10 New Houston Restaurants So Good, You’ll Forget to Take a Picture for Instagram
I’ve always loved trying new restaurants in Houston—probably a little too much, considering my fridge is mostly just a storage unit for takeout sauces. I’m always on the lookout for new openings, and yes, I’ll shamelessly be one of the first in line.
There’s just something exciting about tasting fresh dishes before they become everyone’s go-to Instagram post.
In this guide, I’ll share some of the newest and most exciting places to eat in the city. If you love good food (or just need an excuse to avoid cooking), these spots are definitely worth checking out.
So, if you’re a foodie like me—keep reading!
1. Alora
Media Credit: alora_htx
Website: https://www.alorahtx.com/
Address: 2502 Dunlavy St Suite B, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-485-4836
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM; Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM; Monday – 4 to 9 PM
Price Range: $$
Houston has plenty of great food, but if you’re craving something different, Alora blends Peruvian and Vietnamese flavors in a way that just works. The cozy space is great for a casual dinner or a date night you want to pretend you planned. The heated patio makes outdoor dining comfortable year-round.
The PeruViet Ceviche combines fresh fish and leche de tigre for a citrus kick. The Drunken Mussels, cooked in beer and wine broth, are perfect for dipping bread!
For the main course, try the Shaking Lomo Saltado, a beef tenderloin dish. If you love seafood, the Seafood Parihuela is a great choice with its assortment of seafood cooked in broth.
To complement the flavors, enjoy a Chardonnay or a refreshing cocktail like Hanoi Quarter or Pho-quila.
| Pro Tips: If the weather’s nice, the patio is a great spot—just double-check for heaters unless you enjoy shivering between bites. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the Coconut Ice Cream with Sticky Rice. It’s the kind of dessert that’ll make you consider ordering a second one… for “sharing,” of course. |
2. Chikahan
Website: https://www.chikahanhtx.com/
Address: 2313 Edwards St Ste. 180, Houston, TX (in The Shops at Sawyer Yards)
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Saturday – 5 to 10 PM; Sunday to Tuesday – Closed
Price Range: $$
Chikahan is Houston’s first Filipino-inspired tasting menu restaurant, located in Sawyer Yards. The restaurant, created by Chef Andrew Musico, combines traditional Filipino flavors with fresh, seasonal Texas ingredients.
The space, styled with bamboo accents and modern lighting, feels like a cozy but fancy family dinner party. Friendly staff explain the dishes, and if you’re lucky, Chef Andrews might stop by to share his passion for Filipino food–or to check if you’ve cleaned your plate (we’re kidding).
The real star, of course, is the seven-course tasting menu, priced at $150 per diner. It sounds fancy, because it is. Dishes include Longanisa Yaki, a skewered Filipino sausage and Chicken 3 Ways–crispy chicken lollipops, tinola, and Hainanese-poached.
The menu also includes Filipino classics like the sour soup Sinigang and the coconut milk dish Laing that may be acquired taste for some but are absolute comfort for others.
Finally, it’s BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage…or Booze), so guests can bring their own wine to enjoy with the meal! The whole dining experience feels well-paced, and by the end, you may still want more.
| Pro Tips: If you have any dietary needs, like allergies, let them know when you book your reservation! They’re happy to adjust the menu for you so you’re not left wondering why you’re feeling something tingling. The menu changes (with one change coming in April) so don’t get too attached to a dish–it might just ghost you (so enjoy it while you still can). |
3. Bar Doko
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Website: https://www.bardoko.com/
Address: 3737 Cogdell St Suite 135, Houston, TX (in Hanover Parkview)
Contact Details: +1 713-393-7725
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 4 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $-$$
Bar Doko is a hidden Japanese-inspired cocktail bar in Autry Park, Houston. It’s perfect for those who enjoy hanging out in exclusive spots–or just want to feel like they’re in on a well-kept secret.
With space for only 14-16 people, reservations are a must. The bar’s soft lighting, quiet music, and simple, stylish decor make it a great spot for a relaxing evening or a date.
The cocktails are inspired by Japan’s six seasons (that’s right–six, not four). Drinks like Risso (Early Spring) and Harū (Spring) highlight the bar’s ability to balance flavors.
Whisky lovers can geek out over rare Japanese options like Nikka Coffey Grain and Yamazaki 12 Years Old. Sake enthusiasts will like the Hakkaisan “45” Daiginjo and craft beer fans will adore the Kizakura Kyoto Matcha IPA.
