Location: Houston
Top Restaurants in Houston
Top Things to do in Houston
Houston Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Houston
Houston hums with an energy and independent spirit all its own. A leading cultural and culinary destination in the South, the city is home to over 11,000 restaurants featuring cuisine from more than 70 countries. The thriving arts scene includes resident opera, ballet, symphony and theater companies. The Museum District houses 19 museums, all within walking distance. Be sure to visit Space Center Houston, where you can visit NASA’s Historic Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center.
Things to do in Houston
1. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By David P - New York
This restaurant was in walking distance from our hotel. One of the hotel staff reccomended that we try it out for dinner. Great reccomendation. We walked In without a reservation. The place was very crowded. We were lucky that the hostess was accommodating and was able to find us a table by the bar. Our waitress introduced herself and took our drink orders and had warm bread brought to our table. We ordered Bacon Wrapped Scallops for our appetizer, and a 10oz, and a 8oz Filet Mignon with a side of Au Gratin Potatoes. Our steaks were cooked a perfect medium rare as we requested, and tasted great. The Au Gratin Potatoes were great as well. We really enjoyed our dinning experience. From our waitress and the staffs great service, drinks, appetizer, entrees, and side dish. We are only sorry that we didn't get a chance to dine here again before we left to go home. FYI I would recommend making a reservation. This restaurants understandably gets very crowded quick.
2. Taste of Texas Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Niken B
One of our favorite restorants in town. Don’t be surprised for the constant long waiting time, but its worth it. Free chips and salsa and soft drink were provided in the waiting room.
Last time we went there for my birthday, and I had my free dessert with candle on it. My fave entree was t-bone steak, which included the great array of salad bar. The food was always good, my steak was cooked to my preference and the service were always nice. Great ambiance and a great place to go for special occasion. The only minus point for me was, The restorant had certain dress code, but seems like never been enforced anymore. This was a high end restorant, and most people came here had something to celebrate hence dressed up nicely. But still saw some people with tshirt, short and flip flop during dinner. Wished management was more strict about it. May bothersome a little bit, but still it was a nice place to dine.
3. Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 810 reviews
Reviewed By CHANGYIN Z - Houston, TX
After going to Fogo and Chama since their respected openings years ago, I have to say now Chama is taking over the crown of best Brazilian steakhouse in Houston.
The quality of steak and service at Chama continued to improve, as well as the renovated interior, has surpassed that of Fogo.
The manager Eric at Chama always remember us by name, and his staffs show the proper training by catering to our every needs each and every time. You get the personal touch that you don't get at corporate places like Fogo and TdB.
Also, the restaurant layout feels more spacious than others, tables have more room between each other, so you don't bump into patrons everytime.
4. Phoenicia Specialty Foods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
You have one of the locations listed but not the new location that opened in November 2011
Reviewed By Robert J - Lake Jackson, United States
If you can look at the pastry counter and resist, you are a stronger person than I! Unlike so many such counters in town, their's seems to have truly freshly prepared items of excellent quality. Much better than at Whole Foods, for example.
In addition to delicious deli selections, there is a wide assortment of specialty foods, focused mostly on Mediterranean and eastern European items. The Westheimer store is the biggest and best, but it is a long way out for me. The downtown location is very convenient if you have anything else to do downtown, such as a visit to the theatre district. It offers convenient free parking in the parking garage adjoining the store. Don't miss the hidden second floor store; the stairway is tucked off to the side and easy not to see.
Today we visited to get a few snack items to take home, and left with fresh whole wheat pita bread (we never leave Phoenicia without some fresh pita!), eggplant spread, feta cheese, and some desserts from the pastry display: chocolate chip cookie (as I like them, not too sweet!), a fabulous "River Oaks Brownie" with walnuts and loads of chocolate and not too sweet, a delicious key lime tart, and a very fresh almond tart topped with fresh raspberries and glaze. I'll have to run a few extra miles tomorrow to burn this off, but it was worth it!
5. Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 526 reviews
If you want seafood, the buzz in town is Eddie V's Prime Seafood. The Gulf Coast menu features fresh seafood selections including oysters, gulf snapper (when in season), fresh tuna, lobster, plus prime steaks and chops. Savor classic seafood starters like oysters on the half shell, fried cold water baby lobster tail, and famous All Lump Crab Cakes. Visit our fabulous V Lounge where you can enjoy live music and happy hour seven nights a week. We offer indoor and outdoor private dining rooms for all your corporate and social gatherings. Our Award Winning wine list features over 150 selections.
