Restaurants “On the Radar” are new, interesting spots that have caught our attention. Since they’re new, we’re keeping an eye on them to see if they can consistently deliver the kinds of experiences that will rank them among the very best. As with all new restaurants, we encourage you to visit, but expect occasional bobbles along the way as the staff is trained and procedures are learned.
Featured New Restaurants in The Woodlands
Indian cuisine meets French technique at this luxe location near the waterway
Amrina
🌟🌟🌟🌟 — Among the best restaurants in Texas.
🥇 Best Happy Hour🥇 Best Indian
🥈 Recommended Brunch
World-class Indian cuisine from noted chef Jassi Bindra meets French technique in this swanky location near the Woodlands Waterway. GM Giorgio Ferrero has assembled a spectacular wine list (first growth Bordeaux, anyone?) to complement the luxurious, beautifully crafted cuisine. Spare-no-expense interior design is the backdrop for a special night out; those looking for an upscale scene need look no further. Amrina is piling up the awards: Not only have they been recognized by TWTX one of the best restaurants in Texas, but they were Eater Houston’s Restaurant of the Year 2022 for Houston. At this rate, they’re going to need a bigger trophy case.
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$$$ and $$$$ | Indian
Brunch, Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Good Desserts, Good for Vegetarians, Happy Hour, Late Night, Live Music, On the Radar, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Romantic, and Upscale
3 Waterway Square Pl #100 | The Woodlands 77380
|
Map
| Review
Website
Cozy wine bar with well priced charcuterie
Boardough Vino
🥈 Recommended Happy Hour
🥈 Recommended Pizza
Research Forest gets a new, tucked-away wine bar offering a peaceful hideaway from the day’s stresses. Boardough Vino offers a curated wine list along with well priced bites ranging from pizza and sandwiches to charcuterie. We were pleasantly surprised by the reasonably priced 18″ pizzas featuring cracker crusts, high quality toppings, and nicely balanced sauces; they’re one of the best thin crusts pizzas in the Woodlands. Expansive bar, comfortable seating, and a cozy patio make for a great happy hour spot or romantic getaway with that special someone. Casual atmosphere, friendly staff.
$$ | Charcuterie, Pizza, and Wine Bar
Full Bar, Happy Hour, On the Radar, Outdoor Dining, and Romantic
4223 Research Forest Dr Suite #100 | The Woodlands 77381
281-719-8938 |
Map
Whiskey and food in a cozy, intimate setting
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.
🥇 Best Brunch🥇 Best Burger
🥈 Recommended American (New)
Bosscat Kitchen is a restaurant with a focus on pork and a bar with a focus on whiskey. These two American cousins come together in a cozy, intimate setting that’s perfect for happy hour or date night. Food is well executed elevated comfort food; start with the Pig Candy and thank us later.
$$ and $$$ | American (New) and Burgers
Brunch, Full Bar, Good Desserts, On the Radar, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, and Romantic
9595 Six Pines Dr Unit 250 | The Woodlands 77380
On Market Street near Tiffany's
281-819-6330 |
Map
Website
Modern American cuisine in a sleek, contemporary setting
Cafe Express
🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.
🥈 Recommended American (New)Cafe Express offers a broad menu of American favorites in a sleek, contemporary setting. Big burgers, lush salads, sandwiches, soups, and plated entrees are all made from scratch in house. This Houston-based restaurant group previously had a location at Market Street.
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$$ | American (New), Burgers, and Sandwiches
Catering, Happy Hour, and On the Radar
3091 College Park Dr #290 | The Woodlands 77384
(832) 404-2451 |
Map
| Review
Website
West Coast-style tacos and burritos in a sleek, family-run space
Califas Tacos & Beer
Tacos and Burritos are the thing at this family-run taqueria. Excellent housemade tortillas are crafted into craveable signature tacos; we were particularly impressed by the Poblano, bursting with grilled angus, slices of grilled poblano peppers, jack cheese and their tasty poblano sauce. These are definitely Cali-style tacos, with different flavor profiles than found in Texas or Mexico. The Pastor was quite good as well, and was pretty much what you’d expect of tacos al pastor, with the addition of a mild guacamole with the onion and cilantro. Must be a California thing; the result was tasty. Friendly service from Mom, Dad, and the two kids.
$$ | Mexican and Tacos
Family-Run Small Business, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining
1500 Research Forest Dr #100 | Shenandoah 77381
281-466-2075 |
Map
Website
| Menu
| Order Online
Gourmet cinnamon rolls with hundreds of options
Cinnaholic
The Woodlands area has a fun new spot for sweet treats and desserts. Cinnaholic bakes fresh cinnamon rolls, then cranks them up to 11 with your choice of frostings, toppings, fresh fruits, and nuts. There are hundreds of possible combinations, but fortunately the clever staff has a selection of predefined choices that are enticing and delicious. Catering for business and group events. The shop is bright, clean, and inviting, and the staff is smiling; you would be too if you were surrounded by cinnamon rolls all day.
