Skip to main content

13 New Restaurants and Culinary Projects Shaking Up Houston’s Dining Scene

Published Jul 09, 2021 by A.J. Mistretta

March - credit Julie Soefer

Dining room at March - credit Julie Soefer

The Houston restaurant scene — once dominated by traditional steakhouses, barbecue joints and Tex-Mex cantinas — has evolved over the last two decades into one of the most sophisticated and diverse dining landscapes in the nation. Here you’ll find delectable dishes from across the globe in line with the city’s expansive expat communities — from Vietnamese and Indian to Polish and Ethiopian. Foodies have come to expect a constant flow of new flavors and options in a city with more than 10,000 restaurants, and Houston restaurateurs do not disappoint. Here are a few places that have opened in recent months and are shaking up the dining scene. 

Several tasting menu-driven concepts have debuted of late, including Degust in the Spring Branch area, which offers up a mix of Spanish and Mexican-inspired dishes. Chef Brandon Silva employs Japanese techniques in this intimate, highly sustainable, farm-to-table concept. The menu changes regularly, but expect produce-forward dishes like turnips two ways, smoked tomato with radish and caramel and scallop with a tomatillo aguachile. 

Chef Lance Fegen gained a following among Houston foodies for his Liberty Kitchen concept that began in the heart of Houston Heights. Now back in that original location, his namesake project, Fegen’s, dishes out old-school American classics alongside Italian favorites. Think salmon crudo and chicken saltimbocca meets skirt steak and grilled Alaskan halibut.  Then there’s the extensive wine list and inventive cocktail menu from beverage director Nicole Meza. It’s all happening in a warm, cozy atmosphere filled with nostalgic images and deep, rich tones that make this a perfect spot for an intimate date night. 

The wife and husband duo of Erin and Patrick Feges have been wowing Houston diners with their distinctive approach to barbecue for years. Patrick first began smoking meats through pop-ups and catered events in 2012 while he continued to train with some of the best chefs in town. The couple opened the first Feges BBQ in the Greenway Plaza area in 2018 and more recently expanded to Spring Branch. Expect exceptionally prepared meats, including pork ribs, brisket, pulled pork and burnt ends, as well as outside-the-box sides such as sweet and spicy sprouts, Moroccan spiced carrots and chana masala. Also catch Feges at the Urban Harvest Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings for vacuum-sealed smoked meats you can enjoy at home. 

Dining room at March - credit Julie Soefer

Another tasting menu concept has opened in Montrose, courtesy of Goodnight Hospitality. Located above Rosie Cannonball on an eclectic stretch of Westheimer is March, a Mediterranean driven fine dining restaurant helmed by Chef Felipe Riccio. Diners have the option of six or nine-course tasting menus inspired by the coastal regions along the Mediterranean. Though the menu changes regularly, expect to find dishes like couscous with sea urchin and goat cheese mousseline. The restaurant is also gaining a reputation for its expansive, 11,000-bottle wine selection. 

Set on the ground-level of one of Downtown Houston’s most iconic buildings, The Nash is serving an impressive assortment of plates — from pizzas and steaks to Venezuelan-style tequenos and a delectable short rib pappardelle. Located in the Star, formerly the Texaco Building, this spot offers impressive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bustle of the central business district. With Chef Omar Pereney at the helm, The Nash is serving a slice of the diverse, modern American menu. Be sure to dine on the elegant patio when the weather is nice. 

Houston Farmer's Market - credit Michael Craft

The Houston Farmer’s Market, the city’s oldest and largest market of its kind, is getting a major upgrade that will transform it into a world-class dining destination. Aiming to play alongside the likes of Washington D.C.’s Union Market or Pike Place in Seattle, the reimagined Houston Farmer’s Market is combining a diverse array of produce and foodstuff vendors with new restaurant concepts from some of the city’s most recognized chefs. Two concepts from Chris Shepherd’s Underbelly Hospitality, Underbelly Burger and Wild Oats, are on the horizon along with a new outpost of the much-loved Chinatown favorite Crawfish & Noodles. Set to open within months, the restaurants will surround the market’s iconic central stalls where you’ll find produce and spices from around the world. 

It simply doesn’t get more intimate than Neo. The sushi concept from former Uchi chefs Luis Mercado and Paolo Justo doesn’t have its own storefront or much other infrastructure, like a phone number. Rather, it's held in a Montrose clothing store and reservations are made via Instagram for just four to six diners per night. Needless to say, it’s not an easy reservation to lock down, but it’s worth the wait for 15 to 20 courses of fresh nigiri, sushi and more complex plates. 

Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse is looking to evolve the concept of the traditional steakhouse. With an elegant, modern interior dominated by antique chandeliers and dark accents, Gatsby’s offers a sophisticated experience in a storied Montrose space. The appetizer menu offers favorites such as foie gras, crab cakes and tuna tartare while the entrees provide a mix of the turf (rack of lamb, bone-in ribeye and wagyu filet to name a few) and surf (twin lobster tails and ahi tuna among other options). As one might expect, there’s an extensive wine and cocktail menu as well. 

