The 7 Hottest Houston Restos of 2020

(Try to) book a reservation at one of these new year hot spots.

Rosalie in the C. Baldwin hotel boasts interiors by Philadelphia-based design studio Rohe Creative.

Rosalie Italian Soul
Food Network television personality chef Chris Cosentino opens his first Texas restaurant in the new C. Baldwin hotel Downtown. Look for homemade pastas, including blue crab manicotti with crab sauce Américaine. Traditional spaghetti and meatballs and shrimp fra diavolo share menu space with creations like whole stuffed eggplant Parmesan, wild boar ragu, steak alla pizzaiola, tuna crudo and pizzas (one size) fired in a showy wood-burning oven. 400 Dallas St., 713.351.5790

Guard and Grace
At Denver-based chef Troy Guard’s ambitious new venture, anticipate a spacious open kitchen and dramatic wine cellar with 10,000 bottles, and multiple areas to spread out, including four bars, an expansive raw bar with sushi and a forthcoming patio. Chef Daniel Virola, who trained in Denver for months, is turning out signature dishes, including wood-roasted carrots with housemade yogurt and pistachios, and lightened-up fresh fish and salads, lamb and local 44 Farms steaks. 500 Dallas St., 346.326.0789

One of MAD’s Instaworthy offerings

MAD
From the team behind sophisticated BCN Taste & Tradition comes this chic hot spot in River Oaks District named for the Madrid airport code. Wood-fired paellas, daily chef specials and genuine tapas unlike any in Houston are drawing crowds. 4444 Westheimer Road, 281.888.2770

Ouzo Bay
Fresh fish flown in daily from around the globe, exotic seafood dishes and a huge Greek wine list are highlights at this sleek and sceney Greek-inspired restaurant in River Oaks District. Don’t miss the watermelon salad, lamb tartare with harissa yogurt and garlic tiger shrimp in caper-lemon butter. 4444 Westheimer Road, Ste. G130

Traveler’s Table’s global fare

Traveler’s Table
Specializing in elevated international fare, this newcomer recently took over the shuttered Aqui spot. In the boho-style space, globe-trotting owner Matthew Mitchell is sharing his passion through elegantly plated cuisine spanning from Indian curry to pad thai and Middle Eastern flatbread. Opt for the communal “traveler’s table,” which seats 16 with a view of the open kitchen. 520 Westheimer Road, 832.409.5785

Rosie Cannonball
Foodies are flocking to Goodnight Hospitality’s latest venture. The enticing menu features simple Euro dishes with robust flavors. Wood-fired pizzas from the custom-built Italian grill, handmade pastas and stuffed focaccia headline the menu, along with a selection of roasted and grilled vegetables. 1620 Westheimer Road, 832.380.2471

Squable
The dream team behind Better Luck Tomorrow and other popular bar-focused concepts brings a comfy slice of Europe to the neighborhood. Small and large plates range from marinated mussels and calico beans to a pork neck schnitzel with ’kraut. 632 W. 19th St., 832.834.7362