Houston Restaurant Weeks: Where to Eat Well and Support a Cause

Between August 1 and September 1, dozens of Houston restaurants are participating in Restaurant Weeks - a citywide initiative that raises funds for the Houston Food Bank through the Cleverley Stone Foundation. Each meal comes at a fixed price - $25 for brunch or lunch and $39 to $55 for dinner - with a portion of the proceeds ($1–$5) from every meal going directly to local hunger relief efforts.

Many restaurants serve three-course meals, but some offer more - up to five. Below is an overview of nine participating spots offering extended menus this year.

Located in the Heights, Blue Tuba immerses you in Central European flavors with a focus on Czech traditions. Their $55 four-course menu includes a choice of potato soup or French escargot; main course options such as Belgian mussels, classic beef stroganoff, or their signature schnitzel served with Czech potato salad; and dessert featuring a traditional Czech koláč—a sweet bun that captures the true essence of Czech baking.

Specializing in Japanese hand rolls and sushi, Kokoro Handroll Bar delivers an impressive type of menu for Restaurant Weeks. Their $55 three-course menu starts with crudo (bluefin tuna or king salmon) or a hijiki seaweed salad. The second course includes a choice of nigiri, sashimi, or negitoro hand roll with fatty tuna and scallion. The main feature is a selection of hand rolls: spicy tuna, spicy scallop, or crab. Dessert consists of mochi or a chocolate truffle torte.

This Seattle dumpling chain now operating in Houston offers one of the most value-packed options for Restaurant Weeks—a five‑dish menu for $39. It starts with a refreshing sweet‑and‑sour cucumber salad. Options include signature xiao long bao (soup dumplings), steamed veggie dumplings, Sichuan dan‑dan noodles, cold sesame noodles, or fried scallion pancakes. Dough Zone Dumpling House also offers a selection of teas: jasmine, oolong, chrysanthemum, fruit, or milk tea.

At Rice Village, Hamsa serves modern Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional flavors. Their Restaurant Weeks menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner feature: three salad options (like muhammara or labaneh) served with pita; mains such as baked hummus (plain or lamb), crispy falafel, cauliflower couscous, or skewers (chicken, oyster mushrooms, or fish). The dessert includes petite beurre - delicate shortbread biscuits with whipped cream and shredded dark chocolate.

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Opened in late May in the Galleria area, Mastro’s Steakhouse has quickly established itself as a premier steakhouse destination. Their $55 three-course dinner menu for Restaurant Weeks features spicy citrus shrimp or beet Palomino salad with goat cheese and green apple to start; mains such as a 6‑oz filet, tender short rib, chicken Parmesan, or Ora King salmon; and dessert choices including mini molten cookie, butter cake, or chocolate mousse.

In Memorial City, Kata Robata offers an elegant four-course menu for $55. It begins with a choice of four sashimi options, followed by a selection of four sushi rolls. Hot dishes include chili shrimp, seared scallops, and lamb chops with foie gras. The meal ends with one of three dessert options, completing a refined Japanese culinary experience.

MAD in River Oaks is a Spanish restaurant known for its eclectic interior and refined presentation. The establishment often serves as a venue for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries. Its $55 evening menu for Houston Restaurant Weeks features a range of Spanish tapas: crispy croquetas, delicate tuna tartare, classic filet, authentic paella, and fresh gelato. This allows diners to experience diverse Spanish flavors in one set.

Located in Houston’s Inner Loop, Silk Road specializes in dumplings and broader Asian dishes. Their Restaurant Weeks offering includes a four-course menu for $39. Every guest begins with hot-and-sour soup, followed by a trio of dumplings (meaty or vegan), steamed stuffed tofu, or their signature crispy chenfang shrimp. Main dish choices include fried rice, chow mein, or pork ribs. Desserts feature flavors like raspberry, mango, or osmanthus.