Charivari Restaurant-Home Of European Cuisine

The lady and i went for Valentines day dinner. We had reservations at 6pm so the restaurant was not too packed yet. Service was exceptional during this point. As time went by, the service started getting slower and slower as the restaurant got up to full capacity. As once being a waiter myself, I understand waiters being busy but tonight seemed like they were understaffed. Although the food was exceptional, the desserts were not up to par. I expected something to sweep me off my seat at the end of my meal as our main courses and appetizers were excellent. Overall, this is a great restaurant to go to when they are not busy. Free valet and the restaurant is within a shopping strip. Once they hire 4-5 more waiters/waitresses, I'm sure this restaurant will become one of the best places in Houston.

Pros: Ambience and Food

Cons: Desserts, Service

Posted 02/14/09

Last night my wife and I were looking around on the internet for somewhere to eat, and LOOK what we found, a little spot of HEAVEN, the restaraunt is in a strip center but very lovely inside and accomodating, there is a sit up bar if you wish. The service was absolutely second to none. The food was incredidle tasty, tender, hot and very filling. The woman who wrote the last review of this place must have been out of her mind, if TV dinners are this good, where does she shop!. We eat out at least 3 to 4 times a week and this one is one of the best. THIS IS A MUST TRY FOR EVERYONE. Thank you Maria for the great evening, hospitallity and steller food.

Pros: great food great service customer is appreciated in this place

Cons: mentally get past he strip center location and you will return many times

Posted 12/20/08

Did I miss something here? I moved to NYC and then SF and used citysearch to find some decent food in Houston because yelp isn't popular enough. I must say that something is very wrong in Houston if Charivari is one of the locals' favorite restaurant here. I never write reviews, so you know this place must have been bad. First of all, I should have canceled the reservation when I was able to get a table for 4 on a Friday night (I called one hour before leaving). BTW, you can get one for Saturday easily. When we arrived at the strip mall location, the hostess said our name wasn't on her reservation list and gave us attitude even though the restaurant was half empty. The food was expensive for Houston. We had a salad that was $15 each (spinach with pear and goat cheese. the pear wasn't even cored or peeled) and several different entrees that ranged from $20-$35, which included super dry chicken with cranberry yogurt, one small lamb chop with bread dumplings that were as hard as rocks and a pork chop that look and tasted like a tv dinner. Also, all red wine is stored at room temp (if you care about that kind of thing.) Desserts looked good, but we couldn't get ourselves to stay any longer. It's not a surprise this place was empty.

Posted 11/21/08

All I can say is WOW! Charivari consistently delivers outstanding and authentic European cuisine and ambience year around. Right now they are featuring an Octoberfest menu that includes the Roasted Pork Shank or Schweine Haxe that is just unbelievable. This is absolutely the best I have ever eaten here or in Europe. If you want to have a nice evening out and experience genuine european gourmet food Charivari is a must!
You can also try them for lunch, they have new lunch specials everyday and they are always fantastic.
Check the weekly lunch specials and events here www.charivarirest

Pros: Fantastic food, great service, excellent value, authentic

Cons: none

Posted 10/06/08

Charivari has become a place very special to my wife and I. We have dined there on numerous occasions, a number of which were special occasions. We always end up choosing Charivari because we know that we can count on the service being second to none, the food outsanding, both making for a wonderful dining experience. When the goal is to have a perfect evening, Chariviari will no doubt hold up to their end of the deal.

Pros: Food and service are second to none

Cons: Ambience, while good, does not match the food and service.

Posted 08/24/08

Yes it is located in a strip center, no it's not in an old house or renovated church, but the menu BY FAR makes up for that. I had the lobster and after my first bite and had to sit back and take a moment because it was so good. Dined with a large party and every person raved about their meal. The chef/owner actually came out to make sure our food was prepared properly. Would definitely go back and highly recommend it to a friend.

Pros: FOOD

Cons: Expensive (but worth it for special occasion)

Posted 08/12/08

First off the atmosphere isn't great. It's in a strip center (albeit an upscale one) and other than having white tablecloths doesn't make much of an impression inside either. But what it does have is great service and food.

It's a good mix of various European dishes(French, German, Romanian, etc) and everything I've had has been well above average. Presentation is very nice and the service has been impeccable each time. The food is definitely worth it and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Pros: Service, Presentation, Tase

Cons: Located in a Strip Center

Posted 04/14/08

Food presentation, quality, value and portions are great - Highly recommended!! Service is sloooow. I went twice in a week - once for lunch on a Tuesday and once for dinner on Thursday evening. If you have / need a lot of time to talk with your guest, you'll enjoy this meal event. That was my lunch expereince.

I returned for dinner and it literally took 1 hour after arrival to receive my table of three entree's. There was one other table in the restarunat of 5 people. My lunch service experienc was better. The food was always outstanding - Meatloaf entree and Red Snapper entree.

Parking was super easy. Restaruant room was simple and elegant enough. Men's restroom was clean.

Posted 02/23/08

Fine European-style dining with fabulous service and delicious food that's unique to this restaurant. They've got seasonal specials, like their fall mushroom festival which we never miss! It's great for a group of friends who want to share good food and conversation because they don't overwhelm you with loud music and people trying to talk over it. I've never had anything I didn't like, but the mushroom kugel, spatzel, and risotto are really special. Oh, and the garlic soup is to die for. So is the garlic butter and bread they bring before. In fact, those are so good, you have to watch that you don't fill up on that.

Posted 02/21/08

After reading all the glowing reviews about this restaurant, my husband and I were excited to try it on Valentine's night. What a huge disappointment! There is nothing romantic about this place. It is one big room with lots of tables and lighting that is barely lower than operating room level. The servive was terrrible. It took 10 minutes for anyone to even approach us and ask what we wanted to drink and it never improved throughout the meal. It was clear that they were grossly understaffed for such a big night. The "special" Valentine menu was very limited with only two seafood options (I don't eat red meat) and very expensive. As if all of that were not bad enough, the food was very mediocre. The famous garlic soup was good, but my husband's rib eye was tough (he overheard someone else complaining about the steak) and the salmon, redfish and lobster (small and tasteless) combination that I had was unexciting. We were so disappointed by the end of the entrees that we skipped dessert and went for ice cream! We will definitely not be going back.

Posted 02/14/08

After relocating to Houston from the San Francisco area, we really missed a lot of our favorite restaurants. We tried lots of different European and French type foods in Houston and this is THE BEST thus far (based on our taste buds). My husband and I am working professional with zero kids. This affords us to eat out most of the week. We made reservation at 6:30pm (early dinner) and promptly seated. The service staff is very attentive. A dinner for two consists of 3 appetizers, 2 entrees, 4 desserts, one Cappuccino, 1 bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial, 1 glass of a German Riesling, 1 glass of a Hungarian sweet wine, and 1 bottle of Pellegrino. From start to finish, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. As you can "read", we like variety. We didn't finish all the food but really enjoyed the UNIQUE FLAVORS, preparation, and GREAT SERVICE of this restaurant. We love the meal so much that we made a reservation for the following Saturday. I read a few reviews thinking that there is nothing special to this restaurant. But for my husband and I, after tasting a dish like Foie Gras with at least 20 other highly rated Zagat restaurants, there is a HUGE difference. We simply love this restaurant and can't say enough good things about it.

Pros: Food, Service, and Parking

Cons: N/A

Posted 08/24/07

I love eating at Charivari, I would reccomend this place to anyone with out reserve
The food is always fantastic, the waitstaff is very nice and attentive and parking is never a problem.
Charivari is like stepping from Texas right into Europe the food, service and atmosphere are exactly what I remember from Germany, Spain, France etc. Only better! When I can't decide, John knows just the right thing to recomend and its always spot on.
There is always good beer and great food here so if you can't make it to Europe this year just go to Charivari! You will not know the difference.

Pros: Great Food, Atmosphere

Cons: None

Posted 07/17/07

Excellent food. Bread is excellent also. Service is excellent. Try the German noodle (spaetzle) with mushrooms and cream sauce. (forgot what it is named on the menu) Yum!

Pros: food and service is excellent

Cons: none

Posted 06/27/07

My friend took me there last Tuesday for a birthday dinner. Since my father's family was transylvanian saxon I was especially intrigued by the chefs background and the menu. I was not dissapointed! I had the Dracula's garlic soup which was so delicious. The garlic flavor was just right, not overwhelming. My friend had the stuffed portobella mushroom, which was very good as well. For our entrees she had the lamb chops with white asparagus, in a creamy sauce, with "rosti". I had the Transylvania pork filets topped with a stuffed mushroom and buffalo mozzarella cheese, julienned vegtables, and spaetzle. There was a wonderful sauce that the spaetzle soaked up and it was absolutely divine. And there were so many little extras that came with the meal that were delightful surprises. The service was exceptional, as well.

