Discover the Best New Restaurants in Houston

Thanks to its roots as a port city and energy giant, immigrant workers flocked to Houston, Texas from nearby Latin America and Cajun Louisiana all the way from Vietnam. Ethnic neighborhoods sprung up, as a result, showcasing cuisines from home. Since Houston has more restaurants per capita than New York City, this diverse city has everything from Tex-Mex to Eastern European eats. A trip to the Third Ward feels more like a trip to Saigon! But where do the city’s savviest foodies consistently trust for an amazing meal and experience? Welcome to TasteMaker 20. By gathering data from thousands of restaurants within the OpenTable network, we’ve identified the spots that experienced diners love the most. Make a reservation and let the feasting begin!

The OpenTable Team

15 Restaurants

Updated October 23, 2019

Restaurants:	MAD, Ouzo Bay-Houston, Loch Bar-Houston…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Unspecified, Greek, Seafood…
Neighborhoods:	River Oaks…

MAD

$$$$

Unspecified

River Oaks

4.6

1949 reviews

The bright sign outside of MAD combined with the inviting outdoor dining area have a magnetism that attracts even passing cars. Luckily, there’s a valet outside to help them along their journey. Inside, guests are treated to animalistic art, avant-garde globe lighting, intriguing sculptures and other décor reminiscent of Madrid nightlife. The menu offers Spanish delicacies such as serranito, Bravas Tomas, Salmon Ahumado and a variety of tapas and desserts. Diners have to be careful not to get hypnotized by the neon-covered walls in the restroom hallway.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Ouzo Bay-Houston

$$$$

Greek

River Oaks

4.4

976 reviews

Those seeking both Mediterranean cuisine and new restaurants in Houston should stop by Ouza Bay. Located in the River Oaks District, the eatery's menu channels the Greek islands directly into Texas. Fresh seafood is flown in on international flights, and menu options include impressive fare such as grilled Portuguese octopus, garlic tiger shrimp, Australian lamb chops, Chilean sea bass and local lamb shank. The ambiance throughout the eatery screams fine dining – with luxurious lighting, fancy dining sets and gorgeous flowers at every turn. Don’t forget to check out one of the largest Greek wine lists in Texas while visiting this impressive new restaurant in Houston.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Loch Bar-Houston

$$$$

Seafood

River Oaks

4.7

920 reviews

One of the favorite new restaurants in Houston, Loch Bar, is a classic seafood tavern that has live music every day of the week. Popular East Coast dishes are prepared with Gulf and local seafood to create delectable menu offerings ranging from Maryland crab and grilled Atlantic swordfish to Classic Baikal caviar and live Maine lobster. In addition to one of the largest raw bars in the city, guests are treated to a relaxing ambiance that includes soft lighting, unique marine wall decor, elegant seating and well-dressed staff members.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Eunice

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

4.7

2131 reviews

Named after the Southern Louisiana town that the executive chef hails from, Eunice provides a taste of modern Cajun-Creole that’s cemented its place as one of the best new restaurants in Houston. The menu is seasonally inspired and offers options such as charred broccolini, gulf shrimp etouffee and slow roast pork jambalaya. There's also a full raw bar with everything from oysters to seasonal blue crab. Guests enjoy their meal while surrounded by exquisite décor that includes fancy light coverings, expensive seating and vintage design elements interspersed with contemporary features.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Bisou

$$$$

Continental

River Oaks

4.3

1073 reviews

Hailed as the city’s newest social dining haute spot, Bisou provides an atmosphere that one might expect to see in a popular nightclub. The modern art, innovative lighting structures and high-class social events – ranging from Ladies’ Lunch to Social Hour – create a scene where showing up in one's finest threads is fully expected. Curated entertainment is offered with Continental Cuisine that includes wagyu beef, shrimp cocktails, smoked duck, lamb chops and prime filet mignon. It may be one of the many new restaurants in Houston, but Bisou undoubtedly stands out in the classy arena.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Original Ninfa's Uptown

$$$$

Mexican

Galleria / Uptown

4.5

582 reviews

“Mama” Ninfa began her culinary career when she opened The Original Ninfa’s in 1973. This champion of cuisine is credited with bringing fajitas to America, but the menu and the number of locations has expanded a bit since that point. Offerings include handmade tamales, combination fajitas, beef brisket tamales and a variety of seasonal specials ranging from wood-oven octopus to roasted duck. The inside offers traditional Spanish décor with a few contemporary ornamentations sprinkled in. Guests can even snag a picture of the ofrenda set up in “Mama” Ninfa’s honor when filling their cup with complimentary flavored water if there's a wait.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

a'Bouzy

$$$$

Contemporary French / American

River Oaks

4.7

2020 reviews

Down in the River Oaks neighborhood sits a'Bouzy – a place that is lovingly referred to as "champagne-fueled" and has multiple wine buckets spread throughout the eatery. The exposed brick combines with large antique bottle openers and reclaimed wood to create a uniquely rustic aura. Guests who want to really be impressed by one of the new restaurants in Houston, though, need only look up. There are hundreds of champagne bubbles hanging from the ceiling. Diners should try out the seared Gulf shrimp, local seafood pasta, braised chicken or just head over to the fresh market raw bar.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston

$$$$

Mexican

Galleria / Uptown

4.4

456 reviews

Not many of the new restaurants in Houston make their food and beverage offerings as obvious in their name as Blanco Tacos + Tequila. Fortunately for those with varying tastes, they offer more than just tacos and Mexican liquor. The menu also includes their famous guacamole, braised chicken, pork chile verde and fajita and margarita selections. The large “Blanco” sign out front makes this place hard to miss, but it’s the packed patio area that usually catches the attention of passersby. The interior offers comfy, intricate murals and a wall packed with decorative flower boxes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - River Oaks

$$$$

Steakhouse

River Oaks

4.5

1845 reviews

Opening its newest location in 2018, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille brought its decades worth of culinary excellence to the new Red Oaks location. They provide a social hour, live entertainment Monday through Saturday, and a variety of delicious cocktails at Bar 79. The teal chairs surrounding their marble bar, extravagant overhead lighting, fine dining sets and grand staircase all provide guests with an experience they might expect on a luxurious ocean liner. Guests are treated to a variety of delectable options such as BBQ octopus, prime beef carpaccio, escargot, seafood stuffed mushrooms and the impressive Iced Seafood Tower.

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FM Kitchen & Bar - Shepherd

$$$$

American

Heights / Washington

4.4

65 reviews

Anyone looking for a new restaurant in Houston that offers gourmet burgers, craft cocktails and contemporary spins on Southern classics need look no further than FM Kitchen & Bar. The neighborhood restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere, and it's as common to see someone enjoying a cold Bud Light after work as it is to see a classy lady sipping on a Watermelon Mule on date night. The food is farm-to-table and includes great offerings like the shaved beef and avocado, Piggy Blue burger, fried chicken and an insanely delicious Cubano sandwich. Regardless of what a guest chooses, though, they should never leave without first trying the peach cobbler or banana pudding.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Warehouse 72

$$$$

Contemporary American

Spring Branch

4.7

596 reviews

Guests at Warehouse 72 are surrounded by extraordinary commissioned murals, exposed brick, vintage lighting and stained-wood tables that create an industrial atmosphere. That makes it no surprise that their menu has contemporary American offerings, but each is inspired by Mediterranean and Italian flavors. This includes their salmoriglio grilled filet, Za'atar roasted chicken, Margherita pizza and short rib ragu pappardelle. Just look for the red carpet leading up to the door and murals to find one of the best new restaurants in Houston.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Killen's TMX

$$$$

Mexican

Clear Lake / Webster / Bay Area

4.3

807 reviews

When the Pearland location of Killen’s TMX opened, people were expecting a Tex-Mex offering. What they got was a bit more. A quick perusal of the menu brings the phrase ‘Tex-Mex meets BBQ’ to mind. Short rib empanadas, pork belly tacos, smoked crab chalupas, carnitas relleno and chicharron pork belly are just a few of the eclectic offerings. Many of the cocktails and margaritas served up are built around mezcal, sotol and tequila. While the food makes guests feel like they’re at a barbecue along the border, the décor is more opulent. Chandeliers, intricately designed carpeting and unique ceiling fixtures pack the main dining area.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Gyu-Kaku - Willowbrook, TX

$$$$

Japanese

Willowbrook/Tomball

4.7

214 reviews

Few of the new restaurants in Houston are as impressive as Gyu-Kaku. Each table has its own personal grill, and they offer "Shared Plates" in order to help guests experience a truly social outing. There’s a brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday featuring popular items like Shio Negi tofu, spicy pork, miso soup and chicken breast teriyaki. Other menus feature similar offerings in addition to the lunch sets which feature around eight different items. The Japanese art spread throughout along with contemporary lighting and décor make this eatery as impressive to the eyes as the palate.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Union Kitchen (Towne Lake)

$$$$

American

Cypress

4.4

638 reviews

Located just minutes away in Cypress, The Union Kitchen is still considered one of the best new restaurants in Houston. It offers a very casual atmosphere and is located on the Towne Lake – making beautiful views of the water a huge appeal. The inside features exposed brick, visible ducts, vintage lighting and an impressive focal wall that all give off an industrial vibe. Outdoor dining is year-round and has air coolers for when the Texas heat becomes a nuisance. The impressively diverse menu offers New Orleans BBQ shrimp, Texas blue lump crab cakes, Frito pie mac & cheese, Korean short ribs and the Lolo Hawaiian tostada.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sorriso Italian Kitchen

$$$$

Italian

The Woodlands

4.4

496 reviews

Located on The Woodlands Waterway, Sorriso Italian Kitchen offers a modern take on traditional fare from the Old Country. Live music, neon-lit stairs leading to the Como Club, a pillar of wine and breathtaking views of the city combine to provide a contemporary atmosphere in this eatery. There’s also a wine list with over 200 unique selections, and many of the boutique offerings are organic. When it's time to enjoy the cuisine, offerings like the broccolini pesto, grilled branzino, roasted chicken marsala and grilled octopus all make this one of the best new restaurants in Houston.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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