The 5 Restaurants in Downtown Houston Worth Sitting in Traffic For

If you’re checking out downtown Houston, La Fishería is a place you should visit. It’s known for fresh seafood, bright interiors, and friendly service that brings the taste of Mexico’s coast to the city.

The menu has dishes like grilled octopus, ceviche, and shrimp tamales. Drinks like the tamarind margarita or Mexican piña colada go well with the food. Portions are large, and the flavors are balanced.

The restaurant feels bright and relaxed. Coastal-style decor makes it a good spot for a casual meal or a night out.

La Fishería is easy to find downtown. There’s free and paid parking nearby, but it can fill up when it’s busy.

The staff are kind and helpful, making every guest feel welcome. Prices are fair for the size and quality of the food, and they even offer deals during Houston Restaurant Weeks.

Incredible service, delicious meals

“Alex was our waitress and she was incredible. Very personable and helped with the menu choices and drinks. The dinner was absolutely delicious and we enjoyed the atmosphere. Thank you for a wonderful evening!”

– Alexa Spahr, Google Review

Great portions, flavors, and prices

“The portions here are amazing and well worth the price, as well as the flavors! The ambiance was very romantic, live music when we went. Very pleased and excited to return! Thank you Alex for your amazing service and recommendations.”

– JGO, Google Review 

Tucked on Polk Street in East Downtown Houston, Nancy’s Hustle is a small but memorable bistro known for mixing New American and European flavors. It’s also popular for its natural wines and creative cocktails. 

Crowd favorites include the famous Nancy Cakes—soft corn cakes topped with smoked trout roe—and the grilled ribeye with sticky rice. Even the cheeseburger on a brioche muffin is a must-try.

The drinks are just as good. The natural vines and handcrafted cocktails go perfectly with any meal.

It’s easy to find, though parking can be tight. Inside, warm lights and soft music make it feel cozy, and the patio is great for dates or small gatherings. 

The staff are friendly and give great recommendations. Prices are a bit higher ($12 to $20 for small plates, with bigger meals costing more), but the quality and serving sizes make it worth it.

Amazing food and service

“I went last week and I still remember the amazing food and service. I’m lactose intolerant and they marked the menu for me! The fries and pork jowl was amazing, pleasantly surprised. My friend had the burger and they loved it (picky eater). The drinks were delicious too!” 

– Priscilla Ramirez, Google Review 

One of the best restaurants in Houston

“One of the best restaurants in Houston, and certainly the best meal we’ve had here. Great vibe and amazing food. First time here and we had: Nancy Cakes, gem lettuce, pork jowl with a side of fries.”

– Patrick Au-Yeung, Google Review

If you’re in downtown Houston and craving Italian food with a modern twist, Tiny Champions on McKinney Street is a must-try.

Top picks include the crispy pepperoni pizza, fried quail, and pistachio tortellini. Drinks range from natural wines to craft cocktails and fun non-alcoholic options. The strawberry ice cream and coffee cream are perfect sweet endings to the meal.

The place feels very warm and artsy—complete with local art and music. It can get busy and loud on weekends, since it’s a popular spot for small groups and date nights.

Service is friendly and attentive, even when the place is full. Finally, prices are fair at about $20 to $30. To taste more of the menu, try sharing a few of the dishes. 

Great spot for great food

“Great spot to eat, chill, and have a good time. Sat at the bar and Alfonzo made sure I got everything I wanted and knew exactly what to recommend. The fried quail was perfect. The pizza was the closest to NY pizza I’ve had outside of NY in my opinion. And the root beer float balanced the meal out.” 

– Nicholas Small, Google Review 

Awesome place with awesome pizza

“Oh my god this place is freaking awesome. Take a date or go hang out with friends, the vibe I’m telling you right now. It’s awesome. Hands-down the pizza was crispy, had no flop and it’s a five star pizza. The drinks also were delicious and the service was on point.”

– Marcelo Escobar, Google Review

Taste Kitchen + Bar in downtown Houston is famous for serving Southern-style dishes and cocktails. 

The food is absolutely delicious. Favorites include chicken and waffles, jerk lamb chops, and catfish and grits. Desserts are mostly good, though the deep-fried bread pudding can be a bit crunchy. Drinks are also a highlight. 

The restaurant has two stories and plenty of natural light. The upper floor seating has views of Main Street. The atmosphere is fun, sometimes with live music, but it’s still easy to talk. The place is good for dates, family dinners, or nights out with friends.

Parking is on the street, in nearby lots, garages, or with valet. It can get busy, so reservations are recommended. The staff are friendly and helpful. Prices range from $20–50 for lunch and $50–100 for brunch or dinner.

A top spot in Houston

“I’ve been here for lunch, dinner, and happy hour — and every single time it’s been a hit! The drinks, the food, one of my favorites dishes is the Taste of Soul, the lamb chop, the wings are all amazing. My absolute favorite drink so far is the lemon drop — hands down the best!”

– Erica, Google Review

10 out of 10

“We love this place. It was our first time here. I had family from Memphis and wanted to take them to a popular spot. We went during happy hour which was a bonus. Our waitress Kie was the absolute best. She went above & beyond. Thank you luv for excellent service & a good time. 10 out of 10!”

– Elesia Steward, Google Review

Xochi is in the Marriott Marquis, across from Discovery Green. It brings the flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico, to Houston. 

Chef Hugo Ortega and his team make almost everything from scratch. They make mole, tortillas, cheeses, and desserts by hand. The restaurant also has many kinds of mezcal, cocktails, Mexican craft beers, and wines.

The food is full of flavor. The mole, lamb chops, grilled octopus, and cacao dessert are popular choices. There are also vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Brunch can sometimes be disappointing, but lunch and dinner are consistently better.

The restaurant feels warm and welcoming. It has indoor seating, a patio with a park view, and private rooms. Parking can be hard, but valet and paid spots are available. The staff is friendly and helpful. Prices are a bit high, but the food and experience are worth it.

Highly recommended restaurant

“Had an amazing dinner here with my besties! The food was 10/10 and service was even better!! It’s Houston restaurant week so we chose the prefixed menu and we loved EVERYTHING. I highly recommend coming here.”

– T’Asia Burrell, Google Review 

Authentic Oaxacan cuisine in Houston

What can I say!! I have many excellent meals in my day. But this is what is called Obscene!! What a meal. If you want authentic original Oaxacan cuisine. Everything from the moment we walked in was perfect!! The staff are pleasant and very knowledgeable!!

– Robert Lipkind, Google Review