Warwick opening date

New upscale restaurant in former Houston's space sets eagerly anticipated opening date

Thai noodle salad is a standout at The Warwick.

Photo by Raydon Creative

One of this year's most eagerly anticipated new restaurants will open its doors this week. The Warwick begins dinner service this Friday, April 15.

Located in the former Houston's space on Westheimer at Fountain View (5888 Westheimer Rd.), The Warwick aims to provide an upscale atmosphere with a menu grounded in classic Cajun and Creole fare. As CultureMap reported in February, the project unites a group of veteran operators, including Steve Rogers (Bar 5015), Rob Wright (Prospect Park), Mazen Baltagi (Slowpokes), and local attorney Kurt Agomuo. Collectively, they bring more than 20 years of experience running everything from coffee shops to steakhouses to the new establishment.

“Guests should expect a superb culinary experience paired with a refreshed, modern atmosphere,” Wright said in a statement. “The sophisticated and alluring vibe sets the tone for an eventful evening on the town.”

To create that superb culinary experience, the partners turned to executive chef Antoine Ware. The New Orleans native has worked at some of Houston's best restaurants, including Harold's in the Heights, as well as alongside Chris Shepherd at Catalan and Underbelly. Originally a consultant on the project, Ware has committed to be the restaurant's full time chef.

“This is my most exciting menu to date," Ware said. "I grew up cooking this style of food so having the opportunity to showcase refreshed and modern versions of classic dishes is really my specialty.”

The dinner menu starts with shareables such as raw or chargrilled oysters, Korean cauliflower, and polenta balls. Entree choices include Gulf shrimp and grits, Snapper Orleans (served over jambalaya risotto), and Chicken 713 Pasta (Statler cut breast served over garlic crème pasta with roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes).

Ware's menu also nods to the space's former occupant. Diners will find riffs on Houston's signatures such as The Dip (spinach and artichoke dip), Thai noodle salad with grilled shrimp, and a Hawaiian ribeye.

Interior designer Nicki Dooms of NHI Design has transformed the space with light-colored woods, copper and gold tones, and custom marble flooring. The space offers both a private dining room and outdoor seating.

For now, The Warwick opens daily at 4 pm. It plans to add lunch in May with brunch to follow in July.

Snapper Orleans.

Photo by Raydon Creative

Snapper Orleans.

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dine out and do good

Houston charity dining event returns with $15 lunches and $25 dinners

Photo by Michael Ma

Murray's serves a mix of pizza and shareable plates.

Houston Restaurant’s Week more affordable sibling has returned for 2026. Eat Drink HTX takes place from February 15 until February 28.

Similar to Houston Restaurant Weeks, participants in Eat Drink HTX serve two- or three-course meals at a set price of $15 for lunch and brunch and $25 for dinner. Whereas HRW is loaded with fine dining options, EDH’s lower price point allows more casual restaurants to participate. Restaurants will donate $0.50 per $15 meal sold and $1 per $25 meal sold to the Cleverley Stone Foundation, which will then make a contribution to the Houston Food Bank.

As recent closures demonstrate, Houston’s restaurants are struggling. EDH is intended to bring in customers as businesses emerge from the typically slow month of January.

“We have all seen the lists of restaurant closures that seem to be issued on a reoccurring basis – it’s heartbreaking,” organizer Katie Stone, president of the Cleverley Stone Foundation, said in a statement. “Restaurants are the heart and soul of our community. In times of crisis they step up, serve and support others. This is our time as Houstonians to support our restaurant industry by dining out. At the same time, you can ‘Do Good’ as proceeds benefit the Houston Food Bank.”

Stone has recruited dozens of restaurants to participate, including establishments that opened in 2025 such as Caribbean Jerk Palace, Honest Mary’s, Murray’s Pizza & Wine, and Traveler’s Cart. Diners will also find Tex-Mex well represented, with options including El Tiempo, Los Tios, and Molina’s.

Tourao Brazilian Churrasqueria will even give diners a slimmed down, $25 take on its traditional all-you-can-eat experience that includes a visit to the restaurant’s salad bar and a combo meat platter that offers picanha, garlic beef, Brazilian sausage, bacon-wrapped chicken, and two jumbo shrimp.

Also new this year is Galleria-area favorite Burger-Chan. Its $15 menu includes choice of a five-ounce burger, a four-ounce turkey burger, or a felafel burger, paired with choice of side and a non-alcoholic soft drink, iced tea, or lemonade (premium toppings such as bacon, spam, or fried egg are available for an additional charge).

Diners will find the full list of participants on the Eat Drink HTX/Houston Restaurant Weeks website.

"We’re participating in Eat Drink HTX because both the Houston Food Bank and our industry need support now more than ever,” added Craft Pita chef-owner Raffi Nasar. “It’s a meaningful way for us to give back while championing the restaurant community. For our guests, it’s an affordable opportunity to try new menu items.”

Photo by Michael Ma

Murray's Pizza & Wine is participating in Eat Drink HTX.

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