Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Restaurant list

Discover the Best New Restaurants in Houston

A photo of Red logo
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
4.7 (2542)
$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
Darrin
Dined 2 days ago
Vibes atmosphere with great food and cocktails. DJ was good touch.
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
Darrin
Dined 2 days ago
Vibes atmosphere with great food and cocktails. DJ was good touch.
Loch Bar-Houston
4.7 (1216)
$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
Teresa
Dined 3 days ago
The food was very good minus the calamari. Would recommend a visit. Even did a special birthday treat for my friend. Parking was not easy but we did not have to pay in the garage.
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
Teresa
Dined 3 days ago
The food was very good minus the calamari. Would recommend a visit. Even did a special birthday treat for my friend. Parking was not easy but we did not have to pay in the garage.
Eunice
4.8 (2691)
$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
Morgan
Dined 1 day ago
We went for my Dr b day. It was perfect, we really enjoyed ourself
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
Morgan
Dined 1 day ago
We went for my Dr b day. It was perfect, we really enjoyed ourself
The Original Ninfa's Uptown
4.7 (789)
$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
BennyVIP
Dined on Apr 27, 2025
Great quality fajitas. Queso flameado great. Bar service great
“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
BennyVIP
Dined on Apr 27, 2025
Great quality fajitas. Queso flameado great. Bar service great
a'Bouzy
4.7 (2793)
$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
Lori
Dined 1 day ago
Had a great experience during Sunday Brunch. The food was delicious, service was very good.
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
Lori
Dined 1 day ago
Had a great experience during Sunday Brunch. The food was delicious, service was very good.
Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston
4.5 (523)
$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 6 days ago
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 6 days ago
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 (2552)
$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
Gerardo
Dined on Apr 25, 2025
Introduced two friends to the pork chops! Lives have been changed for good!
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
Gerardo
Dined on Apr 25, 2025
Introduced two friends to the pork chops! Lives have been changed for good!
Warehouse 72
4.6 (831)
$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
David
Dined on Apr 26, 2025
My company Christmas party was held here a few years ago. I remembered how much I enjoyed the experience. I was always wanting to return. I’m so glad I did. The food was amazing, staff was friendly and atmosphere was wonderful. My guest had a great time.
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
David
Dined on Apr 26, 2025
My company Christmas party was held here a few years ago. I remembered how much I enjoyed the experience. I was always wanting to return. I’m so glad I did. The food was amazing, staff was friendly and atmosphere was wonderful. My guest had a great time.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Willowbrook, TX | Commons at Willowbrook
4.6 (253)
$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
Rosalia
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Great food selection and ambience. Totally recommend!
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
Rosalia
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Great food selection and ambience. Totally recommend!
The Union Kitchen (Towne Lake)
4.3 (878)
$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
Kim
Dined on Apr 18, 2025
Excellent food, nice atmosphere, but slow service.
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
Kim
Dined on Apr 18, 2025
Excellent food, nice atmosphere, but slow service.
Sorriso Italian Kitchen
4.5 (621)
$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
KristinaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The service and food were amazing. John took great care of us and made excellent suggestions. We had the focaccia bread, wood-fire cheese pizza, Cesar salad, fresh pasta with meatballs and black spaghetti. Highly recommend. This is our favorite dinner spot for special occasions in The Woodlands when we stay at the Westin. The pizza crust is the best!
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
KristinaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The service and food were amazing. John took great care of us and made excellent suggestions. We had the focaccia bread, wood-fire cheese pizza, Cesar salad, fresh pasta with meatballs and black spaghetti. Highly recommend. This is our favorite dinner spot for special occasions in The Woodlands when we stay at the Westin. The pizza crust is the best!

More lists for you

Explore other cities and regions
A photo of Dubai
Dubai
A photo of UAE
UAE
Other ways to experience the world through dining
Must Try Korean Dishes The GreatsExplore Asian-Owned and -Operated RestaurantsExplore Award-Winning Restaurants on OpenTable The Best Bars on OpenTableTKTKThe Best Restaurants for Breakfast on OpenTableThe Best Brunch RestaurantsThe Best Burgersbest cafe in town
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo