11 Restaurants in Houston That Are Totally Worth the Food Coma
Picking a place to eat in Houston is harder than deciding what to watch on Netflix. There are just too many good options! One time, I spent so long trying to choose that I ended up just getting snacks from a gas station. Never again.
To save you from the dreaded “Where should we eat?” debate, we’ve put together a list of the best restaurants in Houston. Trust us, your stomach and taste buds will thank you!
1. The Breakfast Klub
Website: https://thebreakfastklub.com/
Address: 3711 Travis St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-528-8561
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 2 PM;
- Saturday to Sunday – 8 AM to 2 PM
Price Range: $
The Breakfast Klub is the kind of place that makes us not regret waking early. Sitting in the heart of Midtown, this place is a Houston staple, and the long line out front proves it!
Locals and visitors know that this is one of the best places to get breakfast in town and is so worth the wait–the smell of crispy fried chicken and fresh coffee filling the air before we even step inside confirms it.
The Wings and Waffles are everything we hoped for. The chicken is crispy, juicy, and seasoned perfectly. The waffles? Fluffy inside, crispy outside, and even better drenched in hot syrup. We also had the Katfish, paired with grits, and it was pure, delicious comfort food.
The service made the experience even better. The staff checked in on us often, and the managers even walked around offering complimentary samples. They don’t just serve breakfast here—they make sure we feel like family!
Pro Tip:
The line movies fast, but it can get really long—especially on weekends. By 8 AM, people are already lined up all the way down the street. We recommend getting here early so you don’t have to wait too long.
2. Huynh Restaurant
Media Credit: elysia_pearl2
Website: https://huynhrestauranthouston.com/
Address: 912 St Emanuel St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-224-8964
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 3:30 PM, 5 to 9 PM;
- Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM;
- Sunday – Closed
Price Range: $
We found Huynh Restaurant tucked away near the Convention Center and were surprised that it serves some of the best Vietnamese food in Houston!
This family-run spot feels warm and welcoming, like a hidden gem that locals try to keep to themselves (it’s too late for that now–everyone knows this place).
The menu has everything from fresh spring rolls to steaming bowls of pho and sizzling stir-fries. The Com Phuong Hoàng is an easy favorite—because when you see “phoenix chicken” in the description, you have to order it right away!
Drinks here are just as impressive. We took a chance on their avocado drinks like the Sinh To Bo (avocado smoothie) and the avocado coffee. The verdict? We loved it!
The service here made the whole experience even better. We never had to flag anyone down, and the staff checked in just enough to make sure we were happy without hovering. When we weren’t sure what to order, they helped us pick the best dishes to try!
Pro Tip:
If you’re vegetarian, you’ll find plenty of tasty dishes to choose from here. But keep in mind, not all the sauces or broths are plant-based. To make sure your meal fits your diet, it’s best to double-check with the server.
3. Nancy’s Hustle
Media Credit: nancyshustle
Website: http://nancyshustle.com/
Address: 2704 Polk St A, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 346-571-7931
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 5 to 11 PM; Monday – Closed
Price Range: $$-$$$
Nancy’s Hustle feels like the kind of place where the food is just as cool as the people eating it. This east-side bistro serves up a mix of New American and European flavors in a space that’s stylish without trying too hard.
Butter seems to be a big deal here, and we’re not complaining! The Nancy Cakes with Culture Butter & Smoked Trout Roe are a must. The Spicy Pork and Butter Dumplings are another hit!
The Cheeseburger on a Brioche English Muffin might raise a few eyebrows at first (why an English muffin?), but it works! Buttery, toast, and just the right amount of mess–it’s one of the best burgers in town.
The drinks are also a strong suit here. The bartenders know their stuff and are happy to guide you if you can’t decide. Service in general is excellent—friendly, attentive, and quick without making you feel rushed.
Pro Tip:
If you love wine, you’re in luck! They offer plenty of natural and unique wines you won’t see everywhere. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to choose—just ask your server!
4. BCN Taste & Tradition
Media Credit: bcn_houston
Website: http://bcnhouston.com/
Address: 4210 Roseland St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 832-834-3411
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 to 8:30 PM;
- Friday – 5 to 9:30 PM;
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 9:30 PM
Price Range: $$$$
BCN Taste & Tradition is the kind of place that makes you feel like you just stepped into a little corner of Barcelona—except you’re still in Houston, and the parking is a battle. This Michelin-starred gem serves up some of the best Spanish food in the city!
