New Restaurants in Houston to Try in 2026
Houston is kicking off the new year with a plethora of exciting new restaurants, from health-conscious eateries to sushi spots and Tex-Mex favorites. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a new place to grab a bite, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Health-Conscious Options
For those looking to stick to their fitness goals, Honest Mary’s is a great option. This Austin-born fast-casual restaurant has opened its Houston outpost in River Oaks, offering customizable bowls with green or grain bases, vegetables, toppings, sauces, and proteins. Their menu features six different bowls, including a poke-inspired version, seasonal lemon basil chicken, and honey mustard chicken. Sipping broths, like chicken or seaweed and mushroom, are also available.
New Locations for Beloved Restaurants
One of Houston’s most beloved barbecue spots has launched a second location in the Heights, smoking up the Texas Trinity—brisket, pork ribs, and homemade sausage—alongside newer additions thanks to its whole-hog cookers. Additionally, Candente, a Michelin-recommended Tex-Mex restaurant, has opened its second location in Bellaire, offering the same menu as its Montrose flagship, including creamy chile con queso, bright ceviches, fajitas, and carnitas.
Sushi and Japanese Cuisine
Comma Hospitality has welcomed diners to its newest space, Oru, in the Heights. This 24-seat hinoki (sushi counter) takes an à la carte approach to Japanese dining, with a delightful trout roe served with savory taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes), a Wagyu lumpia that channels beef Wellington, and nigiri choices like amberjack, bluefin tuna, and scallop.
American Fare and Pizza
Jonathan’s the Rub has opened its fourth location in Bridgeland, offering American fare, including steaks, seafood, and pastas, alongside a selection of cocktails, rotating draft beers, and wine. Trill Burgers, a smashburger sensation, has also opened a third location in Missouri City, flipping signatures like its OG burger, vegan options, fries, and Trill lemonade.
Upcoming Restaurants
Several new restaurants are set to open in the coming months, including Café Feuillette, a French bakery-café in River Oaks; Exilio Latin Flair, a Central America–focused restaurant in Montrose; and Home Slice Pizza, an Austin-based pizza joint expanding to the Heights. iWok, a fast-casual Asian concept using robotic woks, is also set to open its first Houston location, with four area locations planned for the first half of the year.
More New Additions
The Perch, a rooftop restaurant and bar, is set to open in Downtown’s JW Marriott Houston, featuring a menu of seasonal and local flavors. Shredders, a chef-driven delivery pizza concept, is expected to open later this month, offering nostalgic New York–style pizza made with homemade dough. Yuma, a Brazilian- and Cuban-inspired sandwich concept, is opening its first brick-and-mortar in the Washington Corridor, serving sandwiches that draw inspiration from Brazil, the Caribbean, and Houston.
Conclusion
With so many new restaurants opening in Houston, there’s never been a better time to explore the city’s vibrant food scene. From health-conscious options to sushi spots and Tex-Mex favorites, there’s something for every taste and preference. Whether you’re a longtime Houstonian or just visiting, be sure to check out these exciting new additions and experience all that the city has to offer.
