The 16 Best New Restaurants in Houston in 2024
Looking for new restaurants in Houston? This city along the Gulf boasts a mix of delightful culinary influences, drawing from readily available fresh seafood, Tex-Mex flavors and the thriving beef industry. The food scene is lively and fast-moving, meaning that new restaurants in Houston are opening all the time.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite new restaurants in Houston that have opened in the last few months, all of which look to offer 2024 a year of excellent fare, whether it’s a new outpost of an old favorite or a new kid on the block. From regional cuisine to the best in worldwide flavors, this Texas city has much to please both visitors and locals alike. Check out these new restaurants in Houston and find the one that will become your absolutely favorite.
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Top 16 New Restaurants in Houston
1. Nonno's
Nonno’s is one of the new restaurants in Houston that you can’t miss if you’re a pizza lover. Its tavern-style pizza amid a cool '90s atmosphere makes for an irresistible experience.
The Vibe
Decked out with retro touches like pinball machines, video games and pumping '90’s tunes, Nonno's is an exercise in nostalgia with a casual, fun and playful attitude.
What to Order
Try one of their ultra-thin crust creations like the Maui Wowee, topped with sliced spam, pineapple and smoked jalapeño or the Meat Head with sausage, pepperoni and capicola.
Nonno’s | 1613 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77006 | $$
2. Comalito
Another one of the new restaurants in Houston is courtesy of Underbelly Hospitality, Comalito, which takes inspiration from Mexico City taquerias.
The Vibe
The bright and open no-frills dining space is located behind the Houston Farmers Market, making Comalito a great spot for a quick bite after the market or takeout.
What to Order
The al pastor tacos with sliced pineapple are a favorite, as well as a great selection of traditional Southwest and Mexican fare like quesadillas, adobo pork and cheesy costras.
Comalito | 2520 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77009 | $$
3. Gold Tooth Tony's
One of the most anticipated Houston restaurant openings in The Heights, Gold Tooth Tony’s serves Detroit-style pizza with fun and innovative menu names. This new restaurant in Houston also offers top-notch service, with staff that are not only friendly but also passionate about their offerings.
The Vibe
Gold Tooth Tony's lively space decorated with neon signage and yellow checkerboard makes it one of the new restaurants in Houston that is perfect for gathering with friends or grabbing a quick solo bite.
What to Order
You can order more traditional pizzas or sample some of their more innovative creations like “The Griz,” featuring bacon and Buffalo chicken, or “Mac Attack is Back,” topped with macaroni and cheese.
Gold Tooth Tony’s | 1901 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX 77008 | $$
4. Rumi's Kitchen
If Persian cuisine sparks your culinary interest, then one of the new restaurants in Houston you’ll want to try is Rumi’s Kitchen. Recent transplant from Atlanta and courtesy of Iranian chef Ali Mesghali, it is guaranteed to make you travel with its traditional Middle-Eastern flavors.
The Vibe
Stylish and industrial with a loft-like feeling, the chic Rumi’s Kitchen is decked out with more lavish touches like rich leather seating and dramatic chandeliers above the large bar. This new restaurant in Houston will transport you to a world of elegance and luxury.
What to Order
Try the chicken kebabs with a side of saffron rice or mushroom hummus washed down by their selection of Persian cocktails.
Rumi’s Kitchen | 1801 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056 | $$
5. Wild Oats
Recently relocated and reopened, Wild Oats is another gem on the list of new restaurants in Houston that are worth visiting. The restaurant serves up classic Texas fare, including Southwest cuisine Gulf Coast favorites.
The Vibe
Modern with a funky edge, the interior of Wild Oats is a mix of contemporary wood accents and stained glass panels, complete with a wall of cowboy hats and kitschy cactus wallpaper.
What to Order
Try the beef fajitas, the tuna tostadas or the chicken fried steak. They also have a wide selection of Gulf-fresh seafood options like oyster po’boys and catfish.
Wild Oats | 1222 Witte Road, Houston, TX 77055 | $$
6. Xeo Yum
Xeo Yum is a food stall located in the Midtown’s Conservatory food hall and one of the new restaurants in Houston that you just can’t miss, especially if you’re a fan of Vietnamese food.
The Vibe
The bar and open kitchen at Xeo Yum allow you a chance to enjoy the process of creation as much as you do the final dishes.
What to Order
Order classic Vietnamese dishes like bánh xèo, bánh khọt or nem nướng, along with yellow crêpes or spring rolls stuffed with pork belly.
Xeo Yum | 606 Dennis St., Houston, TX 77006 | $$
7. Street to Kitchen
Now located in the Plant in the Second Ward, this recently relocated and reopened Thai restaurant is a local favorite for both regional cuisine and atmosphere. This is a must-try restaurant in Houston not only because of its high-quality food but also because the experience will feel just as if you were eating at a restaurant in Thailand.
The Vibe
Amid a purple neon bar and plant-filled space, Street to Kitchen has a genuine Bangkok nightlife feel, which is perfect for gathering with friends or a romantic date night.
What to Order
If you visit this new restaurant in Houston, try the famous red or green curries, mango sticky rice or curry corn fritters. They also have an extensive cocktail selection including highballs on tap and frozen Thai tea.
Street to Kitchen | 3401 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77011 | $$
8. Josephine’s
Located in Midtown, this spot is one of the new restaurants in Houston offering Gulf Coast favorites in a Southern-style atmosphere.
The Vibe
The open and casual feel of Josephine's melds with a sense of rustic flair with wood tables and classic tile. This new restaurant in Houston offers a charming and vibrant atmosphere.
What to Order
Seafood and Southern classics round out the menu, which includes a spicy boudin melt and barbecue shrimp served with French bread. The shrimp and grits are also highly recommended if you’re craving comforting Southern flavors. Desserts are rich and delicious, including a Mississippi mud jar and a bourbon and rum chocolate shake.
