Trenza

Dang, I really hoped my experience tonight would be positive. I know some of the initial reviews of the restaurant’s opening and service were bad, but all the good press lately had me hopeful.
I was invited by an influential Houston couple for dinner with a group of 8. Problem 1– I got there first and they lost our reservation. The waiter/​host/​manager said no problem and put together a table for me.
Problem 2– As wonderful as he was, Eli was the only waiter on staff and there was only one bartender. There was a private party in the bar area for 20 – 30 and Eli and the bartender were holding it all together.
Problem 3– The air conditioning wasn’t on and it was very warm.
We ordered a round of drinks and a few apps, but service was moving so slowly that we could tell it was not going to be a good night. We asked for our check and moved to another west ave standard where the food and bev service was on point.
I was hoping to try trenza and bring back my friends because we loved alto that occupied the space before. Sadly, I can’t recommend returning at this time.

I went to Trenza for the Houston Tidbits brunch today. The service was terrible! My friend and I waited a good 30 minutes with empty water glasses in the middle of our meal. Also, there were supposed to be bottomless mimosas and we only got two because the servers were just not coming around. I understand that this was a special event so they may have been overwhelmed, but they sold tickets so they obviously knew how many people to expect. As for the food, it was decent but very VERY greasy. I don’t think I’ll be back.

UPDATE: Last service is tonight. (⁷⁄₁₂) Whatever isn’t sold gets donated to the food bank.
It’s true that Trenza isn’t as busy as the other places in West Ave and it’s true that this place had a rocky start from all accounts.
It’s also true that you should not overlook this restaurant now. The food is spectacular. Don’t pass up the beef dumplings, which have a nice curry kick. The chicken tikka empanadas are also tasty, as are the duck confit wraps. I also enjoyed the seafood platter, with a perfectly grilled piece of snapper, 2 grilled scallops, and a bit of ceviche that was topped with a jalapeño mousse that’s spicier than it sounds.
For dessert we ordered the chocolate torte and the Mexican bread pudding. Both were good, but the bread pudding (which also has a good amount of chocolate) was the better of the two.
There is a good selection of cocktails and sangrias. We tried both the red and white sangria and preferred the white. The red has a bit of tequila and the white has a bit of vodka; both are fairly strong.
Yes, the portions are small (admittedly, my seafood platter had more platter than seafood) and the prices are not cheap, but the quality is there and we felt like we got what we paid for. Give them a shot. Grab one of the comfy chairs by the window, have a sangria, and unwind with some good food.

I had much higher hopes of this place, and the fact that there were only five other tables on a Thursday night while all other West Ave places were packed, as did others. Food was pretty good, but the portions seemed small. The scallops were pretty top notch, but otherwise underwhelmed.
My wife thought I should know who the «chef» was as she is on TV, but I had no idea. The server had to catch himself referring the «sous chef» as the head chef.

Had the best time here at Trenza last Wednesday… the service was very attentive… the staff was Super friendly and the food was delicious!
Everything was absolutely outstanding!
I really liked the lamb somosa on humus and the beef dumplings… even the chicken tikka pizza was great!
I was there with 3 of my buddies, we ordred almost everything on the menu… we made it a guys night out and we were all ready to eat!
The next day, I just remembered how everyone couldn’t stop talking about what an amazing dining experience we shared…
Absolutely First Class!

Sounded like a cool idea but eat a meal before you go! Overpriced, smallllllll portions, literally have to order 10 things to get a decent amount if food.
Overall…mehh =|

Like its famous reality show chef, the food is bright and vivacious. The Tuna Tartare, was fairly typical in flavor profile with soy and cucumber. The twist was an oddly thick almond cracker as an accompaniment. Ceviche is a classic favorite of mine. Trenza didn’t dissapoint, it has the acidic citric acid bite I crave with a touch of sweetness from chunks of orange and some serious heat from the jalapeño mousse. I only wish there was more, which was a common theme. While the food is delicious, the value is off slightly. The Scallops hit the correct poportions, three perfectly seared perched on a creamy ginger cauliflower purée. The trendy space should be packed, yet it was quiet on a Thursday evening. I’m rooting for Trenza; it’ll get there based on its chef’s talent.

