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Restaurant list

Discover the Best New Restaurants in Houston

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated October 23, 2019

Thanks to its roots as a port city and energy giant, immigrant workers flocked to Houston, Texas from nearby Latin America and Cajun Louisiana all the way from Vietnam. Ethnic neighborhoods sprung up, as a result, showcasing cuisines from home. Since Houston has more restaurants per capita than New York City, this diverse city has everything from Tex-Mex to Eastern European eats. A trip to the Third Ward feels more like a trip to Saigon! But where do the city’s savviest foodies consistently trust for an amazing meal and experience? Welcome to TasteMaker 20. By gathering data from thousands of restaurants within the OpenTable network, we’ve identified the spots that experienced diners love the most. Make a reservation and let the feasting begin!

MAD
4.6 (2537)
$31 to $50
Spanish
River Oaks
The bright sign outside of MAD combined with the inviting outdoor dining area have a magnetism that attracts even passing cars. Luckily, there’s a valet outside to help them along their journey. Inside, guests are treated to animalistic art, avant-garde globe lighting, intriguing sculptures and other décor reminiscent of Madrid nightlife. The menu offers Spanish delicacies such as serranito, Bravas Tomas, Salmon Ahumado and a variety of tapas and desserts. Diners have to be careful not to get hypnotized by the neon-covered walls in the restroom hallway.
Top review
Marilyn
Dined on Apr 17, 2025
Outstanding service! Beautiful restaurant with a nice menu. It was very good highly recommend.
The bright sign outside of MAD combined with the inviting outdoor dining area have a magnetism that attracts even passing cars. Luckily, there’s a valet outside to help them along their journey. Inside, guests are treated to animalistic art, avant-garde globe lighting, intriguing sculptures and other décor reminiscent of Madrid nightlife. The menu offers Spanish delicacies such as serranito, Bravas Tomas, Salmon Ahumado and a variety of tapas and desserts. Diners have to be careful not to get hypnotized by the neon-covered walls in the restroom hallway.
Top review
Marilyn
Dined on Apr 17, 2025
Outstanding service! Beautiful restaurant with a nice menu. It was very good highly recommend.
Loch Bar-Houston
4.7 (1213)
$30 and under
Seafood
River Oaks
One of the favorite new restaurants in Houston, Loch Bar, is a classic seafood tavern that has live music every day of the week. Popular East Coast dishes are prepared with Gulf and local seafood to create delectable menu offerings ranging from Maryland crab and grilled Atlantic swordfish to Classic Baikal caviar and live Maine lobster. In addition to one of the largest raw bars in the city, guests are treated to a relaxing ambiance that includes soft lighting, unique marine wall decor, elegant seating and well-dressed staff members.
Top review
CharlesVIP
Dined 4 days ago
We ate early so the noise level was low...also following Easter weekend, so quiet. The food presentation is wonderful, and very tasty. We enjoyed our dinner and will return, great value, beautiful interior, live music and exceptional service, what more could you ask!
One of the favorite new restaurants in Houston, Loch Bar, is a classic seafood tavern that has live music every day of the week. Popular East Coast dishes are prepared with Gulf and local seafood to create delectable menu offerings ranging from Maryland crab and grilled Atlantic swordfish to Classic Baikal caviar and live Maine lobster. In addition to one of the largest raw bars in the city, guests are treated to a relaxing ambiance that includes soft lighting, unique marine wall decor, elegant seating and well-dressed staff members.
Top review
CharlesVIP
Dined 4 days ago
We ate early so the noise level was low...also following Easter weekend, so quiet. The food presentation is wonderful, and very tasty. We enjoyed our dinner and will return, great value, beautiful interior, live music and exceptional service, what more could you ask!
Eunice
4.8 (2687)
$30 and under
Creole / Cajun / Southern
Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
Named after the Southern Louisiana town that the executive chef hails from, Eunice provides a taste of modern Cajun-Creole that’s cemented its place as one of the best new restaurants in Houston. The menu is seasonally inspired and offers options such as charred broccolini, gulf shrimp etouffee and slow roast pork jambalaya. There's also a full raw bar with everything from oysters to seasonal blue crab. Guests enjoy their meal while surrounded by exquisite décor that includes fancy light coverings, expensive seating and vintage design elements interspersed with contemporary features.
