Le Colonial, one of the many new eateries in the River Oaks District complex, near the Uptown/Galleria area, is an upscale Vietnamese concept brought to Houston by restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King that opened in August 2016. The first Le Colonial opened in Manhattan in 1993; the Houston landing marks the fourth location. Chefs Nicole Routhier and Dan Nguyen helm the kitchen and have developed dishes that capture the authenticity of Vietnamese cuisine in French colonial Vietnam. The non-traditional interpretations are executed more successfully than the common comfort and street foods of Vietnam. The crispy whole-fried red snapper is exquisitely prepared, and the gluten-free and vegan options are refreshing choices for all types of diners.
Dinner: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Tuesday; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday
Lounge: 4 p.m. to midnight, Sunday through Wednesday; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Thursday through Sunday