Okto

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"Októ in Montrose is phenomenal. This Mediterranean restaurant is the blended progeny of the folks behind Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa, and Badolina. Dining here feels like sneaking into a trendy tropical plant shop after-hours, one that serves incredible food. On our first visit, we couldn’t stop ourselves from wiping the eggplant carpaccio plate clean. The tuna tartare makes us wish we could take it home in bulk, along with a gallon of the shiro shoyu that's poured on top tableside. And the pistachio-washed-bourbon Flight Of Icarus has us clamoring for permanent residence at the bar. Given every seat—including the patio—was full, everybody else seemed to feel the same way." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

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"A restaurant serving a fusion of Mediterranean cuisine in the Montrose area of Houston." - Brittany Britto Garley

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"Októ is from the team behind Doris Metropolitan. At this Mediterranean restaurant in Montrose, you can expect tuna crudo topped with olive oil and feta cheese, sea bass carpaccio, and a bread service with housemade butter and pickled olives." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene

Find Mediterranean small plates and a sexy space at Októ - Review - Houston - The Infatuation

"Októ in Montrose is phenomenal. This Mediterranean restaurant is from the folks behind Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa, and Badolina. It blends the small plates and refreshing, feta-fueled salads from Hamsa, the chimichurri-rubbed lamb chops and silken sauces from Doris, and dessert that makes us wonder why we aren’t getting pastries from Badolina more often. photo credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Quit Nguyen Dining here feels like sneaking into a trendy tropical plant shop after-hours, one that serves incredible food. Think eggplant carpaccio with a thin layer of myzithra cheese that will tempt you to lick the plate. Every bite of the bluefin tuna (a worthwhile upcharge of $10) tartare makes us wish we could take it home in bulk, along with a gallon of the shiro shoyu poured on top tableside. And cocktails like the pistachio-washed-bourbon Flight Of Icarus have us clamoring for permanent residence at the bar. Given that every seat—including the patio—was full, everybody else seemed to feel the same way. Food Rundown photo credit: Quit Nguyen Frena You can smell this dish before you see it. The thick, soft bread arrives scorching hot, topped with aromatic zaatar, and then is cut to share tableside. We considered ordering 13 more of these for dinner, something we might return to Októ to do at some point because it’s that good. photo credit: Quit Nguyen Greek Salad This is probably the most refreshing salad we’ve ever had. It’s fresh and cold and has enough whipped feta with herbs to coat every surface of the chopped vegetables. Keep it, and ask for another piece of frena. photo credit: Quit Nguyen Eggplant Carpaccio The best way to enjoy this dish is to mix everything together. The eggplant has a light, savory flavor balanced best with the tomato on top. At first, the flavors are subtle, but take a couple more bites and the slightly tangy carpaccio builds until you wish you had another serving. photo credit: Quit Nguyen Tuna Tartare When the server offers the bluefin upgrade for this dish (it's $10), take it. The soft, fatty tuna paired with the floral, sweet shiro shoyu (poured tableside) tastes incredible, a perfect balance of sweet and salty. We want to take a gallon of this home and put the sauce in one of those on-demand beer hats. photo credit: Quit Nguyen Octopus First things first, the bish bash is delicious. Especially when the Moroccan-style fennel salad is served with perfectly tender grilled octopus and spicy romesco. Tiger Shrimp While this only comes with three shrimp, each one is so comically large that you might find yourself cracking corny jokes, like, “Dang, this shrimp’s been doing one shell of a workout,” or, “Wow, these look shrimp-ly irresistible.” It’s inevitable. Embrace it, then enjoy how excellent this dish tastes. photo credit: Quit Nguyen Grilled Sea Bass You might think this is all about the sea bass, but you’d be wrong. The pea risotto shines here—the delicate grilled fish is just an Oscar-worthy supporting character. photo credit: Quit Nguyen Lamb Chops Októ is a nice restaurant with fancy little table lamps. But that shouldn’t stop you from picking up these herb-crusted lamb chops, eating them straight from the bone, and snacking on the caramelized pearl onions afterward. photo credit: Quit Nguyen Pistachio Four Ways Served on an ice-cold plate that looks like a fluffy cloud, this dessert is an ode to pistachio in all of its sweet, nutty, and crunchy glory." - Chelsea Thomas

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"Sof Hospitality, the restaurant group behind Houston establishments like Hamsa and Badolina Bakery, will add another restaurant to their roster. Taking over the former space of the now-shuttered restaurant the Chelsea, Okto, which means eight in Greek, will serve up Mediterranean cuisine in an upbeat atmosphere with a jazzy bar that boasts spirits exclusive to the restaurant." - Brittany Britto Garley

Sandra

Google

Okto is a stunning restaurant, ideal for a date night or dinner with friends. The decor is gorgeous, and its location in a beautiful part of Houston only adds to the charm. Having valet service is a nice touch that makes the experience even smoother. The service here is outstanding—our server was knowledgeable about the wine, cocktails, and menu, offering excellent recommendations that made our meal unforgettable. Every dish we tried was delicious, but I highly recommend the octopus; it’s a standout and one of the best in the city. This place is absolutely worth every penny. The dress code adds an elegant touch, creating the perfect excuse to dress up and enjoy a classy night out.

Ryan Turcotte

Google

What a wonderful experience! The food at Okto is an incredible take on Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine. The bread service is phenomenal, the halloumi bites are to die for, and the octopus is both a novel and delicious adventure. Ambience and location are great. Shoutout to the friendly wait staff who were quick with our orders, very knowledgeable about the menu, and were graciously accepting of our LGBT friends celebrating their first wedding anniversary. I highly recommend Okto to anyone in the Houston area.

Chris Peavy

Google

I’m kind of over restaurants that look nice and the food/service doesn’t match. It’s like why go to great lengths to make the aesthetic and vibe look great and not show up in any other aspect of the restaurant experience as a whole. Nothing about this menu made me think this was a Mediterranean restaurant. Our waiter didn’t have much to say or even suggest other than what he likes to order. The food was missing something, there were elements that spoke to me and other parts of the dishes that seemed flat or off. Honestly, I would never want to come back again. The food overall was decent, nothing noteworthy, and nothing seemed elevated here.

A D

Google

We had a really great night . From the front of the house to when we left, we were the last customers left, and the staff tried to do their side work without giving us the feeling we had to leave. Super nice crew. Unique decoration and, a nice customer crowd. The cocktails and food were delicious as I expected from my good Friend Itaei’s team. Congratulations and best wishes to them.

Kristen T

Google

This restaurant is great, same owners as Doris Metropolitan and Hamsa. I really loved the Octopus and Frena most of all. However, I do believe it was overpriced. We ended up getting the chef’s board which was a sample of 4 entrees for our table of 4 to share at $80/per person. We sampled the tiger prawn, lamb chops, filet and tomahawk steak (off-menu). The presentation and taste was great, however for the amount of food it should have been more like $65/per person. All drinks were delicious and cost $18 each.

Maggie J

Google

If 4.5 was an option, that is what I would give but I am rounding up because the food really was great. I had a bad taste in my mouth going into the restaurant because the parking is honestly so chaotic. The valet services uchi, marmo and okto and it was a zoo when we got there and a zoo when we left. Upon walking into the actual restaurant the lighting is very dim and cozy and the space is quite lovely. Our table was near the restroom which I didn’t love but they were not able to accommodate a move. On my next visit I would specifically request a booth. Our server, Otniel, was absolutely outstanding. He gave great recommendations and was just a general pleasure all evening. Out cocktails took a while to come out but the restaurant is new and the bar was a little overwhelmed. Hopefully this gets better with time. For dinner we had: The Greek Salad - outstanding, loved the whipped feta Bread - came out piping hot and was cut table-side Halloumi Bites - loved these, just the right amount of spicy Eggplant Carpaccio - my friends enjoyed this but I found it to be a bit bland Denver Cut Steak - surprisingly tender, would order again for sure All 3 sides - favorite was the butternut squash but it was all good. I will be curious to see if the menu seasonally rotates. I hope it does because it’s a pretty small menu. Great spot for a date night, probably wouldn’t go with a group larger than 4.

Trisha T.

Google

TL;DR: Poor service at Okto caused us to miss the symphony despite assurances from the manager that we'd be out on time. Our entrees were delayed over an hour, and while the manager apologized and promised to cover our meal, we were still charged for drinks and an appetizer. Decent food, but subpar hospitality — better fine dining Mediterranean options available. Our visit to Okto was less than ideal. Let me preface this review by saying that I don’t judge an establishment for making a mistake — we’re all human — but I do evaluate how they handle those mistakes. A friend and I decided to dine at Okto before attending a 7:30 PM symphony performance. She arrived at the restaurant at 5:50 PM and was greeted by the restaurant manager at the host stand. She informed him that we needed to leave by 7:00 PM sharp, and he assured her that would not be a problem. She placed our entire order at 5:55 PM. I arrived shortly after, and our octopus appetizer was served promptly at 6:05 PM. At 6:15 PM, our waitress checked in and assured us that our entrees would be out shortly. However, by 6:30 PM, they still had not arrived, even as guests who were seated after us received their meals. We checked in with her again, and she reassured us that the food would be out any minute. By 6:45 PM, still without entrees, we reminded her that we needed to leave by 7:00 PM and had placed our order 50 minutes earlier. She apologized and went to speak with the manager. The manager, who had originally assured us we’d be out on time, came by to apologize as well, explaining that there had been a mistake. He assured us that the chef was preparing our meals immediately and that our meal would be on the house. Despite these reassurances, our food didn’t arrive until 7:10 PM. By this point, we felt compelled to wait because they kept telling us it would be out “any second.” When the food finally arrived, we had no choice but to ask for to-go boxes. To our surprise, we were also presented with a bill. While the entrees were covered, our drinks and appetizer were not. As someone who has dined at several of Houston’s finest restaurants, this was an incredibly poor display of hospitality. Charging us for minor items after telling us our meal would be taken care of seems petty, especially when we only dined at Okto because of their assurance that we’d be out by 7:00 PM. In the end, we missed the symphony because this particular performance did not allow late entries and were left with cold takeout instead of the experience we were assured. While the food was decent, the level of hospitality at Okto leaves much to be desired. If you’re looking for Mediterranean cuisine, I’d recommend Rumi’s, Hamsa, or Doris Metropolitan instead.

