50 Best New U.S. Restaurants

Houston: Voice

It was a happy transformation too for the soaring space that used to house Bank. Following a $4 million makeover, it recently reopened as Voice, and Houstonians are vocal in their approval. Updated with black-and-white textiles and whimsically outsize pendulum lights, the former bank lobby sets a dramatic stage for chef Michael Kramer’s clean and focused New American flavors. Even if you think your taste buds are anesthetized to standards like multicolored heirloom-beet salad with goat cheese, mushroom “cappuccino” soup, or honey-lacquered duck breast—Kramer’s fresh, picture-pretty renditions will jolt them right out of complacency. And isn’t it nice to have those sky-high Doric columns looming above your plump, pearly crab cakes? Dinner for two $75.