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    where to eat right now

    Where to eat in Houston right now: 7 best new restaurants for November

    Eric Sandler
    Nov 21, 2019 | 9:35 am

    This month’s crop of new restaurants to try offers a wide range of choices. Whether it’s a new hotel restaurant in the Texas Medical Center, the city’s newest food hall, or a veteran chef stretching his legs at a brewery, diners have lots of new choices.

    As always, these restaurants are in the order I think you should try them based on my experiences dining there. Please enjoy.

    Politan Row
    Rice Village’s new food hall offers eight stands that serve everything from Mexican to Carribean to Thai cuisine. With a mid-century modern look and a large, central bar, it’s already proving to be a popular dining option in the bustling shopping district.

    For this month, I’ll focus on the half I’ve been to and save the remaining four for December. Evelyn Garcia’s Kin builds on the success she had at Decatur Bar with a new menu of curries, snacks, and roti; barbecue brisket roti is a definite highlight. Similarly, Victoria Elizondo used countless Taco Tuesdays to hone Cochinita & Co.’s namesake pork tacos into a deeply savory recipe that’s highly satisfying.

    As a person of Japanese ancestry who grew up in Peru, Masaru Fukuda is a living embodiment of Nikkei culture. At Pacha, he serves creative sushi rolls such as the picante (spicy tuna, mango, avocado, and wasabi vinaigrette) alongside ceviches and tiraditos. Light and refreshing, the clean flavors make his offerings compelling.

    Their work opening shops like Blacksmith and Morningstar demonstrate that sisters Ecky and Niken Prabanto know plenty about coffee and tea. At Susu Kopi and Boba, they mine their Indonesian heritage to add milk tea and soft serve ice cream to the mix. Leaving without a cone of coffee, chocolate, corn, or matcha — topped with homemade magic shell, natch — would be a mistake.

    A couple of details about the food hall’s structure are worth nothing. Since none of the stands have vent hoods, all of the actual cooking is done in a hidden back kitchen. Dishes are assembled at the stands and presented to the customer. Also, the hall provides a staff who oversee operations, keep things clean, and can help diners navigate the facility.

    Finally, with an absence of familiar choices like pizza, pasta, and burgers, it’s worth noting that the hall has limited utility for picky eaters. Hopefully, families with children will discover the joy of falafel and gyro at Torshi or a pork taco at Cochinita and Co. 2445 Times Blvd.

    Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company
    Chef Arash Kharat has gotten off to a strong start at his new home, a 200-seat restaurant on the second floor of Buffalo Bayou’s new brewery in Sawyer Yards. Formerly with Beaver’s, Kharat shows that he’s capable of more than just barbecue and burgers.

    For example, the restaurant’s pizzas feature a dough that’s fermented for 72 hours to give it a light texture and pleasant chewiness. The pies are topped with all manner of ingredients, including housemade sausage (housemade, all-beef pepperoni will hit the menu as soon as this week). Kharat’s creativity manifests itself in other ways; instead of serving traditional fried pickles, he’s featuring an Indian-inspired pakora of local vegetables that offers a more diverse range of flavors and is gluten-friendly.

    I’ll be back soon to try the wings and the tacos he plans to introduce. Whatever someone chooses to eat, Buff Brew’s full range offers plenty of pairing options. 2101 Summer St.

    Traveler’s Table
    With all due respect to my good friend David Leftwich (we’ve been recording The Full Menu segments on Houston Matters together for more than five years), I think his review of this new Montrose restaurant missed the point of what it’s trying to achieve. If someone is craving one of the specific dishes on its menu — whether that’s butter chicken, khao soi, Argentinian steak, salmon tartare, or shrimp and grits — go to a restaurant that specializes in the part of the world where that dish comes from.

    What owner Matthew Mitchell has created is a restaurant where diners could sample all of those dishes and more in the course of a meal. While the individual dishes make no claims about authenticity, their ingredients and elegant plating help elevate them.