Top review
JamesVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Very good brunch, sympathetic and knowledgeable staff - this made for a very good family gathering on Easter.
Named after the Southern Louisiana town that the executive chef hails from, Eunice provides a taste of modern Cajun-Creole that’s cemented its place as one of the best new restaurants in Houston. The menu is seasonally inspired and offers options such as charred broccolini, gulf shrimp etouffee and slow roast pork jambalaya. There's also a full raw bar with everything from oysters to seasonal blue crab. Guests enjoy their meal while surrounded by exquisite décor that includes fancy light coverings, expensive seating and vintage design elements interspersed with contemporary features.
Top review
JamesVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Very good brunch, sympathetic and knowledgeable staff - this made for a very good family gathering on Easter.
The Original Ninfa's Uptown
4.7 (788)
$30 and under
Mexican
Galleria / Uptown
“Mama” Ninfa began her culinary career when she opened The Original Ninfa’s in 1973. This champion of cuisine is credited with bringing fajitas to America, but the menu and the number of locations has expanded a bit since that point. Offerings include handmade tamales, combination fajitas, beef brisket tamales and a variety of seasonal specials ranging from wood-oven octopus to roasted duck. The inside offers traditional Spanish décor with a few contemporary ornamentations sprinkled in. Guests can even snag a picture of the ofrenda set up in “Mama” Ninfa’s honor when filling their cup with complimentary flavored water if there's a wait.
Top review
Samuel
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Amazing as usual, food was great! Service greats!
“Mama” Ninfa began her culinary career when she opened The Original Ninfa’s in 1973. This champion of cuisine is credited with bringing fajitas to America, but the menu and the number of locations has expanded a bit since that point. Offerings include handmade tamales, combination fajitas, beef brisket tamales and a variety of seasonal specials ranging from wood-oven octopus to roasted duck. The inside offers traditional Spanish décor with a few contemporary ornamentations sprinkled in. Guests can even snag a picture of the ofrenda set up in “Mama” Ninfa’s honor when filling their cup with complimentary flavored water if there's a wait.
Top review
Samuel
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Amazing as usual, food was great! Service greats!
a'Bouzy
4.7 (2786)
$30 and under
Contemporary French / American
River Oaks
Down in the River Oaks neighborhood sits a'Bouzy – a place that is lovingly referred to as "champagne-fueled" and has multiple wine buckets spread throughout the eatery. The exposed brick combines with large antique bottle openers and reclaimed wood to create a uniquely rustic aura. Guests who want to really be impressed by one of the new restaurants in Houston, though, need only look up. There are hundreds of champagne bubbles hanging from the ceiling. Diners should try out the seared Gulf shrimp, local seafood pasta, braised chicken or just head over to the fresh market raw bar.
Top review
susanVIP
Dined 4 days ago
a’Bouzy exceeded our expectations in every way. Food was outstanding, service fabulous, ambiance was great. I will be back!
Down in the River Oaks neighborhood sits a'Bouzy – a place that is lovingly referred to as "champagne-fueled" and has multiple wine buckets spread throughout the eatery. The exposed brick combines with large antique bottle openers and reclaimed wood to create a uniquely rustic aura. Guests who want to really be impressed by one of the new restaurants in Houston, though, need only look up. There are hundreds of champagne bubbles hanging from the ceiling. Diners should try out the seared Gulf shrimp, local seafood pasta, braised chicken or just head over to the fresh market raw bar.
Top review
susanVIP
Dined 4 days ago
a’Bouzy exceeded our expectations in every way. Food was outstanding, service fabulous, ambiance was great. I will be back!
Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston
4.6 (521)
$30 and under
Mexican
Galleria / Uptown
Not many of the new restaurants in Houston make their food and beverage offerings as obvious in their name as Blanco Tacos + Tequila. Fortunately for those with varying tastes, they offer more than just tacos and Mexican liquor. The menu also includes their famous guacamole, braised chicken, pork chile verde and fajita and margarita selections. The large “Blanco” sign out front makes this place hard to miss, but it’s the packed patio area that usually catches the attention of passersby. The interior offers comfy, intricate murals and a wall packed with decorative flower boxes.