Tamar M

Google

Stopped in for drinks late night and was pleasantly surprised by the creativity of the cocktail list and even more delighted by the energizing flavor profile of the drinks. Bar service was warm, friendly and knowledgeable Ana provided great recommendations! Will certainly return for food!

Charlotte J.

Yelp

I had the most fabulous dining experience tonight. It was perfect in every way. The ambience, the service, the attention to detail but most especially food was amazing. We started with the Frena bread, sea bass carpaccio, and the octopus. They were over the top delicious. The bread and octopus are going to be added my short list of foods that I crave. They were so good! The bread goes through a 24 hr+ prep time and is made fresh every day. Every loaf is fresh from the oven when they serve it. The octopus was a perfect combination of smokiness, and bright acidity from the law. The octopus itself was perfectly cooked and served in top a yummy romesco sauce. Combined, it was a perfect bite. Don't skip the charred onion slice when you eat it! For our entrees and sides, we had the crab squid ink pasta, lamb chops, butternut squash, and fries. It was all delicious. Ask for the fries with a side of sambal mixed with mayo. You can thank me later. The butternut squash is going in the list of craveable foods. Whatever they did to get the crispy roasted exterior made the dish memorable. If you're not a squash lovers this is the dish to convert you. For dessert, we had the pistachio 4 ways and it was a perfect ending to a perfect meal. A huge shout out to Omar our waiter for his attentiveness, spot on recommendations, and great service. Also, a big thanks to Brent the sommelier/assistant manager for the great recommendation and conversation. We enjoyed sharing travel notes and his wine pairing with the lamb chops was spot on. Just to demonstrate how well they pay attention to the details.....they have the underside of the table padded so that when you cross your legs and your legs hit the table, there is soft padding and not a hard surface. Definitely the most memorable dining experience I've had in awhile and one I highly recommend.

Christine N.

Yelp

It was girls night so we decided to come to Októ. Correct decision. We surveyed the menu but we already knew what we wanted to start off with -- those giant octopus arms that people seem to rave about. Another correct decision. The chef, and when I say chef I used those words loosely because what he really is... is an 'Octopus Whisperer'. He has truly perfected the preparation of Octopus and I know he respects the octopus as well. The chef made the octopus taste so phenomenal I questioned if I had truly been living prior to this. I pinched myself, maybe I had finally escaped The Matrix and this was my welcome meal in the real world. Had I really eaten food worth eating prior to this delectable marine mollusk?? Needless to say, we ordered more octopus. Another round for the appetizer, and another round during the main course, we had an octopus second course and for desert we got desert and more octopus. Try eating octopus alongside ice cream. It's strange but we weren't complaining at all. Don't get me wrong, the other food was very good as well, but they don't call this restaurant Okto for no reason. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the octopus the chef is in the kitchen singing to. Octopus 20/10 Everything else for the most part 10/10 Broccolini 2/10 (I didn't care for all the cream, cheese and butter piled on it) Service was attentive, it was a cold Tuesday night so we weren't competing with a crowd. Anyways, just go and try it for yourself, and have the octopus! ;)

Prarthana P.

Yelp

one of the best dining experiences i've had in houston point blank. i think this will be my new go to for celebrations! beautiful presentation and our waiter was so knowledgeable and friendly. the food was amazing - no notes for any of it and the portions sizes were good. the octopus is a must order, it's the best i've had. i loved the frena and linguini as well.

Wendy H.

Yelp

We stopped in for some drinks before a dinner reservation across the street. We opted for bar seating and since it was a couple hours before their dinner service, they weren't busy and the bar was open. Our bartender was friendly, she gave us her recommendations and chatted with us for a little bit. The restaurant itself is beautiful, the patio area is nice, the bar has ample seating, and the bathrooms are clean. We ordered the Frena bread board, the bread was light and airy, the pistachio butter and roasted peppers complimented it very well. I had the Que Freda cocktail and it was good but a little too strong for me. I also tried their Aperol Spritz and it was bubbly and fresh, perfect for the weather. I'll definitely be back for dinner and I'll update my review then!

Connie H.

Yelp

Amazing food, excellent service! It was a little loud but great experience. There were 6 of us for Christmas Eve and we shared all the plates. Octopus- 5/5 tender and delicious Frena- 5/5 warm focaccia with olives, picked pepper and pistachio butter Greek salad 5/5 Tiger shrimp 5/5 x2 Wild mushroom risotto 3/5 finishing salt made the mushrooms too salty and I love salt! Broccolini 5/5 Eggplant carpaccio 5/5 Denver cut steak x2 10/5 Fries-dip these into the Denver sauce Anytime we aren't across the street at Uchi, we will be here!

Lalanica C.

Yelp

The parking sitch around montrose collective is hectic around weekends, but for a random weeknight (Mon) it was perfectly quiet. The ambience is very nice inside, and staff was very accommodating for our party's needs (including circling back so we could get our hh special orders in before time). There is a decent sized patio would be lovely with the right weather. Came here to indulge in their happy hour offerings primarily since Monday is until 7pm. Good deals on cocktails and wine. We tried everything on the hh menu except for one thing. The only real subpar dish was the tartare. We loved the Greek salad and even got a second. The lamb chops are served with the best accompaniments and the crab pasta was pretty good too! To close out our evening we went with the basque cheesecake. A solid dessert, but not my favourite basque in town!

