This fall, Houston’s food scene is poised for exciting growth. A mix of Creole flavors, live jazz, cocktail bars, late-night lounges, and refined Italian fare are arriving from Montrose to the Heights, giving locals plenty of new places to explore.
Here are five new restaurants that are generating buzz across Houston as they prepare to open their doors this fall.
Augustine’s (Riverside Terrace / Third Ward)
Located inside the restored Hotel King David, Augustine’s is being led by chef Dominick Lee and will offer a “progressive Creole” menu. The restaurant promises to elevate traditional Creole favorites such as gumbo and jambalaya, alongside dishes inspired by Lee’s study of European, African, and Indigenous influences. Set to debut in late fall 2025, Augustine’s is expected to bring a touch of cultural history and culinary exploration to Riverside Terrace.
Doc’s Texas Jazz Club (Montrose)
Doc’s Texas Jazz Club, from musician and club owner Doc Watkins, will take over the historic Tower Theatre in Montrose later in fall. The venue aims to merge live nightly jazz with a supper-club atmosphere, serving Gulf seafood towers, steaks, and cocktails. Watkins plans to honor the building’s entertainment heritage while introducing genres like blues and R&B into the mix.
Oru (Heights)
Oru, part of Houston’s Comma Hospitality group, is finally ready to open its much-anticipated 24-seat hinoki counter in the Heights. After delays earlier in the year, its opening is scheduled for early September. Diners can expect Japanese-inspired small plates, including paper-thin slices of duck, eggplant preparations, delicate sashimi, and inventive desserts.
Donna’s (Montrose)
Donna’s is the latest cocktail bar from Bobby Heugel and Jacki Schromm, backed by the Thorough Fare hospitality group. Named after Schromm’s grandmother, the space (in the former Ready Room on White Oak Drive) is expected to open in fall 2025 and emphasize crafted drinks, elevated service, and a warm, intimate setting. It’s drawing attention because Schromm is stepping into a leading creative role as co-owner.
Hypsi (Heights, Hotel Daphne)
Hypsi, the restaurant and lounge for the upcoming Hotel Daphne in the Heights, is planned to open in November. Spearheaded by chef Terrence Gallivan, a James Beard Award nominee, Hypsi will offer Italian-influenced dishes and aperitivo-style cocktails in a stylish yet relaxed setting. As one of the fall’s most anticipated launches, it blends hospitality, design, and culinary finesse.
Why These Openings Matter
Each of these restaurants reflects Houston’s evolving culinary identity. Augustine’s and Doc’s bring cultural and musical richness; Oru and Hypsi focus on craft and experience; Donna’s adds to the cocktail bar scene with personal storytelling. Together, they signal not just gastronomic expansion but community renewal in neighborhoods that value bold flavors and thoughtful service.
As these venues open, they’ll not only offer new dining options but also contribute to Houston’s economic vibrancy—creating jobs, attracting visitors, and strengthening ties among local food lovers and makers.
