For Business Diners
Spring has a way of reminding us to come up for air. The calendar flips to Q2, tax season hits its peak, and suddenly, the best thing you can do for yourself (and your pipeline) is step away from the desk and into a great restaurant. This month’s new additions to Dinova’s preferred business dining program are full of reasons to do exactly that: sun-drenched patios, seasonal menus, and dining destinations worth building your schedule around.
Alcove Market
Charleston, SC
Tucked inside Charleston’s The Jasper, Alcove Market is the neighborhood café that busy travelers and locals have made their daily ritual. Open 7am to 4pm, the all-day menu spans matcha and flaky pastries to fried chicken sandwiches and soba noodle bowls, with a grab-and-go section built for tight schedules. Free garage parking and online ordering sweeten the deal, and when the office needs feeding, catering is just a phone call away.
Amrina
The Woodlands, TX
In The Woodlands’ fine dining scene, Amrina shines bright. Food Network “Chopped” champion Chef Jassi Bindra — also recognized by the Michelin Guide and named one of the world’s best Indian chefs — orchestrates dishes that are as visually stunning as they are bold. A Wine Spectator Award-winning cellar, elevated tapas bar, and private dining room make it equally suited for deal-making and celebrating. Take your business meal to the next level with the Chef’s Table experience.
Bol Indian Kitchen
Houston, TX
From the culinary minds behind Amrina, bōl Indian Kitchen brings chef-driven ambition to the fast-casual counter. The concept is simple: build your own bowl layered with bold Indian-inspired flavors, fresh ingredients, and global touches — all served fast, without shortcuts. For business diners, it’s the kind of lunch that actually satisfies: no reservation required, no time wasted. Just vibrant, nourishing food that fits the pace of a packed workday in Houston.
Concordance Ferments
Hatboro, PA
Few team outings come with a side of Revolutionary War history, but Concordance Ferments isn’t your average brewery! Housed in a restored 1724 mill on Pennypack Creek — the oldest standing building in Hatboro — this atmospheric spot from two beer industry veterans pours a rotating lineup of craft ferments alongside locally sourced snacks and elevated comfort food. The third-floor event space fits 50, complete with Wi-Fi and a projector for corporate gatherings with serious character.
Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar
St. Simons Island, GA
Named for Chef Daniel Auffenberg’s grandmother, Dorothy’s carries that personal touch into every detail—from a raw bar stacked with fresh Gulf oysters and ceviches to a dinner menu that weaves Southeast Asian influences into coastal classics like ramen and steak. The craft cocktail program is serious business, and the breezy patio makes St. Simons Island’s charm impossible to resist. Happy hour from 4–6 and private event options round it out for the business crowd.
Duck Donuts
2 locations in NY
Not all heroes wear capes. Some arrive with Duck Donuts boxes for the break room! Made fresh in-store and topped with everything you’re craving—think maple bacon, blueberry pancake, and “Peanut Butter in Paradise”—these treats are as pretty as they are decadent. Catering spreads include donut holes, boxes of up to 120 donuts, and even coffee, with online ordering and delivery that makes earning VIP status at work a breeze.
El Mirador
Yakima, WA
El Mirador is the kind of place locals swear by and visitors stumble upon gratefully. The menu hits all the right notes — sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, and umbrella-topped piña coladas that make work happy hours feel like a mini vacation. And at $3.99 on Tuesdays, the margaritas are practically a steal. Online ordering and delivery make it an easy call for working lunches, while the festive atmosphere is a natural fit for casual team dinners.
Fatimas Grill
7 locations nationwide
Why choose between tacos and shawarma when you don’t have to? Fatima’s Grill built a cult following and viral social media presence around exactly that question, fusing Mexican and Mediterranean street food into bold, genre-defying creations like shawarma crunch wraps and Flamin’ Hot Cheeto quesaritos. Now spanning seven locations with team catering available, it’s the kind of wildly satisfying team lunch that everyone can agree on—no debate required.
Filé Gumbo Bar
New York, New York
Eater calls it a Tribeca hidden gem, but regulars know Filé Gumbo Bar is the real deal — a love letter to Cajun and Creole tradition anchored by Tiny’s Gumbo, a recipe inspired by owner Aubrey “Tiny” Gaines and his legendary shellfish-and-spice philosophy. Steam kettles simmer tableside while Kettle Chefs customize each bowl to order. Happy hour oysters, beignets you *cannot* skip, and group dinner packages from $60 per person make it an easy choice for business entertaining with genuine soul.
Firehouse Subs
3 locations in CA/TX
When workday hunger strikes, Firehouse Subs has you covered! Enjoy our satisfying hot subs, including the limited-time Chicken ‘n’ Cheddar Rancher loaded with grilled chicken, bacon, cheddar, and creamy ranch. Every order supports first responders, while convenient online ordering through “Rapid Rescue to Go” ensures a quick, easy meal on busy days. With numerous locations nationwide, Firehouse Subs is a top pick for business dining and catering, offering great-tasting food that benefits a great cause.
