By Elisabeth Brigham and Jane Humphrey By Elisabeth Brigham and Jane Humphrey | January 16, 2024 | Food & Drink,
Step up your romance with these restaurants in Houston.
Karne
Marrying a mix of the classic American steakhouse with traditional Korean fare, Karne dazzles and delights in the Heights neighborhood. The modernized Korean steakhouse, from restaurateur Jason Cho with chef Yurum “KP” Nam leading the charge in the kitchen, is rife with authentic ingredients and fresh flavor profiles. As for this Valentine’s Day? Choose between a three or five course menu, complete with a limited edition cocktail and live DJ. 2805 White Oak Drive
Sushi by Hidden
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
Se7en
With a menu of lavish cuisine and cocktails to tantalize the taste buds, might we introduce you to Se7en—the newly opened entertainment restaurant located in Upper Kirby. Putting a creative spin on Asian-Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant welcomes guests from Tuesday to Saturday to delight in the sensorial experience of this culinary concept, and we promise it is unlike any other. “Our primary focus is to create a mixture of wonder and intrigue while making our guests feel at home,” shares co-founder of Seven Hospitality Group Frank Edosomwan. “We have spent months going over every detail to ensure that this deep sense of euphoria is brought to all guests.” 3300 Kirby Drive, Ste. B
Albi
Ensconced in the River Oaks shopping center sits the newly opened Mediterranean restaurant, Albi. Spearheaded by Aladdin Nimri and siblings Nano and Jimy Fakhoury, this chic new eatery hosts a menu featuring a handsome blend of Lebanese, Turkish and Jordanian cultures. “We look forward to creating an ambiance that evokes a very distinctive vibe of the “Levant” area of the Middle East, which refers to the region along the eastern Mediterranean shores,” shares Nano Fakhoury. “...a vibe we feel will resonate beautifully in this relaxed but buzzy corridor.” 1947 West Gray St.
Dante’s River Oaks
Restaurateur Brian Doke is bringing the heat to the Houston dining scene with his latest concept, Dante’s River Oaks. Specializing in traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist is this buzzy new spot featuring dishes such as Bucatini Amatriciana, Rigatoni Cacio e Pepe and Tagliatelle Truffle & Mushrooms, to name a few. Regarding the restaurant’s unrivaled ambiance, Doke shares: “The combination of a charming and quaint interior coupled with an airy patio for dining alfresco makes for a wonderful experience.” 4340 Westheimer
Clark’s Oyster Bar
Sometimes, you have to say “shuck it” and try someplace new. Luckily, Houston hosts a bevy of new 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.
Brenner’s on the Bayou
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., 713.868.4444
Rosie Cannonball
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
Marmo
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 Rd Suite 109
Little Hen
Festooned in floral prints and bouquets as far as the eye can see comes this oh-so-charming new 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
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
La Griglia
A Houston favorite for decades, the award-winning River Oak’s trattoria serves authentic Italian cuisine that never ceases to impress. Featuring an artsy, relaxed environment, join their patio or dining room and enjoy some of the guest’s favorites, including their wild mushroom lasagna and specialty mussels. Join them for happy hour daily from 3-7pm, and sip on some wine, Italian beer, and specialty cocktails. 2002 West Gray St, 713.526.4700
Roma
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 Crespella ai Frutti di Mare, a crepe folded with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, marsala cream, ricotta. Whatever you choose, don't forget to pair it with a glass of wine or classic cocktail. 2347 University Blvd, 713.664.7581
Photography by: Courtesy of Clark's Oyster Bar
