Late August, a Lucille Hospitality Group restaurant from chef Christopher Williams, opened for daytime service on March 25. Located in the former historic Downtown Sears building, the restaurant explores Afro-Mexican foodways through dishes shaped by Williams and his executive chef, Sergio Hidalgo. Plates like the “Texas Caesar” wink at the cross-cultural approach, with a spicy Caesar dressing, avocado, and grilled corn; a gumbo, meanwhile, is fortified with earthy nopales and chorizo. Shareable dishes like the citrus pork confit, served with “greens masa” and refried black-eyed peas, anchor the menu. —Nicole Adlman, cities manager

Mediterranean, Asian, and South American culinary techniques are the centerpiece of Duchess Uptown Park, the newest addition to the bustling shopping district. Shaped by chef Omar Pereney in collaboration with owners Peggy and Daniel Chang and Roveen Abante, the menu features the prized seafood and coastal cooking of each region, largely prepared over a wood-fired grill in the restaurant’s kitchen. Posh emerald green and cobalt blue booths envelop diners as they embark on a coastal dining journey. For dessert, do share with someone special the Duchess Rose, a rose-shaped pastry of white chocolate mousse, white chocolate feuilletine, strawberry compote, elderflower foam, and micro basil leaves — perhaps one of the most delicate dessert presentations in town. 

Nestled in Memorial’s Hedwig Village, Aaron Bludorn’s third Houston restaurant is a tavern-style experience that exudes the same quality and hospitality on display at Bludorn and Navy Blue. Analog to the chef’s flagship restaurant, Bar Bludorn’s menu features explorative takes on Gulf Coast seafood, pasta, and plates infused with regional flavors. Bludorn’s calling card — oysters served raw, roasted, or fried — have a permanent place on the menu, as do a host of pasta dishes. Expect to find artichoke tortellini, pappardelle with mustard-stoked rabbit ragout, and carbonara constructed with poached egg yolk, nuggets of rendered bacon, and English peas. Start your meal with country ham beignets laced with ricotta cheese and whole grain mustard, and finish with dessert: Ice cream sandwich, citrusy coconut mousse, and fresh baked cookies await.

Chef Chris Kinjo’s highly anticipated MF Lobster & Ceviche opened in Autry Park. The French-Vietnamese restaurant has found a solid home in the 14-acre urban district. Like other businesses in the community, the elegant restaurant is known for its thoughtful, refined fare, which centers the versatile lobster. Find the crustaceans pressed within a decadent grilled cheese sandwich, bathed in a creamy sauce with linguine, or cooked with brown butter and nestled within warm, doughy bao buns.

Armando and Cinda Palacios opened the second location of Mandito’s in Katy, bringing the couple’s love for Tex-Mex cuisine to this prominent Houston suburb. “Mandito” which means “little Armando” in Spanish, is a nod to the affectionate family childhood nickname given to Armando, whose first restaurant bears his namesake. Among hefty plates of cheese enchiladas and piping hot chicken fajitas, the Katy location will also offer lighter options, including burrito bowls, Tex-Mex-inflected salads, like the spicy kale Caesar, and alternative protein options for plant-based visitors.

The Conservatory is adding to Houston’s collection of food halls, setting up post in the heart of the Galleria area. Options run the gamut here: start the day with a smoothie or acai bowl at Thrive Juices, progress to a hot chicken sandwich from Bird Haus or birria tacos from Blk Mkt, and finish with Peruvian seafood plates at CVCHÉ. Keep an eye on the Conservatory’s instagram to track live events, concerts, and sporting events hosted at the hall.

While many fast food restaurants can be unassuming, Tasty Box has made itself stand out in a crowded field, thanks to a focus on delivering quick, albeit imaginative, bites. The woman-owned restaurant boasts affordable truffle dogs and kimchi burgers, both of which are equally outstanding. Halal-friendly, Middle Eastern options, like the beef gyro and falafel wrap, are some of the best in town.

The dumpling options in Houston are diverse and expansive — a testament to the vibrant and rich Asian communities that are integral to the city’s culture and dining scene. Xiaolong Dumpling has added its hat in the ring, bringing affordable pan fried pork buns, green onion pancakes, and an exorbitant amount of steamed dumpling and bao bun options to the Downtown community. The eclectic artwork and fresh plants make the restaurant an excellent option for a lunch date or meal with friends, and don’t forget to indulge in the Southern fusion dishes, either: The shrimp and grits dish, topped with hot peppers and green onions, is not to be missed.