Dining Guide

Costa Brava Bistro

This serene longtime oasis in Bellaire feels cozy in its new home in a recently constructed shopping center. Regulars return for a rich culinary confluence of Spanish, French, and Mediterranean cuisines elegantly presented and graciously served. Try this: It’s difficult to choose from the appealing appetizers, but we relished our garlic-kissed gazpacho with cucumber relish (gazpacho lovers will want a gallon). We rounded it out with a fresh crab cake (excellent despite its tiny size and hefty price tag). Angeles’ Paella, artfully arranged with prawns, calamari, mussels, chicken, pork, and beef, is a standout. Also recommended: perfectly medium-rare grilled lamb chops with sautéed spinach, a potato cake, and cherry tomato coulis. Pro tip: The sidewalk patio is a perfect place for a snack and one of the many wines by the glass.