Charivari Transylvanian-born Chef/Owner Johann Schuster is the master of European specialty you won't find anywhere else in Houston Hours: See Profile   2521 Bagby St Houston TX 77006 713.521.7231 Profile Description: Charivari features New European Contemporary & Four Seasons cuisine. Seasonal cuisine ranges from a White Asparagus M. in spring, Wild Mushroom M. in the summer, a Game M. in the fall and superb seafood in the winter. Romanian born Chef/Owner Johann Schuster is the master of European specialty dishes fond no where else in Houston, delighting patrons with Beef Carpaccio, Foie Gras "Budapest Style",and incredible seafood uniquely prepared in a manner that won Ch. accolades as one of Houston’s best   Add Review PROFILE   Website  Menu MY REVIEW: UNBELIEVABLE! I just had dinner at Charivari tonight, and it was perhaps the best meal I have EVER eaten! I had the (Dracula's) cream of garlic soup--FABULOUS--and the vegetable bouquet--gorgeous, perfect portion size, very balanced set of flavors and textures. I was satisfied, but since I don't live in Texas, I couldn't say no to the desserts. I chose the fig tart, beautifully presented with fresh berries and a small scoop of delicious vanilla ice cream. The chef provided an added off-the-menu appetizer and a palette cleanser (melon sorbet). It was absolutely heavenly!! And the staff were very knowledgeable, friendly, attentive (not overly), and overall wonderful. The chef came out to check on my satisfaction, and I hope he knew how sincere I was when I told him it was one of the best meals I'd ever had!! My only qualm--and it's very minor--is that the whole meal was on the heavy side. I expected that of the soup and dessert, but the dressing on the vegetable bouquet (salad) was a heavy buttermilk type of sauce, which was delicious, but I needed something a little lighter. But I did order ala carte, so it's my own fault. Word to the wise--you MUST try the garlic soup (unless you're vampy), and leave room for dessert, so ask about something lighter for the middle. Thanks, b4-u-eat.com! I'm just passing through Houston and had no idea where to find excellent food. If it weren't for this site, I never would've had one of the best meals of my life!!!! NAME: Melissa SUBMITTED: 7/17/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 07/08 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: After months of passing by the restaurant and reading the reviews from people on B4-U Eat, my Fiancée and I finally had the opportunity to dine at Charivari last night. Don’t let the strip mall look deceive you. The interior of the Restaurant was very comfortable and inviting all the way down the House music that served as a relaxing background to an intimate conversation/dinner. The service here is “FLAWLESS”. The servers knew when to take the orders, when to fill our wine glasses and when to check on us without ever giving us the feeling that they were hanging around or actually waiting on us. It was as if the dinner itself was perfectly choreographed by the staff of Charivari. The wine list is somewhat expansive, but as my Fiancée said, very eclectic with its many choices from many different regions. We settled for a reasonably priced bottle of wine that matched quite well with our dinners. Let me say that the Dracula Garlic soup is a most have!!! It was very smooth in texture, very mild in taste and a great item to begin dinner with. My Fiancée ordered the House Salad which again looked amazing from my point of view and tasted the same for her. As for our main course, I ordered the Scampi Provencale which was more than filling. The Saffron Wine Sauce is simply amazing and the pairing of the fresh vegetables and saffron rice made the dish even more enjoyable. As for my Fiancée she decided on the Potato Wrapped Seas bass. The presentation of the dish looked amazing. The first comment we both had was it was a very small piece of Sea Bass for the pricing on the menu. Never the less, she went with the saying, “good things comes in small packages.” Upon tasting, she felt that the Sea Bass was cooked to perfection, although it was giving off a distinct fishy taste upon with every bite. Finishing the dish, we attributed the fishy taste to possibly the style of cooking of the Fish in the Potato wrap. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to have a nice, romantic/intimate dinner with a loved one or significant other. We had a great dining experience at Charivari. We are looking forward to visiting again in the near future and are very interested in what else Charivari has to offer when it comes to the great dishes they have to offer. NAME: RW SUBMITTED: 2/7/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 02/07/2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: This is our favorite restaurant in Houston. We dine there both at lunch and supper. Service is always impeccable. We enjoy their seasonal menu. On our last visit I had venison which was very flavorful without a "gamey" taste. The seasoning of the food is always perfect which shows the chef is very knowledgeable. Vegetables are always fresh and a perfect accompaniment for the entree. How wonderful to sit in an elegant restaurant, eat fantastic food, and be treated like family by the staff. NAME: G. & S. Cortez SUBMITTED: 2/5/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/2007 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: I found this restaurant in b4-u-eat website. Me and my husband really like the place. The restauant is very spacious, and the wait staff are very attentive. We liked that we were not rushed and that the waitress would come only when we would call her, this allowed us to have time to talk and enjoy the evening without being disrupted every five minutes. The food was really good, my husband had the carpaccio and the red snapper, I had the house salad and the pasta di la casa, eveything was very tasteful, and nicely presented. I highly recommend this restaurant to people looking for a good place where to eat and where it is possible to talk. Great restaurant, we will definitly go again. NAME: MN SUBMITTED: 11/22/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Delightful evening. I had first heard of this restaurant about 2 years ago when I helped the owner jumpstart his car! He inivted me to visit. Well, two years later, I finally did. It's in a fun location of midtown although it is in a strip center. The restaurant decor is