Houston’s culinary scene has been buzzing with excitement since the announcement of chef Aaron Bludorn’s new seafood restaurant, Navy Blue. As the mastermind behind the wildly popular Bludorn, his new venture had big shoes to fill. But after a visit to the restaurant, it’s clear that Navy Blue is not just living up to expectations, but surpassing them.

Navy Blue’s industrial-style space in Rice Village strikes the perfect balance between openness and intimacy. The cream-colored walls, dark blue banquettes, and modernist wire sculptures give the restaurant a contemporary feel without being too formal. It’s the perfect spot for a special occasion or a memorable night out.

The menu at Navy Blue is the collaborative work of Bludorn and his former colleague from Michelin-starred Café Boulud, Jerrod Zifchak. The restaurant’s 150-bottle wine list is the perfect accompaniment to the impressive selection of seafood dishes. Start off with the mussel bisque, a rich and indulgent bowl of soup flavored with fennel and saffron and topped with a puff pastry hat. The seafood risotto is another standout, loaded with lobster and cuttlefish and finished with tarragon.

For those who prefer meat, the dry-aged strip sirloin is a must-try. The dish is served with a pool of bordelaise sauce and a pat of bone marrow–enriched butter. And don’t miss the deboning performance of the Dover sole, which is prepared meunière-style with a deeply browned butter sauce. Navy Blue’s manager, Cherif Mbodji, performs the task with impressive skill and precision.

Save room for dessert, because Navy Blue’s offerings are just as impressive as the main courses. The carrot cake is a standout, elegantly presented with a sleek, not-too-chunky texture and finished with candied ginger and cream cheese frosting.

If Navy Blue’s impressive debut is any indication, the restaurant is sure to become a staple of Houston’s dining scene. With its sophisticated atmosphere, delectable dishes, and top-notch service, Navy Blue is not to be missed.

Navy Blue is located at 2445 Times Blvd and is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, and dinner seven days a week. Call 713-347-7727 to make a reservation and experience Houston’s best new restaurant.