Osteria di Mercato, 3642 University Boulevard, debuted April 1 in West University Place. The cozy 30-seat Italian restaurant is currently open for dinner only. Adjacent to its sister cafe and market, Mercato and Company, the new venture has executive chef Mauricio Alvarado leading the kitchen, with general manager and sommelier Marco Thompson providing the front-of-house hospitality and expert wine service.
Alvarado honed his culinary skills at the legendary Tony Vallone’s restaurants, including Tony’s, Ciao Bello and Vallone’s Steakhouse. He was also part of the opening team at Bludorn, a Michelin-recommended restaurant in Montrose. He followed that with a move to California, where he worked in such lauded kitchens as The French Laundry and Cyrus 2.0.
The chef is keen on creating close relationships with local vendors and producers in order to acquire quality ingredients and artisanal supplies. That approach is reflected in the brief menu with dishes like foie gras torchon, spaghetti alla chitarra and branzino per due, a whole fish dish meant for two guests to share.
Thompson’s experience as an award-winning sommelier includes being named Michelin Guide Toronto Sommelier of the Year for his work as director of operations at Sammarco and Osteria Giulia in Toronto. Though a native of Houston, Thompson was raised in Italy and guests will find a curated selection of wines, many of them representing various regions of Italy, including boutique and small producers.
The intentionally intimate restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. through 9:30 p.m., with reservations available through Resy.
Be More Pacific, 544 Waugh, announced its closure March 31. Originally founded as a food truck in 2011 by Mark Pascual and Giovan Cuchapin, the Houston-born Filipino Americans opened a brick and mortar in Austin in 2017. The duo, in partnership with Roveen and Jan Abante, brought the concept to Houston in March 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic. The Austin location shuttered a few months later.
Filipino cuisine seemed to be having a moment in Houston when Be More Pacific debuted. Flip n Patties was already a much-loved local fixture, followed by the arrival of Jollibee, a Filipino fast food chain, known for its fried chicken. Be More Pacific offered not only Filipino favorites like crispy Spam musubi, chicken adobo and a variety of lumpia, but also fun cocktails like Kung Fu Pandan and Lychee Morejito. It held an annual lumpia eating contest, plus regular karaoke events.
We have reached out for more information about the closure and for any plans going forward.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, 9955 Barker Cypress, is coming to Towne Lake in Cypress this summer. Taking over the former Sam’s Boat space, the Baton Rouge-born sports bar and restaurant has several locations across the Greater Houston area. It was founded in 2003 by Brandon Landry, with NFL Hall of Famer, and former Saints quarterback, Drew Brees joining as co-owner in 2015.
Besides television screens airing sports games and a full bar, Walk-On’s features an extensive menu of Cajun dishes like crawfish etouffee and duck and andouille gumbo. There is also an extensive selection of burgers, sandwiches, wings, and salads.
Birdie’s Icehouse, 65 Hirsch, celebrated its grand opening with a huge party March 18. Located within East River 9, it comes from FreeRange Concepts, the team behind Texas hotspots like The Rustic and Bowl & Barrel. The icehouse, adjacent to a lit 9-hole golf course, also offers a putting green, driving range and pickleball courts.
There’s a food menu, in addition to beer, wine and cocktails, with bites like empanadas, tacos, burgers, chicken sandwiches and wings. There’s a Little Birdies menu for kids, plus a weekend breakfast menu from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
CoCo Crepes & Coffee, 7040 Elyson Exchange Way, is slated to open later this summer. Part of restaurateur Youssef Nafaa’s Bella Restaurants portfolio, the cafe serves a variety of savory crepes like chicken and spinach, smoked salmon and roasted chicken pesto. Its sweet crepes list includes Nutella, dulce de leche and creme brulee. There are also waffles and paninis.
DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks, 7312 Louetta, closed March 31 for relocation. Its new spot will be at 3930 Louetta. We have reached out for an opening date.
The Taste of Trill Charity Golf Tournament has been rescheduled due to inclement weather. Originally planned for April 4, 2026, the event has been moved to April 18 at Hermann Park Golf Course. It’s the third annual benefit, hosted by hip hop artist and Trill Burgers titan, Bun B, along with local chef/restaurateur Don Bowie.
The charity golf tournament features an 18-hole competition, plus specialty contests. The tournament is followed by its “19th hole” networking mixer with local chefs and restaurants providing the food. Proceeds from the event this year will support the F.M. Law Park Capital Campaign, a golf course and green space that serves young people with educational facilities and practice areas.
Restaurants Reported Open March 2026:
Atlantic Ocean, 6011 Washington, opened April 1
Boba House, 5353 W. Alabama, opened March 21
Cypress Sunrise Cafe, 3251 Jones, opened late February
Long Weekend, 2044 E. T.C. Jester, opened March 4
Milkshake Factory, 7040 Elyson Exchange Way, opened March 7
Poco Loco Mercado, 2620 H Avenue, opened March 13
Slowpokes, 1501 Silver, opened March 20
Restaurants Reported Closed March 2026
Fleming’s Prime, 2405 W. Alabama, will close April 18
Pie Tap, 3748 Westheimer, closed March 6
The Raven Grill, 1916 Bissonnet, closed March 29
True Anomaly, 2012 Dallas, will close April 30