Midtown has long been known for its nightlife, less so its dining options. Kanau Sushi, located on the ground floor of one of the neighborhood’s newest residential high-rises, aims to change that. The smallish restaurant offers diners fabulous Japanese-style dishes, including poke tacos, pan seared scallops, and tempura ika (fried squid with a spicy aioli). You’ll want to sample several of the maki, including the signature Kanau roll with salmon and asparagus topped with ikura. 

Cioppino at Bludorn

Another restaurant power couple igniting the dining scene are Chef Aaron Bludorn and Victoria Pappas — the formerly of New York’s much-lauded Café Boulud and she of the Houston-based Pappas restaurant family. Last year, the duo opened Bludorn on Taft Street in Montrose, where Chef Aaron is showing off his love for Gulf Coast fare prepared with classic technique. To get started, try the oysters everyway (just like it sounds) and the squash blossom with ricotta, basil and pepper jam. From there, it’s a journey to either land or sea, where you’ll find lamb served with apricot, mint and yogurt or the house favorite lobster pot pie. 

Houstonians love brunch, and 93 ‘til is doing it right. Located near the Menil Collection, the homey hotspot is serving up cocktails and grub along with hip-hop tunes. Chefs Gary and Lung Ly deliver a menu filled with their interpretation of favorites like the chicken sandwich and a classic double-patty burger along with more inventive fare such as Romanesco “Kung Pao” and a cucumber gazpacho. The craft cocktail selection is a boozy adventure — try the 24 Carrot Magic of EVOO fat washed toki with a carrot simple syrup. 

Mustaafer Sheesh Mahal - credit Julie Soefer

Mustaafer translates to "a traveler" and that's just what you are in this Indian feast for the senses located in the Galleria. The stunning two-story restaurant offers multiple rooms, each with its own distinctive, elegant look and feel. The menu is a trek across the states of culinarily diverse states of India. You'll find lamb kebabs and baked oysters, lentil with coconut soup and beef vindaloo and a laal maas (smoked goat) with mathania chili that's simply delectable. The restaurant is open for dinner only during the week and both lunch and dinner on the weekends. 

A massive new mixed-use development just north of I-10 on Shepherd is sure to become a culinary destination as a wide range of new restaurant concepts open within weeks. The four-acre M-K-T Heights will soon be home to Anglo-Indian restaurant Da Gama Canteen, Houston-centric concept Homestead Kitchen & Bar, Blue Sushi Sake Grill and several others. The project will also include soft goods retailers along with a number of services and a small park. 

Check out more about Houston’s dynamic dining scene

Related News

Living In Houston

Exploring Houston: A Guide to the Eclectic Montrose Neighborhood

9/30/24
Located just minutes from Downtown, Houston’s Montrose neighborhood stands out for its historic charm and eclectic spirit. From its unique art galleries and vibrant murals to its diverse dining scene and vintage shops, Montrose offers something for everyone. Here’s your guide to exploring this one-of-a-kind neighborhood.   Art & Entertainment  Click to expand At the heart of Montrose’s art scene is The Menil Collection, a world-class museum offering free admission to a diverse range of artworks, from ancient and Byzantine artifacts to African, Pacific Islands and modern and contemporary pieces. The museum’s campus spans five buildings, including the Menil Drawing Institute, the only standalone facility in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary drawings. Also on the campus is Richmond Hall, home to the Dan Flavin Installation, an immersive light experience.  Click to expand Take a stroll down Westheimer or Shepherd streets to explore the neighborhood’s vibrant murals and street art.   Click to expand The neighborhood is also home to Stages, a three-theater facility that hosts a wide range of performances, from comedies to musicals. Live music lovers can catch acoustic sets and folk performances at Anderson Fair, an intimate and historic venue that has been showcasing singer-songwriters since 1970, including Texas Country legend Robert Earl Keen. For a more eccentric experience, AvantGarden, a patio bar and lounge, offers a mix of local bands, poetry readings, art classes and more in a laid-back setting.    Restaurants & Shops  Montrose is a food lover’s paradise, serving up unique dishes that are as diverse as the neighborhood itself. Long-standing establishments like Hugo’s, famed for its authentic Mexican cuisine, The Pit Room, a go-to barbecue spot and Uchi, an innovative Japanese restaurant, founded by James Beard award-winning chef Tyson Cole, provide unforgettable dining experiences.  Click to expand Meanwhile, exciting new spots like The Marigold Club, a French-inspired concept, Októ, a Mediterranean restaurant and Thai Tail, a fast-casual eatery offering a unique blend of Thai and American dishes, are gaining popularity in the neighborhood.  Click to expand Shoppers can indulge at the Montrose Collective, a new mixed-use center featuring trendy dining spots like Sophie’s Cocktail & Terrace Bar and Marmo. The Collective is also home to stylish storefronts such as Mejuri, a fine jewelry boutique, and Reformation, a popular clothing retailer. For wellness and beauty, the center offers top-tier facilities like Hi, Skin, a luxury facial spa, and Solidcore, a cutting-edge Pilates studio.  Click to expand The neighborhood is also a haven for vintage lovers, offering a variety of thrift and vintage shops like Pavement, Leopard Lounge, The Guild Shop and Out of the Closet, where you can discover quirky finds and hidden treasures. If you’re in search of local art and handmade goods, Space Montrose offers a wide selection of products from Houston-based artists and makers. For book enthusiasts, Basket Books & Art is a true literary gem, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of books alongside a contemporary art gallery. The independent bookstore also hosts community events, including book club meetings, author meet-and-greets and poetry readings.  Parks & Green Spaces  Click to expand Montrose offers numerous parks and green spaces for a retreat from the urban hustle. On the Menil Collection Campus, you’ll find Menil Park, offering 30 acres of serene green space with a picturesque view of unique sculptures and shady trees. If you’re a dog lover, head to Ervan Chew Park, where you’ll find a spacious dog play area and a playground and splash pad for kids, making it a fun spot for the entire family.  Mandell Park is another beloved local gem, featuring lush gardens, walking trails and shaded areas perfect for picnics or a quiet afternoon with a book. The park also hosts community events such as teaching gardens and live music nights. Other neighborhood favorites include Cherryhurst Park and Shiffick Park.  Discover more about living in Houston. 
Read More
Living In Houston

