Toga, 2800 Kirby, opened April 21 at The Shops at Arrive. It’s the fourth restaurant from Comma Hospitality which also operates local establishments Neo, Kira and Oru. It too is a Japanese concept, with a little difference. It’s a more casual izakaya experience, focusing on yakitori, a Japanese type of street food that makes use of binchotan charcoal cooking.
Comma Hospitality was founded by brothers Samee and Saber Ahmed, who also happen to own the menswear fashion label, Glass Cypress. The duo’s design sense spills over to their restaurant concepts, each with a purposeful balance of craftsmanship and culinary point of view. The hospitality team’s travels through Tokyo and other parts of Japan have helped to guide the focus at Toga.
Mingling a relaxed pub atmosphere with approachable bites and plates, the menu has binchotan-grilled skewers that showcase rarely-used chicken cuts like the oyster (sori re su), neck and tail. It takes menchi katsu curry to a whole new level by stuffing the patty with Comte cheese. Its oyakodon, a Japanese rice bowl, is made with braised chicken thigh, while its Toga Burger features a patty made with wagyu grind and topped with Comte, tomato marmalade and red onion.The menu also offers bar bites like Laotian jerky and a variety of fried snacks.
The concept of izakaya goes beyond just food, though. Toga’s bar program has a curated sake collection, plus Japanese beers and handcrafted cocktails.
The interior is minimalistic with natural woods and stone, plus neutral tones of white and ivory.
Spindletop, 1200 Louisiana, will reopen at the Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown May 15. Opened in 1972, the sky top restaurant was quite the novelty as it slowly made its rotation, giving 360-degree views of Houston and beyond. It served as both a special occasion dining destination and a cool cocktail lounge, with marriage proposals galore and occasional celebrity parties taking place in its revolving glass walls.
In 2008, it suffered damage from Hurricane Ike, but reopened in 2010. Unfortunately, the COVID- 19 pandemic shuttered it in early 2020. Since then, the space has been used for private events and special Valentine’s Day dinners.
Its re-emergence will be a special one, with just two evenings of service for now. Reservations are required for the Friday and Saturday seatings. It’s taking a different approach culinarily, with executive chef Hernan Melendez leading the way. Melendez will create a rotating four-course tasting menu each week, using seasonal ingredients.
Melendez also led the opening of the Hyatt’s on-site restaurant Gulf & Prairie in May 2025. Born in Puerto Rico, the chef’s prior stints include Carmel Valley Ranch, a Hyatt property in California, and the Chase Center in San Francisco.
Melendez says that Spindletop’s reopening is about more than just food. “It’s about moments. We’re honored to welcome guests back and hope to once again host proposals, anniversaries, birthdays and unforgettable evenings high above the city.”
Arnaldo Richards Picos, 3601 Kirby, will close at its current location August 30. Owner and chef Arnaldo Richards announced in August 2025 that the restaurant would be closing because of changes in the economic climate. Then, in January of this year, the restaurant said that it would be relocating to a different space due to the outpouring of support from customers.This past week, on social media, Richards said that the restaurant was closing the Kirby location due to a group having acquired the property with plans to build a high-rise.
However, it may not be the end for the 42-year-old Tex-Mex eatery. Richards has hinted all along that the restaurant’s closure might just be temporary. In last week’s announcement he said, “While this chapter is ending, we are actively searching for a new home and remain hopeful about Picos’ future in Houston.
If Picos finds a new home, it won’t be the first relocation. Originally opened in Bellaire in 1984, the restaurant moved to its current Kirby spot in 2014.
The Market at River Oaks District, 4444 Westheimer, will debut April 26. Presented by Sterling’s Market, the farmers market will take place the second and fourth Sunday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., through October 25.
The family and dog-friendly event will showcase various local producers including Cake & Bacon, Cafe Tesoro Mexicano, A & A Cuisine, Castenada Beef, Hive Bee Farm, Momma’s Tamales, Mary Ann’s Spaghetti Sauce, Patsy’s Chicken Salad, Polska Kielbasa, Sweet Rockin’ Rolls, Tahi Bakehouse and Zozo Fresh. There will also be artisans like Ethnoza Jewelry and Metamorphosis Jewelry.
Tago, 1120 Dennis, is expected to reopen soon. It quietly closed for revamping a few weeks ago, but its social media hints at an imminent reopening with some changes to the menu. We have reached out for more details.
The Tulum-inspired Latin restaurant opened last summer in Midtown with a tropical decor and large, attractive patio.
Einstein Bros. Bagels, 9490 FM 1960 Bypass, opened March 26 in Humble and another location is planned for 3321 Ella Boulevard this summer. It’s part of a rapidly-moving expansion plan for the fast casual breakfast chain from Panera Brands, which recently opened a location in League City this past February. Its footprint in Houston is currently 18 stores, with over 700 nationwide.
The Humble location features its “Elevate the Morning” store design with a bagel case that serves as a focal point, plus a designated mobile pick-up area. In addition to a wide assortment of freshly-baked bagels, the restaurant serves egg sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and coffee drinks.
Coffee Fellows is introducing the first all-electric, zero-emission mobile cafe to Houston. It’s as smooth as the European coffee it sells, operating with no noise and no gas. It will roll through Houston’s neighborhoods, events and festivals delivering its signature espresso drinks, cold brew, matcha beverages and Frappiatos. Like its coffee shops, it will offer free alternative milks for any beverage.
