As another year comes to a close, it’s time to begin looking forward to what’s to come. In Houston, it means a spread of amazing restaurants.
1. Auden
Auden is a culinary concept by husband-and-wife team, Kirthan and Kripa Shenoy, of EaDough Pastries & Provisions. Slated to open summer 2023, the restaurant will feature veggie-forward, chef-curated, and global-inspired menu.
2. Gatsby’s Grill
The group behind two of Houston’s refined culinary destinations, the Gatsby’s Hospitality is setting their sights on East End for their more accessible “craft-casual” concept: Gatsby’s Grill. Here, Houstonians will be able to enjoy a variety of crafted comfort food, including burgers, wings, and fresh-cut fries.
3. Lick Honest Ice Creams
Recently blessed with one of Austin’s finest culinary institutions, Houston is set to receive another Austin favorite this coming year: Lick Honest Ice Creams. The Austin-based ice cream parlor serves house-made, farm-to-scoop flavors from responsibly sourced in-season ingredients from local farmers and artisans. Editor’s note: Lick’s Goat Cheese Honey & Thyme ice cream is one of the tastiest ice creams this writer had the pleasure of eating.
4. MaKiin
Fronted by Lukkaew Srasrisuwan, co-owner of the beloved Kin Dee restaurant in The Heights, MaKiin is slated to open in spring of 2023 as an upscale Thai concept. Housed in the ground level of the Hanover River Oaks high rise, MaKiin will feature elevated cuisine and artfully designed dishes that which nod to royal Thai cuisine.
5. Mandito’s
Slated to open in spring of 2023, Mandito’s aims to be an elevated, 165-seat Tex-Mex restaurant in Bellaire. A project from the Palacios Murphy Hospitality Group, Mandito’s is renowned for its “World Famous” Burrito Bowl, which will find a place on its Houston menu. Furthermore, the restaurant will feature a robust, reimagined bar program.
6. Ojo de Agua
Ojo de Agua is a health-conscious, all-day cafe that offers authentic dishes using holistic ingredients. First opened in Mexico City, the cafe features breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as an extensive fresh juice menu. The restaurant is slated to open in River Oaks early 2023.
7. Pastore
Slated to open in late spring of 2023, Pastore is an Italian-based concept from Underbelly Hospitality. Here, the group aims to provide a dreamy Italian experience, if not through Chef Chris Davies’ handmade pastas than its Tuscan-inspired ambience notwithstanding a garden patio complete with lush greenery and running fountains.
8. Underbelly Burger
The Underbelly Hospitality group will also be opening a second Underbelly Burger next year. Slated for mid 2023, the fast-casual dining concept will open in Spring Branch with a 1,300-square-foot indoor facility and will feature familiar favorites such as its 44 Farms angus burger, R-C Ranch wagyu burger, as well as fries and milkshakes.
9. Wild Oats
As stated by the restaurant in an Instagram post: “Wild Oats aims to explore the cultures and native ingredients that make Texas the diverse state that it is. Expect a menu inspired by the Southern, Mexican, and ranch-style influences that come together to create uniquely Texan cuisine.” Its second location on Witte Road in mid-2023.
10. Williams Smokehouse BBQ & Blues
Described as an “old school traditional Texas barbecue concept with a Creole-modern twist”, Williams Smokehouse BBQ & Blues plans to open its 5,500-square-foot space in Sugar Land Town Square early 2023.
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