Houston’s restaurant scene is always on the move, with new restaurants and dishes making their debut all over town. There’s no better time to break out of the usual routine, try something different, and add new favorites to your dining lineup.
(Facing Page) Houston’s newest Montrose destination, 1111, brings cocktails created by mixologists from Handshake Speakeasy, the world’s top bar in 2024, alongside cuisine from Michelin-starred chef Emmanuel Chavez. The design-forward spot pairs polished hospitality with globally inspired food and drinks. 1111htx.com
Koyo Hand Roll Bar
Houston-based Koyo Hand Roll Bar is giving sushi fans another reason to head to the Heights with its second location. The concept puts the art of the hand roll front and center, with each roll made to order and served immediately, keeping the nori warm and crisp while the seafood remains fresh.
Pull up a seat at the counter and watch the sushi being prepared. The menu features Koyo’s signature rolls made with premium seafood, along with sashimi, crudo, Japanese-inspired small plates and chef-selected seasonal dishes. The restaurant also features a carefully chosen selection of sake, wine and beer. Inspired by the Japanese word for autumn leaves, Koyo focuses on approachable sushi made with high-quality ingredients. koyohandrollbar.com
Kirkwood
Kirkwood, a new restaurant in Houston’s Energy Corridor, brings a modern clubhouse feel to the area with an elevated American menu and welcoming hospitality. Executive chef Stephen Chiang curated a menu featuring hamachi crudo, steak frites, truffle-parmesan ravioli, and a tableside Chateaubriand. The spacious restaurant is decorated with personal touches honoring Mac Haik, from an Astrodome replica at the entrance to artwork inspired by his Ole Miss roots. The design combines dark woods, rich leather, and copper with distinct spaces, including the Sunny Room and Frances Room. A wraparound bar, inspired by a Porsche Haik once bought for his wife, adds another playful nod to the family story. kirkwoodrestaurant.com
Agnes and Sherman
Agnes and Sherman is getting a lot of attention, including James Beard and Michelin nods and, most recently, earning a spot on Bon Appétit’s list of best new restaurants of 2026. The Heights diner from chef Nick Wong serves Asian American comfort food with plenty of personality. Scallion waffles with sambal butter, chicken fried steak with Vietnamese-inspired gravy, salt-and-pepper-style fries and Korean rice cakes with beef ragu are some of the menu favorites. Other must-try dishes include al pastor fried rice, crab rangoon and a Chinese BBQ club sandwich with char siu pork. agnesandsherman.com
Otium
Otium brings a stylish Italian cocktail lounge to Houston, mixing old-world Roman hospitality with a modern, exciting atmosphere. The menu features Italian wines, creative cocktails and shareable bites, while standout drinks like the tableside Diadema Martini add a little drama to the evening. otiumhtx.com
Brassica
Ohio-based Brassica brings its Eastern Mediterranean flavors to Houston, serving fresh falafel, chicken shawarma, salads, house-made sauces and warm pita baked throughout the day. The fast-casual spot offers a fresh, thoughtful take on everyday dining. brassicas.com
Collins Lobby Bar
Collins Lobby Bar adds old-school glamour to the Galleria area, pairing plush seating and low lighting with cocktails, live music and the easygoing feel of a classic hotel bar. Inspired by a Parisian hotel bar, the space is meant for nights that begin with one drink and turn into a few more. The cocktail menu is worth checking out, featuring a mix of classics and unique drinks, including a tableside martini that arrives on a vintage cart, and a truffle-and-gold-flake Rob Roy that comes tucked inside a smoking chest. There’s also an extensive selection of wine and whiskey. Don’t miss out on the food options; tuna tartare tots and mini cheeseburgers are perfect with a drink, while a baby grand piano adds to the mood. The lounge is also available for private events and celebrations. collinslobbybar.com
Star Rover
Star Rover feels like a love letter to the old-school Texas steakhouse, inspired by chef and restaurateur Ford Fry’s childhood memories. The restaurant keeps things simple and satisfying, with guests choosing their steak cut and getting a crisp salad, warm milk rolls, fries and onion rings for the table. The nostalgic setting is fun, with red checkered tablecloths, vintage artwork, stained glass and collected memorabilia. Start with shrimp cocktail, Gulf oysters or potato skins, then save room for house-made pies, fancy soft serve, or a frosty served with fries. Keep the Texas steakhouse spirit going at the bar with margaritas, ice-cold beer, steak-friendly wines and playful cocktails like the Filthy Martini and frozen espresso martini. Don’t sleep in on the weekends, because brunch features sister-restaurant Super Rica’s breakfast tacos and hot cakes. starroverhtx.com
The Audrey
The Audrey Restaurant & Bar debuts its polished, Hollywood-inspired style in Uptown at Aspire Post Oak. The contemporary American menu features seafood, steaks, handmade pasta, and the signature Hepburn Grand Plateau. Inside, Tiffany blue interiors, crystal chandeliers, and gold accents create a glamorous setting. There’s also a private dining room, outdoor patio, cocktails, and weekend brunch. audreyrestaurant.com
Hypsi
Hypsi, from two-time James Beard Award nominee Terrence Gallivan, offers Italian-style aperitivo, cocktails, and hearty fare in Height’s Hotel Daphne. Inspired by Houston’s dry-era drinking clubs, the moody space features a tableside mozzarella cart, Italian wines and spritzes, and a lush courtyard. hypsirestaurant.com
Fiora’s Bottle Shop
Fiora’s Bottle Shop is a Montrose neighborhood wine bar and bottle shop with a relaxed, comfortable vibe. The lineup includes sommelier-selected wines, caviar, preserved seafood and shareable bites, making it an easy spot for happy hour, a casual glass or picking up a bottle to take home. fiorasbottleshop.com
March
March’s Season XII takes diners on a culinary trip to Portugal, with Chef Felipe Riccio exploring the country’s maritime history through seven courses. Inspired by global trade routes and Portuguese traditions, the menu features dishes such as lobster and caviar empanadas, dorade, and rabbit cozido. marchrestaurant.com
Brennan’s of Houston
There’s something special about walking into Brennan’s of Houston. For generations, this Houston institution has been serving Creole- and Southern-inspired dishes, from its beloved crab cakes to fresh Gulf seafood to its famous Bananas Foster, while making guests feel right at home. Whether diners are celebrating a milestone, continuing a family tradition, or simply getting together for a good meal, the experience at this Midtown restaurant feels like it is just as much about hospitality as it is about what’s on the plate. brennanshouston.com
Houston’s dining scene keeps things interesting, with new restaurants, creative chefs and flavors from around the world giving us plenty of reasons to make dinner plans.
Consider your dinner plans officially upgraded.