Agnes and Sherman

The story

Agnes and Sherman Houston – Michelin Recommended Modern Asian American Diner

Meet Agnes and Sherman

Chef Nick Wong named his restaurant after his parents—a love letter to the mashup of cultures that defined his childhood. Mom came from Hong Kong for college; dad was born and raised in San Francisco. Chinese wedding banquets and Giants games, Sunday dim sum and House of Prime Rib—all of it coexisted. “So when it came time for me to open up my own spot, I wanted to try and distill those memories into an experience where I could invite others to connect,” Wong writes. That spirit earned the restaurant a Michelin Recommended distinction, recognition that speaks to the singular vision behind this modern Asian American diner in Houston.

What’s on the plate

Wong’s menu weaves two uniquely American food genres—Asian American and Diner—into something whimsical, nostalgic, and genre-defying. The restaurant serves lunch, brunch, happy hour, and dinner, with a drinks program that includes cocktails and an interesting wine list. Walk-ins are welcome, and the team embraces a philosophy of “sustainable longevity,” treating the restaurant as part of a larger ecosystem: when they thrive, the community does too.

The team behind the diner

Wong brings nearly twenty years in the industry—from the French Culinary Institute and Momofuku Ssam Bar (where he was Chef de Cuisine) to Grammy Tavern and Noma. Co-owner and managing partner Lisa Lee, a Taiwanese American immigrant raised in pre- and post-apartheid South Africa, centers the restaurant around empowerment, inclusion, and belonging. General Manager Pam Cantú (Uchi Houston, Rosie Cannonball) and a seasoned crew round out the leadership. The result is a neighborhood spot that expands the meaning of Americana, tells stories through food, and makes everyone feel at home.