Iconic Restaurant Space Gets New Tenant — But Not Until 2025. Here's What to Expect

Iconic Restaurant Space Gets New Tenant — But Not Until 2025. Here's What to Expect

One Fifth closed in 2022; a new concept will open in the space in 2025. (photo by Julie Soefer)

IT'S ONE OF the most iconic restaurant buildings in town, having once been the home to Mark's American Cuisine and, most recently, Chris Shepherd's groundbreaking rotating concept One Fifth, which closed in January 2022. Now, we know what's next for the cathedral at the corner of Westheimer and Dunlavy.


A new upscale Japanese restaurant from Gitano Capital, the group that brought Ojo de Agua to River Oaks District earlier this year, is slated to open in the century-old building in 2025.

"We could not be more honored to have the opportunity to build upon the storied legacy of the numerous quintessential Houston establishments to occupy 1658 Westheimer over the past several decades,” said Patricio Quiroz, co-founder of Gitano Capital, in a statement. “The building itself is an innate part of the fabric of the broader Montrose neighborhood that surrounds it, and we feel that Montrose — one of the city’s most eclectic and vibrant nexuses — is the ideal setting for us to unveil an original culinary offering to the City of Houston.”

The Gitano team promises a "world-class roster of chefs and mixologists" will create innovative Asian fare; details to follow in the coming months. Meanwhile, its Ojo de Agua remains a popular destination for boho-chic, health-minded Mexican fare and fresh-squeezed juices.

Food
Leadership in Action: Entrepreneur Saba Syed of Moroccan Bath Determined to Build ‘Lasting Legacy’

Saba Syed, Founder of Oasis Moroccan Bath

How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.

Keep Reading Show less

ON JAN. 3, 2025, I observed a big personal anniversary. As of that day, it’d been 20 years since I first moved to Houston — from the Big Apple media circus, by way of my home state of Louisiana — and began working as an editor in the lifestyle-magazine biz here. It’s been two full decades, which is hard to believe! I like to joke that I’m far too young and good-looking to have done anything for two decades. But here we are.

Keep Reading Show less

Christopher Salazar stars as troubled-genius chef in the Alley's 'Seared'.

ONE OF HOUSTON'S favorite theater makers — Alley Associate Artistic Director Brandon Weinbrenner — has gotten some delicious news about his latest show. The run of his Seared, a sometimes-funny and sometimes-intense tale of life in the kitchen at a suddenly hot New York restaurant by playright Theresa Rebeck, has been extended beyond its original schedule and will now be up through March 9.

Keep Reading Show less
Food+Travel