Belly of the Beast

Houston Restaurant Weeks is back for its 21st year. The annual fundraiser, which runs through Sept. 30, gives food enthusiasts the chance to explore Houston's diverse culinary scene while contributing to a worthy cause. With more than 400 participating restaurants, this year's event promises an exciting array of new dining experiences you won't want to miss. Here are our top five picks of this year’s newcomers: 

Belly of the Beast | Spring 

Belly of the Beast reopened late last year after the pandemic disrupted its 2020 debut. Chef Thomas Bille is showcasing a vibrant selection of Mexican-inspired dishes for Houston Restaurant Weeks with a three-course dinner. The meal starts with your choice of tuna tostada, wedge salad or grilled peach and burrata toast. For the main course, options include birria tacos, pork belly tacos or carne asada, with the choice of grilled shrimp or roasted chicken to complete the meal. 

Blue Tuba | The Heights 

This eatery, which opened in May, blends European and Texan flavors. For Houston Restaurant Weeks, Blue Tuba will offer both Brunch and Dinner menus. Brunch features a German-style platter, goulash, apple foster French toast and Hungarian crepes. For dinner, starters include Slovak mac & cheese and Polish tacos, while main course options feature pork schnitzel and chicken paprikash. Dessert choices include crème brûlée and tiramisu. 

Le Jardinier | Downtown 

Located inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Le Jardinier serves up a French-inspired cuisine. Created by Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli, Le Jardinier offers an extensive Houston Restaurant Weeks menu, with options for brunch, lunch and dinner. The highlight of the menu is the three-course dinner, which includes whipped burrata, corn velouté with shrimp, roasted red pepper risotto, Verlasso salmon and strawberry mousse. 

MaKiin | Upper Kirby/River Oaks 

Created by the team behind the beloved Kin Dee Thai restaurant, MaKiin debuted at the Hanover River Oaks last year. For Houston Restaurant Weeks, MaKiin offers a delectable three-course dinner. Starters feature a sampler with three curry choices, Khao Tang Na Tang and a summer salad. For the main course, diners can choose from pork ribs, salmon in a rich panang curry, curry jackfruit or filet mignon. Dessert includes unique delights such as butterfly pea flower-infused coconut ice cream and mango sticky rice. 

Norigami | West University  

Opened last year by the team behind Hidden Omakase and Sushi by Hidden, Norigami specializes in hand roll sushi. For Houston Restaurant Weeks, Norigami is offering a three-course dinner that begins with your choice of steamed, garlic or spicy edamame. This is followed by a selection of crudos—madai, salmon or hamachi. The meal concludes with a choice of hand rolls: spicy salmon, bluefin tuna or spicy scallop. 

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