• Home
  • popular
  • EVENTS
  • submit-new-event
  • CHARITY GUIDE
  • Children
  • Education
  • Health
  • Veterans
  • Social Services
  • Arts + Culture
  • Animals
  • LGBTQ
  • New Charity
  • TRENDING NEWS
  • News
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Home + Design
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Innovation
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • subscribe
  • about
  • series
  • Embracing Your Inner Cowboy
  • Green Living
  • Summer Fun
  • Real Estate Confidential
  • RX In the City
  • State of the Arts
  • Fall For Fashion
  • Cai's Odyssey
  • Comforts of Home
  • Good Eats
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2010
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2
  • Good Eats 2
  • HMNS Pirates
  • The Future of Houston
  • We Heart Hou 2
  • Music Inspires
  • True Grit
  • Hoops City
  • Green Living 2011
  • Cruizin for a Cure
  • Summer Fun 2011
  • Just Beat It
  • Real Estate 2011
  • Shelby on the Seine
  • Rx in the City 2011
  • Entrepreneur Video Series
  • Going Wild Zoo
  • State of the Arts 2011
  • Fall for Fashion 2011
  • Elaine Turner 2011
  • Comforts of Home 2011
  • King Tut
  • Chevy Girls
  • Good Eats 2011
  • Ready to Jingle
  • Houston at 175
  • The Love Month
  • Clifford on The Catwalk Htx
  • Let's Go Rodeo 2012
  • King's Harbor
  • FotoFest 2012
  • City Centre
  • Hidden Houston
  • Green Living 2012
  • Summer Fun 2012
  • Bookmark
  • 1987: The year that changed Houston
  • Best of Everything 2012
  • Real Estate 2012
  • Rx in the City 2012
  • Lost Pines Road Trip Houston
  • London Dreams
  • State of the Arts 2012
  • HTX Fall For Fashion 2012
  • HTX Good Eats 2012
  • HTX Contemporary Arts 2012
  • HCC 2012
  • Dine to Donate
  • Tasting Room
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • Charming Charlie
  • Asia Society
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2012
  • HTX Mistletoe on the go
  • HTX Sun and Ski
  • HTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • HTX New Beginnings
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013
  • Zadok Sparkle into Spring
  • HTX Let's Go Rodeo 2013
  • HCC Passion for Fashion
  • BCAF 2013
  • HTX Best of 2013
  • HTX City Centre 2013
  • HTX Real Estate 2013
  • HTX France 2013
  • Driving in Style
  • HTX Island Time
  • HTX Super Season 2013
  • HTX Music Scene 2013
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013 2
  • HTX Baker Institute
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • Mothers Day Gift Guide 2021 Houston
  • Staying Ahead of the Game
  • Wrangler Houston
  • First-time Homebuyers Guide Houston 2021
  • Visit Frisco Houston
  • promoted
  • eventdetail
  • Greystar Novel River Oaks
  • Thirdhome Go Houston
  • Dogfish Head Houston
  • LovBe Houston
  • Claire St Amant podcast Houston
  • The Listing Firm Houston
  • South Padre Houston
  • NextGen Real Estate Houston
  • Pioneer Houston
  • Collaborative for Children
  • Decorum
  • Bold Rock Cider
  • Nasher Houston
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2021
  • CityNorth
  • Urban Office
  • Villa Cotton
  • Luck Springs Houston
  • EightyTwo
  • Rectanglo.com
  • Silver Eagle Karbach
  • Mirador Group
  • Nirmanz
  • Bandera Houston
  • Milan Laser
  • Lafayette Travel
  • Highland Park Village Houston
  • Proximo Spirits
  • Douglas Elliman Harris Benson
  • Original ChopShop
  • Bordeaux Houston
  • Strike Marketing
  • Rice Village Gift Guide 2021
  • Downtown District
  • Broadstone Memorial Park
  • Gift Guide
  • Music Lane
  • Blue Circle Foods
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2022
  • True Rest
  • Lone Star Sports
  • Silver Eagle Hard Soda
  • Modelo recipes
  • Modelo Fighting Spirit
  • Athletic Brewing
  • Rodeo Houston
  • Silver Eagle Bud Light Next
  • Waco CVB
  • EnerGenie
  • HLSR Wine Committee
  • All Hands
  • El Paso
  • Avenida Houston
  • Visit Lubbock Houston
  • JW Marriott San Antonio
  • Silver Eagle Tupps
  • Space Center Houston
  • Central Market Houston
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Travel Texas Houston
  • Alliantgroup
  • Golf Live
  • DC Partners
  • Under the Influencer
  • Blossom Hotel
  • San Marcos Houston
  • Photo Essay: Holiday Gift Guide 2009
  • We Heart Hou
  • Walker House
  • HTX Good Eats 2013
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2013
  • HTX Culture Motive
  • HTX Auto Awards
  • HTX Ski Magic
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2014
  • HTX Texas Traveler
  • HTX Cifford on the Catwalk 2014
  • HTX United Way 2014
  • HTX Up to Speed
  • HTX Rodeo 2014
  • HTX City Centre 2014
  • HTX Dos Equis
  • HTX Tastemakers 2014
  • HTX Reliant
  • HTX Houston Symphony
  • HTX Trailblazers
  • HTX_RealEstateConfidential_2014
  • HTX_IW_Marks_FashionSeries
  • HTX_Green_Street
  • Dating 101
  • HTX_Clifford_on_the_Catwalk_2014
  • FIVE CultureMap 5th Birthday Bash
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2014 TEST
  • HTX Texans
  • Bergner and Johnson
  • HTX Good Eats 2014
  • United Way 2014-15_Single Promoted Articles
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Houston
  • Where to Eat Houston
  • Copious Row Single Promoted Articles
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2014
  • htx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Zadok Swiss Watches
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2015
  • HTX Charity Challenge 2015
  • United Way Helpline Promoted Article
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Fusion Academy Promoted Article
  • Clifford on the Catwalk Fall 2015
  • United Way Book Power Promoted Article
  • Jameson HTX
  • Primavera 2015
  • Promenade Place
  • Hotel Galvez
  • Tremont House
  • HTX Tastemakers 2015
  • HTX Digital Graffiti/Alys Beach
  • MD Anderson Breast Cancer Promoted Article
  • HTX RealEstateConfidential 2015
  • HTX Vargos on the Lake
  • Omni Hotel HTX
  • Undies for Everyone
  • Reliant Bright Ideas Houston
  • 2015 Houston Stylemaker
  • HTX Renewable You
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • HTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Kyrie Massage
  • Red Bull Flying Bach
  • Hotze Health and Wellness
  • ReadFest 2015
  • Alzheimer's Promoted Article
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Professional Skin Treatments by NuMe Express