After dinner we met the chef and he is a wonderful man. I shared some of my background, and asked about some recipes, and he was familiar with everything I was talking about, which is very rare in Houston! Not many people from Transylvania around these parts. I can't wait to go back. I have heard that it is best to go on a weekday to avoid the crowd.

Pros: Everything was exceptional

Cons: Can't think of one

Posted 05/30/07

Having read some of the reviews, I was a little bit concerned as I wanted my 21st Birthday to be as special as possible, I must say however, I was pleasantly surprised. From the outside it may not seem like much, but once inside it is absolutely beautiful. The menu is very interesting, and the waiting staff were very friendly. Being english and having been on holiday to many European destinations the service is what one is used to, however, it is not as prompt as many americans have come to expect from restaurants, the European culture is very different and much more relaxed and less rushed. The food was delicious and it was a fantastic and special evening which I immensely enjoyed and I would definitely go again for a special occassion. One thing that I did notice, however, was there were several couples dining and they were seated at a fpur person table and there did not seem to be many tables for two.

A most enjoyable experience

Pros: Just absolutely beautiful

Posted 03/27/07

had reservations at 9:30 and still had no one attend to us until after 11pm...we ended up having to walk out...very dissapointed

Pros: food looked nice

Cons: never had a chance to taste it since they never served us for 2.5 hours

Posted 03/18/07

My boyfriend and I went on Valentine's day for a special evening, but boy was I disappointed. There was absolutely NO ambience and the service was less than stellar. If a restaurant knows they are booked for a holiday evening, they should make sure their service is accommidating.... In this place, you're seated in the middle of a big room with a couple of candles on the table. The food was average (i.e rib eye and filet mignon)..nothing to drop 40+ dollars per person on. Skip this average spot and try one of Houston's other great restaurants like Americas.

Pros: None

Cons: No ambience, average food, no value for the price

Posted 02/14/07

The fact that Charivari is listed as both the audience and editorial top pick in the fine dining category undermines the reliability of City Search's ratings. This is a strip center restaurant that has zero ambiance (unless you like big rooms with acoustic ceiling tile). The main attraction is the European bent of the menu, which features dishes that you will not find at most other restaurants. The food is good, but neither of the quality nor presentation that I have come to expect at other fine dining establishments in Houston. Service was very ordinary, If you are expecting to drop over $100 on a meal for two, there are many other far better choices in Houston. City Search, you let me down on this one!

Pros: Unusual menu

Cons: Devoid of ambiance, adequate food, average service

Posted 02/13/07

My husband and I have been here three or four times and plan on taking another couple out for their anniversary this weekend......I thnk that this is a lovely restaurant with very good food. I particularily like the fish I have had there and the Weinerschnitzel ( breaded veal cutlet). The apple strudel is very good too. The restaurant doesn't look like it is in a strip center so I don't know what some of the reviewers think. It is very charming although a smaller restaurant might have made it more charming.I will definitely return here since it was quite enjoyable. The wine list needs a going over though......could be better.

Pros: Lovely restaurant with good food and service.

Cons: Poor wine list....

Posted 11/20/06

The location may not extend the atmosphere very much but once inside the experience is just outstanding. Have been to lunch often, dinner often (both week nights and weekends) and have never ever been disappointed.

I would not hesitate to take any business associate whether local or from Bucharest as there would be enjoyment of a time well spent.

Posted 10/23/06

I obviously missed the point here. I have been twice and both times was disappointed. Service was very good and attentive. However, it felt like a strip center with white tableclothes. Felt stale. A little like a formal dinner at Grandma's house. Food was average. Not nearly as promoted.

Posted 10/20/06

The main attraction of this place is that it feels just like you are at a good hotel restaurant in Europe. The food is very good, but quality varies from item to item. I think this is a variety issue, though. For example, if you get the schnitzel, you're not going to have the same experience that you'd have getting the lobster. That's to be expected, and I'm just trying to say that the item has a few items that are more simple traditional European fare, as well as a good number of items that are more impressive. When it comes to the specials of the month, its a completely different story. Every month they have special ingredients avaialble, and the dishes they make with them are very good, mouth watering cuisine. Great wine list, great atmosphere, friendly staff and nice desert. What more can I say?

