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

free soft serve for all

Johnny Carrabba now serving Southern comfort food at new Bellaire locale

Mia's Table/Facebook

Mia's Table is now open in Bellaire.

A fast casual, family-friendly Houston restaurant has arrived in Bellaire. After a two-week soft opening, Mia’s Table is now open full time in the Bellaire triangle.

Located in the former CounterCommon space at 5413 Bellaire Blvd, the new restaurant is Houston’s seventh Mia Table, joining the original on Kirby Dr. as well as stores in Memorial City, Shenandoah, Katy, and more. An eighth location will open in Sugar Land later this year. Beginning this Saturday, February 14, the restaurant will be open its regular hours of 11 am-9 pm daily.

Houston restaurant legend Johnny Carrabba opened the first Mia’s Table in 2012. Unlike his pioneering Italian restaurant Carrabba’s that offers full service and an upscale environment, Mia Table is a family friendly, counter service restaurant that serves classic, Southern-inspired fare. Diners know it for dishes such as burgers, salads, chicken fried steak, and chicken tenders. In addition to the relatively affordable prices, families appreciate the free soft serve ice cream.

“At Mia's Table Bellaire, our focus is simple: serving great comfort food with genuine Southern hospitality in a welcoming, family-friendly environment,” managing partner John Cahill writes in a note on the restaurant’s website. “While this location already holds a special place in the neighborhood, we're proud to bring the consistency, care, and heart that guests have come to expect from every Mia's Table.”

Cahill adds that he grew up in Bellaire and has been with Mia’s Table since June 2014. Prior to opening the Bellaire location, he served as managing partner of the restaurant’s Bay Area location in Webster.

In addition to Mia’s Table, Bellaire recently welcomed the second location of Candente, Houston’s only Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant.

news-you-can-eat openings mia's table