    Obviously, some dishes are stronger than others. Standouts across two visits include the salmon tartare on crispy rice cakes, beef cheek ravioli in a creamy cheese sauce, Greek flatbread, and North African leg of lamb. On the other hand, Chinese five spice duck mostly tasted of its orange sauce and the butter chicken lacked the rich tomato sauce that makes the dish shine.

    Well-balanced cocktails and an eclectic wine list make finding a beverage easy, and the redesign of the former Aqui space (new fabrics and light fixtures, a slightly relocated entrance) come together to create a place that should find an audience. 520 Westheimer Rd.

    One Dim Sum
    Inner loopers have been denied the pleasure of all-day dim sum since Yum Yum Cha closed in 2015 have an exciting new option in Midtown. Located in the former Maba Pan-Asian Diner space, the restaurant serves a full range of steamed and fried dim sum dishes as well as a limited selection of Cantonese and Sichuan-style entrees.

    Favorites on a recent visit included classics like pork and prawn shu mai, har gau (steamed shrimp dumplings), and xiao long bao (soup dumplings). The menu also features dishes that are reminiscent of those served at Yauatcha such as pea shoot and crab meat dumplings, bbq venison puff, and crispy prawn cheung fun — all at lower prices than the versions served at the upscale, London-based restaurant’s location in the Galleria. What One Dim Sum lacks in style, it makes up for in flavor, and that’s enough to make it a compelling alternative to driving down Bellaire for dumplings. 510 Gray St.

    Sixty Vines
    The Plano-based pizzeria and wine bar has brought its eclectic menu and 51 wines on tap to a 8,700-square-foot, two-story space in Rice Village. With a wide range of varietals from different regions, the tap selection should satisfy most oenophiles, and those who need more selections will find them available by-the-glass or bottle.

    Starter options include well-executed versions of classic dishes like wood-roasted cauliflower and meatballs in a vibrant tomato sauce. An off-the-menu pizza with butternut squash and a balsamic drizzle sounded sweet when presented by the server, but the addition of sausage and a sturdy crust helped balance out the flavors. An under-seasoned ceviche proved the kitchen still has some kinks to work out, but overall it’s easy to see why the restaurant is already drawing crowds.

    Patrons may park on the elevated parking deck free for two hours. Access the ramp from Kelvin Dr. The restaurant has a second-story entrance that makes getting in and out easy. 2540 University Blvd.

    Safina
    The Texas Medical Center’s limited dining options have improved courtesy of this Mediterranean restaurant that debuted earlier this year in the InterContinental hotel. Executive chef Tiago Almeida brings both his Portugeuse heritage and years of experience working for The Four Seasons to his role.

    Dishes like lamb chops with mint yogurt, asparagus risotto, and shrimp Provençal may not be ground-breaking, but they’re flavorful and well-executed. By the standards of a hotel restaurant, they’re far more interesting than the usual salmon or filet mignon. Safina’s arrival gives Med Center workers or visitors a satisfying dinner option — and The Naturalist, its companion bar, should be a welcome new option for happy hour. 6750 Main St.

    Merus Grill
    This new restaurant from J. Alexander’s just opened in Uptown Park. Given the look (mostly dark with spotlights over individual tables), the servers in all black, and the grill-focused menu, the only real question is whether or not it will be a sufficient replacement for the Houston’s on Westheimer that recently closed after almost 40 years in business.

    A visit on its second day open to the public yielded mixed results. On the plus side, both a steak burger and the signature prime rib arrived at the requested medium rare temperature, and dishes such as an avocado bomb (sliced avocado with raw tuna), barbecue ribs, and Caesar salad all proved to be worthy versions of their respective classics. While the prime rib looked fantastic, it had a mushy texture that prevented the dish from being as satisfying as it should have been.

    The prices are lower than Houston’s, and the staff’s commitment to friendly service almost matched its rival. If the kitchen can get the food to measure up, the Galleria area may not feel the loss of the other restaurant quite as acutely. 1180-1 Uptown Park Blvd.