Flour Bakery
11 locations in MA
James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Joanne Chang built Flour Bakery on a simple promise: make the world a sweeter place, one gooey sticky bun at a time. With 11 locations across Boston and Cambridge, it’s become a go-to for a wide range of dining occasions — morning pastries and gourmet coffee, dressed-up avocado toast and smoked chicken salad for lunch, and celebration cakes that ship nationwide for remote teams and gifting. Consider it Boston’s most delicious multitasker!
Giant Texas Distillers
Houston, TX
Housed in Houston’s landmark Uncle Ben’s rice facility, Giant Texas Distillers is a grain-to-glass operation with serious Texas swagger. The upscale rustic tasting room pours handcrafted bourbons and ryes alongside a food menu that nearly steals the show — pork belly bites, charcuterie, and a Thursday steak night worth planning around. Distillery tours make for a memorable team outing, and custom-engraved bottles with your company logo are the kind of corporate gift that wows clients.
Hangar 38
2 locations in AL/FL
Bowling alleys don’t usually have sushi and charcuterie boards — but Hangar 38 isn’t your average bowling alley! With boutique lanes, 79 arcade games, aviation-inspired cocktails, and a full-service restaurant that punches well above its weight, this Alabama and Florida entertainment complex is a team outing that practically plans itself. Private party spaces, corporate catering, and a packed weekly events calendar (think karaoke, bingo, and happy hour) mean there’s always a reason to roll in with your work crew.
Jimmy’s Egg
1 location in TX
A Jimmy’s Egg catered event pretty much guarantees 100% attendance. Since 1980, this award-winning breakfast and lunch staple has been serving teams that take the most important meal of the day seriously. With 40,000 omelet combinations and signature cinnamon roll pancakes, their menu satisfies any appetite. Whether you’re utilizing their private meeting rooms or ordering a conference room catering spread, their 40 years of hospitality ensure a fresh, crowd-pleasing start to any agenda.
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Shenandoah, TX
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse channels the Rat Pack era with hand-selected, 28-day aged steaks, Italian classics, and old-fashioned hospitality that never goes out of style. The Steak De Burgo alone is worth the trip to Shenandoah. But Johnny’s also earns its place on the business dining shortlist for what’s behind the dining room: a 4,600 sq. ft. ballroom, an intimate boardroom for 12, and a gluten-sensitive menu that keeps every guest at the table comfortable.
Kitchen Rumors
Houston, TX
The team behind The Woodlands’ Amrina brought Chef Jassi Bindra’s boundary-pushing vision to Houston’s Sixth Ward. The result is one of the city’s most exciting new restaurants. Kitchen Rumors trades fine dining formality for a more playful mood: butter chicken ramen, lobster dumplings crowned with caviar, and spaghetti bolognese built on lamb Hyderabadi keema. A gorgeous new patio anchors the Arts District vibe, and a Best New Restaurant nomination at the 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards confirms what reservations already suggest.
Kusshi Sushi
8 locations in DC/MD/VA
Since opening in downtown Bethesda in 2016, Kusshi has grown into one of the DMV’s most beloved sushi destinations — eight locations strong and still an area go-to for premium, modern Japanese cuisine. The vibe is lively without being loud, the sake and whisky selection is among the largest in the region, and the quality stays consistent whether you’re in Reston or Bethesda. For business diners, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser where you’ll always find something exciting to savor.
Lansky’s
2 locations in IA/NE
Thirty years in, Lansky’s is still the kind of place that turns first-timers into regulars. This family-owned Omaha and Council Bluffs institution has been making scratch pizza dough every morning since 1994 — 100% whole milk mozzarella, hand-cut vegetables, sirloin steak — and the consistency shows. Lunch specials and online ordering make weekday meals a breeze, a private meeting room seats up to 50, and a rewards program means every order works double duty alongside your myDinova points.
Mario’s Pizzeria
New York, New York
Since 1969, Mario’s Pizzeria has been the gold standard of Long Island pizza — a family institution that practically invented the gourmet slice and has spent five decades proving it. Fresh-daily dough and sauce and a loyal following that spans generations make this one a no-brainer for New York business diners. And catering goes well beyond the pie: think eggplant parm, pasta trays, hero platters, and the kind of spread that wins over any office.
Mezze Cafe
Austin, TX
In Austin’s dining scene, Mezze Café delivers exactly what the name promises — a warm, welcoming spread of authentic Mediterranean flavors made from scratch with family recipes. Hummus, falafel, shawarma, mezze platters, and fresh wraps check every box for a crowd-pleasing, halal-friendly team meal. A beautiful patio adds just enough ambiance for client lunches, and the catering program — pickup or delivered — makes Mediterranean the easy, healthy answer to any office spread.
