Restaurant officials with Succulent Fine Dining, a new eatery inspired by California's Napa Valley, has taken root in River Oaks and opened its doors on May 19.

Meet the owner

Owner Shawn Virene said in a May 14 news release he is bringing the laid-back elegance of Napa Valley dining to Houston.

“Succulent will be so much more than a restaurant—it’s a destination where food, design and the culture of the vineyards come together,” said Virene. “I’ve dreamed of creating a space that reflects my love for the land and the laid-back elegance of Napa Valley dining. Succulent is personal—it’s gracious, warm and deeply connected to nature.”

What's on the menu


The two-story, 9,800-square-foot space includes indoor and outdoor dining areas, as well as a second-floor patio surrounded by greenery.

For lunch, brunch and dinner options, guests can pick from a full-service bar and a menu crafted with fresh seafood, garden vegetables and wines from Virene's extensive relationship with domestic wine producers.

The menu reflects seasonal and local influences, according to the news release, by partnering with Hope Farms in Texas and Farm to Table, who bring the seasonal produce.

Menu items include kale salad, carrot gnocchi, smoked salmon flatbread and dry-aged strip steak.