$ | Sweets
Catering, Family-Run Small Business, Good Desserts, Good for Kids, and On the Radar
27630 Interstate 45 N | Oak Ridge North 77385
281-719-5327 |
Map
Website
Gourmet burgers from the Austin-based group
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Hopdoddy, the wildly successful Austin-based burger group, has opened its long-awaited Woodlands location. Diners flock to manageably-sized signature burgers, with a variety of chef-designed toppings. Beef is a custom grind, buns are made in house, and toppings and sauces are created by their executive chef. Vegetarians and the gluten sensitive aren’t left out – specific options exist for both. Fries are cut in house and very good; they sweat the details and use the correct two-step cooking process that’s recommended for fresh cut fries. Comfortable location with a large patio, ample parking.
$ and $$ | Burgers
Full Bar, Good for Kids, Good for Vegetarians, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining
2417 Research Forest Drive Suite A | The Woodlands 77381
281-907-9001 |
Map
Website
| Menu
| Order Online
The iconic SoCal burger joint serves well priced, high quality burgers
In-N-Out Burger
🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.
🥈 Recommended BurgerIn-N-Out Burger has been a Los Angeles icon for decades, and they’ve slowly expanded to select cities across the nation. The Woodlands location carries on the brand’s focus on a tightly edited, high quality menu. You won’t find gimmicks here, just fresh beef, melty cheese, and fresh traditional toppings. Fries can disappoint; order them well done, or skip them entirely. While lesser burger joints often hide a mediocre patty behind countless toppings, In-N-Out sticks to a purist approach, and we’re fans of the results. Being open late is an added bonus: Until 1am during the week, and 1:30 on weekend nights.
Service is friendly and professional; the brand new restaurant is spotlessly clean. Expect lines for the first few weeks.
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$ | Burgers
Good for Kids, Late Night, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining
1717 Lake Woodlands Drive | The Woodlands 77380
North edge of Woodlands Mall
800-786-1000 |
Map
| Review
Website
| Menu
Vegetarian Indian Spot on Rayford Road
Khau Gully
Khau Gully brings Indian street food to Rayford Road. Prices are reasonable, and the food is vegetarian. The kitchen is obviously experienced in Indian food; dishes like the Samosa Chaat were beautifully balanced and full of flavor.
In their words: “Khau” translates to “eat,” and “Gully” translates to “street.” In Mumbai, it’s a place where people gather from far and wide, crowd around vessels brimming with spicy stews and crispy dosas, and laugh over good food and good company. The street is buzzing with excitement, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do here at Khau Gully Spring.”
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$ | Indian
Catering, Family-Run Small Business, Good for Vegetarians, and On the Radar
25188 I-45, Suite AIA | Spring 77386
281-362-5014 |
Map
| Review
Website
| Menu
Pizza and burgers in a relaxed family setting
Montgomery Grove
The team behind Dizzy Pies and Wichesonwheels has opened a permanent facility in Montgomery, and it’s a great spot for families and those wishing to enjoy a laid back experience in the outdoors. Montgomery Grove features both indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of room for family fun.
$$ | American (Traditional), Burgers, and Pizza
Family-Run Small Business, Food Trucks, Good for Kids, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining
22016 Eva St | Montgomery 77356
|
Map
Authentic Shanghai cuisine in a tidy strip center location
Noodle Kitchen
🌟🌟 — Among the best restaurants in the Woodlands area.
🥇 Best ChineseKuykendahl road has a great destination for serious Chinese food. Called Noodle Kitchen, this small, family-run Chinese spot features hand-pulled noodles, superb xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and a nice selection of well-prepared Chinese favorites. North siders who are craving authentic cuisine from the Shanghai region now have an option that doesn’t involve a drive down to Bellaire, and for that, we are forever thankful. Friendly service from new staff that can be overwhelmed; showing a little grace and patience will be greatly rewarded.
$$ | Chinese
Family-Run Small Business, Good for Vegetarians, and On the Radar
18363 Kuykendahl Rd | Spring 77379
346-463-8078 |
Map
Website
Skillfully executed Italian classics in a comfortably boisterous setting.
North Italia
🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.
