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Restaurant list

Discover the Best New Restaurants in Houston

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated October 23, 2019

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!

MAD
4.6 (2561)
$31 to $50
Spanish
River Oaks
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.
Top review
Mal
Dined 6 days ago
Food was excellent as usual - had the chicken/ham croquettes, the eye filet and then the award winning huevos for dessert. Ambience has changed with the new owners - live music is removed, a television is now in the bar which really spoils a beautiful bar. Used to have a great Spanish bar feel, quite dark and cosy. Now it seems to be struggling to know what it wants to be. Shame as the food is amazing, just vibe not what it used to be
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.
Top review
Mal
Dined 6 days ago
Food was excellent as usual - had the chicken/ham croquettes, the eye filet and then the award winning huevos for dessert. Ambience has changed with the new owners - live music is removed, a television is now in the bar which really spoils a beautiful bar. Used to have a great Spanish bar feel, quite dark and cosy. Now it seems to be struggling to know what it wants to be. Shame as the food is amazing, just vibe not what it used to be
Loch Bar-Houston
4.8 (1232)
$30 and under
Seafood
River Oaks
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.
Top review
Eric
Dined 6 days ago
I thoroughly enjoyed the food and the experience in the patio was fantastic. The lobster roll was amazing!
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.
Top review
Eric
Dined 6 days ago
I thoroughly enjoyed the food and the experience in the patio was fantastic. The lobster roll was amazing!
Eunice
4.7 (2723)
$30 and under
Creole / Cajun / Southern
Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
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.
Top review
DebbyVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The businessman's lunch is a great deal. Wish we had asked for the private room, so the noise level wasn't so bad.
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.
Top review
DebbyVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The businessman's lunch is a great deal. Wish we had asked for the private room, so the noise level wasn't so bad.
The Original Ninfa's Uptown
4.7 (801)
$30 and under
Mexican
Galleria / Uptown
“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.
Top review
Austin
Dined on Jun 6, 2025
We have eaten at this restaurant countless times and have NEVER EVER have a bad experience. I believe our server, Mundo, has waited on us a few times. He does a great job. The food was awesome! We love this location.
“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.
Top review
Austin
Dined on Jun 6, 2025
We have eaten at this restaurant countless times and have NEVER EVER have a bad experience. I believe our server, Mundo, has waited on us a few times. He does a great job. The food was awesome! We love this location.
a'Bouzy
4.7 (2823)
$30 and under
Contemporary French / American
River Oaks
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.
Top review
Sydney
Dined on Jun 4, 2025
I really enjoyed the food here! Good menu, full of great choices. Great service as well.
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.
Top review
Sydney
Dined on Jun 4, 2025
I really enjoyed the food here! Good menu, full of great choices. Great service as well.
Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston
4.3 (528)
$30 and under
Mexican
Galleria / Uptown
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.
Top review
Dr. DemiVIP
Dined on Apr 29, 2025
As always the food was great and the server was amazing. The host was so kind and the place was clean.
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.
Top review
Dr. DemiVIP
Dined on Apr 29, 2025
As always the food was great and the server was amazing. The host was so kind and the place was clean.
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - River Oaks
4.6 (2583)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
River Oaks
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.
Top review
GilbertVIP
Dined on Jun 6, 2025
Went for Friday Social Hour. They have a great Social Hour menu with lots of tasty choices and great drink prices. Definitely will have to go again.
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.
Top review
GilbertVIP
Dined on Jun 6, 2025
Went for Friday Social Hour. They have a great Social Hour menu with lots of tasty choices and great drink prices. Definitely will have to go again.
Warehouse 72
4.5 (836)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Spring Branch
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.
Top review
Thrivent
Dined on May 23, 2025
Great service and atmosphere. Both hostess and wait staff very accommodating & pleasant
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.
Top review
Thrivent
Dined on May 23, 2025
Great service and atmosphere. Both hostess and wait staff very accommodating & pleasant
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Willowbrook, TX | Commons at Willowbrook
4.6 (254)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Tomball
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.
Top review
Michelle
Dined on May 18, 2025
Great service. Our waiter was great! We will definitely be back.
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.
Top review
Michelle
Dined on May 18, 2025
Great service. Our waiter was great! We will definitely be back.
The Union Kitchen (Towne Lake)
4.2 (894)
$30 and under
American
Cypress
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.
Top review
Jazmin
Dined 6 days ago
Alvi was super attentive and gave us great service , he really made my mom's birthday experience great . The food was delicious and the drink aswell ,love how there was live music . Definitely 10/10
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.
Top review
Jazmin
Dined 6 days ago
Alvi was super attentive and gave us great service , he really made my mom's birthday experience great . The food was delicious and the drink aswell ,love how there was live music . Definitely 10/10
Sorriso Italian Kitchen
4.3 (628)
$30 and under
Italian
The Woodlands
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.
Top review
PaulVIP
Dined on Jun 3, 2025
Good experience, good food. Tables close together increases noise level
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.
Top review
PaulVIP
Dined on Jun 3, 2025
Good experience, good food. Tables close together increases noise level

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