Went to Trenza with a girl friend a few evenings ago and had a wonderful experience at the Chef’s table. Had a five course meal and the three highlights were:
Chef Donny*, incredibly warm, outgoing personality. He respects the art of cooking and shares his gift without any pretentiousness.
Stuffed Squash Blossoms over pea & jalapeño purée. Amazingly flavorful — yum!
Monkfish with orzo. The fish was cooked to perfection. Tender, moist and well seasoned.
Last but not least, the bread pudding was PHENOMENAL! I’m not a huge bread pudding fan and usually don’t order it but had no regrets if was worth every calorie.
I guess those are four highlights… Anyway, it’s in my neighborhood and I will be going back soon.
Cheers! –La Maison

Wow… I seriously don’t get the hate in some of the earliest reviews! If you get a concussion and walk into Trenza, mistaking it for a chili’s, I can get why you might be shocked at the portion-​sizes and the prices of this truly imaginative menu. But, if you actually like food, and have eaten at a halfway decent restaurants in New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, nothing will seem terribly out of place in this pretty spectacular Houston offering.
My experience with Trenza: I was lucky enough to get a seat at the Chef’s Table here on Valentine’s day, which is usually a nightmare of an experience in Houston. Eating out on V-​day in the Bayou city is usually an exercise in overly large crowds and 2^nd tier prix fixe menus to accommodate the surge of people, but not so at Trenza. Chef Jimenez kept her kitchen hopping, and kept up course after course of some truly clever fusions of latin and Indian cuisine. Personal favorites were the chicken tikka masala empanadas (which smell as delicious as they sound), the black bean bruschetta, and the tuna tartare. And the cocktail menu… dear god, that alone would probably have me coming back.
I’ll be the first to admit, I first wanted to go to Trenza mostly to see if the t.v. personality actually had the cooking chops to back it up (Chef Jimenez was the runner-​up on Food Network Star a few years back), but I’ll be coming back because she’s convinced me that she actually *does*. She’s got an obvious chemistry and camaraderie with her staff, and the food she creates is imaginative and delicious. Trenza is a restaurant that should impress any foodie in your life or professional circles.

This was an awful dining experience! I came here for a friend’s birthday and will never come back. This review is a combo of the food and service. The waiter was attentive to us, but he «advised» us to get 3 or more plates because it was a shared plates type of dining. I understand, but he kept on emphasizing it. We know you want a big tip buddy, but don’t tell me what I have to order so you can get a big tab.
Aside from a small beer selection and $ 12 cocktails, the only enjoyable thing I ate was the chicken tikka masala empanadas. I didn’t care for the blue cheese dressing they slathered all over it though. The halibut tacos were bad. It was hard to eat because all the juices from it made the tortilla soggy and hard to grip. The tuna tartar didn’t taste fresh and I didn’t care too much for the cracker that was supposed to compliment it. The plates were overly priced for the quality of food. I was not impressed.
The waiter made a complaint to us about moving around when it was time to get our check. After he asked us NUMEROUS times of what we ordered. He still got our check wrong two different times. It was ridiculous!

