Opened to immediate crowds in 2021, Le Jardinier still attracts a faithful, well-heeled clientele. Much is the same: à la carte and tasting menus that change with each season; a serene setting with lively wall hangings and plush green chairs and banquettes; and attentive, pleasant servers. What has changed? A spacious outdoor patio has been added; it’s nicely shaded, with great views of the museum grounds and a dramatic water feature. We chose from the à la carte menu and were rewarded with two luscious starters: burrata, cherry tomatoes, and sprinklings of pistachio gremolata and bee pollen; and heirloom tomatoes and figs with cheese, basil seeds, and herbs nestled in a flaky, fork-tender rectangular tatin. Tender herb-crusted lamb chops followed, atop purple hulled pea ragout, sumac, and figs. Our Ora king salmon with a vivid swath of tomato coulis and pistachio zucchini (with a hint of curry) proved a bit past prime freshness, but no complaints with our perfect shared dessert: layered dark chocolate crémeux, salty caramel, sabayon, and rich white chocolate ice cream.
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Le Jardinier
Houston
French
$$$$
With its recently added patio, this stellar museum restaurant still wows.
Reviews
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