clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
A dining room with plush furnishings and a neon wall hanging that reads “I’m addicted to you and whiskey”.
The well-appointed dining room at the new Bosscat Kitchen & Cocktails, now open in the Woodlands.
Dylan McEwan

The 15 Hottest New Restaurants in Houston, March 2023

Find vibey dining rooms, swoon-worthy patios, omakase experiences, and much more at these buzzy newcomers

View as Map
The well-appointed dining room at the new Bosscat Kitchen & Cocktails, now open in the Woodlands.
| Dylan McEwan

To some, Houston is considered a culinary capital, offering an onslaught of cuisines and restaurants that keep local diners and visitors alike hungry for more. And with a nonstop list of new openings, the question remains each month: Where to dine now?

Fortunately, Eater Houston has you covered — publishing some of the hottest and buzziest new restaurants each month.

While Burger Bodega, Karen, and Louie’s Italian American are still worthy picks, this list has been refreshed to include newer restaurants, like Jun, Cucharita, and Gatsby’s Grill.

Happy dining.

For all the latest Houston dining intel, subscribe to Eater Houston’s newsletter.

Read More

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

Copy Link

A second outpost of popular River Oaks restaurant Bosscat Kitchen & Libations is now open in the Woodlands. Open daily, the new location boasts a large, covered patio looking on to the pedestrian-friendly Market Street, a whiskey library, and fan favorite dishes like the Fruity Pebbles French toast at weekend brunch.

The outdoor patio with dark furnishings, sofas, and bar seating.
The new Woodlands outpost of Bosscat Kitchen & Cocktails has prime real estate on Market Street.
Dylan McEwan

Tim Ho Wan

Copy Link

This international dim sum sensation landed in Katy in November, bringing some of the most delicious traditional and innovative morsels meant for sharing. Start with the classics, like the har gaw, shu mai, and baked bao buns, and consider the comforting congee and the spicy wontons offer a perfect way to warm things up. End with the creamy custard balls. You won’t be disappointed.

Four pieces of Tim Ho Wan’s shu mai, topped with dried goji berries, served in a tin basket.
Tim Ho Wan is now open in Katy’s Asiatown.
Brittany Britto Garley

Chef Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu’s new Heights restaurant, Jun, draws inspiration from the duo’s diverse upbringing. The small menu packs big flavor. Coined “new Asian American” cuisine, standout dishes include lamb curry with pickled daikon and fried chicken with shrimp paste and Thai chilis.

An open dining room with textured ceiling, dark tables and chairs, and banquettes.
The Tulum-inspired dining room at Jun in the Heights.
Claudia Casbarian

Pacha Nikkei

Copy Link

Chef Masaru Fukuda showcases Nikkei cuisine, a mix of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, at this worthy Westchase District restaurant. Along with an array of sushi and ceviches, the menu features dishes like fried pork gyoza, Spanish octopus, and chicken skewers with housemade tart sauce.

Ciel Restaurant & Lounge

Copy Link

Despite how much you’ve heard about it, Ciel is the kind of place you have to experience for yourself. The see and be seen destination restaurant gets more and more lively as the night goes on, with a series of singers, dancers, and performers taking to the dining room each evening. While garnering a lot of buzz for its entertainment, Ciel offers a solid dinner menu too. Expect chef-driven options like smoked wagyu beef tartare, premium non-GMO caviar, and a sushi program.

A dining room with set tables, cushiony blue seating, and an array of wall art.
Ciel’s splashy dining room.
Shannon O’Hara

Little Hen

Copy Link

This Florida-based restaurant known for its whimsical dining room bedecked in florals, has arrived in Houston, holding court in a cozy corner of River Oaks District. The dreamy space, which will soon include an outdoor Champagne garden, offers an ideal backdrop for sipping picture perfect cocktails like the Champagne candy cloud, featuring Pommery Champagne, cotton candy, and a sprinkle of rose petals. Brunch brings rose petal pancakes, and afternoons are reserved for an elegant, upscale tea service.

A patio with a long table shaded by white umbrellas and surrounded by florals.
The picturesque outdoor patio at Little Hen in River Oaks District.
Little Hen

TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar - Houston

Copy Link

Decorated with vibrant pinks and murals of cherry blossoms, TEN Sushi’s Houston location delivers a compelling and sexy ambiance with delicious sushi and creative cocktails to boot. Settle in with favorites like the shaken beef; the spicy tuna crispy rice starter; the Forbidden roll, made with black rice seared ahi, albacore, crab, spicy tuna, avocado, sweet soy, and jalapeño sauce; and a cocktail like the Lychee Like That. But don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path. It’s hard to go wrong here.