Annie N.

Yelp

Came to Okto for a girl's night and it didn't disappoint! The restaurant is gorgeous. Our servers were so nice and checked on us often. We started off with the frena. The bread was delicious with the pistachio butter. Our second appetizer was the octopus which I think is one of the best I've ever had. It was tender but had a nice crisp on the outside. We couldn't get enough of the romesco and kept dipping our bread in it. For the entrees, we got the tiger shrimp and grilled wild mushroom. Again, with the sauces here, we asked to keep our bread so we could dip it in the beurre blanc sauce of the shrimp. It was so savory and delicious! The mushroom risotto was a 10/10. Smoky, buttery goodness For dessert, we got the kadaif. The rose gelato good but I personally was not a fan of the rose sauce. It was a little overpowering. Otherwise, if you need a place for girls night, date night, give Okto a try.

Beth W.

Yelp

Already made it back for HH round 2 plus more this time! First of all -- the staff was awesome!! We were originally sat at a table that would have work for the typical diner but not for my crew! We tend to order the whole menu so we needed more space. The sommelier helped us find a more suitable spot for our habits. Much thanks! The food - amazing! We ordered the whole happy hour menu plus lamb chops and pasta. Everything was great but the tartar. Would skip that one. We doubled up on the octopus and salad though and don't skip out on the bread service! Looks like I will be a regular here!

Erika O.

Yelp

I made a reservation for a Tuesday night and it wasn't too busy. The bar is very pretty and they have outdoor seating with heat lamps. We started with the frena which was bread with pistachio butter, olives and red peppers and it was so good! The bread was crispy, and the butter was so salty and creamy. The seafood carpaccio was pretty good. I loved the squid ink pasta, the noodles were thick and the sauce was very flavorful. Loved the crab on top too. Overall great food and good service. It took a while to pay our check but I think they may have been a bit understaffed that night. Would definitely come again!

Sandra D.

Yelp

Okto is a stunning restaurant, ideal for a date night or dinner with friends. The decor is gorgeous, and its location in a beautiful part of Houston only adds to the charm. Having valet service is a nice touch that makes the experience even smoother. The service here is outstanding--our server was knowledgeable about the wine, cocktails, and menu, offering excellent recommendations that made our meal unforgettable. Every dish we tried was delicious, but I highly recommend the octopus; it's a standout and one of the best in the city. This place is absolutely worth every penny. The dress code adds an elegant touch, creating the perfect excuse to dress up and enjoy a classy night out.

Nhi T.

Yelp

Went for a late dinner and the food definitely satisfied my craving for Mediterranean food. We got the lamb chops, the eggplant carpaccio, the grilled octopus, and the pistachio four ways for dessert. The lamb chops were thick and juicy cuts of lamb that really paired well with the cauliflower and sunchoke skordalia, which was reminiscent of a hummus. The portion was definitely good to share for 2 people. (8/10) The eggplant carpaccio was also delicious and reminded me of a baba ghanoush. Very flavorful and served cold. (7/10) The grilled octopus was tender and the sour kraut on the plate was an interesting touch. I just wish I could taste more of the char from the grill on it. (7.5/10) The best part of our meal was definitely the dessert. The pistachio gelato was some of the best I've ever had and definitely worth saving some room at the end of the meal for! (9/10) Overall the ambiance was upscale and classy. I personally loved the look of the back lit bar. The staff was friendly and great with recommendations and parking is in a garage unless you are lucky and find street parking.

Maria P.

Yelp

Simply put, Perfection! Best restaurant I've tried all year, and I've been to a few really good ones! Upon walking in, the atmosphere is vibrant, borderline a bit louder than ideal, but quite a small compromise as the food and the drinks more than make up for that. Starting with the food, I decided to try the octopus, the lamb chops, and the mushroom risotto, and Oh! My! My!!! I could have a 2nd round of each of the dishes all over again!! Starting with the super tender grilled octopus, served over a bed of deliciously creamy romesco, and topped with a 'bish bash' which was completely new to me, and I even had to look up what it was (Salad made of shaved fennel with a bright acidity, and mild herbaciousness). This was the best way to open our appetite and it was something I could smell the moment I walked into the restaurant, so I was glad I ordered it. The risotto was the next dish (and my absolute favorite of the three incredibly delicious dishes). The creaminess of it, with the perfect texture and flavor, and topped with oyster mushrooms that were the definition of umami they almost made me feel I was having a tender piece of steak, mind blowing my flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and a generous serving as well. Finally, the lamb chops, these were incredibly tender, paired with a deliciously creamy cauliflower purée and marinated pearl onions that provided a nice texture and bite to the dish. I expected this to be a great dish, and it certainly was and delivered on all my expectations. Overall, truly an incredible experience through and through, the food delivered so strongly that I overlooked the level of noise of the music, the people around us, and even the service which could have been more diligent, but nothing that was terrible enough to mention here. A definitely must try, and must repeat!!!

Diva D.

