We love supporting our cozy, local eateries around wintertime, don’t you? Join our editors Jake Gaines in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Eleanora Morrison in San Antonio as they share their stellar statewide recommendations that are must-dines as the weather turns cooler.
AUSTIN
SO WELL DONE
The Well, Austin’s newest eatery entry, is about as natural as it gets. The new concept from the team at Nova Hospitality incorporates top tier nutrition, functional ingredients, local and sustainable farming, and authentic bold flavors. Choose from pick-up and outdoor dining. At EatWellATX.com.
BOTTLE SERVICE
The wine bar in town to love is LoLo, with a range of sparkling, white, and red wines…and some vine surprises, too. They also serve small snacks and cheese plates. At Lolo.wine.com.
REBEL WITH A CAUSE
In the Mueller District, the new favorite kid in town is Rebel Cheese. The vegan deli and wine shop boasts the largest selection of fresh, house-made, artisan vegan cheeses that can’t be beaten. At Rebelcheese.com
DALLAS / FORT WORTH
A TOUCH OF FRANCE
La Tarte Tropézienne, the famed French pâtísserie based in St. Tropez, France, has recently opened its first U.S. location in downtown Dallas. Beyond their renowned namesake tarte, they also offer viennoiserie, sandwiches, wine and champagne, caviar, and more. At LaTarteTropezienne.com
I’LL BE OUTBACK
Georgie by Curtis Stone has rebounded from the pandemic punch with refreshed menus that have offerings as distant as Australia where chef Curtis Stone is from, such as the Australian Blackmore wagyu, and seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients from Dallas’ urban backyard. At GeorgieDallas.com.
KNEAD TO KNOW
Rise & Thyme is the seasonal American café that offers guests a wide variety of options, from salads to sandwiches, pastas to patty melts. Open for takeout, delivery, limited indoor seating, and a full range of outdoor seating in the new downtown AT&T Discovery District. At RiseNThyme.com.
HOUSTON
CONTEMPORARY MEETS BIER GARDEN
Bottled Blonde Pizzeria + Bier Garden, opens its first Houston location and third nationwide on the bustling Washington Corridor at the corner of Washington and Durham. The rustic, yet relaxed open-air concept is a blend of contemporary Italian cuisine and German bier garden. At BottledBlondePizzeria.com/Houston
OOH LA LA
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café has brought the highly versatile French street fare staple to Houston’s nearby Sugar Land Town Square. With cuisine inspired by the founder’s frequent trips to crêpe carts while studying in Paris, the venue offers seating inside and on the expansive patio. The menu has a variety of breakfast sweet and savory crépes, in addition to salads, paninis, wine, and champagne. At SweetParis.com.
DOWNTOWN & SLEEK
Located in the Wells Fargo Plaza, the new eatery is perfect for breakfast and brunch. Whether you eat inside or on the patio, you can begin the day with avocado-chorizo toast or swing by for lunch for a quinoa bowl in a stylish environment. At AdairDowntown.com
SAN ANTONIO
GARDEN DELIGHT
Chef Jason Dady has opened a new concept eatery located within the Sullivan Carriage House at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Jardín serves fresh Mediterranean fare inspired by the gardens, with ingredients served straight from the grounds. Guests can either dine in for lunch or dinner or are invited to obtain pre-packaged style meals-to-go and enjoy a picnic in the garden. At JasonDady.com.
BLUE AND BLUER
Located in the heart of Castle Hills, Los Azulejos and its iconic, vibrant interior brings an upscale contemporary concept of authentic Mexican food with dishes that are representative of the vibrant colors and rich flavors of Puebla and Mexico City. The menu features flavorful dishes like Huachinango Zarandeado, Enchiladas Suizas, Ribeye Tacos, and The Lobster Trio. At LosAzulejosRestaurant.com.
FAVORITE DAUGHTER
Best Quality Daughter, the highly-anticipated new restaurant, by Chefs Jennifer Dobbertin and Quealy Watson, has just opened at Pearl. A concept that pioneers New Asian-American Cuisine, the restaurant experience is inspired by a reflection of the founder’s travels and the comfort food of her youth as a second-generation Chinese-American. A warm, fun, and stylish environment serves as a culinary beacon to locals and travelers alike. At BestQualityDaughter.com.