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    I forget what 8 was for

    Houston's sophisticated new Mediterranean restaurant surfaces this week

    Eric Sandler
    Aug 27, 2024 | 10:25 am

    This week is a busy one for new Montrose restaurants. Fresh off the news that Drake’s Hollywood is opening on Thursday, August 29 comes word that Sof Hospitality will unveil Októ, its new Mediterranean concept, beginning Saturday, August 31.

    Announced in May, Októ occupies the former The Chelsea space at the Montrose Collective, the mixed-use development that’s also home to Marmo, Uchi, and recently opened cocktail bar The Sophie. Its the fourth concept from Sof Hospitality, joining luxurious steakhouse Doris Metropolitan, Israeli-inspired restaurant Hamsa, and Badolina Bakery.

    Named for the Greek word for “eight” — a nod to the building’s address at 888 Westheimer Road — Októ takes inspiration from Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Italy, and Spain. Created by chefs Yotam Dolev (Hamsa) and Hai Avnaim (Doris Metropolitan), the restaurant serves a tidy menu of fewer than 20 starters, entrees, and sides that’s designed to be shared.

    Meals at Októ could begin with a Greek salad, eggplant carpaccio, or a green salad with crispy buckwheat and pickled peppers and onions. From there, diners may opt for a raw seafood dish such as tuna crudo or sea bass carpaccio.

    Entrees include squid ink linguini with crab and and sambal butter sauce, branzino en papillote, or lamb chops with cauliflower and sunchoke skordalia (a Greek garlic dip). The restaurant is put its spin on the French classic filet Rossini, which is steak topped with foie gras, mushrooms, and a peppercorn sauce.

    Okto restuarant steakSteak Rossini is topped with foie gras and peppercorn sauce.Photo by Becca Wright

    Co-owner Itai Ben Eli and chef Dolev spoke about the restaurant on a recent episode of CultureMap’s “What’s Eric Eating” podcast. They explained the ways in which Októ’s food is intended to be more elevated than what they serve at Hamsa.

    “The dishes at Októ are going to be more detailed and more layered than the ones we have at Hamsa, which is based more on traditional cooking. Októ is going to be a little more modern with layers and elevations that we’ll do daily,” Ben Eli said.

    “We’re really trying to change the rules when it comes to the culinary scene and Okto,” Dolev added. “I just came back from Israel a couple of weeks ago. The scene there is amazing. I thought, I need to bring a touch of this, a touch of Italy, a touch of Greece.”

    Okto restaurant frena breadFrena is a Moroccan bread with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.Photo by Becca Wright

    Of course, just as Doris Metropolitan is widely celebrated for its bread and Hamsa has become known for its pita, no meal at Októ will be complete without its frena bread. Served with a housemade pistachio butter, the traditional Moroccan bread is baked upside down on rocks.

    “The rocks give it a nice shape. They crisp up the edges and give you a fluffy inside,” Dolev explained.

    Currently, Októ will be open until 10 pm during the week and 11 pm on the weekends, but it could stay open later in the future. A DJ booth in the dining room hints at the kind of lively late night atmosphere that Ben Eli and business partner Itamar Levy intend to offer. Other design details include windows that offer a view into the kitchen and a plant-filled patio.

    “All of our concepts have evolved from one another, influenced by our deep cultural roots, and come to life by our talented players,” Ben Eli added in a statement. “Októ really emphasizes the boutique nature of our brand and the intimate feel of the Mediterranean dining scene. It is the product of the dream team we have at Sof Hospitality - with extensive collaboration on everything from the design of the space to the finishes on our cocktails."


    Okto restaurant dishes
      

    Photo by Becca Wright

    Meals at Októ could start with dishes such as eggplant carpaccio or Greek salad.

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    Where to Eat on July 4th

    These Houston restaurants are serving food and drink specials on July 4th

    Holly Beretto
    Jun 30, 2025 | 12:45 pm
    A Dance of Fire and Ice red, white, and blue cocktail at Duck N Bao
    Photo by Jenn Duncan
    Duck N Bao's festive A Dance of Fire and Ice cocktail.

