24 of the hottest Houston restaurants to open this year

The new year may have gotten off to a slow start, but new restaurants began flooding the Houston dining scene in March and continued pumping out new excitement through May.

Houston foodies looking for delicious distractions are now faced with many new choices: steakhouses, seafood emporiums, modern bistros and an international smorgasbord of Asian, Mexican, Italian and Middle Eastern concepts. Spirits-minded adventurers also are being treated to fabulous new bars and posh lounges spiked with global wine lists, craft cocktails, margaritas and micheladas, Asian highballs and plenty of bubbles.

Here are some of the hottest new openings so far in 2023.

This glamorous new River Oaks restaurant (Arabic for "my heart") comes from siblings Nano and Jimy Fakhoury of Mary’z Mediterranean and their partner Aladdin Nimri. Consulting chef Mark Cox, working with executive chef Christian Hernandez, has created a menu of Mediterranean fare inspired by the Levant region of the Middle East. There's hummus, tuna tartare, feta dumplings, shrimp falafel, and mushroom "shawarma" tucked into mini pitas. Main dishes include chicken with turmeric labneh, grilled octopus and a showy rack of lamb with purple cauliflower. 1947 W. Gray; albihouston.com

Turbot croquette topped with caviar and gold leaf from chef Louis Maldonado is on the menu at the new Andiron steakhouse.

Andiron is a live-fire steakhouse from Sambrooks Management Company (The Pit Room, Candente). Executive chef Louis Maldonado, whose resume includes Michelin-star restaurants such as French Laundry, has created an indulgent menu with starters such as oysters, caviar, steak tartare and clams casino; steaks galore (including bone-in ribeye and Australian wagyu); and showy entrees such as whole grilled turbot, duck with foie gras, and vadouvan-spiced Maine lobster. The restaurant's design is a knockout. 3201 Allen Pkwy.; andironhtx.com

Spaghetti with clams at Bari Ristorante, a buzzy new Italian restaurant at River Oaks District.

Set in the former Tom Ford boutique, Bari is a new player in River Oaks District. The menu from former Ristorante Cavour chef Renato De Pirro offers classics such as carpaccio with lemon truffle dressing, charred octopus with tomato and olive salsa, fried calamari and shrimp with Calabrian chili aioli, and prosciutto and arugula pizza. Larger plates include bone-in veal Milanese, mushroom risotto, branzino baked in salt, spaghetti with clams, and pasta with tomatoes, basil and fresh burrata. The posh restaurant with its generous patio now gives the River Oaks crowd a swell new place to see and be seen. 4444 Westheimer, Suite A175, Houston, TX 77027; bariristorante.com

Rice bowl and signature kimchi fries at Chi’Lantro BBQ, an Austin-based Korean barbecue restaurant that opened its first Houston location in the Heights.

The Austin-based Korean-Mexican concept that Houstonians first knew as a food truck now has its first brick-and-mortar location in the Heights. Built on signatures of nacho-like kimchi fries and loaded quesadillas, the menu now includes customizable bowls (rice, noodles, fries or greens topped with Korean barbecue, spicy pork, soy-glazed chicken, or tofu) and Korean ssam wraps (taco- and burrito-like bundles of barbecue-stuffed tortillas). The owner plans additional Houston locations. 1324 N. Shepherd; chilantrobbq.com

Dante's River Oaks, a modern Italian restaurant, is now open at 4340 Westheimer.

The former Concura Italian Bites space on Westheimer is now home to a new modern Italian restaurant. Chef Ilias Gugole has created a menu that includes charcuterie, beef and tuna tartare, seafood crudos, pasta dishes and larger plates including ribeye steak, roasted salmon and duck breast. The project comes from restaurateur Brian Doke owner of Heights & Co. patio bar. 4340 Westheimer; dantesriveroaks.com

Fresh raw oysters at Eau Tour, a new modern bistro from restaurateur Benjy Levit at 5117 Kelvin in Rice Village.

