As the fourth-largest city in the country, Houston is home to more than 70 countries and regions represented in its restaurants. Every August, locals and visitors alike get to experience Houston’s nationally recognized culinary scene in a meaningful way. Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) offers diners a curated taste of one of America's most diverse food scenes while supporting a great cause.
From August 1 through September 7, participating restaurants across the Houston area offer specially priced prix fixe menus, with each purchase generating a donation to the Houston Food Bank. Brunch and lunch are $25 and yield a $1 donation from the restaurant, or 3 meals, and include two courses. Dinners include three courses, with the $39 option generating a $3 donation (9 meals) and the $55 option, often including premium course selections, generating a $5 donation (15 meals). Both are available for dine-in and takeout. Entering its 23rd year, the event has raised over $22 million, providing more than 66 million meals for families across the region.
Doko
Cleverley Stone, a beloved food journalist who made it her mission to help end hunger in Houston, founded Houston Restaurant Weeks in 2003. Her daughter, Katie Stone, now continues that legacy through The Cleverley Stone Foundation, ensuring that Houston’s most delicious fundraiser lives on.
During HRW, menus showcase the restaurant's best dishes, allowing guests to explore more at affordable prices - a food lovers’ dream come true. This year, expect to see flavors from all over the world: Thailand, India, Louisiana, Latin America, China, and many parts of Europe.
Returning in 2026
Brennan's of Houston
Returning to the lineup are several longtime favorites that Houstonians look forward to year after year, including a’Bouzy, Brennan’s of Houston, Coltivare, Eddie V’s, Hugo’s, Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette, and Nobu, Potente, and Rainbow Lodge, each known for delivering consistently memorable dining experiences.
Debut at HRW 2026
Caribbean Jerk Palace
Foodies looking to brunch out will appreciate newly added spots like Bistro Mistral, Caribbean Jerk Palace, Exilio Latin Flair, Leo’s River Oaks, The Henry, Mexican Sugar, and more. Plus, new restaurants continue to join through August, giving guests something fresh to discover.
Dine Out & Do Good™
Here is a snapshot of several delicious options you’ll find at this year’s HRW.
Le Jardinier, photo by Alex Montoya, courtesy of the restaurant
This summer, experience Houston Restaurant Weeks at Michelin-starred Le Jardinier, located in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. During HRW, Le Jardinier will be serving all day with brunch and lunch for $25, and a $55 three-course dinner. Guests can enjoy signature summer specialties such as Chilled Corn Velouté, complemented by cream cheese and curry oil, or Whipped Burrata with stone fruits and pecan gremolata. Enticing entrees include Branzino with zucchini noodles or Beef Filet Mignon featuring a decadent béarnaise sauce. Wind down with weekend brunch flavors, including Filet Mignon & Eggs and Avocado Spaghetti, a creamy twist on a classic pasta.
Aiko is serving both lunch and dinner during Houston Restaurant Weeks, allowing guests to experience the restaurant's signature Japanese cuisine at an approachable price point. The $25 lunch features a three-course menu with a choice of a starter, one crudo, and two handrolls. For dinner, guests can enjoy a $55 four-course menu that begins with a starter and a four-piece crudo course, followed by a choice of two handrolls, and ends with nigiri, sashimi, chirashi, or a vegetarian don.
Offering a “taste of France in Houston”, this authentic French eatery is under the guidance of Chef Zachary McClendon. The neighborhood bistro, located in Garden Oaks, is dedicated to seasonal ingredients, ensuring a menu full of elevated yet comforting dishes. For dinner, keep an eye out for the Burgundy Escargot served with toasted baguettes or the ever-classic Boeuf Bourguignon.
For 28 years, Brasil has brought people together from all walks of life with its art-filled patio, varied menu, and cozy, eclectic atmosphere. Their $39 three-course dinner menu includes options such as blistered shishito peppers or hummus and flatbread to start, Texas wagyu bavette steak or grilled half chicken as entrees, and crème brûlée or tres leches for dessert.