    Best New Restaurants from out of town

    8 out-of-town restaurants that made Houston dining better in 2016

    Eric Sandler
    Dec 28, 2016 | 9:00 am

    Although this year featured a number of very good new restaurants from local chefs and restaurateurs, the arrival of several restaurants from out of town dominated most of this year's highest profile openings. Traditionally, Houstonians have shown a reluctance to embrace anything that isn't either local or from Austin, but this year broke the pattern.

     

    Almost every month people either lined up or filled the reservations books to sample the latest newcomer. Houstonians worked themselves into such a frenzy for the arrivial of The Halal Guys that it caused a traffic jam, but it didn't last. Now the restaurant's signature rice platters and curiously addictive white sauce can be obtained via the delivery app of one's choice with almost no wait at all.

     

    While these new restaurants have opened across the Houston-area, no destination shined brighter than River Oaks District. The luxurious mixed-use development launched five restaurants and a gelato shop, all with origins beyond the Beltway. Despite what some have labeled a down year overall for Houston restaurants, they’ve been consistently busy.

     

    While some might be tempted to dismiss these restaurants’ initial success as being fueled by trendsters following the hype, those who do so will miss out on some legitimately interesting dining opportunities. If none of these places have delivered something entirely new to the market — well, except for Rise — they do bring a level of polish that compels our locally-owned spots to step up their collective games.

     

    Of course, the trend will continue into next year as newcomers like steak and sushi restaurant Roka Akor, comfort food and whiskey bar Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, celebrity chef John Besh’s Eunice, acclaimed Japanese restaurant Nobu, and much more all make their debuts. Before I get too far ahead of myself, let’s review the places that made the biggest splash in 2016.

     

     Shake Shack
    A preview pop-up at The Pass & Provisions at which two of the city’s three James Beard Award winners showed up to chow down served as just one of many signs that the New York-based global burger juggernaut’s arrival to Houston would be a little more glamorous than normal. Credit that food world cachet to Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer, whose book Setting The Table holds iconic status among his peers.

