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Hopping Island

5175 Westheimer Rd., 713.623.6100

A’BOUZY american

This sceney restaurant and patio combines a menu of shareable plates with prime meats and a raw bar. Pick from the substantial wine list that includes more than 250 Champagnes or sparklings. Excellent takeout and delivery specials! 2300 Westheimer Rd.

ADAIR KITCHEN american bottle of wine at dinnertime and stay awhile. Now open in West U! 5161 San Felipe St., 713.623.6100

AMALFI italian

Charming Amalfi touts coastal Italian dishes like homemade fettuccine in creamy black-truffle sauce by Salerno native chef Giancarlo Ferrara. 6100 Westheimer Rd., 713.532.2201

Backstreet Caf

with hefty vegetarian selections. 1103 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.521.2239

BCN spanish

Named after Barcelona’s airport code, BCN offers authentic Spanish cuisine in a white-tablecloth setting. The specialty gin and tonics are a must-have, as is the Spanish Iberico ham. 4210 Roseland St., 832.834.3411

BLUDORN american

51FIFTEEN american

Located inside Saks Fifth Avenue in the Galleria, this two-story restaurant’s lunch and dinner plates are as pretty as the designer wares.

This Tanglewood gem is popular for its cold-pressed juices, big breakfasts and giant salads. Healthful homestyle meals are casual and quick, but regulars are known to settle in with a american

Housed in a two-story 1930s home, Hugo Ortega’s Backstreet Café became a River Oaks staple 30 years ago. Expect an imaginative take on seasonal fare along

Aaron Bludorn and his wife Victoria Bludorn (née Pappas, of that Pappas family) deliver a Gulftinged New American menu and low-key fine-dining to Montrose. 807 Taft St., 713.999.0146

BRASSERIE 19 french

Wine with lunch and bubbles with brunch is the norm at this sceney River Oaks spot. Situated in the center of a busy shopping strip, Brasserie 19 is reminiscent of a Parisian sidewalk café. 1962 W. Gray St., 713.524.1919, brasserie19.com

BRENNER’S ON THE BAYOU steakhouse

Enjoy dinner with a view at this steakhouse nestled on the lush banks of Buffalo Bayou. Steaks, sides and decadent desserts are all good bets, as are craft cocktails from the restaurant’s hip Blue Bar. One Birdsall St., 713.868.4444

CARACOL mexican/seafood

Hugo Ortega’s seafoodsavvy concept boasts Mexican coastal cuisine in a swanky, mod space on Post Oak. 2200 Post Oak Blvd., 713.622.9996

COMMON BOND bakery

Don’t miss the buttery croissants as big as your face at this Montrose bakery and cafe. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and post up with a lavender latte on the dog-friendly patio. Now with a sit-down restaurant in Downtown!

1706 Westheimer Rd., 713.529.3535

DA MARCO italian

High-end Da Marco in Montrose puts a luxurious spin on Tuscan cuisine with dishes like spaghetti-and-seaurchin and sweet-corn ravioli with lobster. The elegant space is one often considered for special occasions. 1520 Westheimer Rd.

NEW! DAILY GATHER american

This CityCentre patio spot is the latest under the Five 12 Restaurant Concepts brand, which also has Dish Society. Shareable starters and well rounded entrees make up the hefty lunch and dinner menus; weekend brunch is fun! In CityCentre, dailygather.com

DORIS METROPOLITAN steakhouse

This glam steakhouse is inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. Hot tip: The breadbasket alone may be worth the trip, with rolls flavored with caramelized onions and presented with crushed-tomato spreads and herb butters. 2815 S. Shepherd Dr.

EL TIEMPO tex-mex

El Tiempo delivers Tex-Mex in a big way with platters like the ancho-glazed grilled quail with cheese enchiladas and spicy shrimp chalupas. 322 Westheimer Rd, 713.807.8101 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

EUGENE’S gulf coast

The menu and the goldgilding-happy space itself call to mind the best old family-run haunts of New Orleans. Expect really great combos of butter, garlic, acid and fresh Gulf goodness. 1985 Welch St., 713.807.8883

NEW! GRAFFITI RAW american

Montrose Collective is home to restaurateur Grant Cooper’s latest, the beachychic Graffiti Raw, with plenty of raw offerings as well as wood-grilled items. Yum! 1001 California St., 713.750.9590

HUGO’S mexican

Chef Hugo Ortega’s namesake restaurant is a Houston staple, serving up authentic Mexican cuisine with margaritas to match. Guests love the festive weekend brunch buffet