Houston Restaurant Weeks Returns with Exciting Newcomers

8/16/24
Houston Restaurant Weeks is back for its 21st year. The annual fundraiser, which runs through Sept. 30, gives food enthusiasts the chance to explore Houston's diverse culinary scene while contributing to a worthy cause. With more than 400 participating restaurants, this year's event promises an exciting array of new dining experiences you won't want to miss. Here are our top five picks of this year’s newcomers:  Belly of the Beast | Spring  Belly of the Beast reopened late last year after the pandemic disrupted its 2020 debut. Chef Thomas Bille is showcasing a vibrant selection of Mexican-inspired dishes for Houston Restaurant Weeks with a three-course dinner. The meal starts with your choice of tuna tostada, wedge salad or grilled peach and burrata toast. For the main course, options include birria tacos, pork belly tacos or carne asada, with the choice of grilled shrimp or roasted chicken to complete the meal.  Click to expand Blue Tuba | The Heights  This eatery, which opened in May, blends European and Texan flavors. For Houston Restaurant Weeks, Blue Tuba will offer both Brunch and Dinner menus. Brunch features a German-style platter, goulash, apple foster French toast and Hungarian crepes. For dinner, starters include Slovak mac & cheese and Polish tacos, while main course options feature pork schnitzel and chicken paprikash. Dessert choices include crème brûlée and tiramisu.  Click to expand Le Jardinier | Downtown  Located inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Le Jardinier serves up a French-inspired cuisine. Created by Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli, Le Jardinier offers an extensive Houston Restaurant Weeks menu, with options for brunch, lunch and dinner. The highlight of the menu is the three-course dinner, which includes whipped burrata, corn velouté with shrimp, roasted red pepper risotto, Verlasso salmon and strawberry mousse.  Click to expand MaKiin | Upper Kirby/River Oaks  Created by the team behind the beloved Kin Dee Thai restaurant, MaKiin debuted at the Hanover River Oaks last year. For Houston Restaurant Weeks, MaKiin offers a delectable three-course dinner. Starters feature a sampler with three curry choices, Khao Tang Na Tang and a summer salad. For the main course, diners can choose from pork ribs, salmon in a rich panang curry, curry jackfruit or filet mignon. Dessert includes unique delights such as butterfly pea flower-infused coconut ice cream and mango sticky rice.  Click to expand Norigami | West University   Opened last year by the team behind Hidden Omakase and Sushi by Hidden, Norigami specializes in hand roll sushi. For Houston Restaurant Weeks, Norigami is offering a three-course dinner that begins with your choice of steamed, garlic or spicy edamame. This is followed by a selection of crudos—madai, salmon or hamachi. The meal concludes with a choice of hand rolls: spicy salmon, bluefin tuna or spicy scallop.  Discover more about living in Houston. 
Read More

Related Events

Demography

Creating and Championing an Inclusive Culture for LGBTQ+ Employees

Creating cultures of belonging and closing belonging gaps is a crucial strategy for every organization that wants to be competitive in the future and retain and engage employees of all backgrounds.   The…

Learn More
Learn More
Executive Partners