Piatto Italian Restaurant
Fort Smith, AR
Few restaurants can trace their roots back to 1946, but Piatto can, and the Marrone family has been doing things the old-school way ever since. From Italy to Philadelphia to Fort Smith, this generational gem makes everything by hand: fresh-pulled mozzarella, house pasta with local farm eggs, Mom’s all-beef meatballs, and pizza made from imported Italian flour. Private dining for up to 120, a beautiful patio, and catering ranging from formal dinners to pizza-and-beer parties seal the deal.
Pippin Hill Farm
North Garden, VA
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re on a work outing. This boutique Virginia vineyard — born from the love story of proprietors Lynn Easton and Dean Andrews — pairs estate wines and locally driven tapas with sweeping mountain views from a covered veranda. Corporate groups can customize the experience with cooking classes, wine pairings, greenhouse grazing tables, and group transportation arrangements.
Pok Pok Po
Houston, TX
The Kahani Social Group — the team behind Amrina — traded fine-dining whites for a different kind of ambition with Pok Pok Po: Houston’s most exciting fried chicken concept. Celebrity Chef Jassi Bindra’s Texas-meets-India hot sauce is the secret weapon, coating cage-free, hormone-free chicken in bold, layered flavor that’s anything but ordinary. For the office, party trays loaded with smash burgers, chicken bites, and loaded fries make “crowd-pleasing” a huge understatement.
Pub 52 Bar and Grill
Sergeant Bluff, IA
Some places just get it right without making a fuss about it. Pub 52 is a Sergeant Bluff neighborhood anchor with 19 TVs, rotating food and drink specials, and the kind of reliably great comfort food that punches well above a sports bar’s weight class. Whether you’re unwinding at the bar after a long day or hosting a team happy hour, the vibe is come-as-you-are, and the welcome is genuine every time.
Tejas Brewery and Taproom
Houston, TX
Three stories above Houston’s buzzing Sawyer Yards, Tejas Brewery delivers one of the city’s most impressive settings for business entertaining — sweeping downtown skyline views, locally brewed craft beer, chef-driven food, and event spaces that scale from an intimate skyline lounge to a full biergarten takeover for 300. Brewery tours, game days on the big screens, and a welcoming taproom vibe make it equally suited for post-work happy hours and full corporate receptions.
The Coffee Depot
Starkville, MS
In Starkville, word travels fast about The Coffee Depot — and once you’ve had the iced matcha or a bagel topped with homemade strawberry cream cheese, you’ll understand why. This cozy neighborhood gem runs like a well-oiled machine with a drive-thru, online ordering, and a staff so genuinely warm they’ve become a big reason that regulars keep coming back. For business travelers, it’s the perfect pit stop for a working morning or a catch-up with a colleague.
The Hayden Diner & Cocktails
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio’s Hayden Diner is what happens when a classic Jewish deli and a craft cocktail bar walk into a diner — and it works perfectly. Comforting diner classics like pastrami, matzo ball soup, smashed burgers, and challah French toast share the menu with craft cocktails and a full bar that elevates any occasion, with a warm, come-as-you-are vibe. A semi-private space for up to 30 and a flexible catering menu make it great for team gatherings!
The Smashed Olive
Washington, NJ
This family-run neighborhood gem serves Italian, American, and Mediterranean cuisine with a chef-driven twist — think grilled Spanish octopus, espresso-rubbed ribeye, and craft cocktails made with locally sourced lavender — best enjoyed on the beautiful patio or fireside in cooler months. Rotating chef’s specials, gluten-free and vegan menus, and a private dining room make it a reliable choice for any occasion and well worth the detour from your usual business dining routine.
The Tavern Wine Bar
Columbus, MS
Columbus, Mississippi has a new after-hours favorite with a speakeasy soul and a wine list worth lingering over. The Tavern Wine Bar, sister to the beloved restaurant Zachary’s, carves out a serene niche in the city’s dining scene, pairing an ever-changing cocktail menu with charcuterie boards and flatbreads made for sharing. Live music, trivia nights, and weekly drink specials keep the calendar full, making it a natural landing spot for after-work drinks or a relaxed client evening.
Zachary’s
Columbus, MS
Zachary’s isn’t just a downtown Columbus institution. It’s the kind of place that earns a community’s loyalty and keeps it. A three-time Restaurant Neighbor Award winner, this beloved mainstay pairs an elevated pub menu (including a burger that ranked among Mississippi’s top five) with a happy hour that runs Monday through Friday. A sprawling catering program covering everything from breakfast meetings to full BBQ spreads makes it a one-stop shop for business dining.
Zero George
Charleston, SC
Nestled within one of Condé Nast’s “Top 5 Foodie Hotels in the World” and selected in the 2025 inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South, The Restaurant at Zero George is one of Charleston’s most coveted tables. Meticulously crafted tasting menus celebrate local ingredients with quiet brilliance, while the Forbes-lauded Caviar Bar offers an à la carte alternative built around impeccable caviar service and hand-selected champagnes. For entertaining and celebrating, it simply doesn’t get more impressive.
Staff Pick
Sushi • Modern • Exciting