Reviewed By Anco M
We went with a large group of us to Eddie V’s in a separate room. Great service, good wine, some fantastic hors d’oevres and great starter, main dish and dessert. Certainly one to recommend and come back to, especially if you like seafood.
6. Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By ladyhawke0613 - The Woodlands, Texas
When the family wanted to get together we thought about going to an Italian restaurant. However we wanted a place where we feel comfortable and there is variety... so the answer was simple let’s meet at Fogo.... we had not seen each other for months and the atmosphere at Fogo was just what we needed to catch up... thanks to Chris Casillas for being so attentive to all our needs... allergies and all were taking care of and we enjoyed our food without concern. We will be back!!!
7. Central Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By davemh333 - Houston, Texas
If it tastes good you'll find it here. Fantastic fresh seafood department with extremely knowledgeable staff, massive fresh fruit and vegetable section with great produce, and a bakery that can compete with any independent artisanal bakery. And the prepared foods are excellent as well, as are the olives, store-made hummus and other delicacies. More chocolates to choose from than probably any other store in the city. Employees are invariably friendly and helpful. What they don't have are many of the mainstream brands and processed foods that we're used to buying in a supermarket, so if that's what you're looking for this isn't the place.
8. The Capital Grille
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
You are cordially invited to join us for an evening or afternoon of relaxed elegance and exceptional cuisine. Our impressive menu of nationally renowned dry aged steaks and the freshest of seafood will ignite your culinary imagination as our award-winning wine list of more than 5,000 bottles awakens your inner sommelier. And as our gracious, knowledgeable servers delight you with their uncanny ability to anticipate your every need, you’ll experience firsthand why the American Culinary Federation recently bestowed upon us their “Achievement of Excellence Award.” Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or hosting a business luncheon or dinner, we can help you flawlessly pull off any private dining event. Our event planning staff has extensive experience and the ideal materials to work with—a capital setting, distinctive food and unmatched service. One of only a few restaurants in Houston to receive the DiRona (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) Award.
Reviewed By Frank_19661117 - Schneverdingen, Germany
We yesterday had a Business Dinner in the Wine Room. Jessica made an excellent job and treated us as really good friends and valuable guests!
The meat „Porcini rubbed Bone-in Ribeye“ was really delicious. The 15yr old Balsamico made it be a great experience.
Starters (Steak Tartare, Crab cake & Tuna) were a good selection as well as the Hot Chocolate cake as dessert.
Offering mouth water in the Restroom is a nice detail.
A really great evening!
9. Peli Peli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Peli Peli is the only South African fusion restaurant in Texas and the 2010 Click2Houston winner for Best Romantic Restaurant in Houston. Peli Peli is located at Vintage Park, a 100,000 square foot upscale lifestyle center that serves the communities in Northwest Houston (Hwy 249 & Louetta). Guests are invited to dine under Peli Peli's 30-foot tall, one-of-a-kind Acacia Tree and illuminated sky which creates an atmosphere perfect for romantic dinners and special occasions. Peli Peli also features avant-garde architecture, a spacious dining area, a Sunday brunch, full bar & lounge, a cozy, private dining room and an outdoor patio facing the Piazza. In addition to its awards for atmosphere (2009 Houston Press - Reader's Choice) and ambience (Best Romantic Bar and Music Venue - Citysearch 2009), Peli Peli is one of only a handful of restaurants in Houston that have been rated at least 4-stars on every online food and drink website.
Reviewed By John S - Katy, Texas, United States
What a great spot for a somewhat upscale cuisine in a casual lunch setting. I had their three course business menu. Great deal for $20. I recommend it highly. Nice variety in their menu. We'll be back.
10. Artisans
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By jswflights - Houston, Texas
Artisans is a French restaurant with tasty salads and entrees. The service was wonderful, and it has a lovely setting/atmosphere. The restaurant is in the midtown area just south of Elgin in Louisiana. It provides valet parking and coat check during cooler weather. It is a definite spot to recommend.