Little extras like warm towels and complimentary snacks add to the experience, making you feel just a bit fancier than you actually are.
| Pro Tips: If you love whisky but are not quite the expert, let the bartenders guide you! There’s no need to pretend to have a refined palate around here. Don’t skip the Japanese sweet treats at the end! |
4. Pok Pok Po
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Website: https://www.pokpokpo.com/
Address: 3201 Louisiana St Suite 108, Houston, TX (The Mix @ Midtown)
Contact Details: +1 346-692-3464
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM; Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Despite its funny-sounding name, Pok Pok Po is one of Houston’s chicken hotspots. They mix Texas and Indian flavors in perfectly-fried, fried chicken–because clearly, regular fried chicken wasn’t addicting enough.
Located in Midtown Houston, the restaurant is spacious, modern, and with free parking (we’ve won half the battle just with this). The staff is friendly and the service is fast, and the hardest part is convincing yourself to not get additional orders.
The Fried Chicken Sandwich is a fan favorite. For snacking, try the Chicken Strips that come in different sizes, and the Loaded Chic Fries (just beware of the kimchi if you’re not a fan).
To balance out the spice, they offer a creamy Mango Lassi or you can just grab a beer! If you feel adventurous, check out their THC-infused drinks–just don’t get too shocked if you end up buying more chicken afterward.
| Pro Tips: If you’re feeling brave, try the Naughty Sauce and give your taste buds a little (fine, a lot of) excitement. For an extra $6.75, you can make your meal a combo with 1 drink, 1 side, and 1 sauce–a small investment for your future happiness! |
5. Bar Bludorn
Website: https://www.barbludorn.com/
Address: 9061 Gaylord Dr, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 832-271-8264
Operating Hours: Monday to Tuesday – 5 to 9 PM; Wednesday to Saturday – 4 to 9:30 PM; Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Price Range: $$
Bar Bludorn, located in Memorial, is a cozy yet upscale tavern that combines Texas-inspired dishes with Southern hospitality. Led by Chef Aaron Bludorn, this place feels fancy but still feels like home.
The interiors are stylish, featuring dark booths that make the dining experience feel intimate–until the crowd picks up and you realize everyone in the city wants to try to eat here.
The Duck Gumbo here is rich and smoky, and the Country Ham Beignets put a savory spin on the classic pastry. Masa Gnocchi is comfort food at its finest.
The Wagyu Short Rib Reuben takes the humble sandwich to a whole new level. For dessert, the Foie Gras Candy Bar is a sweet, unique treat to end your meal on a high note!
| Pro Tips: Got a special event? Bar Bludorn has private dining that’s great for gatherings like birthdays, so you won’t have strangers’ eyes on you when you blow your candle. Can’t get enough of the food here? Check out Bar Bludorn’s sister restaurants—Perseid and Navy Blue—and meet the whole family! |
6. Barbacana
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Website: https://barbacanatx.com/
Address: 907 Franklin St, Houston, TX (in Bayou Lofts)
Contact Details: +1 832-538-0652
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM; Saturday – 5 to 10 PM; Sunday to Monday – Closed
Price Range: $$$$
Barbacana, in downtown Houston, serves modern American cuisine with a seasonal twist—because who doesn’t love variety? Chef Christian Hernandez changes up the menu throughout the year, making sure everything is fresh and exciting so there’s always something new to try.
The restaurant is located near the theater and court districts, so it’s an easy stop before a show or jury duty. It’s stylish, elegant, yet welcoming, with interiors that feature plenty of colorful artwork!
The tasting menu includes dishes like Prawn Carpaccio and Vermillion Snapper Crudo. For something richer, try the Dry Aged Duck. The Tx Wagyu Denver with Sunflower Suya and Fried Fufu is a standout.
Desserts like Chocolate Pecan Coulant with Husk Cherry and Stroopwafel are a sweet way to end the meal!
If you’re going ala carte, popular dishes include Grilled Gulf Prawns with XO sauce and Hazelnuts or Tx Wagyu Denver Cut with Chanterelle and Nola Bordelaise.
| Pro Tips: The wine list has plenty of options, from classics to exciting new picks—perfect for pairing with your meal or just pretending you know a lot about wine. For a more peaceful meal, come on a weekday. Fewer people, less noise, and a better chance to hear yourself think about ordering dessert. |
7. Levant BBQ
Media Credit: levantbbq
Website: https://levantbarbecue.com/
Address: 5884 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 346-692-3051
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Price Range: $-$$
Levant BBQ is Houston’s newest excuse to eat way too much, blending smokey BBQ with Levantine flavors (FYI–Levant is the region between the Mediterranean and the Middle East). The restaurant is halal, so every dish is made with care.