very continental and very reminiscent of fine dining from another era. I liked the tablecloths, the lighting was soft, but not dark and it was NOT loud! You could easily enjoy a conversation with your table. We ordered a salad for the first plate and were treated to a "house" appetizer of a beef salad on a savory cracker before the salad. The green salad was fresh and ample. Before our entrees they brought us a bit of chilled watermelon soup. Delicious! We loved that the entrees were served in a covered silver dish - very fun! For the entrees, my husband had a chicken dish that was so tender and I ordered pork chops that were out of this world in a yummy light cream sauce. We were only able to eat half of our dinner and brought home the rest. We did not order wine or dessert. The service was excellent and the timing of the meal was perfect as well. True, Charivari is not a hip, swanky joint, but it is very sincere in its traditional decor. I haven't been to Europe for over a decade, but it is very reminiscent of my former experience in European fine dining. In summary this is a restaurant I know my parents will enjoy and I think it would be a lovely place to go for anyone that would like a fine meal. I can't wait to eat there again. NAME: Valerie SUBMITTED: 7/27/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 6/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: My first time at this restaurant, and I was so impressed. We went on a Tuesday evening, because we heard the it got really crowded on the weekend. I had the Dracula's garlic soup, which was so very good, mild, rich flavor. For my entree I had the transylvania pork filets with spaetzle which was equally delicious. There were litle extras they brought out between courses that were delightful. We even got to meet the chef Johann and he was very warm and friendly. The ambience was excellent and the service was impeccable. I can't wait to go back. NAME: Daisymac SUBMITTED: 6/5/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 5/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Bland strip center decor. The place was mostly empty. All the other patrons were "older" or "elderly" - probably due to the fact that it is very quiet. Pacing was way off (Appetizers came quickly, entrees were about 45 minutes after they cleared the appetizers) Wine list had no vintages, so it was sort of a "search and find" with the waiter going to get the bottle requested to see if it was what you wanted to drink. Food was OK, but for the price (We could have eaten at C*atalan for this price) it was nothing to write home about. We won't be back NAME: Danny Joe SUBMITTED: 12/14/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/06 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: This was recommended by a friend and he was spot on. This charming restaurant with friendly staff was a complete delight. The food was excellent (sea bass and even Lamb Chops cooked to perfection. Extensive wine menu and the chef came out to greet guests after the meals. I will absolutely be going back and would encourage anyone who is looking for European Cuisine to try this restaurant - you won't be disappointed! NAME: Sarah SUBMITTED: 11/8/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: A friend of mine (German diplomat) recommended this as the best German restaurant in town - holy smoke, was he right! My fiancee and I had lunch with this diplomat today - the special of white asparagus, Black Forest ham and hollandaise sauce on toast was as fine a meal as I have ever had. We can't wait to return! NAME: Byron Hood SUBMITTED: 6/27/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 6/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Excellent upscale restaurant; doesn't look as nice from the shopping center outside detail. Transylvanian and European cuisine here. Nice creamy lobster bisques, separate menu featuring white asparagus items (yes, it has it's own separate menu), and excellent Lobster and Potatoes entree, aged buffalo steak here, and very fresh vegetables, some sauteed right at your table. Very meticulously prepared desserts of which we were VERY impressed. Excellent service and very friendly waitstaff. We spoke with the chef after our meal and he was very delightful. NAME: AmyRains SUBMITTED: 6/11/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 05/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: Have heard about this restaurant from friends and decided to try it. The food was excellent, especially the garlic soup and grilled lamb chops. My husband had fresh sea bass, which he pronounced superb! The dining room was traditional, the tables were nicely spaced and conversation was comfortable. This restaurant is a gem. NAME: LR SUBMITTED: 4/25/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 4/06 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Don't let the strip shopping center location fool you ---this restaurant is a class act-from the classical music that comes from the player piano (grand piano yet) to the presentation of the entrees when they arrive at the table and are unveiled from their warming dome.. . . lovely rustic bread is served with homemade garlic butter and there is an assortment of wonderful (and varied) olive oils and aged vinegars to choose from if you wish to dip your bread. We stopped by at lunch and had the soup of the day (long fresh green beans in a vegetable broth) and the chicken (wonder golden sauce) and fresh spaetzle. The service is very good. This is a great place for lunch. NAME: sgd/gsl SUBMITTED: 3/17/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: march 17 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: My husband and I went there first because of the Romanian roots of the Chef (my husband's family is from Romania) but we kept going back for the wonderfull food. The service is great and the wine list is very good. Several times, we have had the "Chef's Surprise" dinner and what a treat it is! Once we requested no fish for the entree but all the other choices were left to the Chef. He has never disappointed, from appetizer, soup, salad, entree and dessert. Once the entree was "Boar chops" and they were cooked just right and tasted excellent. No negatives for this gem of a restaurant. NAME: Mike and Mary SUBMITTED: 3/14/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: February/2006 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: excellent food..adequate