This new all-day restaurant in the Stomping Yards development in Garden Oaks is a joint effort between the team behind Blood Brothers BBQ and lauded Houston pastry chef Alyssa Dole. Peruse the pastry case for fresh baked goods, or settle in for a proper meal during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Dole’s standout pastry skills are showcased in dishes like gooey cinnamon rolls, a smoked turkey club sandwich on house-made bread, savory cheese puffs, and bread pudding.

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.

Gypsy Poet has brought its one-of-a-kind concept to a new neighborhood. A second outpost of the wildly popular Midtown pizzeria, known for its mouthwatering 13-inch artisan pies and electric atmosphere which includes live jam sessions on Wednesday evenings, is now open in the former Fegen’s space on Studewood.

Here, a steakhouse merges with Korean barbecue for an unforgettable experience, filled with quality meats grilled tableside, Sample different items from the a la carte menu, like the rice mussels served with pillowy milk bread or the rib-eye hot pot, or bring a friend to enjoy the “karnivore platter,” with five cuts of meat — chef’s choice — with side dishes like scallion salad, egg souffle, kimchi and pickles, and stew.

HoustonEatz Instagram blogger and restauranteur Abbas Dhanani pays homage to New York convenience stores through this smash burger passion project, dishing out what might be the best chopped cheese in the city. Here, you’ll also find juicy burgers, either in smashed or classic fashion, loaded with Dhanani’s special Bodega sauce, and french fries, served plain yet crispy, or with the option of being cheesily “chopped” or “screwed” with toppings like bell peppers, onions, and sauce. The Craft Creamery milkshakes, which come in standard flavors, but also Vietnamese coffee and mango lassi, are also a must. Be sure to check out the collection of Houston-born products, like Pudgy’s cookies, that are available for purchase in its makeshift market.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 with impeccable service from start to finish. 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 also 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.

Tokyo-trained chef Yoshi Katsuyama offers his special touch at this Bellaire sushi spot, which is quickly becoming known for its beautifully plated assortments of nigiri, sashimi, and maki. Head straight for the sushi bar for Aya’s 19-course omakase experience, priced at $135 per person, or ball out with the $225 premium 23-course option