hit your stride
Elegant Miami-inspired 'entertainment restaurant' and nightlife spot in Upper Kirby vibes with new dinner service
Houston’s latest establishment that blends a restaurant with a nightclub has opened its doors. Se7en has begun dinner service next to Pinstripes at The Kirby Collection mixed-use development (3300 Kirby Dr.).
In press materials, Se7en describes itself as “Houston’s first true service-oriented entertainment restaurant,” but it can also be seen as part of the larger “vibe dining” trend that includes restaurants such as Bisou and Ciel where elegant food gets combined with a lively atmosphere that includes DJs, musicians, and dancers.
More directly, Se7en takes its inspiration from Miami restaurants such as Bâoli and Sexy Fish. It also continues the legacy of the bars that operated on the property before The Kirby Collection was built.
“We look forward to crafting an experience that will breathe life back into the nightlife on Kirby Drive,” Seven Hospitality Group partner Frank Edosomwan said in a statement. “The idea of Se7en was conceptualized back in 2019, and we have wanted nothing more than to add our unique flair and exclusivity to the neighborhood for Houstonians and tourists who want to dine with us.”
They’ll be dining on a menu that offers both sushi and Mediterranean cuisine. Meals could start with pieces of nigiri or a sushi roll such as the Se7en (toro, salmon, hamachi, prawn, and madai that are topped with caviar). On the Mediterranean side, starters include hummus, scallop crudo with caviar and truffle, beef kebabs, and grilled octopus.
Entree choices include tenderloin shish kebab, king salmon with herb salsa, vegan fried bulgur with mushrooms and peas, and a 30-day dry-aged New York strip. They can be paired with one of three sides: grilled asparagus with garlic yogurt, french fries, or beluga lentils.
Se7en’s cocktail menu includes drinks named for each of the seven deadly sins as well as a few other riffs on classics. Select spirits are also available as individual pours or whole bottles. The wine list offers more than 20 by-the-glass options and more than 80 bottles.
Chef and culinary director Erhan Özkaya brings experience from Miami restaurants such as The Bazaar by Jose Andres, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Wynwood Diner, and Joia Beach Club. General manager Shaun Stockton comes to Se7en after stints at Truluck’s, Vic & Anthony’s, and Brenner’s.
“When you go to Miami, this is the norm. People want to be entertained while they dine, but they don’t want to go to a club. It mixes all of that into one venue.” Edosomwan told CultureMap last year.
“Our goal is that when folks come to Houston, they want to come to Se7en. Celebrities, VIPs, this is where they want to be. We want to operate at a high level.”