TEXAS — Austin and Houston are representing the state of Texas in the New York Times' latest list of Top 50 Best Restaurants in America.

The list features Austin restaurants Wee's Cozy Kitchen, a Malaysian spot on UT campus, and Este, which serves Mexican seafood with a twist. Both are fairly new to Austin, having opened in 2022.

Wee's is the dream restaurant of Chef Wee Fong Ehlers, who has been in the industry for 11 years. Her cozy kitchen is nestled inside a Shell station near the University of Texas campus. Ehlers serves comfort Malaysian food as well as Chinese food and burgers, making every meal to order.

Este is Chef Fermin Nunez's second restaurant. The Burnet Road joint serves up mariscos reminiscent of classic Mexican seafood dishes that most will be familiar with like ceviche, aguachiles and fish tacos. But Chef Fermin Nunez takes it up a notch by bringing new flavors to classic plates.

Houston's claims to fame on the list include El Hidalguense and Gatlin's Fins & Feathers. El Hidalguense is a 40-year-old establishment, serving up classic dishes from the Mexican state of Hidalgo. Gatlin's Fins & Feathers is a new concept from a familiar name. It's run by the Gatlin family, who also runs the iconic Gatlin's BBQ in Houston. True to its name, Fins & Feathers is a Southern comfort food spot specializing in seafood and poultry.

Last year's NYT list included Austin's Canje, an East Austin new age Caribbean restaurant, and Smoke'N Ash BBQ in Arlington, which serves Texas barbecue place with Ethiopian flare.