"Crowned Eater Houston’s Restaurant of the Year in 2022, this modern Indian restaurant is helmed by chef Jaspratap “Jassi” Bindra, a Chopped champion who was named one of the “World’s Best Indian Chefs” by the Hindustan Times. Bindra takes a playful and whimsical approach to the menu with dishes like A5 wagyu grilled on white charcoal, finished with house-made spice butter, tandoori-stuffed quail, beef short rib served nihari-style with chimichurri, mashed potatoes, and pickled onion, and Hokkaido scallops, paired with roasted corn, charred pepper, and a curry leaf sauce. Desserts and cocktails, presented in all sorts of unique vessels, are just as imaginative, with an immaculate cardamom chocolate mousse cake garnished with an edible 24-karat gold kiss, and a New Old Fashioned made with a cardamom syrup." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Maharani’s New Fashioned ($18) is an aromatic experience at this Woodlands hotspot. Cardamom lends a warm, exotic note that pairs beautifully with the bittersweet Averna amaro, the full-bodied Old Forester Bourbon, and aromatic bitters. Presentation is key at Amrina, with the cocktail arriving perched on a faux log for dramatic flair. The beverage drops to $12 during the restaurant’s Fantasy (Happy) Hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays." - Brianna Griff
"An elegant, eclectic take on Indian diasporic cuisine whose tandoori macaroni and cheese was a fiery, spice-forward, orange-hued baked dish presented in a personal pot and created by the chef; it contributed to the restaurant’s acclaim (including a Best New Restaurant award) but has since been discontinued according to a representative." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Inspired by the travels and journey of a fictional Indian princess, Amrina, a Woodlands newcomer, aims to bring a royal dining experience to diners. Instead of the main dining room, opt for a banquette in the Secret Garden-themed room, which feels cozy and set apart from the rest of the place’s main action. Standout dishes like ostrich kebabs and red wine-braised lamb shank feel equally as stunning as the space." - Marcy de Luna
"Crowned Eater Houston’s Restaurant of the Year in 2022, this modern Indian restaurant is helmed by chef Jaspratap “Jassi” Bindra, a Chopped champion who was named one of the “World’s Best Indian Chefs” by the Hindustan Times. Bindra takes a playful and whimsical approach to the menu with dishes like A5 wagyu grilled on white charcoal, finished with house-made spice butter, tandoori-stuffed quail, beef short rib served nihari-style with chimichurri, mashed potatoes, and pickled onion, and Hokkaido scallops, paired with roasted corn, charred pepper, and a curry leaf sauce. Desserts and cocktails, presented in all sorts of unique vessels, are just as imaginative, with an immaculate cardamom chocolate mousse cake garnished with an edible 24K gold kiss, and a New Old Fashioned made with a cardamom syrup. Know before you go: If you still want to experience the glitz of the restaurant, but street food is more of your style, reserve a seat at Armina’s tapas bar. Order à la carte for $10 per dish, or opt for the tasting menu for $60 per person for a curated, spice-laden lineup of snacks and morsels, including golgappa and papri chaat." - Brittany Britto Garley