Top review
sandra
Dined on Apr 1, 2025
Great ambiance and the wait staff was very friendly and attentive
Not many of the new restaurants in Houston make their food and beverage offerings as obvious in their name as Blanco Tacos + Tequila. Fortunately for those with varying tastes, they offer more than just tacos and Mexican liquor. The menu also includes their famous guacamole, braised chicken, pork chile verde and fajita and margarita selections. The large “Blanco” sign out front makes this place hard to miss, but it’s the packed patio area that usually catches the attention of passersby. The interior offers comfy, intricate murals and a wall packed with decorative flower boxes.
Top review
sandra
Dined on Apr 1, 2025
Great ambiance and the wait staff was very friendly and attentive
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - River Oaks
4.6 (2548)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
River Oaks
Opening its newest location in 2018, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille brought its decades worth of culinary excellence to the new Red Oaks location. They provide a social hour, live entertainment Monday through Saturday, and a variety of delicious cocktails at Bar 79. The teal chairs surrounding their marble bar, extravagant overhead lighting, fine dining sets and grand staircase all provide guests with an experience they might expect on a luxurious ocean liner. Guests are treated to a variety of delectable options such as BBQ octopus, prime beef carpaccio, escargot, seafood stuffed mushrooms and the impressive Iced Seafood Tower.
Top review
Gerardo
Dined 1 day ago
Introduced two friends to the pork chops! Lives have been changed for good!
Opening its newest location in 2018, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille brought its decades worth of culinary excellence to the new Red Oaks location. They provide a social hour, live entertainment Monday through Saturday, and a variety of delicious cocktails at Bar 79. The teal chairs surrounding their marble bar, extravagant overhead lighting, fine dining sets and grand staircase all provide guests with an experience they might expect on a luxurious ocean liner. Guests are treated to a variety of delectable options such as BBQ octopus, prime beef carpaccio, escargot, seafood stuffed mushrooms and the impressive Iced Seafood Tower.
Top review
Gerardo
Dined 1 day ago
Introduced two friends to the pork chops! Lives have been changed for good!
Warehouse 72
4.6 (830)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Spring Branch
Guests at Warehouse 72 are surrounded by extraordinary commissioned murals, exposed brick, vintage lighting and stained-wood tables that create an industrial atmosphere. That makes it no surprise that their menu has contemporary American offerings, but each is inspired by Mediterranean and Italian flavors. This includes their salmoriglio grilled filet, Za'atar roasted chicken, Margherita pizza and short rib ragu pappardelle. Just look for the red carpet leading up to the door and murals to find one of the best new restaurants in Houston.
Top review
Mike
Dined 6 days ago
I give warehouse 72 five stars service was outstanding good was excellent and price was reasonable. Looking forward to going back.
Guests at Warehouse 72 are surrounded by extraordinary commissioned murals, exposed brick, vintage lighting and stained-wood tables that create an industrial atmosphere. That makes it no surprise that their menu has contemporary American offerings, but each is inspired by Mediterranean and Italian flavors. This includes their salmoriglio grilled filet, Za'atar roasted chicken, Margherita pizza and short rib ragu pappardelle. Just look for the red carpet leading up to the door and murals to find one of the best new restaurants in Houston.
Top review
Mike
Dined 6 days ago
I give warehouse 72 five stars service was outstanding good was excellent and price was reasonable. Looking forward to going back.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Willowbrook, TX | Commons at Willowbrook
4.6 (253)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Tomball
Few of the new restaurants in Houston are as impressive as Gyu-Kaku. Each table has its own personal grill, and they offer "Shared Plates" in order to help guests experience a truly social outing. There’s a brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday featuring popular items like Shio Negi tofu, spicy pork, miso soup and chicken breast teriyaki. Other menus feature similar offerings in addition to the lunch sets which feature around eight different items. The Japanese art spread throughout along with contemporary lighting and décor make this eatery as impressive to the eyes as the palate.
