Nauti Crab is set to become Houston’s newest Vietnamese-Cajun seafood restaurant. It’s located at 11660 Westheimer and will open its doors on Saturday, June 3. The grand opening festivities will run from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. and include a live DJ, multiple specials throughout the day and a 10% discount on all food and drinks. 

The original location of the family-owned boil house is in Metuchen, New Jersey, and chef/owner Ryan Mai thinks the Houston market is a natural fit for the second one. Mai, a former IT professional, spent time traveling and eating his way across the United States while working. Over seven years ago, he and his wife decided to open Nauti Cajun Crab in New Jersey in part because of the area’s exciting culinary scene and cultural mosaic. It’s the same reason he’s decided to expand into the Space City. 

Nauti Crab is known for its fresh seafood buckets with almost endless combinations of boiled crawfish, lobster, crab (Dungeness, king, blue and snow), shrimp and more tossed in a variety of sauces and seasonings. Examples include Cajun, Old Bay, lemon butter, garlic butter and signature “Nauti Cajun” in a range of heat levels. Choose from one of the popular preset buckets or create-your-own-bucket with add-ons such as corn, potatoes, noodles, broccoli and Andouille sausage.

The rest of the menu is rounded out with a little something for everyone: raw oysters, crispy wings (multiple flavors), fried calamari and crab cakes, or heftier choices like seafood po’boys, sandwiches, fried rice, garlic noodles and stir-fried seafood dishes, in addition to dessert and a full bar to wash everything down. 

“Continuing our incredible journey started in New Jersey; we are excited to bring our unique flavors and unforgettable dining experience to seafood enthusiasts in Houston,” Mai said. “We chose Houston as a second location because Houston is one of the most diverse food cities in the United States. Houstonians are passionate about Cajun cuisine, just like we are! Houston is a perfect match to continue the Nauti Crab brand.”  

Nauti Crab will be open Monday through Friday from 3 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Plentiful parking is available.

Mario-Sebastian Berry

Mario-Sebastian Berry is a wine and spirits vendor who has been in the hospitality industry since 2002. Currently, he represents Blanco, Texas-based Andalusia Whiskey Co. and multiple wine labels. Somehow, he also finds time to be Houston Food Finder’s associate editor and social media manager.