Restaurateur Benjy Levit's new Rice Village bistro is a French-inspired journey fueled by cocktails, oysters and heaps of caviar. Executive chef Kent Domas (Alice Blue, Bernadine's, The Classic) puts his own spin on bistro classics: Leeks vinaigrette with anchovies; Parisian gnocchi with charred peppers, roasted corn and goat cheese sauce; crab-stuffed omelet with sauce Bearnaise; roast chicken with cognac duck jus; mushroom and raclette dumplings; pork Milanese with tonnato sauce; and steak frites with oyster au poivre sauce. The cleverly designed space (formerly Thai Spice) is part of the Levit compound that already includes Lees Den and Local Foods Market. 5117 Kelvin; eautourrestaurant.com

Greek and Mexican foods and flavors merge in this new Montrose restaurant celebrating the heritage of owner Georgeos Kazilas. Husband-and-wife team Armando Ramirez (Hugo's, Backstreet Cafe, BCN) and Ana Stanicu lead the kitchen; both have Michelin-starred restaurant El Celler de Can Roca on their resumes. The menu includes dishes such as grilled octopus, pan-seared calamari, roasted shrimp pasta, souvlaki, and ribeye tacos. 900 Richmond; echoeshtx.com

Fried snapper bites at FRNDS Restaurant & Lounge, a new upscale concept from Alife Hospitality Group now open at 2442 University in Rice Village.

With a menu from consulting chef Mark Holley, FRNDS (pronounced "friends") recently opened in Rice Village as an upscale tapas-style restaurant and craft cocktail bar. The initial menu offers dishes such as steamed dumplings, Creole-boil shrimp cocktail, Bloody Mary oysters, grilled satay skewers, wagyu and lobster sliders, brick lemon chicken and pastas. The project comes from Alife Hospitality Group, the team behind the buzzy Bungalow in downtown and the new Southside Sporting Club in Stafford. 2441 University; frndshtx.com

While this snazzy "elevated cocktail bar" does have food, Houston partygoers know it for its chandelier-lit atrium space, a skylight-lit indoor bar martinis, cocktails on tap, and roaming champagne cart serving bubbles by the glass and bottle. Wash down all these spirits with food including thin-crust pizza, charcuterie boards and braised short rib panini. 1213 W. 20th; @heightssocialhouston

They’re packing in the customers at this new all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurant in Asiatown's Dun Huang Plaza. A new project from the owners of Duck N Bao (two area locations), Hongdae allows guests 90 minute seatings for its cornucopia of meats (galbi, brisket, beef and pork bulgogi, steak, pork belly, chicken, shrimp, octopus and squid) that diners cook over tabletop grills and enjoy with Korean side dishes (banchan). The full bar offers cocktails made with Korean and Chinese spirits as well as Korean-style bomb shots. 9889 Bellaire; hongdae33kbbq.com

Assorted bowls of ramen at Kyuramen, the ramen chain's first Texas location in Houston's Asiatown.

The ramen chain's first expansion in Texas has created a sensation in Asiatown, no stranger to noodle bowls. While appetizers are plenty (chicken gyoza, shrimp tempura, octopus balls, salt and pepper chicken, Japanese pancake, fried potato shrimp, squid karaage, pork bao buns), it's the ramen responsible for the lines. Three distinct types of ramen are offered; the menu also includes omurice egg omelets, and burgers made with toasted rice burger buns. Check out the unique honeycomb booth seating options. 9126 Bellaire; kyuramen.com

The iconic Lankford Grocery & Market in Montrose, known for its burgers, has opened a second location at 5298 Bissonnet in Bellaire.

