introducing The Warwick

Upscale new restaurant paying homage to Houston graces the Galleria area

The Warwick will open later this spring.

Courtesy of NHI Design

A new upscale restaurant is coming to the Galleria area this spring. The Warwick will occupy the former Houston's restaurant at 5888 Westheimer Rd.

Named for the historic Houston hotel in the Museum District (now Hotel ZaZa), The Warwick aims to provide an upscale experience. 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, the group has operated everything from coffee shops to steakhouses and brings more than 20 years of experience to their new endeavor.

“This project has been in the works for over a year now, and we’re excited to finally give Houston a taste of The Warwick," Baltagi said in a statement. "What better ode to the great city of Houston’s diverse population than with a tribute to it with a sundry of culinary menu options that exemplify our city.”

Those menu options have been created by chef Antoine Ware. The New Orleans native has worked at some of Houston's best restaurants, including Brennan's of Houston and Harold's in the Heights as well as alongside Chris Shepherd at Catalan and Underbelly. Although working as a consultant for The Warwick (rather than its executive chef), a representative tells CultureMap the chef will be in the kitchen for the opening and beyond.

Ware's Southern-inspired menu will include dishes such as raw and chargrilled oysters, lamb chops, butter-poached lobster tails, a vegan pasta, and more. The Warwick will also pay homage to Houston's with dishes such as a take on spinach and artichoke dip, Thai noodle salad, and a Hawaiian ribeye.

“Our menu is appealing to both business diners and those looking for a night of celebration,” Ware said. “Excellent food paired with the atmosphere.”

Interior designer Nicki Dooms of NHI Design has transformed the space with light-colored woods, copper and gold tones, and custom marble flooring. As shown in the renderings above, the restaurant will offer a private dining room and two outdoor patios.

In terms of atmosphere, diners can expect an experience that puts the focus squarely on the food. The Warwick will cater to a business crowd at lunch with an elevated experience at dinner. Those looking for DJs and bottle service will have to opt for one of its owners' other concepts.

The Warwick will open later this spring.

Courtesy of NHI Design

The Warwick will open later this spring.

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need a hand?

Growing Houston sushi chain rolls into new Galleria-area development

Courtesy of Handies Douzo

Handies Douzo will brings its hand rolls to Uptown later this year.

A growing Houston hand roll restaurant has signed on to a new Galleria-area development. Handies Douzo is the fourth restaurant announced for Central Park Post Oak.

Opened in late 2019, Handies is known for wrapping its rolls in crispy seaweed that gives each bite a distinct crunch. The well-executed dishes and affordable prices helped Handies earn a nomination for Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year in the 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.

On track to open later this year, the Uptown location will be Handies Douzo’s fourth, joining its original in the Heights as well as restaurants in Montrose and Spring Branch. Like those siblings, it will serve Handies’ familiar menu of hand rolls (temaki), crudos, and sashimi that’s overseen by founding chefs and co-owners Daniel Lee and Patrick Pham.

Duckstache, the hospitality group behind Handies, is working with Houston’s Gin Design Group on the interior. Expect a slightly more upscale look than the restaurant’s other locations, with details such as matte black finishes and dark terrazzo to complement the 26-seat counter.

“We’re really intentional about the neighborhoods we choose and where we think Handies Douzo will feel like a natural fit,” Lee said in a statement. “Houston diners know what they like, and Uptown is such a vibrant, fast-growing area. Central Park Post Oak felt like the right match for our handroll experience and the way people in Houston live, work, and dine.”

Handies is the fourth restaurant that’s announced its plans to open at Central Park Post Oak. The others are:

Buck & Rider, an Arizona-based seafood restaurant known for its oyster bar and lively brunch
The Henry, the “ultimate neighborhood restaurant” from Flower Child owner Fox Restaurant Concepts
Sparrow Italia, an Italian steakhouse from Toca Madera owner Noble 33.

Announced last year, Central Park Post Oak will consist of three buildings with a combined 1.2 million square feet of office space separated by a three-acre lawn. Houston-based real estate development firm Midway, working with real estate investment firms 3Edgewood and Parkway, is developing the property. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026 with the restaurants openings to follow.

“Handies Douzo represents the kind of thoughtful, chef-driven hospitality we want at the heart of Central Park Post Oak,” Midway vice president Clayton Freels said. “Patrick, Daniel, and the Duckstache team have built a loyal following across Houston, and we are thrilled to help them extend that experience to Uptown in a way that feels authentic to both the brand and the neighborhood.”

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