Ichijiku, 9393 Bellaire Boulevard, opened April 29 in Houston’s Chinatown. First established in August 2020 in Los Angeles, California, this sushi hotspot offers an authentic Edomae sushi experience using traditional Japanese techniques while adding contemporary touches and modern flair. It was founded by Russell Malixi and Wade McElroy who also operate Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge in Montrose, along with partner Ross Leedy. Leedy is also a third partner at the Houston Ichijiku.
The ingredients are of the highest quality for the restaurant’s nigiri and rolls, but also priced to be approachable. The atmosphere is laid back and guests are welcome to enjoy an omakase experience or enjoy a box full of house favorites. Co-owner Mailoxi says, “Our menu is designed to showcase traditional dishes without the fuss of swanky, modern sushi establishments.
To execute the menu, the owners have brought in executive chef Masa Osawa. Born in Japan, Osawa began his culinary career in Tokyo 30 years ago. His resume includes Nobu and Shimbashi in Del Mar, California.
Diners will find classic nigiri and rolls, sushi boxes and a variety of vegetarian options. The menu includes dishes like a Japanese omelet, spicy scallop handroll and chicken karaage. Appetizers are plentiful with plates such as seaweed salad, fresh octopus with wasabi sauce, sunomono cucumber salad and Asari clam soup.
The beverage program features a selection of Japanese beers and sake as well as a small, natural wine list.
Aperitivo, 2940 Riverby, debuted to the public May 1 following a number of pop-up events. With stunning views of downtown Houston and the surrounding area, the luxe cocktail bar and restaurant comes from a group of hospitality veterans including Sebastien Laval, Romain Kapadia and Joe Pachioli. The team is known for event and catering spaces such as The Astorian and Le Tesserae. Located on the fifth floor of the building which is part of the East River development by local real estate firm, Midway, Aperitivo is situated within the Le Tesserae space. It will operate as a separate public venue for cocktails and elevated dining when it’s not booked for private events.
Some folks have already been privileged to get a sneak peek during its pop-up previews. There are several private events planned for May so guests should check out its Facebook page for dates open to the public.
The interior of the space is inspired by Venetian design with custom plaster walls and verdigris ceiling tiles. Natural light illuminates the space during the day while Murano glass fixtures provide ambient lighting in the evening, reflecting off the marble surfaces. The 1,500 square foot interior opens to a 5,000 square-foot balcony with sweeping vistas and comfortable sofas for lounging, aperitif in hand.
The menu was designed by Jackson & Company’s executive chef Adam Paul and it’s filled with Mediterranean flavors. Shareable plates include house-cut truffle fries, lamb sliders, beef Wellington bites and a decadent plate of foie gras-stuffed cannoli. Guests can nosh on charcuterie and cheese boards or enjoy a posh dinner experience with pasta and steak options. Master Patissier Almendra Callirgos has created a list of desserts like affogato, seasonal bread pudding and a limoncello tiramisu tart.
The cocktail program is the work of several mixologists and offers drinks like Sevilla Spritz, Paloma e Melone and Speziato, a tequila cocktail with chile liqueur, citrus oleo, lime, a spicy tincture and Topo Chico.
Provare, 5102 Washigton, is slated to open just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Already earning a name for itself in Chicago, the Creole-Italian restaurant comes from chef/co-owner Jourdan Higgs. Many Houstonians may recognize Higgs from his brief television appearance on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, which he left on the third episode.
Higgs opened Provare in Chicago in 2021. His blend of Creole and Italian flavors may seem unique but the mass migration of Sicilian immigrants to New Orleans in the late 1800s had a culinary impact that survives to this day, with items such as the muffuletta and the multitude of Cajun pastas one finds across the country.
For Higgs, the expansion to Houston is a dream come true. He said in a press release, “This is more than just a new location — it’s an opportunity to share the soul of Chicago with a whole new city. I’m beyond excited to bring our Creole-Italian flavors down South and give Houston a taste of the bold, unapologetic dishes that made Provare what it is.”
Those flavors include appetizers like the popular Salmon Eggrolls, Fried Lobster Tails and Crabby Fries, waffle fries topped with crab, pico de gallo, pepper Jack cheese and scallion aioli. The list of dinner entrees is short and sweet and includes the Seafood Trio Pasta, Shrimp Cognac Scampi, Lemon Pepper Chicken Alfredo and Lamb Chops with spicy house-corn.
The cocktails on offer tend toward cognac and tequila bases and there is a small wine list. The Houston outpost will debut a list of cocktails exclusive to its location.
The word provare means ‘try’ in Italian and that’s exactly what Higgs wants guests to do. He says, “We want this to be a place where people celebrate, connect and come hungry. And most of all, come ready to try.”
Trill Burgers, 6810 Louetta, opened April 25 in Spring. It’s the second brick and mortar location for the smashburger brand which gets a lot of hype from its connection with rap artist Bun B, who is co-owner with Andy Nguyen, Nick Scurfield and chefs Mike Pham and Fernando Valladares. It was declared Best Burger in America in 2022, a title bestowed upon it by Good Morning America. Its original location popped up at 3607 S. Shepherd in June 2023 and it has since partnered with the Houston Texans to operate at NRG Stadium as well as being a vendor at TDECU Stadium at the University of Houston. It has also operated annually at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 2022.
The new store, set in a former Dairy Queen, will offer its Trill Lemonade, a beverage it debuted at HLSR 2025. It’s available in Classic, Strawberry and as an Arnold Palmer. The Spring location will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for dine-in and until midnight for drive-through. There is indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio.