Ten Sushi’s dining room dimly lit in hues of red.
Ten Sushi boasts an attractive dining room.
Ten Sushi + Cocktail Bar

Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks

Copy Link

With its second location in River Oaks, Zanti Cucina prides itself on offering true Italian fare in a swanky setting, complete with a charming patio. Start with the cacio e pepe salad topped with a cheese and pepper dressing with a balsamic drizzle, or the black truffle beef tartare. Shamelessly dig into a Neapolitan pizza or opt for a plate of pasta, like the pappardelle made with shredded braised veal ossobuco, or the black truffle taglioni, prepared tableside. Peruse the cocktail list, which includes the Bella Vita — a combination of raspberry vodka, limoncello, lemon juice, and Prosecco that works as a dinner complement or dessert.

Graffiti Raw

Copy Link

Newly opened in the Montrose Collective, Graffiti Raw is the latest endeavor from the Big Vibe Group (Coppa, Flora, and Gratify). Inspired by the laid back vibe of the West Coast, and with a diverse menu reflecting eats from around the globe, this hip restaurant is a welcome addition to the Montrose neighborhood. Opt for a seat on the sceney patio or at the 9-seat bar, and nosh on caviar and chips with a Flora margarita, before indulging in whole-roasted branzino.

Cucharita

Copy Link

From the owners of Montrose hot spot Cuchara, Cucharita brings a place to enjoy fresh Mexican sweet breads, coffee, juice, and cocktails for breakfast or lunch. Pair a concha with a Mexican coffee and spend a nice leisurely morning on the open-air patio.

Gatsby's Grill

Copy Link

After opening the more formal Gatsby’s Steakhouse and Gatsby’s Seafood, the Gatsby’s restaurant group launched Gatsby’s Grill, a casual and approachable destination, now open in the East End. The menu features comfort plates like burgers and chicken fried steak, along with a variety of Latin-driven offerings like street corn, tacos, and queso, in an effort to pay homage to the surrounding El Segundo neighborhood.

A black plate with four deviled eggs on it on a wooden table.
Deluxe deviled eggs at Gatsby’s rGrill.
Raydon Creative

Money Cat

Copy Link

The team behind Tobiuo Sushi at LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch has brought its star power inside the loop with Money Cat, now open at Levy Park. Led by chef-owner Sherman Yeung and 22-year-old chef de cuisine, Jiolo “Jio” Dingayan, the menu showcases a mix of cooked and cold dishes and is coined as “new Japanese” cuisine. Expect sushi and sashimi alongside whimsical preparations of cured tuna, heirloom tomatoes, and Japanese shaved ice.

A dish of heirloom tomatoes made to look like they are growing out of potted soil.
Money Cat’s tomato garden is a feast for the eyes and palate.
Sabrina Miskelly

The Lymbar

Copy Link

After honing his chops with his father Michael Cordua at the family’s Churrascos and Americas restaurants, chef David Cordua made his solo debut with the opening of the Lymbar at the Ion in December. The Latin-Mediterranean restaurant draws inspiration from Cordua’s Nicaraguan heritage and features items like beef tenderloin tacos arabes, a selection of empanadas, and desserts like tres leches and sweet corn flan. The attractive dishes are complemented by the equally pretty jewel-toned space.

A wooden board topped with beef tenderloin skewers, accompanied with sourdough flatbread and rice.
Beef tenderloin tacos Arabes with chimichurri, hummus and eggplant chili bomba, served with sourdough flatbread and basmati rice at the Lymbar.
Dylan McEwan

Sushi by Hidden

Copy Link

The owners of Hidden Omakase have opened yet another speakeasy-style sushi restaurant. Sushi by Hidden is located discreetly in Rice Village and boasts an intimate space with 10 seats, which guests may reserve for $60 omakase experiences, and an art gallery featuring a revolving lineup of artists. Like Hidden Omakase, Sushi by Hidden is BYOB.

