rumor no more

Tilman Fertitta finally confirms plans to relocate iconic River Oaks restaurant to Montrose

Diners have a couple more days to dine at the original La Griglia.

La Griglia/Facebook

One of Houston’s most enduring restaurants has finally revealed the details on its new home. La Griglia will soon transition from its current home in the River Oaks Shopping Center to a new location in the Harlow District, the dining-focused development at the site of the former Nino’s and Vincent’s spaces.

The restaurant’s last day of service at its current location will be this Saturday, November 4. It will reopen on Monday, November 20 at 2817 West Dallas St. News that the restaurant would make this move has circulated broadly for the better part of a year, but Landry’s, Inc. has refused to comment about its plans for the restaurant until now.

La Griglia has been a River Oaks institution since its founding by legendary Houston restaurateur Tony Vallone. The restaurant has been part of Landry’s Signature Group since Tilman Fertitta acquired it and Grotto from Vallone in 2004.

“La Griglia has been a Houston staple for decades, and we are grateful to the many patrons who continually support the restaurant and its fine staff,” Fertitta said in a statement. “The La Griglia team has worked hand-in-hand to create an elevated menu and atmosphere unlike anything our dedicated diners have seen or tasted. La Griglia looks forward to welcoming both longtime patrons and first-time guests to experience a restaurant that is fresh yet familiar.”

Socialites, politicians, and a devoted cast of regulars count on La Griglia for signature items such as its well-stocked bread basket, precisely cooked pasta and seafood dishes, and rolling dessert cart. Its bright murals and lively atmosphere — highlighted by its decadent Halloween party — have made it a go-to for Houston’s see-and-be-seen crowd.

To update the restaurant’s menu, Fertitta retained chef Mark Ladner. Known for his restaurant Bar Enza, Ladner won a James Beard Award for Best Chef: New York for his work at Del Posto, the iconic Italian restaurant founded by Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich.

“The menu will blend La Griglia signature dishes with new creations featuring simple, uncomplicated ingredients elegantly presented,” La Griglia’s Brandon Busch added. “A significant portion of the exceptional ingredients were sourced from Italy and act as inspiration for the new offerings.”

Details on the new interior are light, and Landry’s declined CultureMap’s request for photos. According to a release, diners can expect marble and brass finishes and leather surfaces. Patrons will be able to choose to sit in the main dining room, a wine room, and an outdoor courtyard.

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bring on barnaby's

Favorite Houston comfort food spot picks Garden Oaks for 10th location

Courtesy of Barnaby's Cafe

Barnaby's Cafe is coming to the Stomping Grounds this fall.

Earlier this week, real estate developer Bryan Danna promised “big news…very soon” about a new tenant for the former LuLoo’s Day & Night space at his Stomping Grounds development in Garden Oaks. That news is that Houston favorite Barnaby’s Cafe has claimed the space for a new location that will open later this year.

When a Barnaby’s decal appear on the restaurant’s door a couple of days ago, news of the restaurant’s imminent arrival spread quickly on social media. It will be Barnaby’s tenth location, joining outposts in Montrose, River Oaks, the Heights, and more.

The restaurant will occupy a 2,250-square-foot space at the Stomping Grounds. It will offer a to-go window for people hanging out in the development’s green space as well as a gated, dog-friendly patio. Houston artist Roberto Cervantes will contribute works to the restaurant’s interior.

Founded in 1992 by restaurateur Jeff Gale, Barnaby’s is known for its wide-ranging and affordable menu of classic American fare, including salads, sandwiches, breakfast items, and dinner entrees. Customer favorites include the Lebanese chicken fattoush salad, chipotle black bean burger, baby back ribs, and green eggs, which are scrambled with spinach and artichoke hearts. Dogs can snack on a special “puppy menu” of ground beef, sliced chicken breast, or scrambled eggs over brown rice.

Stomping Grounds green space A to-go window will expedite orders for people in the Stomping Grounds' green space.Courtesy of Stomping Grounds

“Bringing Barnaby’s to Garden Oaks and Oak Forest has been on my wish list for more than a decade, so I’m incredibly grateful that Jeff Gale and his team saw Stomping Grounds as the right fit,” Danna said in a statement. “Jeff and I go back to his first Heights location, which was one of Barnaby’s first big moves north of Montrose, and I have always respected what he and his longtime team have built. Thirty years in the restaurant business is a serious accomplishment. You do not make it that long unless you know how to take care of people, build loyalty, and become part of the neighborhood.”

When it opens this fall, Barnaby’s will be open daily from 11 am to 9 pm. It will join other restaurants at the Stomping Grounds, including Fat Cat Creamery, Tex-Mex restaurant La Mex, Bollo Woodfired Pizza, casual sushi restaurant Himari, Little Sister Cake Shop, and High Five Mini Bar. Earlier this week, casual Vietnamese restaurant Pho Prime announced that it had claimed the space formerly occupied by The Pho Fix for a new location that will also open this fall.

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