Bun B, or Bernard Freeman, is thrilled to join the Spring community. He said in a press release, “The support our community continues to show has been nothing short of incredible. We’re so grateful for this city and we’re excited to expand to the north side of Houston.”
And Spring is not its only expansion. There are outposts planned for Missouri City and Westheimer Road soon.
Dog Haus, 5414 Highway 6, will have its grand opening May 3 and it is celebrating with an appearance by global boxing superstar Jake Paul, who is leading the expansion with his franchise development deal. He is also on the board of directors for the hot dog brand while also influencing the brand’s development in new markets.
The opening fun begins at 11 a.m. and the first 100 guests in line will be entered to win a signed pair of boxing gloves from Paul. Early attendees who make a purchase will also be able to score co-branded Dog Haus/Jake Paul merchandise. Guests who download the Haus Rewards app ahead of time and show up on opening day will receive a free El Gallo Sandwich. There will be drink specials all day plus a chance to try the El Gallo cocktails created by Paul for $20 each. The mocktail version is $15.
Paul will make his appearance at 2:30 p.m. and a ribbon cutting will follow soon after. There will be a meet and greet with the boxer plus live music and face-painting.
The menu includes a number of gourmet hot dogs like the Chili Idol, SoooCali and Cowboy, a loaded dog with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese sauce, crispy onions and barbecue sauce. There are also sausage versions like the Reservoir Hog, The Fonz and T-Mex. For those not into weenies, the menu also offers burgers on Hawaiian rolls, chicken tender sandwiches, breakfast burritos and sliders. There are Impossible versions of chicken, beef and hot dogs for vegans and vegetarians.
There is a good selection of craft beers plus a variety of cocktails as well as soft drinks and shakes.
Good Dog Houston, 903 Studewood, closed its doors in the Heights April 27. The announcement was made via social media April 24 by owners Amalia Pferd and Daniel Caballero. While the Facebook post thanked its supporters and team members, no reason was cited for the closure. Caballero did tell CultureMap Houston that there were a number of factors, including a raise in rent, though Caballero did not blame the landlord since property taxes and insurance rates have risen as well.
It’s been a roller coaster ride for the duo since they began the gourmet hot dog concept 15 years ago as a food truck. From hurricanes and the COVID pandemic to break-ins and robberies, its longevity was due to its loyal customer base. The couple opened the first brick and mortar in the Heights in late 2013, followed by a location in Montrose in September 2016. Unfortunately, the Montrose location just wasn’t sustainable after the COVID pandemic fallout and rising rent. It closed in November 2020.
Fogo de Chao, 222 W. Grand Parkway S., opened April 28 in Katy. It’s the fifth Houston area restaurant for the churrasco restaurant which has been around for over 45 years with multiple locations across the United States and a handful abroad. Diners can enjoy an elevated experience as skewers of fire-roasted meats are delivered to the table along with Brazilian side dishes.
Guests can choose from a selection of menus including the single churrasco experience, which offers continuous service of one fire-roasted cut, sides and the Market Table &Feijoda Bar. For those with heartier meat cravings, the full churrasco offers all the premium and classic cuts. There are add-on options such as seafood towers and roasted bone marrow. Fogo de Chao also has a weekend brunch and weekday lunch.
In the bar guests can order smaller plates like the $10 Picanha Burger or Lobster & Shrimp Tacos. Its all day happy hour features $10 cocktails like the Cucumber Mint Smash and traditional Brazilian cocktail, Caipirinha.
16 Handles, 18802 W. Airport Boulevard, will reopen May 5 after a car smashed into its shop just days after its March 29 opening. Owners David and Lin Dai were thrilled at the long lines wrapped around the store when they first opened in Richmond. Unfortunately, the car crash on April 6 caused extensive damage. With the support of the community, the Dais are ready to get back to business.
The self-serve frozen yogurt company was founded in New York City in 2008, it has since expanded with more than 35 locations including two in the Greater Houston area. It has also expanded its menu to include ice cream, vegan soft serve, endless toppings, drinks and snacks. Other frozen treats include cakes, take-home pints and DO edible cookie dough.
There are 16 different soft serve flavors and more than 50 toppings and sauces.
Shipley Do-Nuts, 20619 Bellaire Boulevard, is having a grand opening May 3. Each guest will receive a free glazed donut while supplies last. there will be face painting for the kiddos and the first 100 guests will receive a free Shipley tote bag.
Restaurants Reported Open April 2025:
Agnes and Sherman, 250 W. 19th, opened April 17
Angry Chikz, 18207 Egret Bay Boulevard, opened April 25
De Fortune, 3515 Dallas, opened April 25
Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 12333 Southwest Freeway, opened April 29
HTeaO, 1234 Broadway, opened April 15
HTeaO, 8217 Louetta, opened March 29
Jane and the Lion Bakehouse, opened early April
The Kid, 1815 N. Durham, opened mid-April
Pollo Campero, 12619 Tomball Parkway, opened April 16
P. Terry’s Burger Stand, 20255 Champion Forest, opened April 7
Rainforest Cafe, 5000 Katy Mills Circle, reopened April 24
Silk Road, 2929 Westpark, grand opening April 13
Third Place (JUN), 420 E. 20th, opened April 14
Urban Bird Hot Chicken, 9990 Almeda genoa, opened March 31
Via 313 Pizza, 9250 Broadway, opened April 25
Restaurants Reported Closed April 2025:
Good Dog Houston, 903 Studewood, closed April 27
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.