A wooden board showcasing pieces of raw fish topped with uni.
Sushi by Hidden offers a 30-minute omakase experience.
Jenn Duncan

Navy Blue

Copy Link

Sister to James Beard Award-nominated chef Aaron Bludorn’s restaurant Bludorn, this Rice Village newcomer offers up some of the most delectable seafood dishes in the city, and it’s open for lunch and dinner. Begin with the baked goodness that is clams casino, the BBQ shrimp, and the creamy, chowder-like mussel bisque that comes topped with flaky pastry. Then, prepare for main courses, like Navy’s moist King Salmon, or swordfish au poivre, which comes with a halved hunk of roasted garlic. You can’t go wrong with pastry chef Marie Riddle’s desserts. The carrot cake, the chocolate coulant, and the Apples & Eggs — a green apple sorbet with creme fraiche and a bump of caviar — are all fantastic.

Navy Blue’s spaghetti vongole dish, with clams served over spaghetti with a garnish of seaweed.
Navy Blue’s spaghetti vongole.
Caroline Fontenot

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

A second outpost of popular River Oaks restaurant Bosscat Kitchen & Libations is now open in the Woodlands. Open daily, the new location boasts a large, covered patio looking on to the pedestrian-friendly Market Street, a whiskey library, and fan favorite dishes like the Fruity Pebbles French toast at weekend brunch.

The outdoor patio with dark furnishings, sofas, and bar seating.
The new Woodlands outpost of Bosscat Kitchen & Cocktails has prime real estate on Market Street.
Dylan McEwan

Tim Ho Wan

This international dim sum sensation landed in Katy in November, bringing some of the most delicious traditional and innovative morsels meant for sharing. Start with the classics, like the har gaw, shu mai, and baked bao buns, and consider the comforting congee and the spicy wontons offer a perfect way to warm things up. End with the creamy custard balls. You won’t be disappointed.

Four pieces of Tim Ho Wan’s shu mai, topped with dried goji berries, served in a tin basket.
Tim Ho Wan is now open in Katy’s Asiatown.
Brittany Britto Garley

Jūn

Chef Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu’s new Heights restaurant, Jun, draws inspiration from the duo’s diverse upbringing. The small menu packs big flavor. Coined “new Asian American” cuisine, standout dishes include lamb curry with pickled daikon and fried chicken with shrimp paste and Thai chilis.

An open dining room with textured ceiling, dark tables and chairs, and banquettes.
The Tulum-inspired dining room at Jun in the Heights.
Claudia Casbarian

Pacha Nikkei

Chef Masaru Fukuda showcases Nikkei cuisine, a mix of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, at this worthy Westchase District restaurant. Along with an array of sushi and ceviches, the menu features dishes like fried pork gyoza, Spanish octopus, and chicken skewers with housemade tart sauce.

Ciel Restaurant & Lounge

Despite how much you’ve heard about it, Ciel is the kind of place you have to experience for yourself. The see and be seen destination restaurant gets more and more lively as the night goes on, with a series of singers, dancers, and performers taking to the dining room each evening. While garnering a lot of buzz for its entertainment, Ciel offers a solid dinner menu too. Expect chef-driven options like smoked wagyu beef tartare, premium non-GMO caviar, and a sushi program.

A dining room with set tables, cushiony blue seating, and an array of wall art.
Ciel’s splashy dining room.
Shannon O’Hara

Little Hen

This Florida-based restaurant known for its whimsical dining room bedecked in florals, has arrived in Houston, holding court in a cozy corner of River Oaks District. The dreamy space, which will soon include an outdoor Champagne garden, offers an ideal backdrop for sipping picture perfect cocktails like the Champagne candy cloud, featuring Pommery Champagne, cotton candy, and a sprinkle of rose petals. Brunch brings rose petal pancakes, and afternoons are reserved for an elegant, upscale tea service.

A patio with a long table shaded by white umbrellas and surrounded by florals.
The picturesque outdoor patio at Little Hen in River Oaks District.
Little Hen

TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar - Houston

Decorated with vibrant pinks and murals of cherry blossoms, TEN Sushi’s Houston location delivers a compelling and sexy ambiance with delicious sushi and creative cocktails to boot. Settle in with favorites like the shaken beef; the spicy tuna crispy rice starter; the Forbidden roll, made with black rice seared ahi, albacore, crab, spicy tuna, avocado, sweet soy, and jalapeño sauce; and a cocktail like the Lychee Like That. But don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path. It’s hard to go wrong here.

