Interested in getting the lowdown the newest restaurant and retail additions to Irving? From a Mexican cocktail bar to a Neapolitan pizza joint, read on for the newest businesses to arrive around town.
Hugo's Invitados
5240 N. O'Connor Blvd., Suite 160
Hugo's Invitados is a Mexican spot and cocktail bar, offering seafood and more. It only uses all-natural ingredients and makes everything from scratch.
The restaurant, which offers seafood, cocktails and more, has menu options like the Crackling Pollo with lemongrass cucumber salad and charred tomatillo salsa; the Black Paella with black rice, salmon, clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, grilled chicken, chorizo and green tomatillo salsa; and the Cochinita Pibil with achiote-marinated braised pork shank, lemongrass rice, oregano-pickled red onions, tangy-sour orange sauce and corn tortillas. Pair your meal with a margarita or cocktail, or choose from its beer and wine selection. (See the full menu here.)
With a 4.5-star rating out of 25 reviews on Yelp so far, Hugo's Invitados has been warmly received by patrons.
Alyssa A., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on October 17, wrote, "This was hands down the best meal I have had in a very long time. I ordered fresh-squeezed pineapple lemonade and, on the heels of that, a green juice that was unexpectedly tasty and most certainly very healthy. The tortilla soup was unreal. Garbanzo beans, a flavorful broth that wasn't overly spicy but had a complexity I appreciated. The veal main dish was spectacular."
Michaela S. added, "The food is fresh, wholesome, absolutely delicious, generously sized and flavorful. On top of that, the service was impeccable. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was so incredibly friendly, and in a genuine way."
Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Hugo's Invitados is open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Cafemandu
3711 N. Beltline Road
Cafemandu is a Nepalese and Asian fusion spot.
The counter-service spot serves traditional Nepalese fare alongside contemporary fusion eats, like the Himalayan wings marinated in spices and grilled. On the menu, look for momos, a traditional Nepalese dumpling available with chicken, seafood or vegetables; choyala, a chicken dish with Nepalese spices; and the goat curry bowl. (See the full menu here.)
The newcomer has garnered positive reviews thus far, with a 4.5-star rating out of 12 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper See W., who reviewed it on October 30, said, "Absolutely delicious! Very welcoming and good service as well. I had the mandu (dumplings) and the bara (savory pancake). They were happy to let me customize my mandu into half meat and half vegetarian — love the flexibility in ordering! "
Sabha K. noted, "Great food. Clean location and fast service. Very friendly servers. Momos are good."
Head on over to check it out: Cafemandu is open from 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and 11:30 a.m.–midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Olivella's Neo Pizza Napoletana
5238 N. O'Connor Blvd., Suite 134
Olivella's Neo Pizza Napoletana is a pizza place that serves Neapolitan-style pies.
The eatery offers a number of specialty pizzas, such as the Rustica with mozzarella, sausage and bell peppers; the Dream with mozzarella, Gorgonzola, chicken, pancetta and jalapeño; and the Black Truffle with mozzarella, Italian ham, mushrooms, truffle oil and black pepper. It also offers sandwiches and pasta. Pair your meal with a glass of wine and finish with some tiramisu.
With a 4.5-star rating out of 29 reviews on Yelp so far, the fresh addition has made a promising start.
Sandra C., who reviewed it on October 12, wrote, "Enjoyed the outdoor seating and the service was excellent. They serve their salads with dressing on the side, so you can determine how much you want. I had the Margherita thin crust pizza and it was delicious. Fresh ingredients at an affordable price."
Christine N. noted, "This is a hidden gem tucked away by the canal. The gnocchi is the best I have ever had. The bruschetta has capers and the bread was perfectly toasted and very authentic."
Intrigued? Stop in to try it for yourself. Olivella's Neo Pizza Napoletana is open from 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. on Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Cork & Pig Tavern
5224 N. O'Connor Blvd., Suite 116
Cork & Pig Tavern is a wine bar and New American spot, offering pizza and more.
The menu offers dishes like the Carolina Pork Ribs (with house mustard barbecue sauce), the Black Truffle wood-fired pizza (roasted mushrooms, fresh thyme, mozzarella and fontina) and the Crab Cake salad (with greens, avocado, tomato, corn, candied pecans and buttermilk ranch). See the full menu here.
It also offers an extensive wine list, plus craft beers and specialty cocktails.
The new Irving eatery has proven popular thus far, with a 4.5-star rating out of 16 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Alex S., who was among the first to review it on Oct. 14, wrote, "I ordered the French dip sandwich and I'd say it's probably the best French dip I've ever had. The meat was sliced thin and it was fall apart tender, the au jus was on point and I got the horseradish cream sauce to slather on."
Angela B. noted, "The food, drinks and service are amazing! We sat on the patio with our dog and let me just say everything was outstanding!"
Head on over to check it out: Cork & Pig Tavern is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday and Sunday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Tuesday-Thursday, and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Hello! India
3275 Regent Blvd., Suite 120
Hello! India is an Indian eatery, international grocery store and halal meat shop.
It serves classic Indian dishes, such as kebabs, biryani, samosas, tikka masala and more. It also offers Irani Chai tea.
It has nine reviews on Yelp thus far, which put it at 4.5 stars, indicating that it's off to a good start with locals.
Aniket A., who reviewed it on October 26, said, " The food is fresh and tasty. Kitchen looks clean, I hope it stays that way. Their kebabs, especially chicken tikka kebab is amazing. Naan is soft and fresh, and not too thick, so you don't feel full even after gobbling one down. Chicken biryani is good as well!
Ronda P. added, "The staff were friendly and helpful. The samosas and tikka masala were excellent, both had such great flavors! It is also a mini grocery store where you can get all kinds of Indian ingredients, as well as halal meat."
Stop in and welcome it to the neighborhood: it's open from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and 10 a.m.–midnight on Friday and Saturday.
