, followed by wood-grilled Piri Piri chicken, and save room for date cake with dulce de leche.

Located in the M-K-T shopping center, Da Gama celebrates the Indo-Portuguese fusion of Goa and Gujarat. Diners can expect innovative dishes like pão (mini Portuguese buns); bacalhau, a Portuguese salted cod; as well as Indian takes on pizza, like the crowd-pleasing ground lamb and blue cheese pie. Happy hour, or as Da Gama calls it, social hour, comes with a menu of bites, including empanadas with beef keema and chutney, butter paneer, and a variety of cocktails offered at a discount.

Meanwhile, the city’s best sushi can be found at Kata Robata and the 16-course Omakase Neo HTX. And on the South Asian front, there’s Anita Jaisinghani’s modern-meets-traditional Pondicheri, dosa-slinging mainstay Shri Balaji Bhavan, and Goan-inspired natural wine bar da Gama Canteen. Perhaps best known is Himalaya Restaurant, an Indian-Pakistani spot in the Mahatma Gandhi District with a showstopping house chicken marinated in Indian spices and fried crispy, Southern-style.

Top Houston restaurants are participating including new and popular destinations such as Andes Café, Da Gama Canteen, Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill, Harold’s Restaurant and Tap Room, Kin Dee Thai Cuisine, Phat Eatery, Roost, Shoot the Moon, Thai Cottage, Trash Panda Drinking Club, Woodshed Smokehouse, Weights + Measures, and Xin Chao. The participating restaurants represent more casual dining than those that traditionally are featured for HRW.

At this breezy, contemporary Indian restaurant overlooking Lawrence Park, seasonal root vegetables—carrots, beets, potatoes—emerge from the oven tanned yet supple. Then the kitchen goes to town with a heady seasoning combo of cashew romesco sauce, a crumble of smoked paneer, and tangy chile oil. Shiva and Rick Di Virgilio, the couple behind Portugal-inspired Oporto, weave that nation’s traditions into Da Gama’s menu.

Da Gama Cantina is home to perhaps the most intriguing fusion cuisine of any new Indian restaurant in Houston. Opened in 2021 at MKT in the Heights, this restaurant encompasses the tastes of Goa, a former Portuguese-Indian territory, with a Bayou City twist. Da Gama’s effortlessly sleek space serves a triple purpose, serving coffee, chai, and baked goods on their wood-paneled terrace most mornings.

Share samosas and vibrant curries bathed in sunlight, ascend for tropical cocktails, and whisper secrets under the moonlit sky. Arrive early to avoid waiting, weekend evenings can be lively, consider weekdays for a quieter experience. Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Friday – Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm | Sunday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Since the dishes are Indian fused with Portuguese, the spice used is slightly subtler than traditional Indian cuisine. So, it would be a great starting point for people who are new to Indian cooking. Not on the HRW menu, but Crab pani puri is a must-try.

Da Gama blends Portuguese and Indian flavors, offering up dishes that bring into focus the best aspects of both. Pair any of the delicious meal choices with this restaurant in Houston’s impressive selection of organic and natural wines.

600 N Shepherd Dr. Suite 520Houston, TX 77007(281) 888-7806 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Da Gama is a stylish canteen-style eatery with a patio offering Portuguese-Indian dishes, plus wine and cocktails.

Da Gama is a very unique restaurant offering Portuguese-Indian dishes, plus wine & cocktails. It’s located in a new chic shopping plaza with a beautiful patio and modern & vibrant interior dining experience.