Dinner Is Served

Inside the chef-curated menus for CultureMap Houston's Tasting Table dinners

You won't want to miss these one-night-only dinners.

Photo courtesy of Leo's River Oaks

CultureMap’s newest culinary adventure is almost here, and Houston food lovers will want to clear their calendars (and buy tickets).

It's CultureMap Tasting Table, a new series of one-night-only dining experiences held at top restaurants across the city. The debut edition spotlights two buzzworthy venues: B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar on June 23 and Leo’s River Oaks on June 24.

Each evening promises an immersive, chef-driven experience, complete with curated menus, premium wines, and a festive atmosphere. Here's what's on the menu at these exclusive foodie celebrations:

June 23: B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar
Presented by Land Rover Southwest Houston

B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar wine Premium wine pours will accompany each dish at B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar. Photo courtesy of B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar

The Tasting Table series kicks off at one of Ben Berg’s most beloved restaurants, B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar.

Guests will begin the evening with a lively cocktail hour sponsored by Weber Ranch Vodka, the only vodka crafted exclusively from 100% Blue Weber Agave, hand-harvested in Jalisco, Mexico, and distilled in Texas. It is also the only verified additive-free, gluten-free, carb-free vodka, and with fewer calories per serving than other leading vodka and tequila brands, offers unmatched quality and smoothness.

Along with passed prosecco, the passed appetizers will include filet mignon skewers, margherita pizza bites, and mini meatballs. Homemade focaccia with whipped butter for the table is a prelude to your choice of:

Primi

Burrata citrus salad
Mr. G's Caesar salad

Secondi

Chicken parmigiana
Grandma's ravioli
Shrimp scampi

Dolce for the table, from CultureMap Tastemaker Awards 2025 nominee Ruchit Harneja for Berg Hospitality

Sicilian cannoli
B.B. Italia cheesecake
Tiramisu

Selected red and wines will be served throughout the meal.

June 24: Leo’s River Oaks
Presented by Land Rover Houston Central

Tuck into a five-course tasting menu at Leo's River Oaks. Photo courtesy of Leo's River Oaks

The celebration continues the next night at Leo’s River Oaks, recently crowned Houston’s Best New Restaurant at the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. This hot newcomer promises a luxurious and unforgettable night of food, drink, and entertainment in the heart of River Oaks.

The evening kicks off with passed hors d'oeuvres, cocktails from Weber Ranch Vodka, and a toast of Taittinger La Francaise Champagne, alongside chef-crafted bites like:

Poached chilled shrimp with invisible cocktail sauce
Tenderloin carpaccio with crostini and horseradish aioli
Pressed watermelon tartare with feta, aged balsamic, and herbs

From there, guests will be seated for a five-course tasting menu, each dish paired with a complementary wine selection. Highlights include:

First Course

Leo’s house salad
Wine: Girlan Pinot Grigio

Second Course

Pea and asparagus risotto
Wine: J. de Villebois Silex Sancerre

Intermezzo

Seasonal sorbet

Main Course

6 oz. beef tenderloin with caramelized brown butter heirloom carrots
Wine: Scattered Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon

Dessert

Strawberry mascarpone cheesecake
Wine: Chateau Ste. Michelle Sweet Riesling

Guests will enjoy live music throughout the night and leave with a special gift courtesy of Culinary Khancepts.

Tickets and details
CultureMap Tasting Table tickets are on sale now, with $99 “First Dibs” pricing available for a limited time. Seating is limited, and with experiences like these, they won’t last long.

Whether you're craving comforting Italian classics or an award-winning, wine-paired, fine dining experience, CultureMap Tasting Table serves up the perfect excuse to indulge.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Houston’s next great dining tradition.

tasting table bb italia menu leo's river oaks promoted

there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”