Yelp

We had a small holiday dinner at Okto and really enjoyed ourselves. The ambience is a 10! The service was okay, highlighted by the complimentary service of Jack who wasn't our actual server. He was personable and funny. As far as food, I was surprised that the grilled octopus wasn't as stellar as the reviews (Bludorn is still number 1 for me here!). We all agreed that it wasn't as tender as it should've been. The tiger shrimp, squid ink pasta and sea bass were great! The amount of crab meat on the pasta was [chef's kiss] impressive. Their bar service was very unique with head bartenders making certain drinks - which should elevate the service but the special drink we had was meh. BTW, a toasted marshmallow in their espresso tinis. Yeaaaa. Amazing. Will definitely visit again.

Husain V.

Yelp

Amazing amazing amazing! Food was delicious. Didn't have a single thing that I was like "meh" or didn't like. Service was also great! Though we did kinda have VIP treatment cause we were just a vibe apparently. Shoutout to Jack Cannon for being great. We were also seated outside and the setup and ambiance was also very nice. I enjoyed being able to lounge and layback on a soft couch while also dining. Definitely one of my new favorite spots in Houston.

Mike D.

Yelp

Okto is a Mediterranean restaurant that delivers a truly elevated dining experience. The classy, elegant ambiance sets the perfect tone for a special occasion, and the curated menu is a showcase of exquisite flavors. Standout dishes like the Tiger shrimp, wild mushroom risotto, filet mignon with foie gras, and grilled octopus were perfectly prepared, each offering bold and memorable flavors. The service was impeccable, with the staff attending to every detail throughout the evening. They made sure our experience was flawless, contributing to a very memorable birthday celebration. Their attentiveness and professionalism truly enhanced the overall experience. While the price point is on the higher side, the quality of the dishes more than justifies it. Dining in a group allowed us to sample several of the standout items, and each one was worth savoring. I would definitely return, especially for a special occasion or a group gathering, to explore more of what Okto has to offer.

Mike R.

Yelp

Lots to like about the new Mediterranean restaurant from the folks behind Doris Metropolitan. My wife and I had an early dinner on a Saturday. The bar and patio were bustling, but at 5:15 the dining room was mostly empty. It did fill up during our meal and the atmosphere livened up. The space is beautiful The two tops are comfortable which is always a plus. Service was friendly and attentive. Now on to the food. We started with the Bread Service, and it was excellent. Different from Doris, but very good in its own right. The bread, called Frena was like the most awesome Pita. Steaming hot, and cut into pieces by the server. The pistachio butter was the perfect complement, and we particularly liked the pickled red peppers that came on the side. For appetizers we had the Greek Salad and the Sea Bass Carpaccio. Both appetizers could easily feed a 4 top, especially the Greek Salad. It was a huge portion. Probably our only small complaint food wise was the Greek Salad was pretty one note. We did add some of the pickled peppers from the bread service and the acid brightened up the salad quite a bit. The Carpaccio was excellent. Fresh Sea Bass pounded out with some lemon for acid and pistachio for crunch. A very unique take on a seafood carpaccio. For our entrees we ordered the Branzino en Papillote and the Crab Squid Ink Linguine. The Branzino was definitely in the top 5 fish dishes I've had all time. Ranks up there with the Moroccan Fish at Doris. Perfectly cooked, excellent butter, lemon, caper sauce and the artichokes that accompanied it were great. Didn't care for the Asparagus, but the portion was large enough that they were easy to skip. The Crab Linguine was very good. Beware, the Sambal butter sauce does add a pretty good level of heat. Just up my alley. For dessert we had the Basque Cheesecake and a dish called Pistachio 4 ways (Gelato, whole pistachios, pistachio wafers, and pistachio cream). Both were good and the Basque Cheesecake is probably the best one of this trendy dessert we have had. As should be expected from this restaurant group, we had a very nice experience, and will be back to try other menu items. We will get the Branzino again if it remains on the menu.

Chris B.

Yelp

We went as a group here so pretty much ordered almost every off the menu, and all the dishes are true to their Mediterranean roots with complex flavoring profiles. The one of the winners for the appetizers is the tuna tartare, with the shiro shoyu sauce was light and refreshing. I absolutely had to order a separate order to go. The sea bass carpaccio and octopus were delicious as well. For the mains, hands down the crab squid ink linguini (a touch spicy) and filet mignon were the show stoppers. Ambiance is great, meant for full conversations and for time to slow down. Service is steady and knowledgeable. I didn't have room for dessert so ordered the chocholic to go. Overall, great option of in the Westheimer area. The one downside is the parking. If you're familiar with the area, enough said. The trick is to just go at an off hour or weekday to avoid parking issues.

Maggie J.

Yelp

If 4.5 was an option, that is what I would give but I am rounding up because the food really was great. I had a bad taste in my mouth going into the restaurant because the parking is honestly so chaotic. The valet services uchi, marmo and okto and it was a zoo when we got there and a zoo when we left. Upon walking into the actual restaurant the lighting is very dim and cozy and the space is quite lovely. Our table was near the restroom which I didn't love but they were not able to accommodate a move. On my next visit I would specifically request a booth. Our server, Otniel, was absolutely outstanding. He gave great recommendations and was just a general pleasure all evening. Out cocktails took a while to come out but the restaurant is new and the bar was a little overwhelmed. Hopefully this gets better with time. For dinner we had: The Greek Salad - outstanding, loved the whipped feta Bread - came out piping hot and was cut table-side Halloumi Bites - loved these, just the right amount of spicy Eggplant Carpaccio - my friends enjoyed this but I found it to be a bit bland Denver Cut Steak - surprisingly tender, would order again for sure All 3 sides - favorite was the butternut squash but it was all good. I will be curious to see if the menu seasonally rotates. I hope it does because it's a pretty small menu. Great spot for a date night, probably wouldn't go with a group larger than 4.