Well after reading the reviews here, I was not that excited to be going to Trenza, particularly after I found out it was on top of Del Frisco’s (where red meat lives).
Good news, the service was great! The waiter attentive and there was 2 guys helping him refill water, clear and bring plates out. Our waiter knew all about the menu a recommended about half the items by name.
I was with a group of fu-​fu eaters and people allergic to shell fish so nobody wanted to share the ribs, tamales, steak, shrimp or crab cake and stuck me eating mostly veggies and salad all night. I almost didn’t write this review cuz I wasn’t sure I could be fair.
Arrived at 7 for a 8pm reservation to sit at the bar for a couple cocktails as instructed here on Unilocal.On a Weds night, the front section was half full and had a mix of sport coats and jeans/​sweaters. During the night a group of 8 was seated in the back area. The bar had a pretty exotic drink menu. I had something with Pisco and Absinthe that was good but was a pink chick drink. After chugging that, I switched to Pisco sours but only seemed to get a half glass each time. Dunno what my wife had but it had rosemary in it and a piece of ice the size of a cue ball. One of our friends had the Nueve mentioned here.
For 5 people, we had 3 orders empanadas, 2 jalapenos, 3 Greek salads, 2 carnitas, 2 rice strudels, 2 mussels, 2 mole peppers (I hate mole and didn’t try this) and 2 scallops, (which my wife and I don’t like but ate) 1 was supposed to be a tuna for the allergic but they were too full to complain. Our friends must have liked the Greek salad best cuz they ordered a 3^rd after eating the first two. I liked the carnitas best, hands down. We followed that up with a (yes pretty dry) tres leches, chocolate tart and flan (yuck flan). Our waiter changed our silverware and plates out twice during this food orgy. They must wash allot of dishes at this place.
I normally don’t worry about what dinner costs when out with friends, but that seems to be a big topic here. With about 3 rounds of $ 12 drinks, $ 100/​pp including tip.
Will return but only if I can order my own food.

Just recently had dinner here this past Saturday, based on the novelty and reviews. The atmosphere is quite open and seems conducive to intermingled large and small groups with a more secluded, private area in the back. The place is more on the informal side based on the décor and tables, but in a good way.
The food was tasty, encourage both the chicken tikka masala empanadas and the pan seared red snapper. I thought both dishes were ⁴⁄₅ stars.
Service started with me requesting a waiter after a long wait, but he made up for the tardiness with prompt service — ³⁄₅ stars. The manager visited after our meal to apologize for not having a waiter ready for us upon seating.
Desert choices all look good, but I was jonesing for coffee. Their French Press coffee was really good with nice boldness and flavor. Highly recommend! ⁵⁄₅ stars.
Pricing; well that’s another story, I seriously think their dishes are overpriced for a tapas style plating. I want to say I would visit this place regularly but there are too many choices out there where you get better bang for the buck. ²⁄₅ stars for value.
Overall, I would encourage people to give this place a go. Its definitely not a bad place, at least for me.

We came here during the opening weekend for dinner. We had reservations and were quickly seated. There were not a lot of people in the restaurant. The décor of the restaurant is nice and modern and if you’re sitting near the window you have a nice view if Kirby Dr.
SERVICE: The waiter was nice but clearly did not know the menu and had a difficult time explaining dishes. Not his fault, he was just not trained properly. The wait staff just generally seemed very lost with very little direction (I did not see a floor manager), milling around the kitchen area, trying to figure out which dish is which and who ordered what. I get that this is the opening weekend, however, this is suppose to be a higher-​end restaurant and their servers should have at least had some knowledge of the menu.
FOOD: We ordered empanadas, lamb vindaloo sopes, shrimp, wild mushroom soup, mushroom and wild rice strudel, scalloped potatoes. Everything was just OK, not great and not very memorable.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: I agree with the other comments here… the place is pricey for the perceived value of the meal and overall experience. I’m not bitching about the price though… it’s not that the place is too expensive for what you get (It’s operator’s choice to charge what they feel is right for the product and service they provide) but for the price the place better be «WOW». Unfortunately there is nothing «WOW» about Trenza… It’s just OK. There are just way too many better options in the Houston restaurant scene for the price point.

I really enjoyed my recent experience at Trenza for a birthday soirée! A great ambience with cool lighting, cool vibes and great service.
The chef was fun, bringing the fire in the kitchen and has a great sense of humor. I love when you can actually see the food being prepared with an open kitchen — feels like you get to be part of the action and see what is actually going into your food, if you so desire.
The scallops are insanely delicious, we had to order another round! Drinks were on point — try the agua fresca and add alcohol. Or the cucumber mint … tastebuds were dancing! And the desserts are superb.
Fav new spot in Houston.

