Amrina: The Best Fine Dining Experience in the Woodlands, TX

The majority of my entire family (the D'Aronsberg clan) lives in the Woodlands. If you're not familiar with that area of Texas, it's about 30 minutes north of Houston. It's about 20 square miles, has a strong sense of community, top-notch schools, and abundant recreational opportunities and, in my opinion, embodies the quintessential Texan charm while offering all the amenities of modern Texas living. When I drove home to see my family, I wanted to sample something new, different and well-rated.

And to coddle my interest, a restaurant opened not too long ago that is getting all the fanfare. I recently give it a try myself...and I have to admit - it has earned the praise. It's named Amrina.

My wife and I sampled a few things on the menu: Tandoori Chicken, Wagyu Kulcha and scallops. The tandoori chicken was a breast and was the most juiciest chicken breast I've had in a while. The chef did that, I am amazed how great it was! My wife really enjoyed her scallops. I did pair my chicken with the mashed potatoes and the wagyu kulcha. The mashed potatoes could've used more truffle to them but still delicious nonetheless. Everything we tried at Amrina, we had tried before but at Amrina, they were more flavorful, and the presentation of everything was beautiful.

We returned for a second visit and our server Jackson was very attentive, and engaging and he did a great job explaining the menu and recommending items. Masala on steak was very unexpected but delicious! I had one of the best mashed potatoes ever there. I've never had jackfruit biryani before, and although it wasn't the star of our dinner, it was pretty great! We didn't enjoy the brussels sprouts as much but we risked it despite hearing how it was prepared, so it's on us! We've never had whiskey sprayed on our naan either!

And now the ambiance - you can really come here for any type of occasion. I do like the different types of experiences they offer (tapas street food experience and the chef's table experience) and would definitely recommend checking them out. It provides a more mellow darker style restaurant that maintains that fine dining style. Amrina is perfect for any outings where you want a more classy ambiance.

Quick note - Its a little pricey so we waited for a celebration. We made reservations for 6 and it wasn't busy -- it started filling up later around 7/7:30. We started with drinks, they have such a fun and different drink options.

Then, I brought the entire family (pricey! But worth it) last night. I went with the Tapas Tasting experience since it was my first time there and wanted to see all they had to offer. Not only does Amrina offer great food during this experience but a bit of a cultural one as well as they give the guests a dinner bell which is a charming touch similar, paying homage to their Indian Influence. As far as the food itself, everything was delicious and had their own unique stories and flavors. During my experience I and the other guests were all served by the head Tapas chef that really added to the experience by adding story to each dish. Tapas do change with each season I believe, but my favorite being the one that was served in a dinosaur dish, the Bhel Puri I think. With that said everything was well worth the time and all dishes had their own savory styles of flavor, and the chef is happy to recommend any pairings.

Bottom-line - this place is the epitome of high end innovative Indian cuisine. We went in for the tapas tasting menu and were blown away by each course. In varying states of deconstructed recipes, we got golgappa (pani puri), bhel puri, papri chaat, Pok pok po (chicken makhni sliders), indo-Chinese shrimp curry, and a malai-shell passionfruit popsicle. The way the food was plated (either very neatly or in fun displays) and the cocktails were served (in adult capri sun pouches) show that this restaurant doesn't take itself too seriously.

3 Waterway Square Pl #100, The Woodlands, TX 77380

(936) 444-4150

https://www.amrina.social