🥈 Recommended Italian🥈 Recommended Pizza
Hungry Inner Loopers have raved about North Italia, the upscale Italian concept from serial restaurateur Sam Fox. Now the concept has taken root in the Woodlands, and local residents are learning what the fuss is about. From housemade pastas to wood fired pizzas to expertly crafted entrees, North Italia brings mom-and-pop craftsmanship together with polished service and a capacious, beautiful room. Extensive bar, lots of seating overlooking the Waterway. Don’t write this one off just because it’s part of a national chain.
$$ and $$$ | Italian
Brunch, Catering, Full Bar, Good Desserts, Happy Hour, On the Radar, Private Room, and Scenic View
1201 Lake Woodlands Dr | The Woodlands 77380
281-292-6935 |
Map
Website
Modern Italian in a sleek urban setting
Porta’vino
🥈 Recommended Pizza
🥈 Recommended Wine Bar
The Grogan’s Mill / Town Center area gets an outpost of the hugely popular Washington Avenue Italian hotspot… Porta’vino.
Combining moderately-priced pastas, entrees, and appetizers with BYOB wines (and a reasonable corkage fee), Porta’vino brings a new, modern Italian offering to hungry Woodlands foodies who love wine but don’t want to pay restaurant prices for it. Tucked away at the entrance to the tony East Shore neighborhood, Porta’vino offers a full Italian menu, from sharable and pizzas to salads, pastas, entrees, and desserts.
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$$ and $$$ | Italian, Pizza, and Wine Bar
Catering, On the Radar, Outdoor Dining, and Private Room
207 E. Shore Dr #130 | The Woodlands 77380
346-237-5380 |
Map
| Review
Website
Energetic wine bar in a sleek, comfortable setting
Postino
Wine lovers have a new destination at Hughes Landing. Postino, the popular wine bar with numerous Houston area locations, is now open.
The approachable menu offers a lineup of a dozen bruschetta options, including combinations like Prosciutto di Parma, Fig & Mascarpone and Sweet N’ Spicy Pepper Jam & Goat Cheese, as well as a menu of shareables like Crispy Cauliflower dressed in sultana raisins, capers and their house romesco sauce. Additionally, Postino guests can choose heartier options such as fresh-pressed paninis, bountiful salads, scratch soups and rustic charcuterie boards.
$$ and $$$ | American (New), Brunch, and Wine Bar
Brunch, Full Bar, Happy Hour, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining
2025 Hughes Landing Boulevard | The Woodlands 77380
Across from Whole Foods
281-825-5050 |
Map
Website
Iconic Chicago pizza chain
Rosati’s Pizza
Chicago expats and others looking for Chicago-style pizza have a new option: Rosati’s. Offering both Chicago-style deep dish and tavern-cut thin crust, this local Rosati’s franchise is bringing the taste of the Windy City to the Woodlands area. Carry out and delivery only.
$$ and $$$ | Pizza
On the Radar
4150 Farm to Market Rd 1488 Suite 120 | Conroe 77384
936-266-0278 |
Map
Website
Unique wines and innovative cuisine in an expansive, energetic space
Sixty Vines
🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.
🥇 Best Wine Bar🥈 Recommended American (New)
🥈 Recommended Brunch
🥈 Recommended Pizza
This Dallas import expands the concept of a wine bar to include ample seating (including festive community tables) and an experience that’s more vineyard than bar. Sixty varieties of wine on tap, complimented by a clever menu that’s full of surprising dishes. We were delighted by a fork-tender, incredibly flavorful pork chop, and the innovative pizzas are top notch. Boisterous, energetic setting.
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$$ and $$$ | American (New), Charcuterie, Pizza, and Wine Bar
Brunch, Full Bar, Happy Hour, On the Radar, Private Room, and Upscale
9595 Six Pines Dr | The Woodlands 77380
On the square in Market Street
|
Map
| Review
Website
Burgers and more from this southern California concept
The Stand
This long-time Southern California favorite bursts beyond the borders of the Golden State and lands at Hughes Landing. Fresh creations from high-quality ingredients are the focus. From burgers and sandwiches to salads and wraps, The Stand delivers healthy quick service food without getting preachy about it. Save room for dessert, and don’t forget to peruse their curated collection of beer and wine.
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$ and $$ | Burgers, Salads, and Sandwiches
Catering, Good for Kids, Good for Vegetarians, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining
2000 Hughes Landing Blvd F-700 | The Woodlands 77380
In Hughes Landing
832-592-1135 |
Map
| Review
Website
| Menu
| Order Online
An authentic Italian bakery tucked away off Sawdust
Tosca Italian Bakery
🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.
🥇 Best Sandwiches🥇 Best Sweet Shop
🥈 Recommended Italian
Tosca Italian Bakery brings the experience of an Old World Italian bakery to the Woodlands area. Owner Mario and his team have immigrated from Italy, and brought years of baking expertise with them. The result is a wonderful selection of breads, pastries, sandwiches and focaccia pizzas brimming with character and charm. If you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience, Tosca should be your destination.