The iconic Lankford Grocery & Market now has a sister outpost in Bellaire. Called simply Lankford's, the restaurant carries on the great Lankford tradition of oversize, half-pound all-American burgers coupled with sandwiches, fries and shakes. There are entrée dishes too (grilled steak, catfish and shrimp combo, pork chops, fried chicken) as well as daily specials such as King Ranch chicken, tacos, enchiladas and barbecue. Unlike the original location, the new outpost features a 20-tap draft system for local craft brews and beer selections. 5208 Bissonnet, Bellaire; bellaire.lankfordsburgers.com

Charcoal roasted octopus at Little's Oyster Bar, the new upscale seafood restaurant from Pappas Restaurants, 3001 S. Shepherd, in the space that was formerly Little Pappas Seafood House.

Pappas Restaurants has transformed its former Little Pappas Seafood House into a high-end seafood restaurant that is the company's first new concept in decades (and its first chef-driven restaurant). Executive chef Jason Ryczek has created an upscale menu loaded with delectables such as caviar, Maine lobster, charred octopus, Gulf oysters and blue crab. The space features a posh nautical design as well as a new all-weather patio with retractable roof. Entrees such as seared Gulf grouper, pan-roasted salmon and seared Texas redfish are sure to please Houston's seafood hungry. 3001 S. Shepherd; littlesoysterbar.com

Carne asada with shrimp from Mandito's, a new Tex-Mex restaurant from the owners of Armandos in River Oaks, now open at 5101 Bellaire in Bellaire.

The local outpost of this Tex-Mex concept that originated in Round Top is now open in Bellaire. And from operators well known to Houston diners: Armandos owners Armando Palacios and Cinda Murphy de Palacios, who also brought their Lulu's from Round Top to Houston in 2021. Mandito's, a casual, cantina-style version of Armandos, is serving up favorites such as chili con queso, nachos, salads and burrito bowls, enchilada plates, tacos, carne asada and sizzling fajitas. The cocktail program is as colorful and inventive as the restaurant's design. Expect additional Mandito's locations in Houston. 5101 Bellaire, Suite 165, Bellaire; manditostexmex.com

Vanilla bean panna cotta with candied citrus and mint at Mimo Italian restaurant in the East End

This new East End Italian restaurant comes from chef Fernando Rios (formerly of Weights & Measures) and wine guru Mike Sammons. Mimo now offers both lunch and dinner service in the former Kanomwan space. Lunch means a selection of panini sandwiches, pastas (gnocchi; orecchiette with pancetta and tomatoes; fettucine with peas and mortadella) while the newer dinner menu features a variety of antipasti, pasta (including pappardelle with braised lamb, and spaghetti with shrimp), and mains such as rack of lamb, duck breast with porcini risotto, and roasted red snapper. 736 ½ Telephone; mimohtx.com

Sundown Entertainment Group (Sugar Room, The Sporting Club, Todos Santos) has transformed the former Emmaline space into a new global-flavors restaurant. Chef E.J. Miller's Asian-accented menu includes maki rolls; honey-glazed crispy shrimp; grilled pork belly; mussels with fermented bean paste; wagyu potstickers; sticky pork ribs; chicken karaage bao buns, oxtail and bone marrow with pho-spiced breadcrumbs, lobster-filled pasta, and wood-fired steaks and seafood. A 75-bottle wine list, cocktails and sake selections round out the picture. 3210 W. Dallas; muserestaurants.com

A dish from Oheya by Uchi, anintimate omakase experience from the hospitality group behind the award-winning Uchi.

This 12-seat omakase comes from the group behind Uchi, the Japanese restaurant known for its luxurious and innovative sushi and fusion fare. Located in the former Southside Espresso space next to Montrose's Uchi, diners can expect a changing, 15-course menu of multiple nigiri and vegetable dishes aimed to dazzle. Reservations are required for what Uchi is calling a "first-of-its-kind" omakase experience. 904 Westheimer; uchi.uchirestaurants.com/location/houston/oheya/

Chilaquiles at Ojo de Agua, a new all-day café and juice bar from Mexico City now open at River Oaks District, 4444 Westheimer.