Posted 10/10/06

The chef here exhibits unparalleled artistry in combining flavors and textures to create a meal that I can only call sumptuous. I particularly liked the portobello mushroom dish with bacon, while my husband found his steak to be incredibly tender and flavorful. I would also highly recommend the garlic cream soup, or the asparagus soup, when it is in season. We both enjoyed the apple strudel, which was light enough to end a decadent meal. Furthermore, the classically European ambiance was relaxing and perfect for a romantic night out. The waitstaff was friendly, but unobtrusive, and made us feel pampered. My husband and I have travelled all over Europe, and only once has a restaurant come close to matching Charivari in elegance of flavor.

Pros: centrally located and extremely delicious

Cons: None

Posted 07/14/06

My experience of Charivari was not what I expected when I chose it as the place to celebrate my anniversary. Having "ambience" implies something special and to me the atmosphere was rather ordinary and far less than we expected from looking at their web page. I did not find it romantic.

Our side dish of white asparagus was tough and tasteless. My husband's Rib Eye "Café de Paris" (dry aged over 20 days) - Nothing special. My special luncheon steak was better than my husbands steak but not outstanding. The apple strudel was acceptable but not great and the lemon creme brulee was nice. We took a piece of Dobash home but did not eat it because it was already dry.

Again, we were expecting WOW because of the previous reviews and the web page descriptions - it did not measure up to that. The prices warranted much more than Charivari's had to offer.

Cons: Not romantic. Overpriced for experience and food provided

Posted 07/01/06

I don't know how the chef does it. I have had the salmon twice and it is remarkable. The outside has just a hint of crispness and the inside is moist and tender. I bypass any sauce and just use lemon. Dont miss the white asparagus while it is in season.

Pros: Lunch specials are a terrific value.

Cons: Not plan on a hurried lunch - you wouldn't want to hurry here anyway.

Posted 06/26/06

The ambiance of Charivari once you arrive is so inviting, as if you are stepping into a friends home. The flavor of the cuisine makes your tastebuds dance without being heavy or intense. The service is top notch, where you do not feel rushed and that dining is a social event not just to eat. My fiancee said the food reminded her of home in Romania. I highly recommend experiencing Charivari!

Pros: Ambiance, Cuisine, Service

Cons: None

Posted 11/20/05

Absolutely, the best restaurant in Houston. Exceptional quality, service and ambience. Elegant, yet friendly and not stuffy. I've dined all over the world, and cannot think of a place to which I would rather retrun. Will visit soon, and often.

Pros: quality, service, class

Posted 11/01/05

This restaurant greatly exceeded my expectations. The service was outstanding and the food was terrific. I had the Hunters Pork Medallions w/ Spaetzle, which is basically a Jaeger Schnitzel w/ Spaetzle. After living in Bavaria for four years, this was one of, if not the best that I've ever had. Both of the owners came by our table and it is apparent that they truly care about your dining experience. I will definitely be coming back again.

Posted 10/20/05

WOW! I took my parent's who were in town visiting from out of state and it was so wonderful. The atmosphere was quiet, staff was very friendly and pleasant, the food was mouth watering. I had the seasonal white asparagus with lamb chops, my mother had veal in a wild mushroom sauce, and my father claimed to have the best steak (& he even at the vegetables!) and each was so delicious.
It is very formal, but not stuffy. I caught a glimpse of the check and it was very reasonable considering all the extras plus wine and dessert.
Be sure to plan for at least a 2 hour meal---each second is worth it!

Pros: FOOD, service, total experience

Posted 06/24/05

This restaurant exceeded all my expectations. Someone had recommended it to me, and I didn't make the time to go, until finally a few weeks ago. The ambiance - wonderful. The food & presentation - superb. The staff - attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Maria (co-owner and wife of the chef) was consistently checking on us and other guests, making sure all was well. This is truly one of the best restaurants I've been to in Houston (I've lived here 16 years). In my mind, Charivari ranks up there with the best of the best in Houston. If you have any desire for a long, lingering dinner with wonderful food and wine, you owe it to yourself to try Charivari, a wonderful midtown hideaway!

Pros: Food presentation, No rush, Staff attentiveness

Posted 06/20/05

Best European style restaurant in Houston; excellent cuisine; stylish presentation; friendly but dignified, elegant and thoughtful service; calm and pleasing ambience. My favorite in Houston area!