Ten Sushi’s dining room dimly lit in hues of red.
Ten Sushi boasts an attractive dining room.
Ten Sushi + Cocktail Bar

Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks

With its second location in River Oaks, Zanti Cucina prides itself on offering true Italian fare in a swanky setting, complete with a charming patio. Start with the cacio e pepe salad topped with a cheese and pepper dressing with a balsamic drizzle, or the black truffle beef tartare. Shamelessly dig into a Neapolitan pizza or opt for a plate of pasta, like the pappardelle made with shredded braised veal ossobuco, or the black truffle taglioni, prepared tableside. Peruse the cocktail list, which includes the Bella Vita — a combination of raspberry vodka, limoncello, lemon juice, and Prosecco that works as a dinner complement or dessert.

Graffiti Raw

Newly opened in the Montrose Collective, Graffiti Raw is the latest endeavor from the Big Vibe Group (Coppa, Flora, and Gratify). Inspired by the laid back vibe of the West Coast, and with a diverse menu reflecting eats from around the globe, this hip restaurant is a welcome addition to the Montrose neighborhood. Opt for a seat on the sceney patio or at the 9-seat bar, and nosh on caviar and chips with a Flora margarita, before indulging in whole-roasted branzino.

Cucharita

From the owners of Montrose hot spot Cuchara, Cucharita brings a place to enjoy fresh Mexican sweet breads, coffee, juice, and cocktails for breakfast or lunch. Pair a concha with a Mexican coffee and spend a nice leisurely morning on the open-air patio.

Gatsby's Grill

After opening the more formal Gatsby’s Steakhouse and Gatsby’s Seafood, the Gatsby’s restaurant group launched Gatsby’s Grill, a casual and approachable destination, now open in the East End. The menu features comfort plates like burgers and chicken fried steak, along with a variety of Latin-driven offerings like street corn, tacos, and queso, in an effort to pay homage to the surrounding El Segundo neighborhood.

A black plate with four deviled eggs on it on a wooden table.
Deluxe deviled eggs at Gatsby’s rGrill.
Raydon Creative

Money Cat

The team behind Tobiuo Sushi at LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch has brought its star power inside the loop with Money Cat, now open at Levy Park. Led by chef-owner Sherman Yeung and 22-year-old chef de cuisine, Jiolo “Jio” Dingayan, the menu showcases a mix of cooked and cold dishes and is coined as “new Japanese” cuisine. Expect sushi and sashimi alongside whimsical preparations of cured tuna, heirloom tomatoes, and Japanese shaved ice.

A dish of heirloom tomatoes made to look like they are growing out of potted soil.
Money Cat’s tomato garden is a feast for the eyes and palate.
Sabrina Miskelly

The Lymbar

After honing his chops with his father Michael Cordua at the family’s Churrascos and Americas restaurants, chef David Cordua made his solo debut with the opening of the Lymbar at the Ion in December. The Latin-Mediterranean restaurant draws inspiration from Cordua’s Nicaraguan heritage and features items like beef tenderloin tacos arabes, a selection of empanadas, and desserts like tres leches and sweet corn flan. The attractive dishes are complemented by the equally pretty jewel-toned space.

A wooden board topped with beef tenderloin skewers, accompanied with sourdough flatbread and rice.
Beef tenderloin tacos Arabes with chimichurri, hummus and eggplant chili bomba, served with sourdough flatbread and basmati rice at the Lymbar.
Dylan McEwan

Sushi by Hidden

The owners of Hidden Omakase have opened yet another speakeasy-style sushi restaurant. Sushi by Hidden is located discreetly in Rice Village and boasts an intimate space with 10 seats, which guests may reserve for $60 omakase experiences, and an art gallery featuring a revolving lineup of artists. Like Hidden Omakase, Sushi by Hidden is BYOB.

A wooden board showcasing pieces of raw fish topped with uni.
Sushi by Hidden offers a 30-minute omakase experience.
Jenn Duncan

Navy Blue

Sister to James Beard Award-nominated chef Aaron Bludorn’s restaurant Bludorn, this Rice Village newcomer offers up some of the most delectable seafood dishes in the city, and it’s open for lunch and dinner. Begin with the baked goodness that is clams casino, the BBQ shrimp, and the creamy, chowder-like mussel bisque that comes topped with flaky pastry. Then, prepare for main courses, like Navy’s moist King Salmon, or swordfish au poivre, which comes with a halved hunk of roasted garlic. You can’t go wrong with pastry chef Marie Riddle’s desserts. The carrot cake, the chocolate coulant, and the Apples & Eggs — a green apple sorbet with creme fraiche and a bump of caviar — are all fantastic.

Navy Blue’s spaghetti vongole dish, with clams served over spaghetti with a garnish of seaweed.
Navy Blue’s spaghetti vongole.
Caroline Fontenot

Related Maps