Wine lovers, there's a new option in town. Chateau Bellecru promises a "true French wine bar" experience. Transport yourself to Paris by stepping into its intimate, dimly lit space, then set out for its drinks list. Sip on a selection of wines curated weekly, and pair with something from the food menu. Go classic with a cheese and charcuterie board with a side of truffle chips, or pair with something sweet, like chocolate cake and honey spice bread. Reservations are encouraged for visitors after 7pm. 

David Skinner’s revival of his esteemed restaurant is back with a refreshed look and menu. Eculent Restaurant & Liquid Lab is perfect for diners yearning for a night filled with theatrical drinks (as suggested by the restaurant’s revised name). There’s the Sleepy Hollow Cocktail, presented with a steamy bubble that pops before your first sip, and a “mask” drink that requires all the senses to enjoy—its mystery awaits you. And it wouldn’t be a Skinner restaurant if there wasn’t a tasting menu. Devise your own using the required app for ordering, or try the 13-course tasting menu, featuring some of Eculent’s favorite bites from over the last decade, including a cherry tomato packed with the flavor of a BLT, a handheld Caesar salad, and a dish inspired by an interaction he had with Julia Child. The best part about the comeback? Skinner has found a way to use AI to his advantage: Diners can build a profile and order through an app he built, allowing everyone to tailor their experience to their preferences. Especially cool is the option to craft your own cocktail with Eculent’s ingredients (all of the spirits and syrups are made in-house). If it’s a hit, the restaurant will name it after you and add it to its menu.

This Chinese restaurant officially opened its second Texas location in River Oaks; modern and traditional techniques produce flavorful fusion dishes, including dim sum, dumplings, and house specialties like Beijing duck and roasted spice chicken. Pair its diverse selection of noodles, fried rice, and seafood with drinks like the vodka-loaded Lychee Luck or the pandan espresso martini.

The team behind Leaf and Grain opened this new restaurant in late October. Start with a refreshing plate of the crudo (yellowtail Hamachi, salmon, leche de tigre, salsa macha, and a kick of Fresno pepper). Then, follow it up with a touch of Italian pies that are perfect for sharing. Signature pizzas include sausage alla vodka, wild mushroom, prosciutto with arugula, and classic cheese or pepperoni. Up the experience with a pick from its list of wines, cocktails, and mocktails. 

Known for hand roll hot spot Kira and omakase destination Neo, Comma Hospitality keeps up its reputation with its newest restaurant: Oru. The 24-seat sushi counter encourages guests to map their own tasting journey with an á la carte menu featuring starters like trout roe served with savory taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) and a Wagyu lumpia that tastes like a reverse–beef Wellington. Nigiri options hit all the notes with amberjack, bluefin tuna, and scallop, plus there's a must-try sushi roll packed with tuna, spinach, and homemade pickled daikon. Pair with its Japanese-inspired drinks, sake, wine, hot tea, or bubbly mocktails, and finish strong with dessert. Neo’s signature banana-and-caviar ice cream never fails, but the glazed pistachio coulant and the jam-filled taiyaki also come highly recommended.

One of the city’s most beloved barbecue spots has finally expanded its footprint to Upper Kirby. Formerly home to a 59 Diner, this Pinkerton's promises the Texas Trinity—brisket, pork ribs, and homemade sausage—alongside some other additions thanks to its whole-hog cookers. Be sure to supplement the smoked meats with new sides such as the honey coleslaw, okra and tomatoes, beef tallow fries, and creamed spinach. 

This Asiatown gem elicits the feeling of a South Korea 24-hour convenience store. Equipped with DIY ramen bowls, K-snacks, and K-Pop vibes, it's like Houstonians are walking into another country all without ever having to hop on an international flight. First, take your pick from the base options, which include popular flavors and Korean classics, such as spicy Shin Ramyun, Jin Ramen, seafood soup–flavored Neoguri, and the viral tear-inducing spicy Buldak ramen. Next, load up on toppings, like bulgogi beef, kimchi, cooked bok choy, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, or even milk for a creamier texture. Finally: Cook the ramen on a machine stovetop, and get to slurpin'.

Hugo Ortega is back at it with the opening of his newest restaurant in Downtown, situated just across the street from Discovery Green. The cuisine is what Ortega deems “Las Californias,” a reimagining of what the land and its food would look like if there were no borders. The menu combines California’s abundance of fruits and vegetables with Baja California’s rich seafood, cooking preparations, and wines. Standouts include the tacos de nada, which feature octopus, potato, banana peppers, pickled vegetables, and salsa verde tatemada; the empanadas de Borrego with braised lamb shank, ponzu, and mushroom; and the pato y Conejo, a plate with confit duck leg, braised rabbit, chorizo, saffron, and ancho-morita aioli.