Pros: Great cuisine, impeccable service, quiet pleasing ambian

Posted 05/21/04

I reviewed other readers comments on this resteraurnt and would disagree with those that say this is not kid friendly due to I brought my 4 yr old and my 19 month old and they were very kid friendly. My 4 yr old actually fell asleep on the way there and was still asleep when we entered. As he was at the table, the hostess brought over a cushion for him to rest his head on. The food, service, and ambience was great!!! We will definetly be returning..Pamela Zorko

Pros: reasonably priced, huge portions, great service

Posted 05/13/04

My wife and I spent 2 plus hours enjoying several different menu items, and drinks. The meal was fantastic and fulfilling. For the price point the resteraunt decor and atmospere is was not on the same level as the food. Even the coffee was a pleasure to drink. The dried plum stuffed chicken with a cranberry cream sauce, is a must try. We tried two different desserts, the orange crepes, and the chocolate mousse, neither was on par with the dinner, I will not order those desserts again. Service was great and telepathic, but the staff spoke with a heavy accent. Go and try the menu is varied, with many different price points. I am going back soon.

Pros: service, main course, sorbet

Cons: desserts, atmosphere

Posted 09/14/03

When you go to a restaurant you expect great food, good price and ambiance. Here I've had all of that, but more than anything the sentiment of beeing home.
I come from Europe and I can tell you this is the best place in North America to experience the true taste of European Cuisine elevated at the level of art.
The staff is amazing, very knowledgeble and responsive, and the chef - he is the best I've seen!
If you want something special, something you remember from your last visit on the old continent, just ask him and will cook it with great pleasure for you, if it is easy, right away, if not he will do it for the next day. Where else did you see anything like this?
They treat you like a king, like family like a life-long friend. Their magic, secret ingredient is "love".

Pros: simply extraordinary

Posted 04/13/03

Went on Valetines Day, excellent service and food. The presentation of the food is incredible. Who would have known this little restaraunt hidden on Bagby would be such a hit. Just plain outstanding!

Pros: presentation, service, quality of food

Posted 02/20/03

This young restaurant continues to surprise us by improving every time. The dining room is small and cozy, although a few plans and dividers might make it cozier. The food is creative, and mixes Central European dishes with traditional continental fare. The monthly themes are spectacular, whether wild mushrooms, white asparagus or game. The wine list continues to improve, but the service is slow. Chef Schuster will give our other culinary mavens a run for their money. Try it, you'll like it

Pros: food, wines, location

Cons: slow service, no curtains, no waiting area

Posted 01/20/03

These guys are for real! The chef and staff seem to act as if they are in a little French town serving up true European gastronomy. If you love the art of the dining experience and people who are passionate about food, this is your place. You will feel as if you've travelled to France, or Austria for an hour or so. And their special Christmas Eve dinner was a total treat. Only the decor needs a little improvement. Nothing a little ceiling treatment couldn't fix, to keep it looking a little less institutional. The Pollo Picatta is fantastic for lunch, as is any salmon dish. Try ANY of Chef Schuster's cream soups. They are amazing! Hot tip -- get on their email list! You'll receive a list each week of their specials for each day. Trust us - you'll plan your week around it!

Pros: Chef Schuster, The Staff, Seasonal Menu

Cons: Decor Unfinished

Posted 12/26/02

If gourmet dining is what you are looking for, Charivari is among the best [if not the best] Houston has to offer. Many years ago, in Cyprus, I was introduced to Cypriat coffee accompanied by a good cigar and a fine cognac. I gave up smoking years back and have longed for that combination ever since. At Charivari I was introduced to Fois Gras accompanied by baked apple and Hungarian tokay. Wow, what a triple, chef Johann really knows his stuff. What a treat!

Pros: world class chef, unique menu, excellent wine list

Posted 12/08/02

What a lovely restaurant. The service and food were superb. The chef visited all the tables while we were dining and was very gratious and humble. It is not fancy or romantic, but the food makes up for the lack of ambience.

Posted 10/30/02

A friend recommended Charivari to us. We were quite surprised by the atmosphere, the service and above all the food. I am a second generation Swiss. My mother was an excellent chef and I grew up enjoying a wide range of European foods. The menu at Charivari had some of mom's specialties, which of course I had to try. They were excellent, a real taste of home. I can highly recommend the pork tenderloin with spatzel. The spatzel was buttery, the pork was tender and cooked perfectly, and the sauce was heavenly. The service was absolutely perfect. The whole dining experience very memorable and we will be going back.

Pros: Food, Service, atmosphere

Cons: parking

Posted 05/28/02