Top review
Rosalia
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Great food selection and ambience. Totally recommend!
Few of the new restaurants in Houston are as impressive as Gyu-Kaku. Each table has its own personal grill, and they offer "Shared Plates" in order to help guests experience a truly social outing. There’s a brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday featuring popular items like Shio Negi tofu, spicy pork, miso soup and chicken breast teriyaki. Other menus feature similar offerings in addition to the lunch sets which feature around eight different items. The Japanese art spread throughout along with contemporary lighting and décor make this eatery as impressive to the eyes as the palate.
Top review
Rosalia
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Great food selection and ambience. Totally recommend!
The Union Kitchen (Towne Lake)
4.3 (878)
$30 and under
American
Cypress
Located just minutes away in Cypress, The Union Kitchen is still considered one of the best new restaurants in Houston. It offers a very casual atmosphere and is located on the Towne Lake – making beautiful views of the water a huge appeal. The inside features exposed brick, visible ducts, vintage lighting and an impressive focal wall that all give off an industrial vibe. Outdoor dining is year-round and has air coolers for when the Texas heat becomes a nuisance. The impressively diverse menu offers New Orleans BBQ shrimp, Texas blue lump crab cakes, Frito pie mac & cheese, Korean short ribs and the Lolo Hawaiian tostada.
Top review
Kim
Dined on Apr 18, 2025
Excellent food, nice atmosphere, but slow service.
Located just minutes away in Cypress, The Union Kitchen is still considered one of the best new restaurants in Houston. It offers a very casual atmosphere and is located on the Towne Lake – making beautiful views of the water a huge appeal. The inside features exposed brick, visible ducts, vintage lighting and an impressive focal wall that all give off an industrial vibe. Outdoor dining is year-round and has air coolers for when the Texas heat becomes a nuisance. The impressively diverse menu offers New Orleans BBQ shrimp, Texas blue lump crab cakes, Frito pie mac & cheese, Korean short ribs and the Lolo Hawaiian tostada.
Top review
Kim
Dined on Apr 18, 2025
Excellent food, nice atmosphere, but slow service.
Sorriso Italian Kitchen
4.4 (619)
$30 and under
Italian
The Woodlands
Located on The Woodlands Waterway, Sorriso Italian Kitchen offers a modern take on traditional fare from the Old Country. Live music, neon-lit stairs leading to the Como Club, a pillar of wine and breathtaking views of the city combine to provide a contemporary atmosphere in this eatery. There’s also a wine list with over 200 unique selections, and many of the boutique offerings are organic. When it's time to enjoy the cuisine, offerings like the broccolini pesto, grilled branzino, roasted chicken marsala and grilled octopus all make this one of the best new restaurants in Houston.
Top review
Kam
Dined on Apr 16, 2025
Sorriso delivers classic Italian comfort in a cozy setting. The pork belly was fresh and flavorful, the scallops and shrimp rissoto was rich but balanced, and the chicken parm was hearty and satisfying. Friendly service from John and a great wine list round out the experience. Don’t skip the dessert! Rating: 10/10– A perfect spot for pasta lovers
Located on The Woodlands Waterway, Sorriso Italian Kitchen offers a modern take on traditional fare from the Old Country. Live music, neon-lit stairs leading to the Como Club, a pillar of wine and breathtaking views of the city combine to provide a contemporary atmosphere in this eatery. There’s also a wine list with over 200 unique selections, and many of the boutique offerings are organic. When it's time to enjoy the cuisine, offerings like the broccolini pesto, grilled branzino, roasted chicken marsala and grilled octopus all make this one of the best new restaurants in Houston.
Top review
Kam
Dined on Apr 16, 2025
Sorriso delivers classic Italian comfort in a cozy setting. The pork belly was fresh and flavorful, the scallops and shrimp rissoto was rich but balanced, and the chicken parm was hearty and satisfying. Friendly service from John and a great wine list round out the experience. Don’t skip the dessert! Rating: 10/10– A perfect spot for pasta lovers

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