Sensational Spin-Offs, Market-Savvy Cafés and More: Best New Restaurants Opening This Week

Sensational Spin-Offs, Market-Savvy Cafés and More: Best New Restaurants Opening This Week

Agnes (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

AFTER A LONG year-plus of operating in survival mode, restaurants and their owners are enjoying the anticipated return to their patrons' normal routines. And many are setting into motion long-held plans to expand and open new hot spots — like these concepts slated to open in the next week. Keep scrolling to find out what all is on the menu!


Badolina (photo by Ralph Smith)

BADOLINA Those who have had the pleasure of dining at Israeli steakhouse Doris Metropolitan on Shepherd know that the best part of an already fantastic meal there is the bread basket. Now, the owners — who recently formed a restaurant group called Sof Hospitality — are making the most of their carb-savvy rep, spinning off Badolina Bakery & Café in Rice Village.

It opens today, with tons of fresh baked breads, pastries of the sweet and savory variety, custom cakes, to-die-for desserts and more. It's all been in the works for more than a year; the team spent much of the pandemic testing new recipes and planning the 1,500-square-foot space, which is situated next door to the group's forthcoming Hamsa restaurant.

Agnes (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

AGNES This "fine-casual" café-grocery-store hybrid opens in the space formerly occupied by Tropicales on Tuesday. Boasting Mediterranean eats for breakfast and lunch — dinner to follow soon! — Agnes Café & Provisions is the first joint venture from Molly Voorhees (Beck's Prime, The Chocolate Bar) and Carolyn Dorros (Wolff Companies). The St. John's School grads reimagined the Michael Hsu-designed space with help from Garrison Design Office, who updated it with tan leather banquettes, accents of oak and brass, and a new marble bar.

Treat yourself with baklava granola or breakfast mezze in the morning, or perhaps opt for a black-bean-and-beet burger with tahini ranch on brioche for lunch. There will be wine and cocktails — like a rosemary paloma and a blood-orange marg made with mescal — too.

Agnes' retail section will proffer unique hostess gifts, along with bottles of fine wine, pre-made dips, dressings and dishes, and more.

Sweetgreen

SWEETGREENThe fifth area location of Sweetgreen also opens next Tuesday, June 8, in the just-opened M-K-T Heights development. There'll be ample seating on the spacious patio, and inside, art courtesy of local maker Dana Caldera, whose collage pieces layer found materials and paint, adorn the walls. Additionally, Sweetgreen will make an opening-day donation to Brighter Bites and Black Lives Matter Houston.

NoPo Café (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

NOPO CAFÉ The latest concept from Ben Berg may open next week, too, next-door to Berg Hospitality's corporate office on North Post Oak, just west of Timbergrove. Boasting a cozy French-country-inspired dining room and bar, the all-day NoPo Café — offering counter service for breakfast and lunch, and full service at dinner — is a collaboration with Robert Cay of Clay Development & Construction. Similar to Agnes, NoPo will have a retail element, with local provisions, premade meals and fresh baked pastries. Keep an eye on social for official opening announcements!

From Your Site Articles
Food
As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’

CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.

Keep ReadingShow less

Duck N Bao's bento boxes are part of Dine Out Rice Village

HOUSTON'S EVER-GENEROUS restaurant scene is already at it in 2025. Here are three ways foodies can dig in, raise a glass, and support important causes in January.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food

BY NOW, MOST of us are bracing for whatever Mother Nature decides to bring next week, be it snow, ice, or just a lot of bad traffic.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food