     

    But lines, even ones that move quickly, aren’t created solely by the reputation of its founder as a restaurant savant; it takes good food, too. Shake Shack’s burgers provide a compelling twist on a classic formula: the mysterious alchemy that comes from a slightly squishy potato bun, quality beef, and gooey cheese. The rest of the menu — shakes, chicken sandwiches, fries, etc — show similar levels of care. I’ve been several times (figuring out where to park helps immensely) and found it to be consistently good every time, and the prices are reasonable. A single patty burger is almost small enough to constitute a snack. Larger appetites should make it a double.

     

    Plans are already underway to open a second location in Rice Village; hopefully, at least a few more are coming. As much as Houstonians love burgers, more of us deserve the opportunity to try this one.

     

     Cane Rosso
    After over a year of planning, the Dallas-based Neapolitan pizza restaurant finally arrived in Houston this summer. The combination of rigorously authentic, VPN-certified techniques with creative toppings — possibilities include brisket from Feges BBQ or The Pit Room, jalapeno pesto, habanero-infused honey, and more — overcomes any reluctance people may have to eating the pizzas with a knife and fork.

     

    In fact, the restaurant has made so many fans that the Heights location will expand to add more seating and a proper bar. Hopefully that success inspires owner Jay Jerrier to bring his New York-style pizza restaurant Zoli’s to Houston, too.

     

     Rise nº2
    A restaurant devoted to sweet and savory souffles will either strike someone as charming or anachronistic. Thankfully, Rise is the former. Savory options like the umami-rich truffle infused mushroom or the smoked salmon make for a very satisfying meal, and, of course, the dessert varieties are decadent at dessert. Thoughtful touches like the tableside cheese cart and the room’s romantic vibe make Rise equally appropriate for a lazy lunch or a pleasant date night.

     

     Snooze: An AM Eatery
    From classic diners like Tel-Wink Grill and Harry’s to grab and go spots for breakfast tacos or doughnuts, Houstonians have never lacked for weekday breakfast options, but people are enduring hour or longer waits for this Denver import. Credit the creative menu, which features an extensive selection of the expected egg dishes and pancakes alongside some originals like the signature breakfast pot pie. A full bar, reasonable prices, and relentlessly cheerful service don’t hurt either.

     

    Plans to expand to The Heights and Town & Country are already underway. Sadly, that probably won't do anything to shorten the waits at Montrose; it will just mean even more people wondering when their table will be ready.

     

     Steak 48
    If “dollars earned” served as the primary criteria for this list, Steak 48 would be No. 1. The place has been packed since it opened this summer, with the sort of frenzy from see and be seen types that Houston hasn’t witnessed in a long time. Alison Cook’s zero star review didn’t even slow it down.

     

    Sure, properly prepared USDA Prime beef is de rigueur at this price point, and any place that pays its cooks well should be able to achieve that; however, those who dismiss Steak 48 as just another steakhouse are missing out on the dishes that set it apart. Giant U-4 cold boiled shrimp, the spiral-cut Hasselback potatoes, and over-the-top crab and lobster mac and cheese show an appreciation for getting the details right with more than just meat. Those who are curious to sample the restaurant's offerings without getting caught up in the nightly reality show playing out at the bar should either sit upstairs or in the booths near the kitchen.

     

     Agu Ramen
    Of the three ramen shops to arrive at the end of 2016, this Hawaiian import is my favorite due to its diverse menu and creative dishes. Chef-owner Hisashi Uehara’s noodle obsession took him to 600 ramen shops in Japan, and the results speak for themselves. The addictive “innovative hot mess,” a variation that adds parmesan cheese to the restaurant’s garlic-heavy Kotteri broth, delivers spicy and creamy flavors that vary in intensity from slurp to slurp.

     

    Next month, Agu will open its third location in the former Christian’s Tailgate at Washington and I-10; it will feature an expanded menu that includes more varieties of ramen and some Hawaiian dishes including poke bowls.

     

     Amorino
    This Paris-based dessert shop serves an extensive selection of intensely-flavored sorbets and gelatos, all of which are made in France and shipped here to ensure they’re consistent around the world. No food-obsessed Instagram account is complete without a picture of one of its cones, which feature rose-shaped petals.

     

     Hopdoddy
    The initial frenzy has died down at this Austin-based burger joint; although lines are still likely at peak times and on weekends, the days of three-hour waits are long gone. Hopdoddy’s core menu, which starts with a basic, $7 hamburger and tops out at $12 for an akaushi patty, still offers lots of solid choices, and the well-priced cocktails and solid craft beer selection make it a more appealing dinner destination than less-boozy burger joints.

