food

Long-Anticipated Japanese-French Resto Set to Bow in River Oaks on Friday

Long-Anticipated Japanese-French Resto Set to Bow in River Oaks on Friday

Manhattan Roll (photo by Julie Soefer)

THERE’S NO SHORTAGE of interesting fusion food in Houston — but a groundbreaking combo of French and Japanese cuisine along with stunning interior design should place this latest restaurant at the top of your to-do list.

Opening Friday, Dec. 16, at 4411 San Felipe — a new development on Westcreek Lane near River Oaks District — Ciel is the first offering from Houston entrepreneurs Ryan Henry, Adel Sadek and Fasl Ty, who recently joined forces to launch a hospitality group. The kitchen will be helmed by Joseph Geiskopf, who will use fresh and sustainable ingredients to craft dishes that utilize the best of Japanese and French food and techniques. Think sweet-chili oysters, and smoked beef tartare with crispy quinoa.

Inspired by the Côte d’Azur, the 8,000-square-foot restaurant-lounge is named after the French word for “sky” — so it’s fitting that from floor to ceiling, the blue-and-white design is heavenly. Italian porcelain floors and marble tables are countered by deep-blue velvet banquettes, and light fixtures artfully hang from above; in the main dining room, the first-ever 360-degree Barrisol mirror installation helps with acoustics and also serves as a conversation piece.

Meanwhile, in the lounge, a white-marble bar with custom seating will be the perfect place to post up and enjoy inventive cocktails like the La Passion, with infused vanilla vodka, mint, banana liqueur, passion fruit and a bit of bubbly. Fancy vino instead? A wine list with more than 150 selections will have what you need.

“CIEL is an alluring, elegant and festive space designed for an impeccable dining, gathering and entertaining experience in Houston,” said Sadek in a release. “We painstakingly selected every detail in the interior to create a space built for unstuffy fine dining with exceptional cuisine, stylish presentations and beautiful art not found anywhere else in the city that will feel like a portal to a glamorous, fun-filled European getaway.”

Beef Tartare (photo by Julie Soefer)

La Passion (photo by Julie Soefer)

Inside Ciel (photo by Shannon O'Hara)

Sweet Chili Oysters (photo by Julie Soefer)

Filet Mignon (photo by Julie Soefer)

Mademoiselle (photo by Julie Soefer)

From Your Site Articles
Food
promoted

Pelican Builders Welcome Residents To First New Upper Kirby Condo Offering In Years; Boutique Midrise Adds To Pedestrian Appeal Of Sought-After, Inner Loop Neighborhood

Pelican Builders Welcome Residents To First New Upper Kirby Condo Offering In Years; Boutique Midrise Adds To Pedestrian Appeal Of Sought-After, Inner Loop Neighborhood

WITH ITS INAUGURAL set of residents newly moved in, Pelican Builders’ mid-rise condominium Westmore at 2323 W Main Street in Upper Kirby is already seeing the blossoming of a tight-knit community. Designed by Houston-based Mirador Group the Westmore is the first new condominium product to be introduced to the in-demand, inner loop neighborhood in more than three years. And with remaining two-bedroom homes starting at $895,000, it’s a remarkable value for this increasingly pricey area, where condos can easily climb to several million dollars and more.

Keep Reading Show less
Home + Real Estate
food

Free Ramen?! Jinya Ramen Bar Opens 70th Location with Oodles of Noodles

JUST IN TIME for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, Jinya Ramen is opening its 70th (!) location in Pearland. Known for its thick, rich broth and flavorful noodles — thanks to the specialized water used to prepare its broth and the aging process its noodles undergo — Jinya also touts a wide array of authentic toppings, from tender pork chashu to shrimp wonton.

Keep Reading Show less
dining

Dine Out and Give Back: Three Delicious Ways to Make Your Meals Count this Month

Duck N Bao's bento boxes are part of Dine Out Rice Village

HOUSTON'S EVER-GENEROUS restaurant scene is already at it in 2025. Here are three ways foodies can dig in, raise a glass, and support important causes in January.

Keep Reading Show less
Food