The food is incredible. The Patatas Bravas were crispy perfection and honestly, we could have eaten an entire meal of just the Spanish Ibérico Ham! The Suckling Pig was so tender it barely needed a knife.
Dessert didn’t disappoint either. The Gypsy’s Arm sponge cake with cream was light and just the right amount of sweet. Even when we were already full, we still considered whether ordering one more dessert would have been a bad idea (it wouldn’t have).
Service is top-notch. Our waiter anticipated every need, refilled glasses before we even noticed they were half-empty. It’s the kind of attention to detail that makes you wonder why every restaurant doesn’t operate this smoothly!
Pro Tip:
Make sure to dress nicely when you come here. You don’t have to be super fancy, but try to avoid shorts, sandals, or very casual clothes. (If you show up dressed too casually, you might feel a bit out of place.)
5. The Chef’s Table Houston
Media Credit: chefstablehouston
Website: https://www.chefstablehouston.com/
Address: 110 Vintage Park Blvd Building J Suite P, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 832-559-7489
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM 9 PM;
- Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM;
- Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
We walked into The Chef’s Table not knowing what to expect, but right away, we felt at home! Chef Paul Friedman has been cooking for over 40 years, and it shows. He has opened restaurants all over the world, but this one feels extra special.
The Culinary Journey—a 6-course meal–is a great experience if you’d rather trust the chef (or you’re not in the mood to choose). The menu changes regularly, so if you go on different days you might just get different dishes!
If you don’t want a full tasting menu, there are plenty of other great choices. The Lollipop Chops, Portuguese Beef Pendurada and the Charred Octopus are must-try. Even the vegetarian dishes—like Onion Bahji and Acorn Chili—are great!
The restaurant felt fancy but also welcoming. The servers are kind and helpful–they know the menu well and helped us pick the best dishes! The manager stopped by to check on us, and Chef Paul himself sometimes comes around to say hello!
Pro Tip:
If you’re celebrating something special, make sure to let the restaurant know! Tell your server about your celebration, and you might get a special surprise or dessert to share.
6. JOEY Uptown
Media Credit: JOEYRestaurants
Website: https://joeyrestaurants.com/location/joey-uptown
Address: 5045 Westheimer Rd Suite X-01, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 346-646-5639
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM; Friday to Sunday – 11 AM to 1 AM
Price Range: $$-$$$
We recently stopped by JOEY Uptown to see what all the fuss was about, and let’s just say—we get it now. Located right in the middle of Houston’s busy Galleria area, this place is relaxed but trendy, with food that’s as good as everyone says.
The staff made us feel like regulars. Our server patiently walked us through the menu (saving us from pretending we knew what “Ravioli Bianco” meant).
Standout dishes include the Blackened Chicken and the perfectly grilled Salmon. The Seared Salmon Sushi is another crowd favorite! For those celebrating special occasions, the JOEY New York Steak and Crab Cake are excellent choices.
Vegetarian diners will appreciate options like the Baja Cauliflower Tacos or Szechuan Tofu Lettuce Wraps. Desserts are also a highlight, particularly the rich Butter Cake and comforting Baked Apple Pie!
Pro Tip:
Make sure you let your server know if you have special requests or dietary needs. The staff here is friendly and helpful, and they’re happy to answer questions or adjust dishes if needed.
7. Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
Media Credit: vicandanthonys
Website: https://www.vicandanthonys.com/location/houston/
Address: 1510 Texas Ave, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-228-1111
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 5 to 10 PM;
- Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM;
- Saturday – 5 to 11 PM
Price Range: $$$$
If you’re in Houston searching for the best steakhouse experience, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse is a must-visit!
When we visited for the first time, it quickly became clear why this place has such a loyal following. The restaurant is upscale and cozy, with an old-school charm that’s enough to make you feel special even without wearing your best outfit.
The steaks here are seriously something else. We tried the Japanese A5 Wagyu Filet Mignon and it was melt-in-your-mouth good!
The sides weren’t playing around either. We almost forgot our manners thanks to the Lobster Bisque, the Duck Fat Potatoes, and even the Brussels Sprouts. Dessert was another high note–we’d happily have the Croissant Bread Pudding and Crème Brûlée again.
Pro Tip:
The portions here are huge—we mean Texas-sized huge! We suggest sharing plates with friends or family so you can taste more dishes without getting too full.
8. La Fisheria
Media Credit: lafisheriahtx
Website: https://www.lafisheriahtx.com/
Address: 213 Milam St, Houston, TX (Henry Henke Building Ltd)
Contact Details: +1 713-802-1712
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 9 PM;
- Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM;
- Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Price Range: $$
La Fisheria is one of the best seafood restaurants we’ve visited in Houston. This bright, cheerful spot downtown serves tasty Mexican seafood dishes, making us feel like we’re at the beach—just without the waves.
