Midweek Date Night Vibes at The Chef’s Table – Vintage Park

Date nights are our thing, especially when it’s my pilot’s “Saturday night” which happened to fall midweek this week. We were looking for somewhere close, chill, and new to us—and that’s how we ended up at The Chef’s Table in Vintage Park.

We’d heard great things and figured it was the perfect time to check it out—and wow, it did not disappoint.

About the Spot

The Chef’s Table is run by Chef Paul Friedman, who has an impressive background. He’s originally from South Africa and has opened restaurants all over the world. Houston foodies might remember him from Peli Peli—this is his newest concept, and you can tell it’s personal. The space feels upscale but not stuffy—elegant and cozy all at once.

We Got There Right at 5 PM

We had our pick of the bar, which was great because the bartender was super friendly and really knew his stuff. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful—dark wood, moody lighting, and a kind of speakeasy vibe that made it feel like a hidden gem.

Happy Hour Wins

We started with a couple of happy hour bites:

Boerewors Sausage – This is a South African-style sausage, sliced and served with a spicy chakalaka sauce. It was packed with flavor and had just enough heat. Beef Rolls – Think crispy, golden-fried rolls stuffed with beef, peppers, and onions, served with a buttery scampi sauce. So good.

Cocktail Lineup

I started with a Lavender French 75—light, floral, bubbly, and just what I wanted. Wayne had a classic martini, then switched it up with a Nigerian lager called Star, which was crisp and refreshing. I ended with a custom Ketel One espresso martini—creamy, bold, and the perfect little nightcap.

Dinner Highlights

We shared a small Caesar salad, which had peppadews tossed in for a little sweet heat twist. And then the star of the show: the chargrilled octopus. It was sous vide and then grilled, topped with chimichurri. Super tender and full of flavor—definitely a standout.

Bonus Surprise

The best part? We ran into our old friend Chelsea—she’s now the Director of Ops there! So fun catching up and hearing that they’re planning to open another location in River Oaks soon. Can’t wait for that.

Final Take

We’ll definitely be back. This was such a solid date night—great food, awesome service, relaxed vibes. If you’re near Vintage Park or just want to try something a little different, add this one to your list.