    Restaurants across the Houston area are celebrating Independence Day with a variety of food and drink specials. From hot dogs and margaritas to a special menu prepared by one of Houston's best sushi chefs, we've rounded up more than a dozen options. Celebrate Independence Day with the freedom to eat from Houston’s incredible melting pot of flavors. Restaurants and bars across the city have an array of options for the holiday.

    Aya Sushi
    The sushi standout will serve a special $74 Independence Day omakase menu from 5-10 pm. The a la carte menu is available as well.

    Brennan’s of Houston
    The Midtown classic will offers its signature Jazz Brunch from Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 7, with popular dishes such as Texas shrimp and grits, turtle soup, and Bananas Foster. Diners can also select from an array of French 75 cocktails. Brunch is available on Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. Reservations recommended.

    Chardon
    The French restaurant at the Thompson Hotel opens at 3 pm serving an all-day happy hour menu in the bar, lounge, and patio, which includes all canned beer for $4, plus a new Watermelon-Tarragon & Tequila cocktail for $8. Pair it with the new Merquez sandwich of roasted eggplant, harissa yogurt, and watercress on a French baguette and served with duck fat fries for $8.

    Chez Nous
    The cosy Humble French favorite has a take-and-bake package for those wishing to celebrate at home. Get braised Wagyu short ribs, house slaw with Champagne vinaigrette, and garlic-and-herb-roasted fingerling potatoes for two for $95 or for four for $190. Orders must be placed by July 2 and can be picked up on July 3 from noon to 2 pm. Order online.

    Duck N Bao
    Celebrate the Fourth with A Dance of Fire and Ice for just $5 at the Memorial and Rice Village locations. This half-red, half-blue cocktail is layers of vodka, Blue Curacao, Cointreau, grenadine, and soda water, providing a patriotic accompaniment to a dim sum feast.

    Fielding’s River Oaks
    Enjoy the restaurant’s signature weekend brunch on Friday, July 4 from 11 am to 3 pm. Guests can also opt for patriotic specials and festive drinks throughout the holiday weekend. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online.

    Good God Nadine’s
    This new Heights neighborhood bar and restaurant has comfort food with a patriotic twist. Enjoy house-made sausages served in Bread Man Baking Co buns with all the fixings for $7. Toast the USA with happy hour pricing on food and drinks all day long, with selections like the smash burger for $7. The restaurant opens at 4 pm on July 4, and the kitchen is open until 11 pm.

    Haywire
    A Hill Country-inspired brunch is available on July 4 from 11 am to 3 pm at this Texas-inspired Memorial restaurant, with selections like Wagyu pastrami hash, cinnamon-orange pancakes, and barbacoa chilaquiles. Make reservations online.

    The Heights Grocer
    Brasserie 19 chef Michael Hoffman will be popping up at the Heights-area wine and gifts shop from 12-3 pm. He'll be grilling wagyu hotdogs from Regalis Foods wrapped in buns from Houston favorite Magnol French Baking. Chef will have all the usual toppings, including his homemade chili. Hot dogs are free with purchase at the store and available while supplies last.

    La Calle Tacos
    The downtown and Bagby Park locations of this popular taqueria have Fourth of July specials that will have diners raising a glass. Get domestic beer for $4.99, tequila shots for $5.99, frozen margaritas for $5.99, Caguamas for $6.99, and a bucket of 5 Beers for $15.99.

    Mexican Sugar
    The Montrose eatery makes July 4 a fiesta with an extended weekend brunch. Diners can festive cocktails and some brand new dishes, making this the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

    Molina's Cantina
    Get a festive fajita combo dinner of skirt steak and chicken breast for two for $35.95 all day on July 4 (dine-in only). Those looking for to-go options can grab discounted Molina’s margaritas by the gallon for $90 or a half gallon for $45. Premium margaritas are $70 by the gallon and $35 for a half gallon. Get to-go fajitas packs with chicken for $22.95 per person, beef for $29.95 or combo for $25.95. All locations will close at 5 pm on July 4.