    Asparagus risotto stands out at Safina.

    Safina asparagus risotto
      
    Courtesy of Safina
    Asparagus risotto stands out at Safina.
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    Where to Eat Brunch Now

    10 Houston restaurants spicing up brunch with fresh new flavors

    Brianna Griff
    May 16, 2025 | 10:14 am
    Smoked Salmon Latke Kirsten Gilliam Okto Brunch
    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam
    Okto's newly launched brunch features fresh dishes like this smoked salmon latke.

    Houston’s weekend routine just got a jolt of new flavors. From a Peruvian-Vietnamese mash-up to a Mediterranean feast in Montrose and a seafood-driven spread in Autry Park, a wave of both new and established Houston restaurants are rolling out fresh takes on everyone's favorite weekend indulgence. Whether it’s four riffs on eggs Benedict or savoring a foie-gras macaron while being serenaded by a violin, these 10 new options are delivering bold brunches with global influences and tipsy tinctures.

    Alora Restaurant and Bar
    Located in the former Kau Ba space in Montrose, this restaurant touts itself as Houston's only Peruvian-Vietnamese restaurant. For brunch, chefs and married couple Diego Ponce and Makala Ponce have created a menu that fuses the two cuisines — think Lima Hot Chicken and Pandan French Toast ($19) with aji limo pepper balanced by the sweetness of pandan. The Bò Né ($28) is a Vietnamese twist on steak and eggs alongside Comté cheese, pate, and tomatoes, while the salmon on crispy toast ($22) is crowned with guacamole, pickled vegetables, and a passion fruit vinaigrette. Beverages include the Alora Bloody Mary ($15) with pickled quail eggs and green mango. Alora serves brunch 11 am-3 pm on weekends.

    Smoked Salmon Latke Kirsten Gilliam Okto Brunch
      

    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

    Okto's newly launched brunch features fresh dishes like this smoked salmon latke.

    Chardon
    The Thompson Hotel's fine dining restaurant launched in February, transporting both guests and diners to France with its fare. Chardon has become a destination in its own right, and the addition of weekend brunch makes it even more appealing. Classics like Quiche Lorraine ($18) and Croque Monsieur ($32) sit on the menu alongside creations of delicate Lox et Crêpe with dill crème fraîche ($26) and the Avocado and Haricot Vert Tartine topped with a jammy soft-boiled egg ($17). The Bisous Tower ($23/person) proffers a selection of savory pastries and small bites like foie gras macarons and Texas cornbread madeleines. A violinist sets a soft soundtrack while patrons dine. Brunch is 11 am–3 pm on weekends.

    il Bracco
    The Galleria-area Italian spot just upgraded its weekend offerings with several new bites. Housemade pastries include zeppole with orange marmalade ($10), blueberry focaccia ($9), and an artichoke and arugula scone ($12). The weekend-only bucatini carbonara is now joined by shakshuka alla verde, the restaurant's riffs on eggs in purgatory ($19); frittata with with asparagus, goat cheese, tomatoes, and arugula ($17); and a mortadela sandwich on focaccia ($16). Pair them with a mimosa, espresso martini, or a breakfast martini with a little orange marmalade. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

    Maximo
    The West U. restaurant's weekend brunch offers a range of masa-based dishes. Consider egg Benedict that swaps the traditional English muffin for masa cornbread or cinnamon-sugar coated masa waffles that are topped with cheesecake whipped cream, Japanese peanuts, and agave syrup. Huevos ahogados, drowned in green tomatillo salsa, are served with a side of corn tortillas to soak up every bite of the mushrooms, greens, and Oaxacan cheese. Pair them with cocktails such as the Java-Horchata Flip (sake, coffee liqueur, horchata, whole egg, peanut chili crisp) and the Sangria Tango (tomatillo, cucumber, coriander, green chili, with the guest’s choice of agave or Mexican gin). Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