The seafood here is fresh and flavorful. The Grilled Octopus was a total standout. We also devoured the Trio de Tacos (because Texans love tacos) and their infamous Tamal de Elote con Camarones, which has been recognized as one of the most essential dishes in Houston.
The Ceviche Enclamatado was also hands-down our favorite. For dessert, the Churros were crispy, sweet perfection. The Margarita La Casa definitely brightened our evening—and honestly, made it a bit more fun than planned.
Finally, the servers are friendly and attentive, and they gave us excellent recommendations and plenty of smiles!
Pro Tip:
This place fills up quickly and gets very crowded—especially on weekends and busy evenings. Make sure you book a reservation! Trust us, calling ahead will save you from standing around, wishing you had planned better!
9. Uchi Houston
Media Credit: uchirestaurants
Website: https://uchi.uchirestaurants.com/location/houston/
Address: 904 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX (in Montrose Collective)
Contact Details: +1 713-522-4808
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 4 PM to 10 PM; Friday to Saturday – 4 PM to 11 PM
Price Range: $$$
Uchi Houston quickly became one of our favorite restaurants in town. This place serves creative Japanese dishes in a friendly setting–fancy enough to impress a date but friendly enough for family dinners too!
The moment we stepped inside, we fell in love. The soft lighting really set the mood, while the sushi bar sat brightly in the spotlight.
We went straight for the Omakase, the ten-course tasting menu, and it turned out to be a great choice (even though the choices were already made for us). Everything tasted fresh and looked amazing–for those who appreciate minimalist food plating, this feast is a must for the eyes and the belly.
(The service was great too! Each course arrived quickly, and our servers checked on us often without being too pushy.)
The Fried Milk Dessert at Uchi deserves its own round of applause! For vegetarians, you’ll be happy to know that aside from offering delicious meat-free dishes, this spot also clearly labels its menu for plant-based options!
Pro Tip:
Sit at the sushi bar if you get the chance. It’s just like having front-row seats at a cooking show, except you get to eat! You’ll see the chefs work their magic up close. Plus, you’ll get your food as soon as it’s ready.
10. Spicy Girl
Media Credit: spicygirlhtx
Website: https://www.spicygirlhtx.com/
Address: 917 Winbern St Unit B, Houston, TX (in Mid Main)
Contact Details: +1 832-623-7990
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM; Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Price Range: $
Houston has many amazing restaurants, but Spicy Girl stands out as one of the best for authentic Sichuan flavors. Open since 2017, they serve dishes that pack a punch—trust us, the Sichuan spice here doesn’t mess around.
Our favorites included the Dry Pot (you can choose your protein and how brave you feel about spice), General Tso Chicken, and the incredible 3 Flavor Pepper Chicken.
Each dish arrived fresh, hot, and generously portioned. For our vegetarian friends, the menu includes a number of plant-based dishes like the Vegetable Dry Pot, Stir Fried Green Beans and General Tso’s Tofu.
The atmosphere here is warm and welcoming. Service is another big plus! The servers are funny, friendly, and caring. Best of all, they can recommend dishes for those not ready to set their mouths on fire!
Pro Tip:
Be sure to tell your server exactly how spicy you want your food. If you don’t, your dish might end up hotter than you expect, and you could feel like you’re breathing fire!
11. Pinkerton’s Barbecue
Media Credit: pinkertonsbbq
Website: https://www.pinkertonsbarbecue.com/
Address: 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-802-2000
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM;
- Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM;
- Monday – Closed
Price Range: $$-$$$
Pinkerton’s Barbecue is one of those places you visit once and then dream about later non-stop. Located right in Houston, it’s known for serving some of the best Texas barbecue you’ll ever taste.
Pitmaster Grant Pinkerton grew up loving meat and fire, and trust us–the taste and tenderness of the food show it.
The Prime Brisket and Beef Ribs are absolute stars–they’re so good you’ll want to hug the cook. Then there’s the sausage—probably the best we’ve had anywhere, and there’s a number of flavor choices too!
Finally, don’t skip the sides! The Mac and Cheese is creamy and cheesy. For dessert, the Blueberry Bread Pudding is sweet and satisfying—the kind that made us want to lick our plate clean (we didn’t, but we wish we did).
Pro Tip:
The beef ribs sell faster than tickets to a Taylor Swift concert. Arrive before noon to make sure you get one!