     

    Unfortunately, a soggy, flavorless chicken fried steak burger (the December special) and a server who essentially abandoned us after she confirmed our order marred my most recent visit. Lessons learned: stick to the basics and don’t sit outside on a cool night. I’d give up on the restaurant entirely, but dipping a burger into the restaurant’s surprisingly solid queso is an occasional craving I will continue to satisfy.

    Snooze plans to grow, but that won't slow down the wait for a table.

    Snooze Montrose pancakes benedicts
      
    Photo by Eric Sandler
    Snooze plans to grow, but that won't slow down the wait for a table.
    news-you-can-eatwhere-to-eatlunchdinnerlists
    news/restaurants-bars
    series/where-to-eat-houston

    hola, mayahuel

    Netflix chef's modern Mexican restaurant opens in Houston this month

    Eric Sandler
    Jul 7, 2025 | 6:45 pm
    Mayahuel restaurant
    Photo by Bethany Ochs
    Mayahuel's menu combines seasonal ingredients and heirloom corn.

    The countdown is on to Houston’s newest modern Mexican restaurant. Mayahuel will officially open for dinner on Friday, July 18.

    Located in the Autry Park mixed-use development, Mayahuel united Culinary Khancepts — the hospitality group behind Liberty Kitchen, State Fare, and Leo’s River Oaks (among others) — with star chef Luis Robledo Richards. Known locally for his short-lived taqueria Comalito, Richards is the pastry chef behind Mexico City’s celebrated Tout Chocolat. His resume includes serving as a judge on the Netflix series Sugar Rush: The Baking Point and being named the Best Pastry Chef in Latin America by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

    At Mayahuel, Richards will feature dishes made with seasonal ingredients and heirloom corn that’s imported from Mexico. At opening, it will be a tidy group of 16 savory dishes — divided into starters, “Tacos y Masa,” and entrees, as well as a separate tasting menu. The restaurant takes its name from the Mexica goddess of the maguey plant, which only blooms once, to emphasize its connection to Mexico’s land and culture.

    “At Mayahuel, we’re not just preparing food — we’re honoring time, place, and process,” Richards said in a statement. “Our ingredients are chosen only when they’re at their best. We don’t force nature to fit our schedule — we follow its lead.”

    Dinner at Mayahuel could begin with dishes such as bread and tortillas served with miso and salsa matcha butters, a bluefin tuna tostada with uni cream and yuzu aioli, salmon aguachile, or a beef carnitas croquette. The “Tacos y Masa” section includes beef cheek and shrimp tacos, a duck confit tamal, and a squash blossom tetela. Entree choices include filet mignon with mole negro, cochinita with black bean puree and tortillas, and sea bass with potatoes and salsa Veracruzana.

    Brunch is a more casual affair built around items such as chilaquiles, French toast, enfrijoladas, and a Mexican take on eggs Benedict topped with salsa roja hollandaise.

    Large format desserts each take inspiration from one of three ingredients — vanilla, coffee, or cacao. Priced at $28 each, the menu describes them as “a thoughtful, interactive finale that honors tradition through technique, seasonality, and imagination.”

    Pairings include cocktails made with agave spirits, fresh juices, and house made syrups. Notably, all tequilas will be additive-free, which means some prominent brands may not be featured behind Mayahuel’s bar.

    The restaurant occupies an approximately 5,100-square-foot space that’s divided into a 16-seat bar, a 40-seat dining room, an eight-seat chef’s table, a 36-seat, second floor dining room, and a 34-seat patio. It joins other concepts in Autry Park such as French restaurant Annabelle Brasserie, sushi spot Doko, fine dining steakhouse Turner’s Cut, Vietnamese restaurant Annam, and a still-unnamed concept from Austin’s Emmer & Rye Hospitality.

    “Mayahuel is about creating a sense of place and story,” Culinary Khancepts founder Omar Khan said. “It’s a natural evolution for our group — rooted in culture, crafted with care, and designed to be as memorable as it is welcoming.”

    Mayahuel will be open for happy hour and dinner Monday-Saturday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

    Mayahuel restaurant
      

    Photo by Bethany Ochs

    Mayahuel's menu combines seasonal ingredients and heirloom corn.

    news-you-can-eatopeningsmayahuelchefs
    news/restaurants-bars
    series/where-to-eat-houston
    CULTUREMAP EMAILS ARE AWESOME
    Get Houston intel delivered daily.
    Loading...