Food & Drink • Historic Market Square • What's New • Drinks • Happy Hour

Taste the New Wave of Dining in Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston's dining scene hit a high note in 2024, with exciting new arrivals like The Sylvie and Tenfold Coffee, plus Theodore Rex earning a coveted Michelin star in the Warehouse District. 

Beloved local gems—including Papalo Taqueria, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Xochi and Andes Café—also dazzled with acclaim, showcasing Downtown's rich variety of flavors and culinary creativity. 

The excitement continues into 2025, as Downtown welcomes a new wave of restaurants and placemaking experiences. From established favorites expanding their footprint to new concepts bringing bold ideas—like a Parisian-inspired café at Market Square Park—there's plenty to explore and savor in the months ahead.

Here's what's cooking in Downtown Houston:

Barbacana
907 Franklin Street

Chef Christian Hernandez brings his Michelin-starred expertise back to his hometown with this modern Houston-inspired eatery, blending American fare with global influences. 

Located just a block from Market Square Park in Historic District, Barbacana offers a range of dining occasions, from an accessible happy hour menu to an intimate tasting experience overlooking the kitchen.

Barbacana was among the first to benefit from matching grants through Downtown Houston+ as part of the Thrive Storefront Grant Program. This grant was utilized to improve lighting and create outdoor dining spaces, enhancing the public realm. 

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Hugo Ortega's New Downtown Concept
1550 Lamar Street

Houston's celebrated chef Hugo Ortega is bringing a new dining concept to Downtown in 2025!

The James Beard Award winner and highly-decorated Mexico-born chef will expand his Downtown footprint with a location at the recently opened Norton Rose Fulbright Tower overlooking Discovery Green. 

Known for multiple culinary concepts across Houston, the latest will complement his acclaimed Oaxacan-inspired restaurant Xochi, located steps away at the Marriott Marquis. 

Details on this exciting new concept are coming soon—stay tuned to Downtown Houston+ for future updates!

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Petite Lucie at Market Square Park
301 Milam Street

Market Square Park's kiosk is being expanded and renovated to welcome Petite Lucie, a French-inspired café and restaurant from local chef Omar Pereney, set to open in spring 2025. 

Building on his success with Love Croissants, chef Pereney will bring a taste of Paris to the park with an all-day destination offering early morning croissants and breakfast bites, bistro dining and a cozy outdoor bar nestled under mature shade trees. 

The revamped space will feature a French bistro–style outdoor seating area, perfect for residents, workers and park visitors to relax and enjoy.

Petite Lucie will cater to all occasions—from quick coffee runs and leisurely lunches to romantic evenings under the stars. The café will also offer a Downtown catering program and provide special packages for park events like movie screenings, blanket bingo and more. 

With construction underway to kick off 2025, this addition to the Historic District will provide a charming new option for those visiting or living in the area. Stay tuned for more details as opening day approaches!

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These exciting restaurant developments help Downtown continue to grow as a culinary destination—and it's only a taste of what's to come in 2025. 

Ready to dig in? Explore our guide to Downtown dining and discover your next gourmet adventure!

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