20 BEST Restaurants in Houston [2023 UPDATED]

Houston is a diverse community, so there is no wonder why it keeps growing in size and culture.  Houston is home to NASA, Beyonce, and the Clutch Rockets.  It was also named the “most ethnically diverse metropolitan area in the nation.”   The Houston tourism market is growing with plenty of fun things to do. If you are looking for the best places to eat, you are in the right place, because in Houston, you will find that the meals cost less than the natural average and it is home to some of the most delicious restaurants.  Let this guide show you some of the best restaurants in Houston.

See Also:

• Areas to Avoid in Houston
• Things to do in Houston for adults

1. Brennan’s of Houston

Experience fine dining at Brennan’s.  Everything that happens here is because of their passion for showing you the most extraordinary fine dining experience around.  It has become known as the city’s premier destination for memorable dining served with southern hospitality.  Create great memories at Brennan’s with great food and cocktails.

2. Xochi

Xochi got its name from Xochitl, Goddess of the Flowers which means to bloom or catch fire.  The culinary inspiration comes from Oaxaca, Mexico.  The culinary team adds a creative edge to each dish through the creative mind of Chef Hugo, Chef Ruben, and Beverage director, Sean Beck.  You will be glad you chose to dine here while you are in Houston.

3. The Capital Grille

Capital Grille is an elegant place to dine at with a warm setting that goes along with their delectable cuisine.  They desire to make you happy by making sure that everything that arrives at your table captivates you.  They want to engage all of your senses, so the freshest, finest ingredients are only used along with masterfully designed recipes.  This is one of the best restaurants in Houston.

4. Grotto Downtown

The Grotto in Houston is a classic Italian inspired restaurant that delivers a savory menu that is filled with timeless recipes.  It is recommended that you try their Peach Bellini or one of their collections of Italian and domestic wines.  You can dine inside or on the patio.  This is a great place to eat while you are in Houston.

5. Taste of Texas

You will find that dinner is the heart and soul in Texas.  So, at Taste of Texas, they strive to make each of their guests visit spectacular.  They also invite you to their butcher shop to choose your own Certified Angus Bee steak from their display.  There is also an award-winning wine list to choose from, freshly baked bread, homemade apple butter and many other mouthwatering things to choose from.  You will be glad you chose to dine at Taste of Texas.

6. Spindletop

Spindletop is the first revolving dining room in Houston that is located on the 34th floor of Hyatt Regency.  You will enjoy 360-degree views of Houston along with many of its famous landmarks.  Everyone is sure to have the perfect views of the city with multiple levels.  This is one restaurant in Houston you will want to dine at.

7. Arnaldo Richard’s Picos Restaurant

This is an amazing Mexican restaurant that offers a unique menu that captures the true tastes of Mexico.  Arnaldo Richards began his career at the age of 14.  All of the culinary riches Picos has to offer can be found throughout seven regions of Mexican cuisine.  You may want to try some of their signature margaritas that are made with the perfect blend of ingredients and premium tequilas.

8. Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant

If you are a food lover, you have come to the right spot.  The Blue Nile has been nominated as “one of the best ethnic restaurants among the Houston community.”  This is a great place to take your significant other to some authentic Ethiopian cuisine.   They have over 24 years of mastering these unique flavors of Eastern Africa.  This is one of the best restaurants in Houston.  You will be glad you chose to dine here.

9. BCN Taste & Travel

BCN is a great Spanish restaurant that combines traditional and modern Spanish cuisine of Barcelona.  Here, you will have the chance to have some of the leading edge cuisines that put Spain on the world culinary stage.  The recipes they use are traditional that were passed down for several generations.  Their passion inspires their cooking and you will be glad you chose to dine at BCN Taste and Travel.

10. La Griglia

If you are looking for the ultimate Italian restaurant, then look no farther.  La Griglia has exactly what you are looking for.  You will be impressed with their impeccable service from the time you walk in the door until the time you leave.  This has become a favorite Italian hotspot in Houston.  Here, you can unwind and savor the aromas of Sicily, Roma, and Tuscany.  They also have a magnificent wine list to choose from.  You will be glad you chose to dine here.

11. Mezza Grille

The locals of Houston say that Mezza Grille is a must-visit when you come to Houston.  It does not matter if you are in the mood for a quick lunch or a relaxing drink, you will find what you are looking for here.  Mezza Grille was ranked among the top restaurants in Houston.  Once you dine here, you will see why it is called the “best restaurant in Houston.”

12. The Grove

The Grove is located in downtown Houston and offers a contemporary and urban dining experience.  You will find that visiting The Grove is unlike anything else you will experience in downtown Houston.  You cannot go wrong with anything you choose because everything on the menu is fantastic.  This is one of the best restaurants in Houston.

13. The Palm Houston

The Palm has become known as “Houston’s go-to place for steak and fresh whole lobster since 1978.”  It does not matter wither you are in the mood for one of the best steaks in town or a cocktail at their attractive bar, The Palm has what you are looking for.

14. Roost

The setting is cozy, rustic and diverse, and the menu is revised every three weeks.  Everything on the menu is inspired by the availability of local farm-fresh ingredients.  They also host Happy Hour from 4 pm until 6:30 pm.  This is one restaurant you will not want to miss while you are in Houston.

15. Hibachi Grill and Buffet

This Hibachi Grill is much more than your typical Chinese rice and noodle restaurant.  They focus on providing high-quality food and service while dining with an upscale and modern feeling.  You can choose your ingredients and enjoy their chef preparing your meal right in front of you.  You will be amazed by this wonderful piece of work.

16. The Melting Pot

Experience Houston’s ultimate fondue effect.  If you are looking for the best place to have some rich, creamy cheeses and chocolates, you will want to try eating at the Melting Pot.  They have some of the best food you will ever experience.  They invented the Art of Fondue for those like you.  And you will be glad you chose to fondue here.

17. Fig & Olive Tasting Kitchen & Bar

Fig & Olive Tasting Kitchen is like an escape to the French Riviera for anyone needing to relax from Houston’s busy city.  You will have an entertaining time here for either an elegant lunch or a late-night engagement.  There is also a Rose Terrace that is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine.  You will be glad you chose to dine at Fig & Olive.

18. Culchi Town

Experience the tastes of Culiacan at its finest at Culichi Town Sushi and Mariscos.  They use ingredients from the state of Sinaloa so that the taste is 100 percent “culichi.”  They want to deliver Japanese rolls and dishes “culichi” style, as well as preparing classic dishes of Sinaloa.  This is one ethnic experience you will not want to miss while you are in Houston.

19. El Paso Mexican Grill

This is a family-owned restaurant offers many famous and traditional dishes like their mouthwatering Fajitas.  They have an outdoor area for the kids to play while they wait, so you can relax while enjoying the atmosphere.  It is recommended to try their margaritas.  This is one Mexican grill you will want to dine at while you are in Houston.

20. Le Bistro

With the combination of classical and innovative French techniques, you will enjoy this unique experience.  The restaurant is located inside the highly praised Culinary Institute Lenotre.  You will have the chance to interact with the students and watch the chefs through the dining room’s wrap-around windows.  This is one of Houston’s hidden gems that you will not want to miss.

Conclusion

If you are in Houston looking for the perfect restaurants to dine, let this guide show you to the best restaurants around.  You will find that the city is diverse and has culinary cuisine that will appeal to anyone.  Wither you are looking for the best fine dining experience or looking or a great place to unwind after a busy day, this guide will point you to the perfect places.