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Now that 2020 is finally — blessedly — almost behind us, it’s time to look toward the new year with a sense of hope. There’s a lot of promising things to come in 2021, and Houston’s dining scene is no exception.
From new outposts of beloved barbecue joints to splashy, chef-driven newcomers, these are the restaurants that Houston chefs and food writers are excited about in 2021.
Megha Bhandari, contributor, Eater Houston: I am excited for the new full-service concept Brasserie going into the Bank of America tower by the Common Bond team. The Common Bond concepts are growing at a rapid pace, despite the pandemic and I believe they understand the formula to build successful restaurants - excellent food, top notch service, consistency, great branding. I think Brasserie, with table service and a full bar, will make a great addition to Downtown.
Chris Shepherd, chef/owner, Underbelly Hospitality: The Lounge at March is open now, but I’m excited for the restaurant to open fully.
Brittanie Shey, associate editor, Eater Houston: By far the place I am most excited about is Tiny Champions. I love fermentation and I am so excited to see what they do with the menu there.
Mai Pham, contributor, Eater Houston: I’m very much looking forward to Tim Ho Wan dim sum. MARCH by Goodnight Hospitality is also up there!
Ryan Lachaine, chef/owner, Riel: March from Rosie Cannonball and my friend chef Brittanny Anderson’s new restaurant Leni in Washington D.C. I’ve cooked with her before. We have similar styles, and I’m a big fan of her food and the stuff she does at Metzger Bar & Butchery in Richmond, Va. I can’t wait to see what she has in store.
Erin Smith, chef/owner, Feges BBQ: Feges BBQ Spring Branch baby!!!!
Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi, chef/owner, Kata Robata: High-end sushi restaurants that are coming to Houston — Ume, Uchiko.
Victoria Dearmond, chef, Underbelly Hospitality: Feges BBQ is opening a new spot in Spring Branch, and I’m super stoked about that.
