Step up your romance with these restaurants in Houston.
Pouring a perfect glass to compliment Le Jardiner’s French fare.
Ready to book your next date night? Look no further than this romantic new restaurant, Sushi by Hidden, tucked in the buzzy Rice Village neighborhood. From the team that brought Houston hit Hidden Omakase, this new concept features a one-of-a-kind omakase experience that guarantees to wow on and off the plate. The intimate setting will host 10 guests at a time and feature a carefully curated selection of sushi. Leading the charge at this unique dining spot is chef Jimmy Kieu along with a rotating roster of chefs from Hidden Omakase who will pop in accordingly to provide each dish with its own signature spin. Another fun addition—the 1,200-square-foot space will feature an NFT art gallery spotlighting emerging artists that diners can delight in. 5216 Morningside Drive
Rosie Cannonball offers a vibrant setting to enjoy comforting European-inspired cuisine.
Transport yourself to an Italian paradise as you enter the simple yet elegant restaurant Bari. Located in the River Oaks District, the posh eatery is layered with classic Italian fare, including signature dishes like roasted branzino, Pasta Vongole, Pappardelle Bolognese, Insalta di Prosciutto and more. Take a bite out of this must-visit spot; we promise you will thank us later. 4444 Westheimer Road
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 mahi 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.
Sometimes, you have to say “shuck it” and try someplace new. Luckily, Houston hosts a bevy of eateries to entertain, and we have flagged the one at the top of our list. Ladies and gentlemen, might we introduce you to Clark’s Oyster Bar. Summoning with palette-pleasers including oysters from both the East and West Coast, signature seafood dishes, clams and a cold bar for the books, this resto packs the ultimate punch. With a flagship location in Austin and another in Aspen, Co., Clark’s Houston is guaranteed to have discerning diners buzzing in no time. 3807 Montrose Blvd.
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Menu standouts from the Michelin-starred French fine-dining restaurant Le Jardinier, nestled within Houston’s iconic Museum of Fine Arts.
At this peaceful retreat along Buffalo Bayou, grab a seat on one of the patios for scenic views of lush greenery and a serene waterfall. If you’re going for steak, order the Wagyu strip, but if small plates are more your style, try the roasted oysters or the shrimp remoulade. Pro tip: Topping it off with one of Brenner’s decadent souffles is always a good idea. 1 Birdsall St.
What’s more romantic than a delicious wine list and even dreamier dessert menu? Rosie Cannonball serves up European-inspired fare—showcasing local vegetables, pizzas and pastas, simple seafood and locally sourced meat cooked over live fire. Our favorites? The Cavatelli Alla Bolognese with lambrusco bolognese and parmigiano reggiano is an absolute must, but if pizza’s more your style, we recommend the Cacio E Pepe baked with white sauce, formaggi al pepe and pecorino. 1620 Westheimer Road
Visit Marmo Italian for freshly made pasta and hand-cut steaks paired with prized Italian wines. On the menu, indulge in Texas Wagyu, New York strip, cowboy ribeye, porterhouse and beef tenderloin. Elsewhere on the menu, enjoy highlights like lobster ravioli, squid ink campanelle and prime beef tartare. Every night, the restaurant hosts live music, ranging from singers to bands to instrumental musicians, perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere. 888 Westheimer Road, Ste. 109
Festooned in floral prints and bouquets as far as the eye can see comes this oh-so-charming eatery, Little Hen, in the River Oaks District. With its flagship location in Miami, this marks Little Hen’s foray into the Texas market, and we are here for it. After all, with menu offerings including rose petal pancakes, bananas Foster and bourbon-battered French toast, one cannot go wrong. “At Little Hen, we offer an eclectic European-inspired menu with American classics and Mexican specialties, along with an elevated tea service into a fully immersive experience that is really unlike anything else,” says founder and owner Enrique Altamirano. “We look forward to bringing a delicious and beautiful space to Houston where breakfast and brunch is not only for the weekends but a daily experience.” 4444 Westheimer Road
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
If you’re looking for authentic Italian food, Roma has you covered. With cozy atmospheres that evoke the spirit of Italy and classic dishes served with a twist, you’ll feel like you stepped right into an Italian trattoria. Munch on crowd favorites like the Cacio e Pepe prepared tableside with fettuccine pasta, cracked pepper and pecorino truffle topper or go for the Crespelle ai Frutti di Mare, a crepe folded with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, marsala cream and ricotta. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to pair it with a glass of wine or a classic cocktail. 2347 University Blvd.
Photography by: TOP TO BOTTOM: ZACHARY HORST AND CLEVELAND JENNINGS AND BRIAN KENNEDY
