Award-Winning Restaurant Group Announces Opening Date for Brand-New Concept in Montrose

Becca Wright
Award-Winning Restaurant Group Announces Opening Date for Brand-New Concept in Montrose

Octopus at Októ

THE FOLKS AT Sof Hospitality have had a busy and exciting few years. Since opening the Houston location of its acclaimed international steakhouse, Doris Metropolitan, the group's partners Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy settled here and got to work expanding their foodie empire.


Hamsa and next-door Badolina Bakery bowed in 2021. And in 2024, Sof was nominated for a James Beard Award in the competitive category of Outstanding Hospitality — and there is undoubtedly more to come. Sof Hospitality has announced that its hotly anticipated new concept, Októ, will open this Saturday, Aug. 31, in Montrose Collective.



'Frena' bread service

Tiger shrimp

Chef Yotam Dolev

The name means "eight" in Greek, a nod not only to the culture and cuisine of the new restaurant, but also its address: 888 Westheimer. A sneak-peek of the opening menu reveals tastes of Greece and other Mediterranean countries; the sea bass carpaccio has meyer lemon and myzithra cheese, and an entree of the same fish comes with artichoke-and-pea risotto. The squid-ink linguine is served with crab and a buttery sambal sauce. And if you've eaten at any Sof concept, you know the bread service is not to be skipped. (Two words: pistachio butter.)

"Októ really emphasizes the boutique nature of our brand and the intimate feel of the Mediterranean dining scene," said Ben Eli in a statement. "It is the product of the dream team we have at Sof Hospitality — with extensive collaboration on everything from the design of the space to the finishes on our cocktails."

To that point, Hamsa chef Yotam Dolev will hop over to helm Októ; he and Doris Met chef Hai Avnaim worked closely together over the past several months to craft the menu and perfect new dishes. And Sof Hospitality designer Lindsay Madrigal of LM Designs outdid herself on the Októ interiors, which are textured and moody and rich. Sliding glass doors reveal an expansive, plant-filled patio, but otherwise, the space is dimly lit with hues of deep green and a centerpiece bar with DJ booth. At the bar, expect craft cocktails to be shaken and poured well after dinner: Októ has plans to cater to a late-night and industry crowd.


Itai and Lin Ben Eli

Food
Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less

EVEN THOUGH WE hope things cool down outside, some folks in Houston are about to get even hotter with the arrival of trendy fitness studio Ritual One next month in Uptown Park. The Dallas-based concept will offer classes like Power Sculpt, Hot Pilates, Power Yoga, Inferno Flow, and Inferno HIIT — all taking place in its infrared-heated studios.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

Evan and Kate Elsenbrook and Elyse and Drew Tolson

SUPPORTERS OF RONALD McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston gathered for a whimsically fun fete at the Hilton Americas hotel. The 2024 Boo Ball was themed "Once Upon a Time," and it raised a true happily-ever-after amount of $1 million — a new record!

Keep Reading Show less
Parties