Sarah W.

Yelp

Loved this spot for happy hour, and the menu looks so good for a nice dinner! The HH menu is delicious and reasonably priced for high quality options. The staff was friendly and attentive. Around 5pm on a weeknight, the ambiance was moody and dim. Really great option in Montrose

Tracy M.

Yelp

Absolutely amazing experience all around. Came here with a group of friends last night and we sat outside as the weather was perfect. Everything we ordered was incredible and the service was outstanding. One thing that sets Okto apart is their offering a sample tray and it is customized based on the party size. This is absolutely genius. Must try food items you should not pass on: - octopus which was perfectly charred - frena...do not pass up on the bread it is delightful - our sample tray came with the sea bass, tiger shrimp (fantastic), denver cut, squid ink linguini, and lamb chops We topped off the night with espresso martinis that were delicious. Can't wait to go back!!

Jennifer E.

Yelp

We had a fantastic dinner at Okto, every bit was delicious. The atmosphere is quite nice but it's got a night club feel about it with low lighting (little lamps on each table so we could read menu, see our food!) but music was just a tad too loud. We had difficulty hearing our server and he had same with us. We ended up with an extra entree due to this inability to communicate easily but that was promptly resolved, taken away. The service was great! Wish I could recall our server's name as he was very good to us. He said their octopus was the best in town and he was right. The greek salad, bread plate with olives and grilled sea bass were excellent as well. We'll return!

Marissa G.

Yelp

I love this place! Great add to the Montrose Collective. Very good food and vibes. I went with a large group and they offered us a build your own board where you select meats and fish for your party size. Service has been excellent as well!

Jackie K.

Yelp

Delicious Mediterranean meal! Great service, great vibe, and delicious food. Here's what we ordered: -Bread service: The bread service (first item on the menu) is a must-order item. The bread is piping hot when it's served, and the pistachio butter is great. -Crab pasta: It was very tasty but perhaps a little too heavy for me with the cream sauce. -Octopus: Very good and perfectly cooked. -Pistachio dessert: I forget what it's called, but this dessert was SO good--I really liked it, though note that it's probably just big enough for two people to share.

Jennifer M.

Yelp

This place is fantastic. The service, ambiance and food were outstanding! Took my boyfriend here on a date and we both agreed it's the best dinner we've had in a while. Ordered the Frena, sea bass carpaccio, octopus, lamb chops & crab squid ink linguini. Highly recommend & will be coming back to try more items!

Jennifer G.

Yelp

The Denver cut steak was SO GOOD with the sweet potatoes and sour cream ... off the charts! I didn't know what that cut was previously. It is like a filet in that it is lean, and it is really juicy like a ribeye but without all of the marbling. It is served in thin cuts. Drinks were well balanced. I really liked the shishito infused gin drink. They have a nice selection of after dinner drinks & the desserts are some of the best! Very well balanced (not too sweet). I loved the cheesecake. It is served with a tangy tomato strawberry sauce. Try it! There was another one with rose flavor and a bird's nest of coconut I think it's the kadaif. Try it too! The vibe is more uptown. Service was excellent. I do wish that their fries were hand-cut. I did not like the texture. I'm A big fries person. I still give 5 stars but I won't get the fries :) One more thing. The seabass was a bit on the salty side but good.

Carolina B.

Yelp

We loved our dinner at Októ! Spent over 5 hours there lol! The service is very friendly, food came out pretty quick! We ordered the tuna tartare, octopus, chaime (branzino), tiger shrimp, lamb chops, squid ink linguini, truffle fries, chocolate mousse dessert and basque cheesecake, among some nice wines and sparkling rosé! All the food is excellent. I especially loved the basque cheesecake which had a brûlée crust--perfection! All the dishes were great, I can't choose a favorite, I enjoyed them all. We loved the atmosphere--chill, moody, but friendly and relaxed. Great addition to the Montrose Collective!

Nicholas N.

Yelp

Okto is a fabulous restaurant with excellent food and service. We celebrated a friend's birthday last weekend with a fairly large group, and the restaurant's staff was very attentive and made great drink and food recommendations. The table shared appetizers like the bread with butter and olives, the Greek Salad, and grilled octopus. The octopus was cooked so well and was so tender! The other big standout was the Greek Salad -- it was so fresh with the cucumber and tomatoes and green dressing. I am still thinking about these two dishes days later. My partner and I ordered the squid ink crab linguine and grilled mushroom risotto. Both entrees were very tasty. The pasta had a nice kick to it, and the oyster mushrooms had so much flavor. Our friends tried the Denver cut steak and the Chraime fish dish, which we had a bite of. The fish was superb, also had a nice kick, and served over potatoes -- another standout of the night. We also tried all the desserts on the menu. The pistachio dessert was amazing - it used the star ingredient in several creative ways. I also enjoyed the Basque cheesecake and kadaif. For cocktails, we relied on our waiter's suggestion - he steered us toward the Que Fresa and the Cat's Pajamas. We were not disappointed! Both start out a little sweet but are well-balanced with the other ingredients. I liked the citrus in the Cat's Pajamas. Okto's atmosphere felt moody and intimate, and the music was really nice, but not too loud where you couldn't have a conversation. It was the perfect birthday dinner vibe.