Doko is participating in Houston Restaurant Weeks with both $25 lunch and $55 dinner menus that showcase the restaurant's contemporary Japanese cuisine. The three-course lunch includes a choice of a starter, maki roll and donburi, with options like edamame, shishito peppers or sunomono to begin, followed by signature maki and hearty entrées including chirashi don, gyudon or tofu don. The four-course dinner features a selection of crudos, specialty maki, and entrées such as steamed suzuki, gyudon, or tofu and kinoko don, and ends with a choice of house-made desserts, including sesame macaron, ube tres leches, or strawberry mochi.
Himari is offering a $39 four-course dinner menu for Houston Restaurant Weeks, highlighting the restaurant's modern Japanese cuisine and fresh seafood. Guests can begin with a choice of signature crudos, including Tropical Tuna, Spicy Yellowtail, or Himari Kanpachi, followed by an appetizer course featuring options such as sweet potato tempura, kinoko butter mushrooms, or negima. The third course includes a selection of specialty rolls and Japanese-inspired dishes, such as spicy tuna maki, wagyu pitchfork, or a Philly roll, before ending on a sweet note with a choice of mochi ice cream or chocolate truffle cake.
Created by iconic Houstonian Mac Haik, Kirkwood boasts an open-concept kitchen made for business lunches and celebrations. This year, diners can enjoy their $55 dinner with elevated selections such as beef tartare, little gem Caesar salad, bone-in short rib, steak frites, and caramelized banana sundae.
Nestled in River Oaks, this elevated Thai eatery is serving a three-course $55 dinner during Houston Restaurant Weeks, featuring authentic selections such as coconut chicken soup, royal Thai green curry, and taro cake, to name a few.
A modern steakhouse with bold flavors and a vibrant atmosphere, Toca Madera is offering a $55 dinner that starts with options such as queso fundido, tostaditos, or a chopped salad. Second- and third-course selections range from steak or sea bass tacos, enchiladas, to strawberry tres leches or Oaxan chocolate mousse.
Photo by Studio Rivera, courtesy of the restaurant
Kokoro Handroll Bar in The Woodlands is offering both $25 lunch and $55 dinner menus for Houston Restaurant Weeks, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the restaurant's fresh, contemporary Japanese cuisine through thoughtfully curated multi-course meals. The three-course lunch features a choice of appetizer, nigiri or sashimi set, and handroll, with options including fresh crudos, expertly prepared sushi and signature handrolls. For dinner, guests can enjoy a three-course menu beginning with a choice of crudo, ceviche, or salad, followed by a selection of nigiri or sashimi, before finishing with their choice of handroll.
Kokoro Downtown is offering a $39 four-course dinner menu for Houston Restaurant Weeks, showcasing the restaurant's signature sushi and Japanese flavors. Guests can begin with a choice of appetizers like grilled edamame, sunomono, or shishito peppers, followed by a selection of fresh crudos. The third course features a choice of specialty maki rolls, followed by either a four-piece nigiri assortment or a six-piece sashimi selection. The thoughtfully curated menu highlights Kokoro's fresh seafood, bold flavors, and contemporary approach to Japanese cuisine.
Photo by Paula Murphy, courtesy of Zaranda
The latest concept by renowned chefs Hugo and Ruben Ortega is a seafood-centered concept inspired by the flavors of Baja California's coastline. Dine with them during brunch or lunch for $25 with an option to add dessert for $10, think flan de queso or pastel de dátiles. For dinner, choose from a $55 three-course menu with selections like taco de pato, pescado zarandeado, and milhojas - a flaky pastry with candied apples and yuzu gel.
Zanti Cucina Italiana is bringing its modern Italian flair to Houston Restaurant Weeks 2026 with special menus for lunch and brunch at $25 each, and dinner for $55. Guests can enjoy Zanti favorites including Arancini, Cacio & Pepe Salad, Tagliatelle Bolognese, and Chicken Parmigiana across the HRW menus. The restaurant’s offerings showcase its contemporary take on Italian dining, with additional selections ranging from brunch classics to seafood, steaks, and signature desserts like Hazelnut Cake, Gelato, and Sorbet.
Whether you're visiting Houston or craving something new, Houston Restaurant Weeks is your opportunity to experience incredible food while supporting a great cause. Mark your calendar, build your reservation list, and get ready for a 38-day celebration of Houston’s global flavors and generous spirit. View all participating restaurants here.
Photos: Courtesy of the restaurants mentioned in this post. Header photo: Xochi; opening photo: Zanti Cucina Italiana.