Best Places to Eat in Houston: Considered one of the best cities for foodies, Houston offers a vibrant culinary scene. From home-grown Tex-Mex cuisine to global delicacies, the city has it all.
The diverse population has led to a wide range of food choices, offering something for everyone. From relishing a rich barbeque brunch in an outdoor setting, indulging in an authentic Vietnamese meal in a casual ambiance, or treating yourself to an omakase experience, there are endless choices for a memorable meal. Wondering where to begin?
Let’s help you narrow down your choices with our ultimate list of the best places to eat in Houston
Bluedorn Restaurant
Want to dig into New American, French-inspired delicacies? Head to Bluedorn Restaurant. Chef Aaron Bludorn’s carefully crafted menu with Gulf Coast culinary influences has made this restaurant a local favorite. Dig into their Gulf cioppino, a seafood stew with crab, red snapper, and shrimp in tomato broth, or relish the flavourful salmon with zucchini and salsa verde in a five-seed crust.
Love seafood? There is a raw bar offering everything from varieties of oysters to the Maine lobster. They also have delicious appetizers such as charred octopus and maitake mushrooms. Make sure you have room for dessert since their baked Alaska is to die for. Complete your meal with one of their craft cocktails and or choose from their variety of wines.
Squabble
This stylish casual dining spot in Heights is known for its European specialties. From marinated mussels served with calico beans and bonito aioli to Mussels Bruschetta, the place has something for every taste. One of their must-haves is the smooth and buttery Black Truffle Gigli and the French Cheeseburger which comes with a fatty beef patty and a house-baked pain de mie bun with Raclette cheese.
Complete your meal with a wine from their varied selection. The American twist of casual European dishes is what makes it special.
Phat Eatery
Experience a burst of rich flavors in your mouth as you dig into Malaysian street food at this colorful restaurant. Located Downtown, this family-owned place features decor that reflects the rich Malaysian heritage.
Chef Alex Au-Yeung’s carefully curated dishes have made it one of the best places for authentic Malaysian food.
Try their satay skewers, roti with chicken curry, and laksa. Some of the other must-haves include shrimp dumplings, Hainanese chicken with three different sauces for dipping, and the succulent curry-sauced crawfish.
Truth BBQ
Enjoy a memorable barbeque experience at this rustic spot that features a worn-out wooden look and retro signs. Leonard Botello IV first opened a small shack in Brenham and has developed his venture to one of the best BBQ diners in the city. Located in Heights, Truth BBQ now has a loyal customer base with diners lining outside.
Relish juicy hog roasts, and fatty brisket, or go for the classic smoked meats, there is a rich variety of options to satiate your cravings. Make sure you try some of their desserts including scrumptious cakes prepared by Botello’s mother and the head baker Laquita Wilkins.
Xin Chao
In the mood for some Vietnamese food? Head to Xin Chao. On entering, you’ll be greeted by its contemporary decor with a stunning mural by Caroline Troung and a spacious patio.
You can choose from a range of Vietnamese dishes including fried rice, seafood plates, and steaks. Order some of their delectable sides such as soft-shelled crab, smoked duck salad, and grilled oysters with lime, roasted peanuts, and pork cracklings. Love egg rolls? The ones here are inspired by both of the chefs’ moms’ recipes.
The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
When in Houston, brunching on the classic Tex-Mex cuisine is a must-have experience. Look no further than Ninfa’s to satisfy your cravings. Serving since 1973, this restaurant features two kitchens and two dining rooms. What’s more? They make handmade flour tortillas.
Xochi
Love trying new cuisines and restaurants? Add Xochi to your list. The name is taken from Xochitl who is the Goddess of Flowers and means to bloom or catch fire. The dishes are as creative as the name. Helmed by the award-winning chef Hugo Ortega and the H Town Restaurant Group Culinary team, this soulful modern Oaxacan spot with artful decor serves a wide range of mouth-watering dishes, from memelas to hongos.
Try their signature dishes which include four classic moles and memelas with roasted pork rib and tomatillo-avocado sauce. Wash it down with one of their delicious cocktails prepared with agave-based spirits.
With so much to offer, it is one of the best places to eat in Houston.
Nancy’s Hustle
Located in the trendy EaDo district, this cozy place serves a combination of New American and European cuisine in an intimate setting. Go for their “pickle party” that comes with lamb tartare, Spanish chorizo, and cheese.
Want something sweet for your palate? Order the popular griddled Nancy cakes served with soaked trout roe and butter. It’s no wonder that Sean Jensen and chef Jason Vaughan’s uniquely curated menu has made it a local favorite.
What’s more? They even have all-natural wines and cocktails, perfect for a fun dining experience.
Turner’s
Whether you’re planning to go on a romantic date or a small family get-together, Turner’s won’t disappoint. A baby grand piano, paintings, and portraits in a beautiful dimly lit room along with a bar featuring black marble exudes an old-world charm.
Chef Robert Del Grande’s rich menu includes delectable entree options such as rigatoni in vegetarian Bolognese and delicacies like smooth lobster bisque and beef carpaccio with king crab. Visiting for a special occasion? They also offer Caviar service. The perfect blend of American and continental cuisine here is sure to delight.
Riel
With sparkling concrete floors, an open kitchen with wooden bar tops, and vibrant hues of blue on the walls, the place says fine dining like nothing else. Try their star dish which is Cauliflower tempura in hot kimchi sauce. The crispy dish is what chef Ryan Lachaine calls a veggie version of chicken wings.
You can also dig into truffle-and-caviar pierogis, market oysters with coconut-lime granita, and corn gnocchi. The Odessa and Gulf Coast influences on the dishes here make for a unique experience.
Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana
How about some specialty pizzas? Pizaro’s is known for its delectable pizzas prepared in a wood-fired brick oven. From traditional pizzas to specialty pizzas, drinks, and salads, you’ll find many options for a perfect meal. Dig into the traditional Margherita pizza and the calabrese pizza or relish specialty curations such as the sweet pea pizza and the Roma, there is something here for everyone.
So, start with the one that tempts you the most and get ready to enjoy a decadent meal.
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FAQs:
Q. What food is Houston famous for?
Houston is known for dishes such as Viet-Cajun crawfish, breakfast tacos, pho, tamales, chicken, and waffles.
Q. Where does Beyonce eat in Houston?
She likes to eat in Pappadeaux.
Q. Is Houston a foodie town?
With excellent restaurants serving a variety of delectable cuisines, Houston is definitely a foodie town.