Seafood Challenge

A Competition Between Elite Seafood-Centric Restaurants

A SPECIAL EVENT FOR VIP TICKET HOLDERS

Delectable Seafood Showdown

Dive into an exclusive competition featuring some of the finest seafood-focused restaurants, crafted just for VIP guests! From sushi to cioppino, this premium tasting experience will dazzle your palate as you cast your vote for the best. With only 300 VIP spots available, you’ll enjoy early access at 5:30 PM—an hour and a half before general admission—to savor these extraordinary creations alongside this year’s steak entries.

 

VIP Lounge & Exclusive Perks

Step into the ultimate VIP experience at RARE Houston 2025, happening October 23rd, 2025 at POST Houston. Relax in a spacious lounge while enjoying exclusive creative cocktails and live chef demos. Expect a blend of comfort, entertainment, and surprises designed to elevate your evening.

Reserve Your VIP Experience

VIP tickets for RARE Houston 2025 are $275 and extremely limited! Don’t miss your chance to indulge in this premium experience—secure your tickets now before they sell out! VIP entry begins at 5:30 PM.

2025 VIP Competitors

About Uchi

Uchi, “house” in Japanese, is founded by James Beard Award‑winning Chef Tyson Cole. A delicate balance of elevated food and impeccable service, Uchi offers non‑traditional Japanese cuisine with signature tastings, sushi, and seasonal omakase.

About Zanti

Zanti draws its name from one of the restaurant’s founders, Santiago Peláez, whose affectionate nature and passion for pleasing others earned him the nickname “sentimental Santi” from his very large and teasing family. The joys of exploring food, cooking and caring for those around him are among his earliest memories. As he and his brothers grew their family’s hospitality business over the years, across several countries, it seemed inevitable to everyone that Santiago would one day open a restaurant of his own.

About Aya Sushi

A fresh Omakase “I leave it up to you” dining experience in Bellaire Texas, featuring innovative Japanese cuisine created by Chef Yoshi Katsuyama. Guests can enjoy high-quality selections including nigiri, sashimi, and rolls (maki). Aya Sushi also has hot and cold dishes served from the kitchen.

South X Saigon

About South X Saigon

Welcome to South X Saigon, the leading Viet-Cajun culinary destination in Houston, TX. Our menu, creatively blends Vietnamese and Cajun cuisines to give you a dining experience unlike any other in the city. From our signature Banh Boy to our famous Crawfish special, every dish promises an adventure.

About Ka Sushi

Fresh & Inspired Cuisine. From sushi rolls to nigiri and sashimi, our sushi can only be described as a form of art. Our finest quality fish matched with visionary, decadent flavors encourage you to savor that last bite.

Willie G’s

About Willie G’s Post Oak

Willie G’s Seafood® at The Post Oak Hotel offers a contemporary seafood experience, inspired by a passion for local, seasonal ingredients. Featuring a blend of classic and modern interpretations of Gulf Coast tradition, the seafood savvy menu entices with seafood towers, specialty seafood gumbos, whole wood-fired grilled fish and hand rolled sushi, alongside tacos, beef burgers and steaks.