Jessica S.

Yelp

Got a last minute reservation at the bar, and it was so amazing. Made friends with the couple next to us and everything was delicious. Came specifically for the Frena and the octopus, my husband had the genius idea to sandwich the eggplant carpaccio in the frena bread *epic move*. Mains were the tiger shrimp and filet with foie gras followed by the pistachio 4 ways #chefskiss

Natasha N.

Yelp

Super cute spot! Sat at the bar and had a lovely dinner. The ambience and vibe is upscale and fun. All the food we tried was good. The menu is small but they have some heavy hitters. Service was amazing! The bartender that took care of us went out of her way to be friendly and helpful. Would def come back!

Christine R.

Yelp

Restaurant just opened a month ago. They are only open for dinner and their menu is very limited. Food is fu fu at best and pricy for small portions. The sea bass was so salty these I told the server about it.

Dasha B.

Yelp

We enjoyed the happy hour menu and had a wonderful time at Okto! The happy hour cocktails were a great size and the food was tasty. We especially enjoyed the frena.

Trisha T.

Yelp

TL;DR: Poor service at Okto caused us to miss the symphony despite assurances from the manager that we'd be out on time. Our entrees were delayed over an hour, and while the manager apologized and promised to cover our meal, we were still charged for drinks and an appetizer. Decent food, but subpar hospitality -- better fine dining Mediterranean options available. Our visit to Okto was less than ideal. Let me preface this review by saying that I don't judge an establishment for making a mistake -- we're all human -- but I do evaluate how they handle those mistakes. A friend and I decided to dine at Okto before attending a 7:30 PM symphony performance. She arrived at the restaurant at 5:50 PM and was greeted by the restaurant manager at the host stand. She informed him that we needed to leave by 7:00 PM sharp, and he assured her that would not be a problem. She placed our entire order at 5:55 PM. I arrived shortly after, and our octopus appetizer was served promptly at 6:05 PM. At 6:15 PM, our waitress checked in and assured us that our entrees would be out shortly. However, by 6:30 PM, they still had not arrived, even as guests who were seated after us received their meals. We checked in with her again, and she reassured us that the food would be out any minute. By 6:45 PM, still without entrees, we reminded her that we needed to leave by 7:00 PM and had placed our order 50 minutes earlier. She apologized and went to speak with the manager. The manager, who had originally assured us we'd be out on time, came by to apologize as well, explaining that there had been a mistake. He assured us that the chef was preparing our meals immediately and that our meal would be on the house. Despite these reassurances, our food didn't arrive until 7:10 PM. By this point, we felt compelled to wait because they kept telling us it would be out "any second." When the food finally arrived, we had no choice but to ask for to-go boxes. To our surprise, we were also presented with a bill. While the entrees were covered, our drinks and appetizer were not. As someone who has dined at several of Houston's finest restaurants, this was an incredibly poor display of hospitality. Charging us for minor items after telling us our meal would be taken care of seems petty, especially when we only dined at Okto because of their assurance that we'd be out by 7:00 PM. In the end, we missed the symphony because this particular performance did not allow late entries and were left with cold takeout instead of the experience we were assured. While the food was decent, the level of hospitality at Okto leaves much to be desired. If you're looking for Mediterranean cuisine, I'd recommend Rumi's, Hamsa, or Doris Metropolitan instead.

Sherry S.

Yelp

I was excited to try Okto because Doris is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the city of Houston. I enjoyed the experience but probably wouldn't go back when I can always go to Doris. Service: first of all, the service was terrific. We sat at the bar and there were three friendly bartenders that were always available and checking on us. for outstanding service! Food: we got the Frena which was pretty darn good. But I was comparing it Doris' bread plate (maybe not fair) and it wasn't as good. We also got the Denver steak. It was perfectly cooked to medium rare and very tender. But it was lacking in flavor. I was surprised given the steaks at Doris are incredibly tasty and flavorful. Last, we got the snap peas which were good but in all honestly not amazing. Overall, I'd give the food Ambiance: the ambiance is nice and trendy but the place gets really loud once it's busy. The music was great. Overall I'd give Okto to stars

Debb A.

Yelp

Celebrated New Year's Eve at okto it was a great experience. Those caviar live Dj lots of food options and they're really cool ice sculpture looking forward to having a formal dinner there in the future.

Dana B.

Yelp

Came for opening night and once more after just because it was good! Food 10/10 as well as ambience.

Susan R.

Yelp

Service and Food was 10/10! Ambience was lovely just wish it more cozy/warm and less dark nightclub vibes. Can't wait to come back :)

Lyn N.