You can often measure a chef by the size of his or her dream, and while Chef J is petite her creativity on her dishes are as big as Yao Ming’s errrr shoes…(well you get the picture). If you are a SIZE only matters lover of culinary dishes there is a great 200 item menu driven concept located at 5015 Westheimer. One can indulge in a massive 1500 calorie 3 piece tamale gluttony-​palooza, and the menu lends itself quite well to those sporting elastic waistband inserts on slacks.
However if you are in the mood for one of the top 5 cocktail programs in the city, and a chef that is challenging the idea that all plates on your menu must be the size of a Dixie plate at a barbeuce then read on. The concept does have dishes that are dainty, but Chef J delivers a powerful flavor profile on the majority of her menu.
The staff starting from the bar Rick, Nick and Jose are well versed in clever traditional cocktails that your grandfather would love, and probably ordered while trying to wooo your grandmother during prohibition. Although they also have a firm grasp on creative modern twists for you fellows trying to fall in love for the weekend on a Match date like mixing hibiscus tea with a floral gin.
Recall If you are looking for the nacho car, gooey flying saucers of enchiladas slathered in cheese jaunt over to Chuy’s and don’t forget to buy the fish t-​shirt. At Trenza I suggest starting off at the bar with 2 cocktails so they understand your spirit preferences, and as any good spot they can steward your drink preferences alongside your table orders.
As for what to order here: Go with the Black bean bruschetta ask for 4 pieces if sharing. All the single vegan lady’s put your hands up and order the veggy friendly ravioli with the tequila sauce. The scallops feature a wonderful ginger purée, and make sure to ask for a savory cocktail to balance out the main dishes: Garam Lamb shanks, Chicken tika Empanadas (earthy but tasty), Braised shortrib tamales (great twist and rich), Seared Snapper (light and well finished). These are European influenced dining portions, and one can always ask for a family style serving.
As for dessert the tres leches is not drenched, but definitely better enjoyed by adding the pistachio gelato to it whilst singing Drake’s Hold on Wer’e going home in your dates ear to finish off the night.

Very nice flavorful Italian/​Latin flare. Saffron shrimp, ceviche (Spicy hot!), seared scallops were amazing. Stuffed calamari tasted odd. Sangria was a miss, and they switched it out for me. El Nueve cocktail was amazing — who new tequila, tamarind, lemon tasted so good together. Not bad for a 2 week old restaurant.

The food tasted great but, as the other reviews mention, some of the portions were too small for the price. The atmosphere was nice and trendy, and there was a semi-​private room in the back with a TV that looked like it could be reserved. The service at the table was good, very attentive. The hostess’ need some work, I had to tell them (all 3 of them) multiple times we were here and ready to be seated. One hostess spent 10 minutes talking her friends that came into the restaurant, totally ignoring everyone standing waiting to be seated. The sommelier was a bit pushy but also foreign so something may have been «lost in translation,» I didn’t get a bad vibe. I may give it another chance, it just opened and they are working through some issues, hopefully some changes are made because the flavor of the food and the atmosphere are wonderful.
More on the food… We ordered:
Chipotle Corn Crème Brulee
Flavor was good. Couldn’t taste the chipotle, but it was creamy had a nice brulee. It was tiny, roughly the size of a sand dollar, and thin as an iPhone (served in a huge bowl, which didn’t make it look any bigger). Would not order again.
Jalapeño Scalloped Potatoes:
Delicious, one of our favorite things. Good portion size, served in a cast iron dish. Jalapenos give it a good kick. But really, you can’t screw up cheesy potatoes. Would order again.
Tumbleweed Crab Cake:
Very good, wrapped in crunchy straw-​like things («tumbleweeds»). Pretty large for a crab cake, the chipotle yogurt and chive oil worked well with the crab cake. It was on the more bready side for crab cakes, but still had a good crab flavor. Would order again.
Sizzling Saffron Shrimp:
Biggest disappointment. The shrimp were cooked well, and tasted great, but it was $ 12 for 3 nickle-​sized shrimp. It’d be one thing if they were jumbo shrimp, or more of them, but 3 tiny little shrimp, absurd. Served with these odd crunchy pita/​naan like strips-​we weren’t sure what to do with them. Would not order again
Francisco’s Carnitas:
Really good, paired well with the pickled veggies and the cactus salad was nice and light. Would order again.
Hibiscus Agua Fresca with Gin:
Very sweet, but good.

