Introduction to Houston Restaurant Weeks
Houston Restaurant Weeks is a highly anticipated event for foodies who want to indulge in the city’s exceptional cuisine without breaking the bank. This year, it takes place from August 1 to September 1, offering diners the opportunity to sample specially priced, prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The best part? A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Cleverley Stone Foundation, which supports the Houston Food Bank.
How it Works
Participating restaurants will offer three-course menus, with some going above and beyond by providing four or even five courses. The prix fixe menus are priced at $25 for brunch and lunch, and $39 or $55 for dinner. A set amount per meal ($1, $3, or $5) will be donated to the Cleverley Stone Foundation. This is a great way to try out new restaurants and dishes while giving back to the community.
Top Picks for Houston Restaurant Weeks
For those looking to get the most bang for their buck, here are nine restaurants that offer exceptional value and delicious cuisine. From European comfort food to dim sum and sushi, there’s something for everyone.
Blue Tuba
Get to know this European comfort food restaurant in the Heights through its four-course, $55 menu. The menu features a range of dishes, including potato soup, French escargot, Belgian mussels, beef stroganoff, and schnitzel. Be sure to save room for dessert, with five impressive options to choose from.
Dough Zone Dumpling House
This Seattle-based dim sum restaurant is offering a five-course menu at an unbeatable price of $39. With four locations participating, diners can choose from a variety of dishes, including sweet-and-sour cucumber salad, xiao-long bao, steamed vegetable dumplings, and pan-fried chive dumplings. The meal also includes a choice of hot tea, fruit tea, or milk tea.
Hamsa
Take a trip to the Eastern Mediterranean at Hamsa, where the Rice Village restaurant is offering HRW menus for all three meals. The dinner menu features staples such as hummus, falafel, cauliflower couscous, and skewers of ribeye, oyster mushrooms, or chicken thigh. Be sure to try the petite beurre for dessert, a shortbread cookie with whipped cream and shaved dark chocolate.
King Steak
This new Galleria steakhouse has already made waves, and its HRW menu is not to be missed. Diners can choose from dishes like rock shrimp with spicy citrus, palomino beet salad with goat cheese and green apple, and mains such as a 6-ounce filet, short rib, chicken parmesan, or Ora King salmon. Finish off the meal with a mini half-baked cookie, butter cake, or chocolate mousse.
Kokoro Handroll Bar
This sushi spot is part of Duckstache Hospitality’s lineup of HRW participants and is spotlighting pristine fish and thoughtful technique. The menu features a range of dishes, including crudo of bluefin tuna or king salmon, hijiki seaweed salad, nigiri, sashimi, and hand rolls. Be sure to save room for the mochi ice cream or chocolate truffle cake for dessert.
Kuu
This Memorial City sushi staple is serving a four-course, $55 menu. The menu features a range of dishes, including sashimi, sushi rolls, chili prawns, and seared scallops. Diners can also upgrade to miso sea ball and lamb chops with foie gras for an additional fee. Finish off the meal with one of three desserts.
MAD
This Spanish restaurant is the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion, with its eclectic interior and elaborate plating. The HRW $55 dinner menu features a range of dishes, including croquetas, tuna tartare, filet mignon, paella, and gelatos.
Silk Road
This inner loop dim sum destination is serving a four-course menu at the lower $39 price. The menu features a range of dishes, including hot and sour soup, a dumpling trio, steamed stuffed tofu, and crispy shrimp cheung fun. Diners can also choose from fried rice, stir-fried noodles, and pork ribs for their entree.
Succulent Fine Dining
This Napa Valley-inspired eatery has taken Instagram by storm, and its HRW menu is not to be missed. The menu features a range of dishes, including chicken liver mousse in pani puri, XO deviled egg with caviar, and roasted beets with caramelized yogurt. Mains range from carrot gnocchi with garden herb pistou to prime beef tenderloin meatloaf with prosciutto jus. Finish off the meal with Texas peaches and cream, chocolate terrine, or a mango-streusel "Gold Finger."
Conclusion
Houston Restaurant Weeks is a fantastic opportunity to try out new restaurants and dishes while giving back to the community. With so many participating restaurants to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out the top picks listed above and make your reservations today. Whether you’re in the mood for European comfort food, dim sum, sushi, or something else, Houston Restaurant Weeks has got you covered. So why wait? Get out there and start dining!
