The Houston dining scene is more than just a delicious plate of food and tasty cocktails. A restaurant's ambiance sets the tone for a memorable evening. We sat down with the teams behind three of Houston's newest and most dazzling restaurants to get the scoop on how they create a mood that makes diners want to linger long after the last course.
Azumi, 4444 Westheimer Rd, 77027; azumirestaurant.com
Style
Inspired by Tokyo's cosmopolitan nightlife, Azumi's interior emanates discreet luxury. A light color palette, elevated textures, and natural materials provide warmth to the 6,500-square-foot main dining room, creating a vibrant space that feels both modern and reminiscent of traditional Japanese dining.
Vibe
Stylish, sectioned seating and moody, ambient lighting set the tone for an intimate and buzzy environment at Azumi. The restaurant's culture is refined and lively, and the seamless flow of the restaurant's interior contributes to the social nature of the space. For instance, a set of 10-foot sliding glass doors can be fully opened to connect the main dining room, cocktail bar – which offers 360-degree seating – and intimate chef's table room to the covered outdoor terraces. Azumi also features a custom-built sake barrel display room, visible outside and inside the restaurant, and serves as a natural conversation starter.
Materials
A nod to the location's River Oaks neighborhood, white oak flows throughout the restaurant in both the overhead beams and floors. The floors, a blend of white oak and oversized gray ceramic tiles, resemble traditional gray tiles often used in Japan. In addition, Japanese calligraphy-inspired artwork by Leo Shallat and traditional silk Shoji screens adorn the space.
Design Team
World-renowned Patrick Sutton and his team designed Azumi's interiors.
Turner's Cut, 811 Buffalo Pk Dr., 77019; turnerscut.com
Style
Designed to be "the most opulent steakhouse in Houston," Turner's Cut's design team chose a style similar to that of New York's Gilded Age. The team wanted to transport diners to a New York City steakhouse from the late 1800s and used eclectic and exquisite design elements throughout the restaurant, from the dining room to the bathrooms.
Vibe
According to the design team, Turner's Cut's vibe can be summed up in one word: luxurious. From Venetian glass brick to sparkling chandeliers, every detail of Berg's latest concept aims to evoke a feeling of magnificence.
Materials
The opulent world of Turner's Cut was created from some of the finest design materials, including handcrafted wallpaper and Venetian glass brick. The bar is crafted from gold-cut crystal class, with a wall of gold Venetian glass bricks behind it. The dining room boasts white leather seats with pearlized finishes, while the enclosed patio features handcrafted floral wallpaper.
Design Team
Benjamin Berg enlisted Gail McCleese of the design firm Sensitori. McCleese and Berg have also collaborated on other Berg Hospitality Concepts, including Soy Cowboy in Arlington and Annabelle Brasserie.
Potente (private dining room), 1515 Texas Ave, 77002; potentehouston.com
Style
The style of Potente's private dining room is upscale and modern. It is meant to be a monochromatic venue that can be versatile depending on the event.
Vibe
The room was designed with a moody elegance meant to blend seamlessly with the main eating space of the restaurant.
Materials
Focal points include custom-made upholstery, stunning Yellow Goat Design chandeliers, and a floor-to-ceiling glass-walled wine room.
Design Team
Houston-based interior design firm Gin Design Group designed the private dining room. Gin Design group is a hospitality-focused design firm known for their work on several of Houston's top restaurants.