The corner of Montrose Boulevard and Westheimer Road has undergone quite a facelift as of late, thanks to the opening of the new Montrose Collective. The towering mixed-use development houses a number of independent merchants, boutiques, restaurants, and office tenants, including live entertainment company, Live Nation, and has swiftly transformed a pocket of the trendy neighborhood.
There is much to explore by way of shaded, tree-lined pathways, but the Montrose Collective is perhaps best experienced through a meticulously curated roster of restaurants and bars. Whether on the hunt for a rare bottle of vino in a romantic setting, an exclusive omakase dining experience, a novel ice-cream flavor not commonly seen at other creameries, or a cocktail bar packed with guests dressed to the nines, the bustling center has a spot worth venturing into. Consider this guide of where to score drinks, dinner, and dessert within the Montrose Collective.
Drink
Fiora’s Bottle Shop
This bottle shop and wine bar satisfies both food and drink cravings with great sips and impressive sandwiches. Owned by hospitality veterans Natalie Navi and Amir Sed, the bar features a rotating selection of 50 wines to enjoy by the bottle, and nearly 20 by the glass. Settle in, and nosh while you drink. Snacks include marinated olives ($5), hummus with sliced cucumbers and pita chips ($9), and a variety of tinned fish and caviar. Sandwiches like the ham with manchego ($17) and mortadella ($18) make a hefty meal for one. 888 Westheimer Rd. Ste. 107, Houston, fiorasbottleshop.com
Sophie’s Cocktail & Terrace Bar
This sceney, French-inspired cocktail bar is one of the most happening spots in the Montrose Collective. Consider a seat in the rouge-hued lounge on the first floor for an intimate and moody vibe, or head to the upstairs terrace where it’s a bit more lively. Crowds dressed to the nines gather on the patio, which is decorated with dreamy yellow ceiling drapes and lush, oversized plants. Order a French 75, and bask in the festive surroundings. 910 Westheimer Rd., Houston, sophiehtx.com
La La Kind Cafe
While Montrose has plenty of eclectic coffee house gems, there’s something captivating about the cheery, light-filled interiors of La La Kind Cafe, which has an outpost in the Montrose Collective. The viral chain’s pristine white aesthetic is consistent throughout, including on the front patio, where tables are shaded by large white umbrellas. Caffeinate with a coffee or latte, or spring for something exciting like the Fruity Pebbles butterfly matcha, a sweet treat with a nostalgic twist. 888 Westheimer Rd. Ste. 106, lalakindcafe.com
Dine
Marmo
This Italian chophouse from Atlas Restaurant Group is an anchor of the Montrose Collective, prominently holding court at the corner of Westheimer Road and Grant Street. The menu is made up of Italian comfort foods like bolognese, mushroom risotto, and squid ink campanelle, and further complemented by an expansive steak selection. Hang in the bar for a spritz or espresso martini after your meal, and enjoy tunes from the live pianist. 888 Westheimer Rd. Ste. 109, Houston, marmoitalian.com
Uchi
Uchi is hallowed ground in Houston. The upscale sushi restaurant from celebrated chef Tyson Cole imports its fish daily from Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji fish market, and sports a creative menu with a spotlight on toyosu and nigiri. Consider an omakase experience for a curated chef’s tasting featuring the freshest catches. Or, for something even more exclusive, head next door to Oheya, Uchi’s sister restaurant, which operates as a 12-seat omakase-only restaurant. Tastings differ each month, as meals are prepared by a rotating roster of Hai Hospitality chefs from around the country. 904 Westheimer Rd., Houston, uchi.uchirestaurants.com
Graffiti
This California-inspired concept from Big Vibe Hospitality, which also operates Coppa Osteria and Flora, features an all-day menu with global flair. Its spacious, wraparound patio is a main draw for those interested in grabbing a prime people-watching perch within the Montrose Collective. Try the charred octopus with chorizo ($28), or the crab and shrimp fried rice with Thai chili ($32), before indulging in the ultra-moist tres leches ($10). 1001 California St. Ste. 101, Houston, graffitiraw.com
Októ
This newcomer from James Beard Award-nominated Sof Hospitality, the lauded team behind Doris Metropolitan and Hamsa, showcases the various cuisines of the Mediterranean region, including France, Morocco, Tunisia, and the Levant. Offerings will lean heavily on the bounty of seasons, with dishes like tuna crudo, tiger shrimp with arak beurre blanc, steak rossini, and lamb chops designed to be shared among guests. Októ’s moody emerald interiors offer the perfect setting for date night or a group outing, and an energetic bar and patio scene is a further excuse to linger around after a meal. 888 Westheimer Rd. Ste. 119, Houston, oktorestaurant.com
Dessert
Van Leeuwen
This ice cream shop has come a long way since it opened as a food truck in New York City more than 15 years ago. Known for its ultra-creamy, French-style ice cream, Van Leeuwen has grown to be a big national chain with three outposts in Houston, including one in the Montrose Collective. Find everyday flavors like mint chip and vanilla bean, alongside more imaginative varieties, like buttermilk berry cornbread and praline butter cake. 888 Westheimer Rd. Ste. 157, Houston, vanleeuwenicecream.com
