The “French Cowboy” and celebrated Bayou City chef Philippe Schmit is doing things completely his way with his venture, appropriately named Philippe Restaurant & Lounge. Located on Post Oak, just steps from the Galleria, Philippe brings casual elegance to Uptown Houston and an array of eclectic French fare with a Texas twist.

Houstonians will remember Schmit from Bistro Moderne, which once occupied the restaurant space at Hotel Derek. After Bistro closed, Schmit took some several years to carefully plan every detail of his new restaurant, which is a hit among foodies. Expect a menu filled with reimagined European classics like lemon sole topped with a truffle-port sauce and drunken foie gras marinated in Sauternes + Armagnac. Don't think about leaving before experiencing the chocolate cake with house-made hazelnut sorbet.

Beyond the cuisine, design also plays heavily into the experience at Philippe. The team behind the look of Philippe included architect Shafik Rifaat and renowned interior designer Lauren Rottet. The end result is a study in contrasts featuring furnishings and accoutrements that are at time utilitarian and at times inviting.

On the first floor is a modern lounge, relaxed yet chic. Dubbed Phil's Wine Lounge, the spot showcases more than 80 wines by the glass—one of the city's most extensive glass programs—and a bar menu, spotlighting artisan pizzas, charcuterie platters and sharable plates.

• Named one of the 10 Best New Restaurants in Texas by Texas Monthly (2012).
• Sommelier Vanessa Trevino Boyd was recognized by Food & Wine Magazine as one of the country's best sommeliers (2012).
• Wine Enthusiast Magazine selected Philippe in the top 100 list of Best Wine Restaurants in America (2012).

Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau - Member

• Restaurants

Philippe Restaurant + Lounge Meeting Facility

• # of Rooms: 5
• Banquet Capacity: 200
• Reception Capacity: 500
• Audio/Visual:
• Facility Buy Out For Special Event:
• Private Room:

Meeting Facility Rooms