Boasting 40 locations throughout Mexico City, this all-day café and juice bar made its Texas debut at River Oaks District with a menu of smoothies and fruit- and vegetable-pumped dishes. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu brims with salad bowls, sandwiches, chilaquiles and tacos served with wine-based fruit cocktails and micheladas. The Tulum-inspired space was designed with Instagram in mind: bright colors, lush greenery, artisan décor, and even a retail market stocked with fruits, vegetables and takeaway goodies. 4444 Westheimer; ojodeaguamiami.com

The Houston outpost of the Cypress Italian restaurant recently debuted on Washington Avenue. Gr8 Plate Hospitality (The Union Kitchen, Jax Grill) reopened its former Union Kitchen spot as Passerella, now serving the Rice Military neighborhood with Italian classics such as pizza, chicken parm, veal piccata, lasagn, and plenty of pasta. The casual restaurant has seating for 250 with a patio that can accommodate 120; also a happy hour with $5 wines by the glass and $15 bottles. 6011 Washington; passerellaitaliano.com

Assorted tacos at Picnik, a new restaurant from Austin now open at the Montrose Collective.

The restaurant lineup at Montrose Collective has grown to include this new outpost of the Austin-based restaurant. The "real foods" concept offers dishes such as vegan cashew queso, rice tempura chicken tenders, salads and salad bowls, bibimbap, tacos and loaded sandwiches. A large brunch menu too, as well as zero-proof cocktails, butter coffee (organic coffee with grass-fed butter), tea, cider, hard kombucha, beer and wine. 888 Westheimer; picnikrestaurants.com

Classic bistro fare such as steak frites is on the menu at the new modern French restaurant, PS-21 from chef Philippe Schmit.

Chef Philippe Schmit, known to Houston diners for his Bistro Moderne and Philippe restaurants, is back on the scene with a modern French restaurant in Upper Kirby. A project with partner Sebastien Laval, the former Queen Vic and Olive & Twist space is now a handsome outpost for Schmit's menu of codfish brandade, tarte flambée, sardine rillettes, lobster bisque, steak tartare and foie gras terrine. Larger plates include duck bread Wellington, seafood bouillabaisse, steak frites, whole chicken for two, and a tableside raclette experience. Cocktails, too, and a 50-label French-only wine list. 2712 Richmond; ps21htx.com

Final touches are put on a spicy hamachi roll at Se7evn, a new restaurant with a Miami club vibe in Upper Kirby.

Champagne and chandeliers galore greet diners in this flashy, splashy new dining-meets-entertainment pleasure palace. The menu from chef Erhan Ozkaya is divided into Asian and Mediterranean passages: sushi rolls; nigiri and sashimi; scallop crudo with caviar and black truffle; beef kebabs; grilled octopus; salmon and steaks. Se7en deliberately blurs the line between restaurant and club, and it's serious about both. 3300 Kirby; se7enhouston.com

"Saeng Wa" is a shrimp salad with crispy catfish at the new restaurant Th Prsrv in Kemah, a project from Sreet to Kitchen owners Graham and Benchawan Jabthong Painter and David Skinner of Eculent. The restaurant's menu is a merger of indigenous Thai and Native American cooking.

With communal seating for only 36, this new Kemah project is a partnership between Eculent's David Skinner and Houston's Street to Kitchen wife-and-husband team Benchawan Jabthong Painter and Graham Painter. "The Preserve," billed as a merger of Thai and Native American cuisines, taps Benchawan Painter's Thai heritage with Skinner's Choctaw ancestry. Open for dinner only, reservations are required. 709 Harris, Kemah; thprsrv.com

The newest patio bar and restaurant from The Kirby Group makes its home in the former Grappino di Nino space off W. Dallas, a development project now branded as the Harlow District. The large footprint has multiple rooms and a patio to settle into a drinks menu specializing in made-to-order margaritas and house cocktails crafted from more than 250 different spirits. The food menu from chef Teddy Lopez is Tex-Mex all the way: elotes, chicharrones, ceviche, tortas, tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas. 1011 LaRue; verdegardenhtx.com

Greg Morago writes about food for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Send him news tips at [email protected].