Yelp

Our group of six visited with the goal of trying a bit of everything from their intentionally small menu, which emphasizes quality over quantity. While there were some standout dishes, I agree with other reviews--the heavy hand with the salt was a bit much, and I don't need high blood pressure in this economy. Dishes we tried: - Frena (bread with pistachio butter): You don't really taste the pistachio, but carb and butter is still good regardless. - Octopus: tender and the sauce was delicious! - Sea Bass Carpaccio: Just okay. It could have used more acidity to balance out the fatty fish. - Tuna Tartare: our least favorite appetizer. - Filet with Foie Gras: The highlight of the meal, especially with the tableside truffle. The sauce was divine, and this was the group's overall favorite. - Tiger Shrimp: Plump, juicy, and perfectly cooked. The sauce was great too. - Crab Pasta: It had a nice, subtle kick. I enjoyed it, but their neighbors crab pasta is better. - Branzino: The tomato sauce was salty, and the dish overall was underwhelming. - Wild Mushroom Risotto: A bit salty for my tastebuds, but others in my group really liked it. - Butternut Squash Side: Surprisingly good! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside like a French fry The service was excellent and really made my friend's birthday feel special. They offer complimentary valet, and you can find street parking or pay for garage parking (not validated).

Nba N.

Yelp

The atmosphere was amazing, My wife and I met another couple there and we shared the lamb chops with the Denver Cut, a few of Frena, Greek salad, eggplant, and octopus. Chased it with a few desserts!!!

Erin Y.

Yelp

Another hit from the folks behind Doris Metropolitan. This elevated Mediterranean spot was the perfect, chic, intimate spot for our ladies night with drinks and great bites. We made a reservation in advance and were immediately seated. I started with the EVOO martini, which was so enjoyably savory and velvety, as advertised. We started the table with the octopus and the tuna tartare. The octopus was tender while the tuna tartare was fresh with lots of umami over a crispy cracker. For mains, we had the CRAB SQUID INK LINGUINI which was deliciously filled with crab pieces and the BRANZINO EN PAPILLOTE, which was presented already filleted and reportedly flown fresh from Greece every few days. Service was incredibly friendly but a little on the slow side, though we didn't mind as we passed 3 hours sitting, chatting, sipping cocktails and eating a delicious meal. However, while the meal was delicious, the portions are relatively small. The restaurant was also gorgeous with a beautiful bar and open air concept into the patio (although it was muggy and warm that evening, so would recommend coming on a cooler night if the windows/doors of the patio are open. Free valet in the Montrose Collective, free street parking, or paid garage parking. I look forward to coming here to dine again!

Coby I.

Yelp

The food was amazing, but the service is really what makes me want to come back! Kimberly was fantastic! Amazing service and super knowledgeable about the menu. Would highly recommend!

Brianaa D.

Yelp

I went to Okto with a small group of 6 friends for someone's birthday. We are all foodies, so we thought it would be best to order different apps and entrees and we all share. The food was amazing! My favorite appetizer was the sea bass carpaccio, and my favorite entrees were the squid ink linguini and the branzino. I do think this place is best experienced if you are going to order multiple items since the menu is small and entrees do not include a traditional side. Overall, Okto is a great addition to the food scene in Houston.

Peter N.

Yelp

Went there this past weekend. Everything we ordered was good. Service was great as well as the ambiance. Definitely coming back.

Liz S.

Yelp

Exceptional meal! We had the frena (pistachio butter on the side was incredible), the Greek salad, the tiger shrimp, the lamb chops and the crab squid ink linguini. Every bite was a 10/10. Great service and great vibes - amazing addition to the Houston food scene!

Michelle J.

Yelp

High end food and drinks. Highly recommend! Beautiful ambiance with a nice patio. Service was so attentive. Had someone constantly filling the water glass which I appreciated!

Joshua S.

Yelp

We sat at the bar and loved it. Almost a club atmosphere. Bar tenders were extremely attentive. Greek salad to start was superb. The octopus was one of the best I've ever had. Bread and butter definitely worth it. And enjoyed the wine list. Linguini with crab very good. We will be back.

Stuart Z.

Yelp

This restaurant is brand new but they are ready for primetime. Went last night with a group and got to try a majority of the dishes on the menu. They were ALL excellent. Great flavors, extremely high quality, terrific atmosphere. Get your reservations ASAP. In a city with a lot of great choices - this is a unique and welcome addition. Can't think of another place like it. I'll be back.

Gena M.

Yelp

OKTO just opened!! We were fortunate to have a reservation for opening night. What an amazing resturaunt!. The ambiance, the service and the food were truly sensational! The moment we arrived we were greeted and seated by a wonderful hostess that was inviting and funny. She set the tone for a spectacular experience. The octopus was the best we have ever tasted, the bread service divine, the Greek salad superb , with the whipped feta and the farmer style vegetables, is a must . My husband had the crab squid ink linguine and I had the grilled sea bass. The linguine was perfectly cooked and full of flavors that melded together artfully . The sea bass was grilled to perfection and the seasoning was just as artfully done. They have a wonderful wine list and the sommelier is fantastic . Our waiter was so delightful and his knowledge and demeanor wonderful. If you have room for dessert definitely try the 4- pistachio gelato with the caramelized pistachios and the bark was so delicate, light, perfectly sweetened and savory . We will absolutely be regulars !! Make your reservation today!!

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