Texas has had one heck of a year for its culinary scene: the state hosted its inaugural Michelin Texas Awards, a Texas chef won a 2024 James Beard Award and to top it all off, there was a wave of exciting restaurant openings across the Lone Star State. While it may feel like the year of “good fortune” is coming to an end, 2025 promises even more to look forward to—starting with the most anticipated restaurant openings.
What’s on the horizon? Caribbean fare, Indian “Chipotle” bowls, casual French eateries, progressive Creole cuisine and more are set to make their debut in Texas next year. Read on to discover what’s coming!
Austin
Ēma
Anticipated opening: Fall 2025
The owners of Austin’s beloved Mediterranean spot Aba are back with a new concept: Ēma. A direct translation of “mother” in Hebrew, Ēma aims to transport diners to family-style dinners in the Mediterranean. Helmed by chef CJ Jacobson, the mezze-style menu will feature small plates like chicken kebabs, Greek salads, grilled Spanish octopus and an array of vegetable-focused dishes. Set to open at the Domain Northside in fall 2025, this spot is sure to win over both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Mother’s Ruin Austin
Anticipated opening: February 2025
This New York-founded neighborhood bar and cocktail spot is expanding to Austin’s East 6th. In addition to signature cocktails and a curated beer and wine list, Mother’s Ruin will offer a brunch menu featuring Old Bay-seasoned waffle fries, breakfast burritos and other bites—served until 2am. While Austin may not hold the “City That Never Sleeps” moniker, Mother’s Ruin hopes to inject a bit of Big Apple charm into the Capital City.
TORA
Anticipated opening: Fall 2025
Sushi lovers, rejoice! TORA, a new sushi concept from the founders of ABURI Market, is coming to Northeast Austin in fall 2025. This tech-forward restaurant will feature a touchscreen ordering system, where diners can select items like Aburi sushi, nigiri and hot and cold tapas that will arrive via a sushi laneway.
Twin Isle
Anticipated opening: February 2025
Starting from humble beginnings as a food truck, Twin Isle is now opening its first brick and mortar location at 1401 Rosewood Ave. Led by head chef Janelle Romeo, Twin Isle will serve up scratch-made Caribbean meals in a fast-casual setting. Be sure to mark your calendars—you’re not going to want to miss this addition to Austin’s growing culinary scene.
Dallas
Frenchie
Anticipated opening: Spring 2025
The brainchild of restauranters Stephan Courseau and Daniele Garcia, Frenchie is set to be a casual, all-day French restaurant serving breakfast, hor d’oevres, starters, entrees and a thoughtfully-curated cocktail menu. It’s slated to open at the former Corner Bakery located on Preston Road and Northwest Highway. Don’t miss the rillettes de saumon and aile de raie meunière with capers and brown butter lemon sauce, paired with a glass of French wine.
Houston
Bol
Anticipated opening: Summer 2025
The culinary masterminds behind Amrina and midtown chicken joint Pok Pok Po will soon open Bol, a bowl concept that fuses Indian flavors. The restaurant will offer grilled meats, veggies and grains served alongside hummus, sauces and dressings. Bol will occupy part of the Pok Pok Po chicken spot located on 3201 Louisiana St and will elevate Houston’s dining scene once it opens in summer 2025.
Latuli
Anticipated opening: Early 2025
Set to open its doors in early 2025 at 8900 Gaylord Drive, Latuli will showcase Gulf Coast cuisine with a Texas twist. Chef Bryan Caswell and Allison Knight will join culinary forces to offer a fresh and flavorful dining experience in an upscale, family-friendly atmosphere.
Perseid
Anticipated opening: January 2025
Hotel Saint Augustine is set to debut Perseid, a full-service, all day restaurant, next month. Chef Aaron Bludorn and his partner Cherif Mbodji will lead Perseid’s exciting menu concept, details of which are still under wraps.
Augustine
Anticipated opening: Early 2025
The King David Hotel, Houston’s first Black-owned hotel, will soon welcome Augustine. Under the leadership of Chef Dominick Lee, Augustine will champion what Lee calls “Progressive Creole” cuisine, a forward-thinking approach that honors Creole’s rich history while carving a new culinary path.
San Antonio
Mexico Ceaty
Anticipated opening: Summer 2025
San Antonio-based chef Jason Dady already boasts an impressive portfolio of seven restaurants: Two Bros BBQ Market, Tre Trattoria, Range, jardín, Tre Pizzeria and Roca & Martillo. Now, the chef is looking to add his 8th project, Mexico Ceaty, to the San Antonio Riverwalk Mall. Spanning 21,000 square feet, Mexico Ceaty will feature four restaurant concepts: Tres Arcos, a Tex-Mex restaurant; Dos Cantinas, a 300-seat bar offering margaritas, tequila cocktails and more; El Ultimo, an agave speakeasy showcasing artisanal mezcals and aged tequilas and Dulce Aroma, a panaderia with fresh churros, breakfast tacos and Mexican pastries in a chill setting. Whether you’re craving some pan dulce or a tequila flight, Mexico Ceaty has got you covered this upcoming summer.