This new Vietnamese restaurant landed in Sharpstown with a grand opening on Tuesday, November 11. Amy's Lunch Box features several banh mi options, including combination cold cuts, roasted pork, and meatballs. Diners can also enjoy Vietnamese pancakes, noodles and warming soup dishes, boba milk tea, and coffee. 

Hotel Daphne from Austin-based Bunkhouse Hotels officially debuted its restaurant, Hypsi, on Wednesday, December 3. Helmed by chef Terrence Gallivan of the now-closed Pass & Provisions and pizza-and-crudo joint Elro, the kitchen offers up Italian-style fare, including tortellini, black truffle arancini, and duck bolognese, alongside cocktails and a tableside mozzarella cart.

Houstonians looking for jazz supper club vibes should head to this Montrose destination. Doc’s, which opened last month in Tower Theatre, invites guests to dine and imbibe while soaking in the ambience and live music. Try dishes like the ahi tuna tartare, the half chicken with green goddess sauce, or the clam casino—baked clams topped with breadcrumbs, peppers, and Iberico bacon, all served over angel-hair pasta. Take a pick from its exciting cocktails list, which includes the Almost Blue, made with Rittenhouse Rye, biscotti liqueur, blueberry-anise syrup, quinaquina, and palo santo bitters, or the Passion Flower, which features a combination of agave and tequila.  

This barbecue joint has already won the hearts of many locals thanks to its Fulshear location and participation in the inaugural years of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Contest. Now it’s ready to expand its reach with a new spot in the Finn food hall. Dozier BBQ, which opened Monday, December 1, offers smoked classics, including brisket, turkey, chicken, sausage, and ribs, served on loaded baked potatoes and in meat plates with sides such as green beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. The restaurant has introduced new full-time menu options for the Finn location, including a chicken-fried steak, a smoked-turkey BLT, and a brisket grilled cheese, as well as breakfast service with breakfast tacos and kolaches—all exclusive to the food hall. 

This hot chicken restaurant also joined the excitement at the Finn this month. Brought to Houston by Mark Tiu, Sonny Nguyen, and Chris Nguyen of Fire Noodz, Hot Peckers offers spicy chicken tenders, hot chicken sandwiches, loaded mac and cheese, and tater tot dishes topped with tenders. Scared of the heat? Diners can customize their level, choosing from six options that vary from mild to Reaper. 

The team behind Houston’s beloved Heights & Co. has brought yet another gem to the city. Lazy Lane opened its doors on Tuesday, November 25, with a menu that marries local and seasonal ingredients with global inspiration. Choose starters like the half-dozen oysters, a cast-iron Brie, a farro and brassica salad, and a meat-and-cheese board. Then, opt for a pizza, made with two-day-fermented dough crafted from imported Italian flour. A variety of pasta dishes, a filet mignon, dry-aged burgers, and a half rack of lamb are also on offer. For drinks, expect a variety of martinis and other signature cocktails. 

Step into a world of mystery and wonder with jewel box–inspired bar Moon. The bar, which came to fruition with help from the team behind Café Natalie and Michelin-starred Le Jardinier, is a sanctuary for Houstonians seeking a sleek, lush hangout. Exceptional cocktails are its forte, with a mezcal-based Morning Dew, a cilantro-infused tequila drink dubbed On Stranger Tides, and the Cosmos, a mixture of green cardamom–infused Grey Goose, shio-koji cranberry, lime, and grapefruit. To curb your hunger, snack on wagyu sliders, hamachi crudo, or the petite lobster rolls.

This new coffee destination is ready to share its talent with the Heights in the former home of Good Dog Houston. Although it held a mock opening in October, it opened to the public on Saturday, November 1. Coffee lovers can opt for the iced dulce calor (made with the housemade hazelnut syrup and vanilla) or a hot latte. 

The husband-and-wife duo behind Duck N Bao and Hongdae 33 opened another exciting dining destination in November. Seven Sushi & Robata caters to daytime diners and the after-hours crowd at two price levels with all-you-can-eat format. For $37, diners can order unlimited core menu items within a two-hour time limit, or for $57 they can also enjoy premium cuts of bluefin tuna, scallops, salmon belly, and Hawaiian rib eye as well. 

Shawn Bermudez—who practically owns all of Westheimer—and chef Matthew Pak expanded the Taco Stand to Montrose in late October. The restaurant offers tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and bowls, loaded with street-style meats like carne asada, al pastor, barbacoa, and carnitas. Fish, shrimp, vegan, and vegetarian options are also available, all paired with salsas and corn or flour tortillas. Quench your thirst with an agua fresca or, for a boozier option, one of its frozen cocktails. 

This River Oaks favorite will make its way to The Woodlands in early 2026. Bari Ristorante has gained local fame for its Italian food, tableside service, and elegant design, all of which are inspired by Milan and Rome. Expect plates of truffle pasta, branzino, and a center-cut filet, accompanied by an expanded selection of premium cuts of meat.   

After several years in the Loop and an expansion to Bellaire, Lankford’s is ready for its next milestone in The Woodlands. Third-generation owner Jessica Prior, husband Paul, and fourth-generation family member Nicolas van der Does will lead the new outpost, which will sling Lankford’s signature lineup of burgers, plus a 12-tap self-serve beer wall, a milkshake bar with kid-friendly favorites and boozy adult options, and dog-friendly dishes (a portion of proceeds will help the furry friends over at Montgomery County Animal Shelter). 

The fun doesn’t stop there. The Midtown location will add a new coffee and wine bar that aims to enhance the guest experience while preserving the charm that’s made it a Houston legacy, according to a release.

Known for restaurants Kira and Neo, Comma Hospitality will soon welcome Houstonians into its latest dining destination: Oru. The 24-set sushi counter encourages diners to create their own tasting journey using the à la carte menu, including sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and inventive bites like the Reverse Beef Wellington, a thin slice of A5 wagyu wrapped around a deep-fried egg roll. Oru also will offer a Japanese-inspired drinks, sake, and wine. For dessert, expect sweet treats like taiyaki, made with hazelnut praline and strawberry, and ice cream in flavors like matcha or banana and caviar.