River Oaks’ newest restaurant delights the palate and brings Italian charm to our fair city.
Biondi’s goal was to have the restaurant resemble a private residence.
“Making our restaurant feel like a home was probably the number-one thing I focused on,” shares Jessica Biondi, owner of notable eatery Concura nestled in the heart of River Oaks. “Design is a passion, but getting it to really feel like a home was extra fun.” Having recently opened its doors, the highly anticipated restaurant offers a whimsical spin on coastal Italian cuisine. Biondi—who spent several years at lauded design hub CASA, where she honed a specialty in Italian furniture and design—poured her heart and soul into this restaurant, often reflecting on the endeavor as a true passion project.
The decor features wow-worthy art such as this 1995 Ferdinando Scianna piece.
Let’s just say that her years spent perfecting her vision are very much in evidence upon entering the space. From rich hues to provide moody ambiance to pops of panache created by colorful throws and neon artwork, every nook and corner was meticulously thought out. The dishes are of the same caliber. When asked about her dish of choice, this powerhouse notes, “As far as the menu goes, I love anything raw. The tartare de tonno (tuna tartare) is probably my favorite. We come from a fishermen’s town, so a spritz with raw fish is the ideal beginning to any meal. It is night and light. I also love the pappa al pomodoro, which is a Tuscan dish. It is simple but very tasty.” 4340 Westheimer Road, concurahouston.com
Biondi comes from a small town called Fano in the Marche region.
Photography by: MATTHEW ROOD
