By Haven Hathaway By Haven Hathaway | December 11, 2023 | Food & Drink,
MAD
Mystify your senses and enjoy tapas with a twist at MAD, where diners can enjoy modern molecular dishes. Owner Ignacio Torras brings his childhood smells, flavors and textures of Spain to life while incorporating Madrid’s vibrant nightlife. Here, the dishes are just as picture-worthy and detail-oriented as the restaurant’s otherworldly interior. Bright red bar chairs, deep blue velvet curtains, and booths create a luxe club vibe, while unique decor, such as the replica of the Cassini satellite, keeps diners curious. 4444 Westheimer Rd.
Navy Blue
Located in the vibrant Rice Village, Navy Blue is a fresh seafood haven cooked up by culinary genius Aaron Bluedorn. With a nod to the Texas Gulf Coast, it’s a modern seafood joint that will hook you in with its culinary treasures. The space is maritime-inspired, with polished wool panel flooring and splashes of navy blue accents that salute its name. To start, caviar and smoked mahi mahai dip with pineapple chow-chow and potato chips are a must. As for your main meal, making an early reservation worthwhile is the crawfish risotto, blackened red snapper and more. 2445 Times Blvd.
La Colombe d'Or
The name of the restaurant, Tonight and Tomorrow, already sets the tone for an unforgettable experience. La Colombe d'Or will have you dreaming of a French bistro for days to come. The chefs here are masters of their craft, whipping up classic dishes with a fresh and exciting twist. They only use the best season ingredients sourced from local and regional farms. You can’t go wrong with their ora king salmon or stuffed bandera quill– every bite is a sensation. And let’s not forget about the drinks– craft cocktails and a signature wine list make for the perfect pairing. Bon appétit! 3410 Montrose Blvd.
Le Jardinier
Conceptualized by Michelin-star chef and culinary director Alain Verzeroli, this NYC-based French restaurant has made its name in the Houston dining scene. Le Jardinier, which translates to “the gardener,” is inspired by the precision and craft of French culinary techniques that transform an ordinary vegetable into a dish that evokes awe. Focusing on harvesting and utilizing each ingredient at its seasonal peak, La Jardinier’s minimal but curated menu ensures that each dish is presented and prepared to perfection. Make sure you book in advance to try their citrus-cured hiramasa topped with royal Kaluga caviar or their avocado mousse, dashi, turnips, and nori. 5500 Main St. Ste. 122
Hamsa
Are you dreaming of creamy housemade hummus and open fire-baked pockets of pita? Then you better secure your reservation at the recently opened modern Israeli hot spot Hamsa. The Hamsa is an ancient Middle Eastern amulet symbolizing the Hand of God and is a sign of protection in many faiths. This tranquil restaurant is tucked away amongst an oasis of greenery and serves traditional dishes you might expect if traveling the Mediterranean, from whole grilled branzino to an array of freshly chopped baba ganoush and pickled vegetables to a nutty Baladi eggplant dish perfect for vegetarians. With over 100 wines, emphasizing bottles from Israel and Lebanon, to choose from, Hamsa has shaken up Houston’s Israeli cuisine scene. 5555 Morningside Dr. Ste 100
Kata Robata
It’s no wonder this premier sushi and Japanese tapas restaurant is always booked. Kata Robata’s warm and simplistic wooden interior creates a perfect ambiance for enjoying some of the highest quality cuts of fish flown in from Japan multiple times a week. If all the tables are booked, do not worry! The sushi bar is arguably the best seat in the house where you can dine and watch as four-time James Beard Award nominee and restaurant owner Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi and his team of skilled chefs create beautiful rolls. For the ultimate experience, make a reservation for an omakase or chef’s tasting menu. 3600 Kirby Dr. Ste H.
Coltivare
With Sunday evening lines spilling out onto the sidewalk and patrons patiently killing long wait times sipping crisp glasses of wine at the bar, getting a reservation in advance at Coltivare is a must. The popular and lively red brick Italian restaurant is revered for its thicker crust oven-baked pizzas and stand-out service. Its back garden creatively integrates home-grown ingredients with outdoor dining for a true farm-to-table experience. Whether you’re looking for a fun and hearty family dinner or a romantic date under fairy lights, you need a reservation at Coltivare. 3320 White Oak Dr.
Steak 48
For years, Steak 48 has been the spot to celebrate and enjoy a night on the town. Houstonians flock to this hot steakhouse for its robust menu and upscale ambiance. The Mastro brothers debuted this luxe restaurant in 2016, and with its dark modern interior and extravagant lighting, prime-grade steaks and fresh seafood, and attentive staff, it's no wonder that it has remained at the top of patrons’ lists. So next time you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary or just feel like spoiling yourself, make sure you book your table at Steak 48 in advance. 4444 Westheimer Rd.
Uchi
Originally located in an unassuming former historic Felix space, Uchi Houston has skyrocketed and since upgraded the space to an urban design with a striking entryway. At Uchi, you will get nothing short of perfection, from the level of detail given to seating design to the preparation and immaculate presentation of unique sushi. Chef and owner Tyson Cole is a James Beard Award winner and one of the few American sushi masters, and his countless accolades and worldwide training speak for themselves. Cole pushes the boundaries of the traditional sushi experience and has understandably won the loyalty of Houston’s sushi lovers. 904 Westheimer Rd. Ste. A
Photography by: Eaters Collective ESmxug33C0c/Unsplash
