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

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 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 The 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 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!