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$$ | Bakery, Italian, and Sandwiches
Catering, Family-Run Small Business, and On the Radar
Japanese and Chinese cuisine in a spacious Sterling Ridge location
Uptown Asian Fusion
🥈 Recommended Chinese
🥈 Recommended Japanese
Sterling Ridge residents now have a convenient option for well executed sushi and other Asian options. Uptown Asian Fusion is a small, family-run spot in a beautiful, spacious room, focusing on sushi and offering a variety of Chinese and Japanese dishes. Sushi was well executed and featured generous cuts of fish. Service was friendly but could be slow at time; a bit of patience will work wonders.
$$ and $$$ | Chinese, Japanese, and Sushi
Family-Run Small Business and On the Radar
6700 Woodlands Pkwy | The Woodlands 77382
281-651-2542 |
Map
Website
Destination Mexican Dining from an accomplished team
Xalisko
🌟🌟🌟 — Notable on a statewide level.
🥇 Best Mexican🥇 Best Tacos
Chef Beatriz Martines and her husband Juan have brought a destination Mexican restaurant to the Woodlands. Chef Beatriz bring world-class experience (from Hugo Ortega’s kitchens to the legendary Can Roca in Spain) and it shows in her cuisine. We were seriously impressed by her tableside trompo service of Tacos al Pastor; these are easily the best version we’ve found in the Houston area. Modern, upscale setting with numerous touches that reference Mexican culture. This isn’t your dad’s favorite Tex-Mex spot; its something far more interesting.
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$$$ | Mexican
Catering, Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Good Desserts, Happy Hour, On the Radar, Private Room, Romantic, and Upscale
1335 Lake Woodlands Dr | The Woodlands 77380
281-323-4092 |
Map
| Review
Creative pizzas featuring high-spec ingredients and a fanatical focus on quality
Zalat Pizza
🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.
🥇 Best PizzaThis Dallas-based chain rolls into the Woodlands offering their version of hand-tossed pizza. Beef-based pepperoni is a calling card, as are unique pizzas that stretch from the expected to the unexpected. Refreshing corporate culture (employees have stock options!) and fanatical dedication to quality (staff makes, tastes, and judges pizzas every week) makes this a pizza place to check out. As predicted, Zalat’s strong offering has been consistently delivered and has earned them a coveted spot on our “Best” list.
Info and Photos >>
Full review >>
$ and $$ | Pizza
Catering, Good for Kids, Late Night, and On the Radar
1620 Research Forest Dr Ste 200 | Shenandoah 77381
832-621-0420 |
Map
| Review
Website
| Order Online
New Restaurant Listings in The Woodlands
Boardough Vino ■
$$ ■
Charcuterie, Pizza, and Wine Bar
■
Research East
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations ■
$$ and $$$ ■
American (New) and Burgers
■
Market Street
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Cafe Express ■
$$ ■
American (New), Burgers, and Sandwiches
■
College Park
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Califas Tacos & Beer ■
$$ ■
Mexican and Tacos
■
Research East
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
💻 ORDER
Cinnaholic ■
$ ■
Sweets
■
I-45 Corridor
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Hearsay on the Waterway ■
$$ and $$$ ■
American (Traditional) and Brunch
■
Waterway
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Hopdoddy Burger Bar ■
$ and $$ ■
Burgers
■
Research East
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
💻 ORDER
In-N-Out Burger ■
$ ■
Burgers
■
Woodlands Mall
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Khau Gully ■
$ ■
Indian
■
I-45 Corridor and Rayford Road
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Montgomery Grove ■
$$ ■
American (Traditional), Burgers, and Pizza
■
Outside the Bubble: Montgomery
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Noodle Kitchen ■
$$ ■
Chinese
■
Kuykendahl
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
North Italia ■
$$ and $$$ ■
Italian
■
Woodlands Mall
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Porta’vino ■
$$ and $$$ ■
Italian, Pizza, and Wine Bar
■
Grogan's Mill
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Rosati’s Pizza ■
$$ and $$$ ■
Pizza
■
1488 West
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Simona’s Bistro ■
$$ ■
American (Traditional) and Breakfast
■
Grogan's Mill
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Sixty Vines ■
$$ and $$$ ■
American (New), Charcuterie, Pizza, and Wine Bar
■
Market Street
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
The Cookshack ■
$$ ■
American (Traditional)
■
Kuykendahl and Outside the Bubble: Spring
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Tosca Italian Bakery ■
$$ ■
Bakery, Italian, and Sandwiches
■
Sawdust
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Uptown Asian Fusion ■
$$ and $$$ ■
Chinese, Japanese, and Sushi
■
Sterling Ridge
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
Zalat Pizza ■
$ and $$ ■
Pizza
■
Research East
☎ CALL
🚘 MAP
💻 ORDER