Houston’s Newest Restaurant Openings, Now on Resy

Lightning strikes again for chef Sherman Yeung, whose Tobiuo Sushi & Bar in Katy draws diners from all over Houston, and who’s now also delighting his fans with this coolly minimalist Japanese Upper Kirby place, where the nigiri is incredible and the imaginative hot and cold “tastings” (honey vanilla milk buns for the former, hamachi gazpacho for the latter) will keep diners coming back.

Gulf Coast fish and shellfish in a jaunty maritime-inspired environment is the draw at this Rice Village seafood spot from Daniel Boulud alumnus chef Aaron Bludorn, known for his popular Fourth Ward dinner house, the eponymous Bludorn.

This sleek outpost of the Dallas original is creating a buzz with its menu of classic Italian hits (including sandwiches, housemade pastas, and a couple of steaks), a heavy-hitter wine list, and old-school-comfortable dining room.

Chef Masura Fukuda (of Kata Robata) gets very personal with Pacha Nikkei, a modern-day reflection of the culinary culture of his childhood in Peru’s thriving Japanese community. Expect flavor-meshing large and small plates, including exceptional ceviche and sushi dishes with a twist.

With much bigger digs, a stunning rooftop patio, a kitchen and front-of-house studded with Underbelly vets, and the same cast iron-seared steaks that will knock you out of your chair, it’s no surprise that the new Georgia James is better than ever.

Expect a luxurious experience at this opulent Indian restaurant in The Woodlands (the name Amrina means princess in Arabic and Hindi, after all), with its interior archways, floral booths, and new-age menu — caviar included — courtesy of chef Jaspratap “Jassi” Bindra, who earned Michelin recognition for his food at Punjab Grill in Washington, D.C.

Dreamt up by the same team behind Doris Metropolitan and Badolina Bakery & Café, Hamsa is an Israeli hot spot that dazzles with hummus variations, grilled skewers, fire-kissed pitas, and other essentials of the cuisine. Don’t miss the salatim, an assortment of vegetable-based snacks.

You’ll want to add this retro-rustic Rice Village wine bar from Benjy Levit (of Local Foods) to your Hit List for its excellent bar food menu and endless wine list, featuring unusual choices, natural and otherwise, made everywhere from Texas to Tasmania.

Add this colorful restaurant in the Heights, from the group behind Izakaya and Kata Robata, into your regular rotation for the traditional and inventive Vietnamese dishes, bet-you-can’t-drink-just-one cocktails, and friendly neighborhood vibe. Specialty not to be missed: the shaken beef with lime dipping sauce.

Bring a date to this intimate Houston Heights steakhouse from the owners of the popular Savoir bistro (with which it shares a building). Expect romantic lighting, discreet service, live jazz performances, an impressive wine list, and of course, Texas-quality beef.

Because this gorgeous glass treehouse dripping in crystal chandeliers within Buffalo Bayou Park is an escape from the city. As for the food, get ready for a menu that explores dishes found throughout the small towns of Mexico, with Texan flair. Or you can leave it to the chefs with Flora’s Parrillada — a selection of seafood and meats served with housemade tortillas, refried beans, Spanish rice, and a salsa flight.

Houston sushi stars Daniel Lee and Patrick Pham (of Kokoro and Handies Douzo) have upped their game even more at this stylish sushi bar and restaurant, featuring both omakase menus and popular à la carte items, including Handies Douzo’s signature bluefin tuna crudo with ponzu and pickled cukes.

It’s all about Texas at this ranchhouse-chic establishment at the Houston Farmers Market, courtesy of the hit-making Underbelly Hospitality group. Expect queso, chicken-fried steak, Texas wines, and a nonstop Lone Star soundtrack.

This all-day affair is a Midtown go-to thanks to a warm and attentive staff, good coffee, an approachable menu (wraps and burgers for lunch, a larger menu of Americana hits for dinner), and on some lucky nights, live jazz shows.