The Phoenix — Asian-fusion sunset dinner inside Island Moorings Marina

The history

Founded in 2008 as Café Phoenix — a tiny downtown spot opened by chef Tiana Worsham and co-owner Vanessa Brundrett — the restaurant moved to a larger Alister Street location in 2013 before being destroyed by Category 4 Hurricane Harvey in August 2017.

Rebuilding alongside other displaced Port A restaurateurs — including the owners of La Playa and Venetian Hot Plate — in a shared living-and-support space known locally as "The Commune," Tiana and Vanessa reopened at the current waterside Island Moorings Marina spot in February 2018 and have thrived since.

What it does well

The kitchen runs upscale-bistro in execution — flip-flop fine dining: precise plating and flavor pairing with a casual, boat-and-beach welcome. Chef Tiana threads Japanese and broader Asian influences through Texas-coast staples like fresh sushi, poke stacks, and ginger reductions.

• Genuine sunset-deck experience — the covered outdoor deck overlooks the marina yachts and the lagoon.
• Chef-driven Asian-fusion menu — distinct from every other restaurant on the island.
• Strong dietary accommodation — knowledgeable with gluten-free and celiac modifications, ask when booking.
• Craft mixology at both bars — the signature Phoenix Martini and a premium sake selection pair naturally with the appetizers.

What to keep in mind

• Dinner only, closed Mondays and Tuesdays — plan your week around it.
• Tucked deep inside the Island Moorings residential and marina complex — first-time visitors should map the parking ahead.
• Premium pricing for the area — destination dinner, not a casual midday lunch.
• Best signature dishes are seasonal — the Triple Tail with Coconut-Pistachio Sauce is the kitchen's crown jewel when available but rotates with the catch.

What to order

• Triple Tail with Coconut-Pistachio Sauce (seasonal) — a flaky local fillet under a velvety coconut-pistachio cream. The kitchen's crown jewel when it's on the menu.
• Tuna Stack / Tuna Tower — finely diced Ahi layered over fresh avocado and crisp cucumber, with a kick-heavy spicy house sauce and wonton chips.
• Roasted Red Snapper — with fresh avocado, gremolata breadcrumbs, and a delicate lemon beurre blanc.
• Oyster Sliders & Truffle Fries — crispy fried oysters in soft slider buns with house sauces, paired with rich aromatic truffle fries.
• U-10 Scallops over Risotto — extra-large sea scallops pan-seared to a flawless golden crust, drizzled with truffle oil, over a rich seasonal risotto.
• The Phoenix Martini — the house signature cocktail, paired with a premium sake from the curated list.