Houston’s top chefs are enjoying well-deserved national attention of late, finally being recognized for a vibrant restaurant culture that competes to... Read More
Houston’s top chefs are enjoying well-deserved national attention of late, finally being recognized for a vibrant restaurant culture that competes to serve the varied cultures represented in the city. Sure, regional dining styles abound (Southwestern, Cajun, Tex Mex), but the best restaurants in Houston offer a chef’s ability to meld traditional cooking styles with flavors that are reminiscent of other large segments here—the city’s Indochinese population is second in size only to Los Angeles’, for example.
In fact, Underbelly’s chef took home the James Beard Award for his menu that pays tribute to the variety of flavors that make up the city (Vietnamese, Southern, Indian, Thai, to name a few). Other places to eat in Houston that are newer to the scene are State of Grace, Coltivare, Oxheart and The Pass & Provisions—all the types of places Houstonians are proud to show off to visitors. Extremely popular for lunch or a daytime coffee break is Tiny Boxwood’s, housed within a provençal nursery.
There’s no denying that Texas is known for its barbeque, and Goode Company still gets consistent raves. There are now seven Goode Company locations in town, but the one on Kirby Drive is the original, having opened in 1977. If your tastes run more expensive, De Marco is one of the city’s best Italian restaurants. Located in an unassuming house in the Montrose neighborhood, the kitchen gives roasted Texas quail and Colorado lamb chops the Italian treatment, which satisfies their loyal guests.
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Adair Kitchen
High ceilings, wrap-around windows and an open kitchen make for an inviting feel at this family owned restaurant, where menu offerings are... Read More
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B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Housed in a gorgeous red brick former bakery in the sixth ward, B&B is a butcher shop, deli, and fine-dining steakhouse in one. Decadence begins... Read More
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BCN Taste & Tradition
A former 1920s home in Montrose is the setting for this small, stylish restaurant whose name is an abbreviation of Barcelona. Gallery-like white walls... Read More
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Bistro Menil
A red jack marks the spot—the large toy-inspired outdoor installation is iconic in Houston—at the modern, open-all-day bistro adjacent to the famous... Read More
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Brasserie 19
Even on a hot day, the tables outside this modern, sleek French brasserie are as packed as those inside. A designer handbag and steak frites sit atop... Read More
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Common Bond Cafe & Bakery
Perched on one of the busiest corners in Montrose, this coffee shop and bakery bustles from early morning 'til evening, and is an uber-hip setting for... Read More
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Coppa Osteria
The people-watching is as good as the Italian at this Rice Village hot spot, where fans congregate over authentic, thin crust pizzas topped with black... Read More
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Down House
A well-dressed hipster crowd gathers at this brick firehouse-turned-restaurant in the Heights that is consistently packed, especially for brunch. Often... Read More
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Fluff Bake Bar
Pastry chef Rebecca Masson earned her stellar reputation providing desserts for trendy and high-end restaurants and top bakeries in town, becoming such... Read More
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Foreign Correspondents
The husband-and-wife chefs here exhibit skillful talent at creating traditional northern Thai food—evidence of their years spent abroad. The ... Read More
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Helen Greek Food and Wine
A unique concept opened by a local sommelier, this Rice Village taverna boasts an all-Greek wine list and menu that offers modern takes on Greek... Read More
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Holley's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar
With floor to ceiling windows that overlook the bustle of Midtown, the sleek restaurant offers seafood from the nearby Gulf and other coasts. The lively... Read More
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Hunky Dory
Serving up splendid, authentic British fare in a relaxed tavern setting, a respected local restaurant group is behind this neighborhood concept in the... Read More
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Kata Robata
The ordinary strip center location may not be indicative of the elevated cuisine inside, but the amount of cars, day or night, is—sushi and grilled... Read More
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KUU Restaurant
With a seasonal and local take on modern Japanese cooking, this upscale Gateway Memorial restaurant serves what some call the best sushi in town. But... Read More
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Les Ba'get
Serving authentic bánh mì and pho in a converted Montrose bungalow, this order-at-the-counter Vietnamese cafe is relaxed yet modern, with a wood-wrapped... Read More
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Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette
The scene is lively at this upscale-yet-approachable oyster bar, where the seafood menu has a decidedly Southern twist. The large central bar offers... Read More
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Local Foods
Locally sourced ingredients are king at this popular eatery with counter service by day and full service by night. An homage to the best fresh produce... Read More
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The Pass & Provisions
No visit to Houston is complete without a stop at either The Pass & Provisions, a hip two-in-one concept that is one of the city's top... Read More
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Pax Americana
Follow the yellow awning to this brick-front American hot spot in Montrose, where a large metal map of the U.S. is a focal point of the lively main... Read More
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Peska Seafood Culture
Overhead, a metal installation of a school of swimming fish by a local artist sets the stage for beautifully plated seafood inspired by South America... Read More
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Pondicheri
Serving updated Indian classics using fresh, local ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations, expect counter service by breakfast and lunch, and... Read More
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Pour Society
The upscale sports-oriented gastropub in the fast-growing Gateway Memorial City district is massive, but feels warm and inviting thanks to careful nods... Read More
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SaltAir Seafood Kitchen
The see-and-be-seen swirl the central bar at this Upper Kirby hot spot, which exhibits Brandi Key's most graceful touch in fresh fish (cooked and raw)... Read More
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Tiny Boxwoods
A line swells out the door at meal time, but chalkboard specials inside the greenhouse-inspired space (the restaurant sits on the grounds of Provençal... Read More
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Tinys No. 5
An off-shoot of the popular Tiny Boxwood's, this beautifully landscaped restaurant in the West University enjoys an extremely loyal (and well-dressed)... Read More
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Tout Suite
A coffee shop for coffee lovers, neighbors rejoiced when this large, converted industrial space (formerly a Ford dealership, among other things) opened... Read More
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Underbelly
Even before the national acclaim started rolling in, chef-owner Chris Shepherd had a hit on his hands with this culinary homage to the city's many... Read More
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Weights + Measures
Wrapped entirely in windows, the high design both inside and out gives this multi-purpose restaurants its cult following status. Part coffee house, part... Read More