    Melrose
    Created by CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Chef of the Year Emmanuel Chavez, the Montrose lounge serves clever riffs on enduring brunch favorites. Options include charred tomatillo chilaquiles with poached eggs, an acai bowl served in a half coconut, hanger steak with eggs and chimichurri, and a breakfast sandwich made with scrambled eggs, cheese, and brown sugar-roasted “billionaire’s bacon” on a brioche bun. The Melrose Tower channels New York's iconic Sadelle's restaurant with its house-cured lox, mini bagels, chive cream cheese, and accoutrements. Drink options include a spritz, Bloody Mary, and a michelada verde made with tomatillo juice. Brunch is served on Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

    MF Lobster and Seafood
    The weekend spread at this Autry Park destination aims to elevate Houston’s brunch offerings. Think Benedicts made with silky hollandaise cascading over lobster, braised bacon, pork belly, or classic Canadian bacon (yes, that’s four varieties of the dish). The indulgence continues with wagyu steak and eggs, buttery Maine lobster popovers, and bagels and lox featuring Ora King salmon and roe. For the sweet tooth, choose a brioche pain perdu with caramelized apples and whipped maple mascarpone, or end the meal with a dark chocolate pot de crème. MF Lobster and Seafood serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-2:30 pm.

    Okto
    Sof Hospitality’s Mediterranean restaurant kicks off Sunday with a late-morning feast of fresh flavors such as pan con tomate salad with grilled sourdough and bruleed burrata ($20) and the rich notes of the beet-cured lox atop a potato apple latke ($22). Other highlights include an omelet with blue crab and mascarpone ($24) and a crepe Suzette ($16) accentuated with Grand Marnier, candied orange, and whipped ricotta. Okto’s spot at the trendy Montrose Collective boasts a spacious patio and ample underground parking (or valet). Brunch is served Sunday from 11 am-4 pm at Okto.

    Relish Restaurant and Bar
    The second outpost of this River Oaks staple opened in Memorial’s Town and Country Village at the end of 2024, but only added brunch to its repertoire at the end of April. Flaky herb biscuits ($9), buttermilk pancakes topped with brandied pecans ($15), and a salmon citrus salad with champagne vinaigrette ($24) are just a few of the dishes available. The Italian baked eggs ($18) in a pomodoro sauce with Italian sausage and grilled sourdough is a highlight of the menu. Diners can take advantage of all-day happy hour deals on select cocktails, beer, and wine, with a full espresso bar for those abstaining or still recovering from the previous night’s festivities. Relish serves brunch from 10 am-3 pm on weekends.

    Santé Lounge
    The Upper Kirby lounge’s patio is sure to be a destination for the posh set this summer. Santé's Sunday Funday Brunch features an elevated twist on classics like Dubai chocolate croissants, the grilled-to-order Santé burger with brioche, and a platter laden with five chilled seafood preparations. Patrons can listen as a live DJ spins tunes while relaxing on the patio with its cabanas, chandeliers, and greenery. Order the deviled egg trio (Nashville hot chicken, Tobiko caviar, and ramen egg) and sangria (with white or red wine) for the table. Brunch at Santé is from 12 pm-4 pm on Sunday, with a required dress code.

    Traveler’s Cart
    The Street Market Brunch is an international affair with cinnamon-dusted Morning Churros ($8), Chinese breakfast dumplings ($12) paired with a sambal-oyster-soy sauce, and charming fish-shaped Japanese taiyaki waffles ($9) with yuzu custard filling. Or dig into Turkish cilibir eggs ($15) seasoned with Aleppo pepper, smoked paprika, and za’atar oil. The global tour continues at the bar with "around-the-world" mimosas, a build-your-own Bloody Mary cart, and Don’t Stop the Carnival ($13), a punchy Brazilian coffee cocktail of rum, sweetened condensed milk, and toasted coconut. Traveler’s Cart serves brunch from 10 am-3 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

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