Citybook Dining Districts

1 2 3 4 where indulging in seconds is a must. 1600 Westheimer Rd., 713.524.7744

KATA ROBATA japanese

Discreetly situated in a retail center, this top-notch sushi bar serves up fresh, innovative Japanese dishes daily under the direction of executive chef Manabu Horiuchi. 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.526.8858

KILLEN’S southern

Expect mouthwatering comfort-food fare like fried chicken and fried green tomatoes with buttermilk sauce, and an evercomforting chicken-anddumplings dish. 101 Heights Blvd., 713.637.4664

LA GRIGLIA italian

From caprese salad to wild mushroom lasagna, the menu at La Griglia is simple, but elegant. When Houston weather permits, enjoy the patio, complete with fire pits and scenic River Oaks views. 2002 W. Gray St., 713.526.4700

LE COLONIAL french/ vietnamese

French-Vietnamese cuisine is presented in a posh space in River Oaks District. Dishes like the crispy whole duck — which serves up

1 Memorial, Galleria Area, River Oaks, Upper Kirby and Montrose

2 Garden Oaks, the Heights, Washington Corridor

3 Midtown, Downtown, EaDo, Third Ward, Fifth Ward

4 Bellaire, West University, Museum District, Med Center to four people and must be ordered in advance — are authentic and full-flavored. 4444 Westheimer Rd., 713.629.4444

LIBERTY KITCHEN american

A fab brunch destination with locations in River Oaks and Memorial City, Liberty Kitchen touts over-the-top, seafood-savvy comfort food. 4224 San Felipe St., libertykitchen oysterette.com multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

MAD spanish

Everything at this BCN sister concept — from the mirrorlined hall to the bathroom and the cartoon-like, cheesestuffed shiny red MAD Tomato — is photo-worthy. Reservations recommended. 4444 Westheimer Rd., 281.888.2770

MALA SICHUAN chinese

This longtime Chinatown favorite is equally popular inside the Loop. Mala’s menu packs a punch with dishes like the dry-pot chicken and three-pepper duck. 1201 Westheimer Rd., 832.767.0911 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details houstoncitybook.com |

MARCH mediterranean

An exclusive and pricey tasting-menu-only affair, March lives up to the hype. Posh snacks in the lounge include bite-size vehicles for caviar and foie gras; the main event is six or nine courses of highly refined, Mediterranean-inspired dishes by chef-owner Felipe Riccio. 1624 Westheimer Rd., marchrestaurant.com

MARMO italian

An Italian restaurant meets a classic steakhouse at Marmo, where you’ll also find a bustling bar and nightly live music. Get the squid-ink campanelle! 888 Westheimer Rd., 832.626.3400

MASTRO’S steakhouse

At more-is-more Mastro’s, Vegas comes to Houston, with everything but showgirls and roulette wheels. Try something out of the steakhouse box, like the Wagyu hamburger helper. 1650 W. Loop S., 713.993.2500

NEW! MONEYCAT japanese

This exciting “New Japanese” restaurant from chef Sherman Yeung of sushi star Tobiuo in Katy is in Kirby Grove. Be sure to try the Tomato Garden dish, with “soil” made of squid ink. 2925 Richmond Ave., moneycathtx.com

NOBU sushi

At socialite-savvy Nobu, hyperinformed waiters float around, delivering bite-sized delicacies on geometric white plates to tables. Unique takes on sushi include ones with pickled cucumbers, Shiso leaf and Japanese mackerel. In the Galleria, 832.987.2599

OSTIA mediterranean

Ostia is an indoor-outdoor oasis for farm-to-table Italian and Mediterranean eats. The terracotta-andstucco patio feels worlds away from Houston, and is a nice place to post up and enjoy a cocktail. 2050 Dunlavy St., ostiahou.com

OUISIE’S TABLE southern

This River Oaks institution serving Southern standards — shrimp and cheese grits, New Orleans red snapper, chicken and waffles at brunch! — is charming. With a beautiful patio and private rooms, it’s a popular locale for showers, receptions and more. 3939 San Felipe St., 713.528.2264

PAPPAS BROS.

STEAKHOUSE steakhouse

Given its expansive wine list and in-house dry-aging process, diners can expect nothing short of perfection when dining at family-owned Pappas Bros. Steakhouse.

5839 Westheimer Rd., 713.780.7352

UPDATE! RAGIN’ CAJUN cajun

Crawfish season is here! There’s no better spot to get the fixins for a backyard boil than the original Ragin’ Cajun on Richmond. New location opening soon in Spring Branch!