The space is sleek and modern, with warm wood details and a stylish industrial design. To add to the experience, you can see the chefs cooking in the open kitchen! Inside, there are lots of cozy booths and tables, and there’s a large outdoor patio for those who want to eat outside.
The brisket is the star, while the lamb chops and lamb leg are strong contenders for the title. Their feasts are great for groups or one very hungry diner. The Habibi Feast offers meat and sides for 3-4 people, and the Levant Feast or Lamb Feast feeds 4-6 people.
The sides, including saffron rice, mac & cheese, quinoa cowboy caviar, and hummus, round out the meal. But no matter how full you get–make room for the soft-serve ice cream!
| Pro Tips: A cold iced tea or a lemony drink is the perfect sidekick after eating all the savory BBQ–the Robin to your BBQ Batman. Try the sauces! Your food might feel lonely without them! |
8. Osha Thai Kitchen
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Website: https://oshathaikitchennc.com/
Address: 12230 Westheimer Rd B270, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 984-538-6742
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Friday – 11 AM to 3 PM; 4 to 9:30 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM; Monday – Closed
Price Range: $-$$
Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi is a cozy, family-friendly restaurant where Thai food meets sushi. It’s tucked away in the 99 Ranch Plaza off Westheimer, so it’s easy to find–you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the modern decor, cozy lighting, and Thai-inspired colors.
The menu includes signature sushi rolls like the Downtown Dynamic Dragon and Naughty Roll, filled with fresh seafood and crispy toppings. Raw fish fans will enjoy the Tuna Tower and Sashimi Sampler.
If sushi isn’t your thing, you might enjoy Thai comfort food like Pad Thai (gluten-free noodles with just the right spice) and Green Curry.
For dessert, don’t skip the Mango Sticky Rice with coconut ice cream—refreshing and perfect to share…or for eating all by myself.
| Pro Tips: If you’re eating with kids, the Kids Sushi Set and Sweet and Sour Chicken are great choices (and if they don’t like it, you can have them). For the adults, Osha’s special cocktails are a must-try! They make the meal better and you might even forget that you’re sharing the dessert! |
9. Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera Houston
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Website: https://www.sushionodera.com/kaiten-sushi-texas
Address: 12270 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX (in West on West)
Contact Details: +1 469-369-5140
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera brings top-tier Edomae sushi in Houston’s West on West. With fresh ingredients flown straight from Japan every week, they’ve got a level of commitment worthy of kudos.
The place has a modern, casual feel, and to make your life easier–especially if it’s your first time–each table has a touchscreen tablet to make ordering easy.
The conveyor belt is like sushi speed dating–everything’s rotating and you just grab whatever catches your eye. Sushi prices range from $3 to $13 per piece, so you can feel fancy without having to sell your car.
The menu includes options like Medium Fatty Tuna, Premium Fatty Tuna, and Hokkaido Sea Urchin, along with dishes like Shoyu Ramen, Japanese Egg Custard, and desserts like Strawberry Parfaits and Black Sesame Ice Cream.
| Pro Tips: Bring a bigger appetite—or a friend who’s not afraid of sushi! The sushi’s great, but you might need a second mortgage because each plate usually only has one piece of sushi. So, good luck with your wallet after that meal! As for drinks, don’t expect to be overwhelmed with choices—they’ve got a few beers, and that’s about it. |
10. Herand’s Kitchen
Media Credit: herandskitchen
Website: https://www.herandskitchen.com/
Address: 2601 Baylor St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-485-5967
Price Range: $-$$
Herand’s Kitchen is where Persian and Greek flavors come together, making your taste buds do a little happy dance. Located in the Heights, it’s run by Herand Tahmasian, who brought his family’s recipes from Los Angeles—because why let California have all the food fun?
The restaurant has a clean, modern feel, and the service is as warm as a freshly baked pita. Whether you choose to dine inside or on the patio, you’ll feel right at home.
The menu has many Mediterranean favorites. Hummus and Baba Ghanoush are great starters, and the Greek Salad and Salad Shirazi are light and flavorful.
For main dishes, the Beef Koubideh with Zereshk rice and grilled vegetables will make you want to go on a “clean eating” journey again.
For dessert, don’t miss out on the sweet and flaky Baklava–just when you’ve finally decided to go on a diet again, this dish will pull you back for one more piece.
| Pro Tips: Try getting a table on the patio for a relaxing meal on a sunny day—just don’t forget your sunglasses, because the only thing brighter than the sunshine will be the delicious food. This place might be famous for its meat, but if you’re a vegetarian, you’ll still have lots of choices! The hummus, baba ganoush, and falafel are so good, that even meat lovers might sneak a bite or two. |
