Alexandra Peña (photo by Jhane Hoang)
Alexandra Peña (photo by Jhane Hoang)
The industry pros behind Bludorn and Navy Blue — bolstered by a James Beard nod for Best Hospitality — are opening their latest project in Hedwig Village soon. Bar Bludorn will be led by chef Alexandra Peña, a bombshell who is responsible for turning the Bludorns’ fine-dining fare into that of a more approachable, neighborhood-staple tavern. Peña, 30, was raised in Cypress, and draws inspiration from her kitchen-savvy grandmother.
The Miss Moneypenny martini at Little’s (photo by Arturo Olmos)
Pristine seafood and a happening bar — what’s not to love about buzzy seafood palace Little’s Oyster Bar from Pappas Restaurant Group? Chef Jason Ryczek, a California transplant and caviar expert, continues to wow with his elegant and reverent culinary style incorporating the top seafood of the moment. Don’t miss hits like Texas Redfish with Castelvetrano olive salsa verde; chicken-fried American red snapper; and blue-crab-broiled oysters with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and sauce choron.
Yotam Dolev (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
Inspired by the Shabbat dinners of his childhood, Hamsa’s exec chef Yotam Dolev fuses classic and modern Israeli cuisine to brilliant effect, from silky tahini cleverly blended with butternut squash to gorgeously grilled shrimp skewers in vivacious lemon chimichurri. Hamsa’s owners received a 2024 James Beard nod for Outstanding Restaurateur.
Linquine Pescatora at Sorrento
A beloved Italian stalwart is reborn, as Sorrento Ristorante refreshes under new owners: Robert and Melissa Salim are former patrons who loved it so much they bought it! Think not only classics like lobster tortellini with handmade pasta, but also new pizzas, salads and desserts. Holy cannoli! And it’s not just for fancy dinners anymore. The ideal spot for biz lunches thanks to its graciously spaced-out seating, Sorrento adds brunch March 3. Expect a new top-tier player in the elegant upper echelon of Sunday Funday.
Benchawan Painter, a.k.a. Chef G (photo by Jhane Hoang)
Chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter, who won the 2023 James Beard for Best Chef: Texas, couldn’t have known what her future held when she opened Street to Kitchen in the East End during the height of the pandemic. But her “unapologetically Thai” food acquired lines out the door, and she just moved into a three-times-larger space down the street. She also recently opened Th Prsrv, the world’s first Choctaw-Thai restaurant, in Kemah.
An explosion of flavors at Jūn
Still on the best-new-restaurant lists across the nation after opening a year ago, Jun charms with its fusion menu and laid-back setting. Its most recent accolade is a semifinalist nomination for the 2024 James Beard Awards category of Best New Restaurant. Together with biz partner Henry Lu, chef Evelyn Garcia weaves dishes that nod to her Mexican-Salvadorian heritage and his Chinese heritage. Witness wonderous plates like roasted carrots with salsa matcha and Top Chef-lauded lamb shank with curry.
Key lime pie at Steak 48 (photo by Woncho Lee)
A sceney steakhouse issues a challenge: Can you save room for this delightfully dense, triple-layer key lime pie with fresh whipped cream and lime “caviar”? At Steak 48, where the menu boasts decadence like chicken-fried lobster tails and Thai-chili-braised pork belly (those are just the starters!), it’s a must.
Cocody on West Gray
Kakigori, or Japanese shaved ice, at Katami (photo by Casey Glitner)
Now known as Harlow District, the multiacre former site of Nino’s and Vincent’s is home to a growing number of fabulous restaurants, including the relocated La Griglia and Kata Robata chef Manabu Horiuchi’s chic new Katami. Also find the ultimate patio hangout in Verde Garden, and, rumor has it, a cozy coffeeshop and bookstore in the coming months.
The S.S. Poet cocktail at Rumi’s
It’s long been one of the most prominent corridors in the city, but Post Oak Boulevard is experiencing a serious culinary renaissance. In addition to classics like The Annie and Hugo Ortega’s Caracol, now find Tavola from the Bastion Collection and Ben Berg; Persian pleasure Rumi’s Kitchen; and a pair of Dallas hot spots from Western Addition restaurant group: The stately Italian spot Il Bracco, and fun Balboa Surf Club.
Espresso martinis at Clarkwood
Splashy, flower-flocked Annabelle Brasserie from Berg Hospitality is the newest addition to Allen Parkway. For cocktails, cool-kid Clarkwood remains the place, and it’s all about live fire and big beef at Andiron. For more steaks, luxe seafood, comfort sides and a rooftop patio, there’s Georgia James. Coming soon to The Allen Pavilion is Mexican steakhouse Toca Madera and Meduza Mediterrania next to the new Thompson hotel.
Cocody on West Gray
You’d think River Oaks Shopping Center on West Gray had enough eateries with Brasserie 19, Perry’s Steakhouse, and glitzy Italian newcomer Zanti. That’s until upscale Albi debuted with belly dancers, diverse Eastern Mediterranean dishes and cocktails like the Turkish coffee martini. Newest is Cocody, a lavish French-inspired restaurant starring cuisine from chefs David Denis of longtime Le Mistral, and Lionel Debon. Adventurous flavors and presentations include table smoked East coast seared scallops. Forthcoming Leo’s with chef Tim Reading promises surf-and-turf and more!
The Audacity cocktail at Hando
Spring Branch boasts more star-chef power every year! In 2023, Christine Ha Blind Goat, plus the drive-through sandwich spot Stuffed Belly, both on Long Point, near the new Hando. Underbelly Burger and Wild Oats also bowed in the Branch, on Witte. Meanwhile, across the freeway, the Pit Room is readying its first outside-the-Loop locale.