4302 Richmond Ave., 713.623.6321

RELISH american

Quick counter service is offered for lunch and brunch at this café run by a husband and wife team, while evenings are reserved for a full-service dining experience. 2810 Westheimer Rd., 713.599.1960

RIEL american

Riel offers an American menu inspired by local color and chef Ryan Lachaine’s Ukrainian heritage; the Montreal smoked meat is splashed with French’s mustard. 1927 Fairview St., 832.831.9109

STATE OF GRACE southern

Grab a seat at the oyster bar during happy hour for $1 oysters at chef Ford Fry’s River Oaks restaurant. The new weekend brunch touts mouthwatering cinnamon rolls and batch cocktails — even to-go! 3258 Westheimer Rd., 832.942.5080

STEAK 48 steakhouse

A steakhouse standout delivers in its rich side dishes — the Hasselback potatoes are excellent — and desserts. Crowds of pretty people pour in early and stay late, so reservations are recommended. In River Oaks District, 713.322.7448

TASTE OF TEXAS steakhouse

This famous classic steakhouse — thick bacon wraps around your filet — touts cozy, rustic environs that live up to the name. There’s actually a Texas history museum inside! 10505 Katy Fwy., 713.932.6901

TONIGHT & TOMORROW european

In the storied La Colombe d’Or, expect eclectic but sophisticated European dishes with Southern touches. A new cocktail list touts ones named after works in the hotel’s sculpture garden! 3410 Montrose Blvd., 713.517.1001

TONY’S italian

A cherished part of the Houston dining scene, Tony Vallone’s namesake restaurant is an exquisite treat from start to finish. 3755 Richmond Ave., 713.622.67788

TRIBUTE southern

At this restaurant in the Houstonian hotel, savor unique fare that blends the flavors of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico. Book the private wine room for a special occasion and pick your own playlist! 111 N. Post Oak Ln., 713.680.2626

UPDATE! UCHI japanese

It’s hard to beat Uchi for fresh, interesting sushi and sashimi — and the Brussels sprouts are can’t-miss. Check out the new nextdoor omakase concept, Oheya! 904 Westheimer Rd., 713.522.4808

DINING DISTRICT 2 GARDEN OAKS, THE HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON CORRIDOR

BB’S CAFE southern

Get your Cajun-food fix at BB’s: From Maw Maw’s gumbo to a platter of fried catfish, find New Orleansstyle cooking with a Texas twist. 2701 White Oak Dr., 713.868.8000 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

B&B BUTCHERS steakhouse Venture in for the deep-fried A5 Wagyu katsu sando, or similarly stacked deli sandwich in the adjoining butcher shop, at this boutique steakhouse. A rooftop terrace makes B&B a premiere Sunday brunch destination. 1814 Washington Ave.

COLTIVARE italian

With its “no-reservation” policy, the restaurant’s onsite garden — where many of the herbs and produce for the Italian

dishes are grown — doubles as a charming waiting area. 3320 White Oak Dr., 713.637.4095

LORO fusion

In a former church, Loro melds the flavors of Southeast Asian and Texas-barbecue cuisines, courtesy of Austin-based Tyson Cole (of Uchi fame) and pitmaster Aaron Franklin. Expect an elevated-country-dancehall vibe courtesy of architectdesigner Michael Hsu. 1001 W. 11th St., loroeats. com

MAX’S WINE DIVE southern

Here, keeping it classy means pairing fried chicken with a glass of Champagne. Max’s is hardly a dive, with a serious wine list and hearty Southern plates. 4720 Washington Ave., 713.880.8737; maxswinedive.com

NOPO CAFE american

An all-day café from Ben Berg, NoPo offers a menu of classics like a piled-high club sandwich, pizzas and more. In the front, find unique local provisions, premade meals and freshly baked pastries to-go. New happy-hour specials and cocktail list! 1244 N. Post Oak Rd., nopocafe.com

POSTINO italian

Rosé — and everything else — all day! This patio spot in Heights Mercantile is always packed, especially during the bottle-and-board special, available after 8pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Now open in Uptown Park! 642 Yale St., 346.223.1111 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

RAINBOW LODGE steakhouse

True to its name, Rainbow Lodge provides steakhouse and wild game fare in a rustic lodge setting. Outdoor seating on the newly expanded wine deck is coveted. 2011 Ella Blvd., 713.861.8666

TRATTORIA SOFIA italian

A new ItalianAmerican spot from Berg Hospitality looks like a trattoria you might stumble upon in rural Italy, with enchanting and spacious indoor and outdoor garden seating. 911 W. 11th St., trattoriasofia.com

DINING DISTRICT 3 MIDTOWN, DOWNTOWN, EADO, THIRD WARD, FIFTH WARD

THE BREAKFAST KLUB southern

Enjoy a feast of homestyle classics — wings and waffles, catfish and grits — at this no-frills Midtown diner. The line starts forming bright and early, but being part of the “klub” is worth the wait. 3711 Travis St., 713.528.8561

BRENNAN’S OF HOUSTON southern Count on this decadesold Houston staple for an exquisite dining experience full of

GIANCARLO FERRARA Executive Chef & Owner

Italian born, Amalfi Coast native, will transport you to his homeland with his inspired menu of fresh seafood, vivid citrus, and the finest Italian olive oil in addition to fresh pastas, assorted meats, family-made cheeses, and an extensive, thoughtful Italian wine list.