I really wanted to love this place, but between the small portions and high prices, there really was something left to be desired.
Taste wise alone — the food is quite delicious; however, unfortunately, the service is not good. Don’t get me wrong — the server was attentive, but to the point of overly attentive. Perhaps this is because there was hardly anyone in the restaurant to begin with. But I really don’t enjoy having a waiter, who hardly knows what is on the menu, then be really pushy about a particular item.
Me and a friend went here because we wanted to try something different. We’re both vegetarian though, which normally is not a problem at restaurants. And Trenza definitely has good veggie options. It would just be great if their waiters knew that. The menu is not that big, so it’s pretty easy to read over and understand what everything is. However, when I asked the waiter what his recommendation would be, instead of recommending any particular item, he instead just took the menu from my hand, read out every vegetarian plate on the menu, and handed it back to me. Well, thanks. I’m pretty capable of reading myself. Then he came back 5 minutes later, after clearly conferring with someone else, and re-​read the menu to me. Not helpful. And when we tried to order 3 dishes at a time, he rudely told us that we should really only order two at a time and then see how we feel.
Even the sommelier was a little bit pushy about making us order a bottle of wine, when all we really wanted was a glass each. I understand it’s your job to go for the oversell, however, you really need to learn to read body language and understand that you’re pissing off the customer.
I think if the staff can get it together, and if the prices were brought down a bit, then this place will do GREAT. However, in the meantime, I will not be returning.
Although, if you want some seriously delicious dessert — try the tres leches! It’s excellent.

I really wanted to like this place, the service was great, unique concept and the ambiance is nice too but the food itself left a lot to be desired.
The dishes are served tapas style, and are for «sharing» but the portions are so crazy small for the price. They tasted ok but not worth the money. For instance when you order the calamari you get 1 calamari.
Between us 2 girls we ordered 4 plates and it left us hungry. We won’t be going back!

Trenza is definitely one of my new favorite restaurants. I had reservations for 2 at 7:30 on a Saturday. We were seated promptly at a table overlooking Kirby with a nice view of the chef kitchen. Our server, Martin, was a delight– knowledgeable and friendly. He mentioned to Susie that I was a fan, and she came to our table to introduce herself… what a nice touch!
It’s a trendy ambiance with exposed brick & comfy chairs. There is even a TV in the back room displaying the game.
We sampled several dishes and loved everything. Here’s my opinion:
Red Snapper– absolutely amazing! This was our favorite, and I highly recommend it. The seasoning on the snapper is delicious, and it comes with charred vegetables.
Quinoa & chicken stuffed peppers– I could have drank the mole! Very tasty.
Ceviche del Mar– this is very light and refreshing. Great as a starter. Warning: the jalapeño mousse is very hot– luckily it comes on the side.
Turmeric potato crunchy tacos– rich and delicious. I would definitely order these again.
Tumbleweed crab cakes– this was our least favorite. Although tasty, I think it paled in comparison to the other dishes we ordered.
Figs with pistachio ice cream: I enjoyed this because it wasn’t too heavy. It rounded out the meal very well.
I was absolutely shocked that this place wasn’t busier because it is my new favorite restaurant in Houston. We will be back… soon, I hope!