If you’re wondering where Houston’s “it” crowd will be hanging this season, look no further than River Oaks’ latest eatery, Ciel. A first-to-market concept, the restaurant and lounge effortlessly intertwines an innovative mix of Japanese and French cuisines with live entertainment and a design-centric backdrop.
Velvet booths are complete with marbled tables and innovative lighting
Karla de Lara’s statue depicting Zeus.
The brainchild of Le Ciel Hospitality, a new Houston-based hospitality company launched by local partners Ryan Henry, Adel Sadek and Fasl Ty, the 8,000-square-foot-space is set to become a high-profile haven for foodies and socialites alike. “Ciel is an alluring, elegant and festive space designed for an impeccable dining, gathering and entertaining experience in Houston,” shares Studio Five Design co-founder and Ciel partner Sadek. “We painstakingly selected every detail in the interior to create a space built for unstuffy fine dining with exceptional cuisine, stylish presentations and beautiful art not found anywhere else in the city that will feel like a portal to a glamorous, fun-filled European getaway.” Perfect for intimate date nights and larger celebrations, the restaurant welcomes in a live DJ every night Wednesday through Saturday, with pop-up entertainment experiences throughout the night.
Mademoiselle cocktail
Entering the main dining room, guests are greeted by the first-ever 360-degree Barrisol mirror ceiling fixture in Houston—created to mitigate the room’s acoustics. Here, hues of blue and white set the stage while showcasing standout modern art and masterfully executed architecture and design. From Italian porcelain floors and marbled tables to deep-blue channeled velvet booths and an assortment of navy, cream and dusty-rose chairs custom-made for the 240-seat main dining room, each bite will transport you to the storied summertime hot spots lining the coastline of the Côte d’Azur.
The beef tartare with wagyu
Ciel—which means sky in French—pays homage to its namesake with a striking statue depicting Zeus. Created by Mexican artist Karla de Lara, the piece serves as a focal point for the restaurant, with three oversized paintings done by renowned French artist Philippe Shangti and other notable works adorning the walls. Moving throughout the restaurant, the space is also home to a 35-foot bar made from a continuous white marble slab complete with 14 Italian-made Armet bar stools, a 1,000-bottle wine cellar and a flexible private dining space that can seat up to 40 guests. This spring, the 140-seat open-air patio will make its debut, showcasing an expansive wood deck, custom seating and enviable landscaping.
The 8,000-square-foot eatery is home to a variety of seating areas, from the main dining room to the elevated lounge, 35-foot bar and private dining space.
As for the menu? Executive chef Joseph Geiskopf brings over 23 years of culinary experience to the table with an innovative French-meets-Japanese menu that leans on fresh, sustainable ingredients—think fish imported daily from Japan and New Zealand, prime steak cuts sourced from local grass-fed farms and so much more. Indulge in chef-driven staples like the sweet chile oysters mixed with ponzu, mango, onion, serrano pepper, red pepper and chile sauce; or go for the smoked beef tartare with wagyu beef, sunflower, crispy quinoa, thyme, dill, tarragon and parsley. Whatever the flavor, don’t forget to pair your meal with a signature cocktail or selection from its expansive wine list. 4411 San Felipe St., Ste. 101, 713.832.2435
Photography by: INTERIOR PHOTOS BY SHANNON O’HARA; FOOD AND DRINK PHOTO BY JULIE SOEFER