Josephine's | 318 Gray St., Houston, TX 77002 | $$
9. Katami
This new Houston restaurant, courtesy of the team behind long-time local favorite Kata Robota, revels in all aspects of Japanese cuisine, including sushi, robata-grilled meats and decadent desserts. If you’re looking for the perfect place to take your date out for dinner, Katami is one of the new restaurants in Houston that is guaranteed to impress.
The Vibe
Sleek, contemporary and modern, the interior of Katami has an elegant Japanese farmhouse feel with an emphasis on a distinctive dining experience and hard-to-get ingredients, making it a favorite among new Houston restaurant openings.
What to Order
Try their selection of nigiri and sashimi, the robata king crab or the wagyu foie gras. Desserts include a snowy kakigori made with imported Japanese ice.
Katami | 2701 W. Dallas St., Houston, TX 77019 | $$
10. Monarca
If you’re a meat and seafood lover, Monarca is one of the new restaurants in Houston that will satisfy your appetite. Its Latin-inspired menu offers authentic flavors that will keep you coming back.
The Vibe
Dark and dramatic, the feel is elevated yet inviting with washes of leather, tile and chandelier lighting. There is also a hidden speakeasy-style bar simply named Gus. Monarca is one of the best new restaurants in Houston for a cozy date night.
What to Order
Order the boneless ribeye or branzino with the chorizo mussels or the shrimp churros.
Monarca | 26400 Kuykendahl Road, The Woodlands, TX 77389 | $$$
11. Norigami
Another greatly anticipated addition to new restaurants in Houston is Norigami. This Japanese spot got its start as a popup at Hidden Omakase, offering classic and innovative hand-rolled sushi and cocktails.
The Vibe
Lit with neon and sporting an origami visual theme, the dining area at Norigami is a perfect spot for cocktails and sushi with friends or a one-on-one date night. Since it only seats 25 people at a time, be sure to make a reservation early.
What to Order
If you go to this new restaurant in Houston, try the Menage Foie Gras, a roll packed with pate, uni, wagyu beef and topped with gold flake or the salmon sashimi.
Norigami | 2715 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77005 | $$$
12. Mi Cocina
Mi Cocina brings a taste of Tex-Mex flavor among new restaurants in Houston after its relocation from Dallas, where it’s been offering an elevated take on regional cuisine for many years using high-quality ingredients with impeccable service.
The Vibe
The interior of Mi Cocina is elegant and dramatic, with feathered centerpieces and an art deco flavor despite the budget-friendly menu, making it great for special occasions.
What to Order
If you go to this new restaurant in Houston, try their classic Tex-Mex staples like tacos, enchiladas, fajitas or one of their signature tequila cocktails. Start with an order of their famous queso blanco.
Mi Cocina | 4410 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77027 | $$
13. Barcelona Wine Bar
A favorite among new restaurants in Houston, this popular franchise has a new location in Montrose offering small plates and an extensive selection of regional and national wines.
The Vibe
Fresh and contemporary with an industrial feel, the expansive interior of Barcelona Wine Bar is perfect for larger group celebrations and birthday dinners in Houston.
What to Order
Popular items on the menu include beef empanadas, house-made focaccia and the jamon and manchego croquetas.
Barcelona Wine Bar | 1731 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77098 | $$
14. Tavola
Devoted to classic pasta dishes, this Italian eatery is one of the best new restaurants in Houston to get elevated Italian cuisine.
The Vibe
Sophisticated and elegant, the richly decorated space at Tavola gives dining a dramatic and formal feel perfect for special occasions. With the great service you’ll receive from the welcoming staff, you and your loved ones will have a memorable experience at this new restaurant in Houston.
What to Order
Try classic pasta dishes like lasagna Bolognese or cacio e pepe along with some of the homemade focaccia, followed up with the Florentine steak or the osso bucco.
Tavola | 1800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056 | $$$
15. Coastline Artisan Pizzeria
Located in the First Ward, this addition to the new restaurants in Houston specializes in wood-fired Neapolitan and Texas-grilled pies.
The Vibe
Coastline’s intimate brick and wood-beamed industrial-style interior is small but usually bustling with both takeout and dine-in patrons.
What to Order
If you’re a big meat and cheese lover, try the Coastline OG, their famous classic pie. They also have a huge selection of signature cocktails, making it a great new Houston restaurant for a night out with friends.
Coastline Artisan Pizza | 1720 Houston Ave., Houston, TX 77007 | $$
16. Cocody
Focused on French cuisine, this eatery among new restaurants in Houston brings elegance and sophistication along with traditional and innovative French favorites.
The Vibe
Sculptural and dramatic, Cocody is a great spot for a special occasion or romantic date night amid a stylish European feel lush with gilded details and sumptuous seating.
What to Order
If you go to this new restaurant in Houston, opt for their take on French favorites like lobster bisque, roasted moulard duck breast or eggs Florentine along with a glass from their extensive wine list.
Cocody | 1971 W. Gray St., Houston, TX 77019 | $$$
Try Cooking Houston Foods
While dining out in Houston offers a wealth of options, you can also enjoy regional favorites in your own home. Taking a cooking class can help you uncover your new favorite dish and up your kitchen skills. Cooking classes in Houston are rich and varied, including classes in pastries, surf and turf and Greek cuisine.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Whether you’re cooking at home or dining out to enjoy regional favorites or international cuisine, the wealth of new restaurants in Houston opening every month ensures at least one is likely to become one of your favorite spots. From sushi to pasta, pizza to Southern favorites, the city by the Gulf’s food scene is ever-evolving and fresh.
For even more ways to explore Houston and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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