P Rivate D Ining

Book

CATERING & EVENTS

Bring

Southern-Creole flavors. Seating spans two levels and guests love Sunday brunch in the courtyard. The turtle soup with sherry is famous, as are the pralines. 3300 Smith St., 713.522.9711

INDIANOLA american

On the Gulf-centric menu, find not only superb seafood, but lots of plates with influence from Mexico and ones utilizing local beef and pork. Now serving brunch! 1201 St. Emanuel St., 832.582.7202

NEW! LUCY PEARL’S bakery

Decadent cakes, picture-perfect cake pops and down-home pies await at this craft bakery inside the POST Houston complex. Go for happy hour Mon.-Weds., 4-6pm, for 20 percent off. 401 Franklin St., lucypearls.com

NINFA’S ON NAVIGATION tex-mex

The origin of Tex-Mex as we know it, Ninfa’s is always packed no matter when you dine. Guests love the sizzling fajitas and loaded quesadillas. For something different, try the grilled octopus. 2704 Navigation Blvd., 713.228.1175

THE PALM steakhouse Houston’s 43-year-old location of The Palm steakhouse has relocated from the Galleria to Downtown’s mixed-use GreenStreet development. 1201 Fannin St., thepalm.com

POTENTE italian

Top-tier chef Danny Trace and Astros-owner-turnedrestaurateur Jim Crane hit a haute homerun at this elegant eatery by the ballpark. Opt for tableside truffle service on handmade spaghetti al tartufo, and save room for intricate desserts. 1515 Texas Ave., 713.237.1515

STREET TO KITCHEN thai

Chef-owner Benchawan

Painter finally has a permanent home for her Street to Kitchen pop-up concept. The East End restaurant spotlights elevated Thai street foods. 6501 Harrisburg Blvd., 713.428.1975

TOUT SUITE bakery/coffee

Stop by this all-day-bakery for a macaron or cupcake, or post up for a while at a community table and enjoy bites like avocado toast and fresh-squeezed juice. There are also CBD-infused pastries, chocolates and more! 2001 Commerce St., 713.227.8688

NEW! GRATIFY american

Grant Cooper’s Gratify is a see-and-be scene, with a creatively curated and highly shareable menu. The most memorable and delicious dish might be the charred octopus with sweet potato. 5212 Morningside Dr., gratifyhouston.com

NEW! KRITI KITCHEN greek

UPDATE! BADOLINA bakery

From the owners of Doris Metropolitan, this unique bakery offers the classics and standbys, plus unique and artful desserts. Tip: Get there early, as items often sell-out before noon! Next door, the sit-down Hamsa just opened. 5555 Morningside Dr., badolina bakery.com

CARRABBA’S italian

One of two locations which are still family-owned by Houston’s famed Carrabba family, the original Carrabba’s on Kirby serves made-from-scratch Italian fare — from pizzas fresh out of the wood-fired oven to housemade cheeses and pastas. 3115 Kirby Dr., 713.522.3131

COPPA OSTERIA italian

All of the Neapolitan-style pizzas and handmade pastas are popular at this Rice Village winner. The walk-up pizza window is a hit in the largely pedestrian-friendly area. 5210 Morningside Dr., 713.522.3535

Offering counter-service breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with grab-and-go items and heat-and-eat meals, Greek-inspired Kriti Kitchen is now open in West U. Chef-owner Mary Cuclis is a Pondicheri alum who wants to make deciding what’s for dinner as easy as possible for busy families. 4010 Bissonnet St., kritikitchen.com

LE JARDINIER fine dining

The fine-dining French resto inside the MFAH’s new Kinder Building is, itself, a work of art — both in its decor and its food presentation. 5500 Main St.

LOCAL FOODS american

This fast-casual diner has a guilt-free menu of sandwiches, salads, soups and sides, all made fresh using locally sourced ingredients. The Rice Village location has an attached wine bar. 2424 Dunstan Rd., 713.521.7800 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

TINY BOXWOOD’S american

Expect a line at this popular garden-set getaway, where the chocolate-chip cookies have earned as much of a reputation as the restaurant itself. Snag some, along with housemade ice cream, at the next-door Milk & Cookies. 3636 Rice Blvd., tinyboxwoods.com multiple locations visit restaurant website for details 