service, but there can be communication issues...do not let that stop you, this place is on a par with the best in town for gourmet dining...chef even made steak tartar on the spur of the moment...great for special occasion and no more expensive then any other...highly recommend NAME: Face of Downtown SUBMITTED: 3/5/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/06 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: This is our new favorite place to be pampered. My husband and I were looking for a romantic place to celebrate our anniversary and decided to give Charivari a try; great decision! Although the place is tucked away in an unlikely spot, the food and service were exceptional. We sampled pork and wild boar entrees off both the regular and seasonal game menus and were amazed at the difference in presentation and flavors. The service was outstanding and included small extras such as a pre-appetizer treat of seafood on a paper thin potato wafer and a pre-entree sorbet to cleanse the palate. After such a delightful meal we were too full to sample the rich and tempting deserts, so the chef prepared a mix of fresh berries just for us. This may be the best kept secret in Houston. We will definitely be back! NAME: Alisa and Joe V. in Houston SUBMITTED: 1/9/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 01/06 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Excellent food, excellent service, excellent mood. After reading the reviews on this site, we drove into Houston for one night from Dallas to go to the NASA center and decided to have a romantic early Valentine's dinner at Charivari's. We were so impressed by the tasty food and romantic setting. Excellent selection of wines, and food. The lamb chops were so tasty, and the pork tenderloins were so juicy. The presentation was so remarkable that a table next to us was taking a picture of their entrees! This is the perfect place for a romantic meal. NAME: Visitor from Dallas SUBMITTED: 2/14/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 02/2005 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Outstanding restaurant, hard to go wrong here. Some of the best ingredients, unusual preparations, and especailly strong lunch specials. Only objections are the onion bread (a place as good as this should make its own) and the self-playing piano. NAME: wxs SUBMITTED: 1/3/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/04 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: We have now eaten here 3 times and it has become a favorite. Still somewhat of a secret (we were there on a Thursday night and sparse crowd). Look for the seasonal specials. I agree with the other reviewer that the subtle German/Romanian influence is a real plus. Wine list is very good and don't be afraid to ask for assistance. The wife (sorry, I don't know her name) knows the list well. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from any of the staff. They are all very helpful. Service A+. NAME: Matador SUBMITTED: 12/5/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 11-04 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: Excellent food and service. The German influence on the menu (the chef and his wife had a restaurant in the Black Forest for 10 years)adds a distinctive touch. The chef's wife takes your order and is extremely helpful. The service is impeccable. Don't be put off by the strip center. The atmosphere inside is delightful and, unlike so many popular restaurants, the noise level is low here and you can enjoy your company. This was our second visit and we will be back again. NAME: Pioneer SUBMITTED: 9/5/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: September 2004 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: Excellent restaurant. A memorable dining experience. Food was wonderful and presented beautifully. Portions were small enough to allow for dessert, but not so small as to disappear on the plate. Professional and attentive service. Small but attractive dining room. The location, in a small strip center at Bagby and McGowen, does not suggest what awaits inside. Expensive, but a product comensurate with the price. Highly recommended! NAME: dineinstyle SUBMITTED: 7/30/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: July/2004 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: This is an excellent restaurant! My husband and I stumbled onto it on a cold, rainy night near their closing time. The wait staff treated us extremely well and did not hurry us in the least. We both had the Dracula cream soup, which any garlic lover should try. He had the antipasto appetizer - well presented and delicious to boot. I had the portobello mushroom appetizer which was enough for two to share, since the flavors are strong. Extra kudos for the bread basket with several varieties of delicious bread. Atmosphere is romantic - although I'm sure it will be crowded for V Day, I've already dropped hints that I'd like to be taken there for our anniversary! NAME: Pleased diner SUBMITTED: 1/26/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: January 2004 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Lovely dining experience. Attentive, but leisurely service. Very elegant presentations. The menu contained some surprises, including Reisling-infused sauerkraut, which my dining companion pronounced "fabulous." The Dracula garlic cream soup (a nod to the chef's Transylvannian roots) was to die for. Although the restaurant was busy on a Saturday night, it never became loud. We will definitely return. NAME: Ann SUBMITTED: 1/26/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 1/04 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Excellent food and fine service. Unique menu items. Wonderful ambiance. Moderate prices for the quality of the restauirant. A great place to go to for that special occasion--to impress a romantic interest, out-of town guests or business contacts. NAME: pickyeater SUBMITTED: 5/13/2003   LAST VISIT WAS: 1/03 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: The service was very friendly and the food was great. There weren't many people there; therefore, it was very quiet. It's a great romatic place to go. It's not a people-watching, party place. NAME: High Heels SUBMITTED: 4/6/2003   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/04/03 FREQUENCY: Visited once ©Copyright 1991 - 2008 B4-U-EAT.COM. All rights reserved. Design and database by B4-U-BUY