Latuli — Restaurant in Hedwig Village

We were seated quickly and the restaurant itself is beautiful, but it’s extremely loud. We could hardly hear each other and other tables were basically yelling. If you're looking for an intimate setting, this isn't it.

Butcher paper was placed over the tablecloth. It felt cheap and tacky, almost like I was at a kids’ table, and it didn’t match the rest of the decor at all. I noticed other tables without cloth didn’t have the paper, which made it even more odd and off-putting.

We ordered a couple of cocktails at $17 each, but they were just okay and not worth the price. Bread service is $14 — most restaurants offer bread complimentary. It looked good in photos online, but I’m not sure cornbread and a few rolls is worth $14. None of the appetizers seemed worth $20+, so we decided to try the wild boar pasta to share. The waiter’s reaction was odd, almost as if he assumed that’s all we were going to order, and he even took one of our menus away, which was strange. The pasta arrived cold, like it had been sitting for a while, and was 95% pasta with hardly any meat — definitely not worth $30. You surely can't taste any wild boar. I would have told our waiter it was cold, but they were nowhere to be found.

After finishing, we awkwardly waited another 20 minutes without anyone checking in, until I flagged down another staff member to place our mains. We both ordered the grouper, and the waiter commented about us not sharing those — another strange remark. One grouper was decent, the other was dry. The corn pudding was a good match for the fish, and I liked the peach garnish.

We had the "spiced" peach cobbler for dessert — it was good but overly sweet and whatever spice it had was lacking. When it came time for the check, our original waiter dropped it on the table, looked away, said “have a nice night,” and walked away. The service overall felt indifferent, and the food was just okay at best for the price.

The volume level is overwhelming (like a concert), service needs significant improvement, and the $8 valet should really be complimentary. We ended up spending about $200 for two, and there are so many better places in Houston for that...

Dining at Latuli was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance struck the perfect balance between upscale elegance and warm Southern charm. The space is beautifully designed—inviting yet refined, with thoughtful details that make you feel instantly at home. We kicked off our evening with the Meatball XL, a rich and satisfying starter. Stuffed with Fontina cheese and parmesan, it was a comforting burst of flavor. The meatball was perfectly seared, and the gooey cheese center added a luxurious touch that set the tone for the rest of the meal. For the main course, I chose the Seared Snapper, and it was a revelation. The fish was cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside. The accompaniments of sweet & sour Swiss chard, onion soubise, and tomato brown butter created a symphony of flavors that elevated the dish to something truly memorable. Each bite was balanced, vibrant, and deeply satisfying. My guest had the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, and I couldn’t resist trying a forkful. It was packed with sweet, succulent crab meat and paired beautifully with pickled runner beans and a punchy sorghum hot mustard that added just the right amount of heat and tang. It was easily one of the best crab cakes either of us had tasted. We shared a side of House French Fries with roasted garlic aioli, which were crispy, golden, and addictive. The aioli was creamy and flavorful, making it hard not to reach for more. Dessert was the perfect finale. The Crème Fraîche Cheesecake, topped with Thai basil syrup and strawberries, was light and refreshing, with a subtle herbal note that made it stand out. The Lemon Tart, with its toasted meringue and raspberry, was a bright, citrusy delight—tangy, sweet, and beautifully presented. Service throughout the evening was impeccable—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm. Latuli isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Gulf Coast flavors with a sophisticated twist. Whether you're a local or visiting Houston, this is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates thoughtful cuisine and a memorable...

I chose Latuli to host my wife’s birthday dinner, and for the most part, it was an excellent choice. From the start, Natalie was incredibly helpful in securing the reservation and went above and beyond when we arrived. She was warm, personable, and even coordinated with our cake delivery—storing it for us until the right moment. There was a small fee for cutting the cake, but it was fair and worth it for the convenience.

The food was fantastic. Our large party went with a preset menu, and everyone enjoyed their dishes. The rolls and cornbread were absolutely delicious, and the shrimp and tomato appetizers were both tasty and complex—savory, crunchy, and engaging all the senses.

Unfortunately, the service from our waitress, Renee, left a lot to be desired. While attentive, she was not personable and seemed disengaged for much of the evening. When I asked for more rolls (which we were told were available if we wanted extra), she refused, saying service was closed for that portion of the meal. Another server assisting us later brought them without hesitation. Renee also never checked with me—the host—about how I wanted the cake presented, instead asking my wife directly despite prior coordination with Natalie and the manager.

The payment process was also frustrating. We were only told right before paying that checks could only be split on up to six cards. This policy was never communicated in my earlier interactions with staff. Combined with the fact that valet service was not included (which is unusual for the price point), it put a damper on the evening’s close.

I’m still giving 4 stars because the food was outstanding, Natalie and the manager were excellent, and the gentleman who brought extra bread showed what good service should look like. However, for the price and atmosphere, service consistency and communication—along with including valet—need improvement for this to be a truly top-tier...