    Peachez HTX
    The Third Ward Southern food restaurant will host a Fourth of July celebration from noon to 2 am. Specials include $1 Bud Light, $25 Margarita Towers, and $15 BBQ plates. Those wanting bottle service can get $100 Crown Royal and Tito’s Vodka, and $150 Don Julio Reposado and Hennessy to add to their festivities.

    Pier 6
    San Leon's waterfront seafood destination hosts family-friendly party on July 4 with live music⁠, carnival games and stilt walkers⁠, a fire dancing show⁠, face painting for the kiddos, and drink specials all night⁠. The evening is capped with a stunning fireworks show. The fun kicks off at 5 pm.

    The Sunrise House
    From July 1 to 5, the Midtown spot has USA-shaped waffles and red, white, and blue festive cocktails. Selections include the Fifty Stars made with vodka, elderflower, citrus and prosecco; the Berry Independence, a combination of tequila, cranberry, Chambord, and citrus; Red, White & Boozy a blend of bourbon, peach, tea, and fresh mint; and the Stars & Stripes made with cognac, espresso, Baileys, and vanilla.

    Taste Kitchen + Bar
    The downtown hotspot opens at 8 am on July 4, to help diners kick off the day with breakfast. There’s also a selection of frozen red, white, and blue specialty cocktails and a bourbon flight.

    Thompson Hotel
    Be part of the hotel’s adults-only “Stars, Stripes and Sips” firework viewing party on Friday, July 4 from 8 pm-11 pm. Hotel guests will enjoy the 7th floor VIP experience from 7 pm-10 pm as part of their stay, including an open bar, bites, lounge seating, and great views. Tickets for non-hotel guests are $250, and include an open bar, bites, a DJ, dance floor, and lounge seating on the hotel’s 5th floor indoor/outdoor space.

    For an even more exclusive experience, book the $25,000 ultra-luxury The Ultimate 4th of July Celebration Package, available exclusively over Friday, July 4. Guests will enjoy a two-night stay in the hotel’s lavish penthouse suite and a private dinner for two on the 36th-story rooftop helipad, the perfect spot to get 360-degree views of the Fourth of July fireworks and Houston’s skyline.

    Tony’s
    There are plenty of to-go options available to help craft DIY celebrations. Among them is the Ultimate 6 Pack, which includes six all-beef hotdogs, six buns, a quart of Tony’s chili, and a quart of cheddar cheese for $30. A version with a dozen dogs and buns and two quarters of chili is $60. Tony’s fried chicken includes 10 pieces of chicken, six buttermilk biscuits, honey, and jam for $62. See the full menu and order online by Tuesday, July 1 at 11 am for pick up on Thursday, July 3 between 11 am and 2 pm.

    Traveler’s Cart
    From Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6, sample the special, dine-in, 4th of July themed menu with selections like a Texas Chili Dog made with a all-beef frank, Texas-style chili, shredded cheddar, red onions, and mustard on a toasted bun, and a choice of side for $13; the Philly Cheesesteak of sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, seared bell peppers, and cheddar cheese sauce on a hoagie bun with a choice of side for $19; and draft Michelob Ultra, Karbach Love Street, Pacifico, or Spindletap Hop Gusher IPA for $4 per glass or $12 per pitcher.

    Willie’s Grill & Icehouse
    Get a Bomb Pop Rita, made with a swirl of lime and strawberry margarita flavors plus a blue curaçao floater, and topped with a red, white, and blue Bomb Pop popsicle for $3from Friday, July 4 through Sunday, June 6.

    A Dance of Fire and Ice red, white, and blue cocktail at Duck N Bao
      

    Photo by Jenn Duncan

    Duck N Bao's festive A Dance of Fire and Ice cocktail.

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