The 5 Best Downtown Houston Restaurants With a View (and the food is amazing, too!)

Dining at Downtown Aquarium feels like stepping into another world—a 1,500-gallon underwater wonderland with more than 100 species swimming right beside your table.

Families and couples love this spot for its immersive atmosphere and fresh seafood dishes like the Cajun Combo and Blackened Catfish. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that blends food with fascination.

The restaurant shines for its unique ambiance and family-friendly vibe, though it can get noisy during peak hours due to curious kids and large groups. Parking can also be tight on weekends, but the vibrant energy and visual spectacle more than make up for it.

For those who love a good photo op (and shrimp scampi), it’s easily one of Houston’s most memorable dining spots.

Awesome

“Service was great! I have a shellfish allergy (eating at a seafood restaurant) and Tasha made sure the manager came out to talk to me about my options and the manager was helpful when making my entrée selection. I had the cajun pasta without shrimp and crawfish. The manger said they had to prepare the pans separately. 5 stars for the manager. I don’t get that everywhere. Tasha was great all around. She was very nice and made sure the table had everything. We were celebrating my great-nephew’s 5th birthday and she was awesome.” 

– Ada Lenell, Google Review 

Absolutely phenomenal

“This place was amazing! First, the food was absolutely phenomenal. The atmosphere was great. Being able to eat a delicious meal and enjoy an aquarium was a great experience. The service was excellent. We were constantly being attended to. Overall, for being our first time there, it was an awesome experience and we will definitely be returning! We love trying new things and we’re definitely pleased and cannot wait to go back when we’re on vacation again!” 

– Robbie Arreguin, Google Review

Perched on the 43rd floor, Strato 550 delivers sweeping views of Houston’s downtown skyline—the kind that instantly makes you pause mid-conversation. 

Known for its elegant modern interior and Mediterranean-inspired menu, this spot caters to both business lunches and romantic dinners. Guests love their seared salmon, lamb meatballs, and signature Strato burger.

The ambiance is refined yet relaxed, making it ideal for professionals and couples looking for an elevated dining experience. However, reservations are a must, and parking in the building can be pricey.

Despite this, diners rave about the attentive staff and the panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a must for those who want a meal with a skyscraper backdrop.

Lovely

“Lovely, just lovely. Beautiful view, hospitality is amazing and drinks are the best. The view is worth the trip. Come out and visit the bartender. He’s very knowledgeable, friendly, and skilled.” 

– Dayz Lissa, Google Review 

Delicious

“The burger and fries were fresh and delicious. The fries were crispy with Parmesan cheese, and the burger was juicy and full of flavor. The staff were also very friendly.” 

– Elaf Alahdal, Google Review

Bungalow Downtown Dining oozes sophistication with a touch of downtown glamour. The rooftop patio alone is worth a visit—it’s one of the best spots to soak in the city’s skyline while sipping handcrafted cocktails.

The menu features premium steaks, fresh seafood, and chef-driven dishes that emphasize local ingredients. Guests love the vibrant yet cozy vibe, from the gold-accented interiors to the hidden “bookcase room” for private events.

Prices are on the higher end, and weekend crowds can make reservations essential, but diners consistently praise the atmosphere and attentive service. 

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving an upscale dinner with a view, Bungalow hits the mark.

Great experience

“What can I say. We had a great experience. My husband and I were celebrating his birthday. I have no complaints about anything. The food was superb. Jenae (waitress) was so attentive and delightful. That atmosphere was really nice. We will be back!” 

– Alesha Stanton, Google Review 

Definitely coming back

“Bungalow is such a vibe and has a beautiful atmosphere. Everyone was dressed nice,and we’re very kind, the music was old school R&B in the party room which we loved. The wait was a little longer than we liked since we had reservations, but they did offer us champagne and kept us informed on how long the wait would be. Overall it was great food and drinks my sister-in-law really enjoyed her b-day celebration and we had a damn good time!!! Definitely coming back soon!!!” 

– Leslie Halton, Google Review

Xochi is Chef Hugo Ortega’s colorful love letter to Oaxaca, Mexico, where every dish feels like a story. Located in the Marriott Marquis and overlooking Discovery Green Park, this restaurant is both lively and sophisticated.

Known for its authentic mole varieties and wood-fired meats, it’s a must for anyone who enjoys rich flavors and a splash of culture with their meal.

Customers appreciate the attention to detail—everything is made from scratch, from tortillas to chocolate. Some diners mention that it’s pricey and portions are modest, but the food’s authenticity and artistic presentation make it worthwhile.

With over 100 mezcal selections, Xochi blends culinary heritage with modern flair, all against a bustling downtown backdrop.

Absolutely stunning

“Absolutely stunning food in a laid-back setting. Everything mole is worth getting, but the goat tacos and the seared scallops were pretty much perfect. Great cocktails too. Special shout out to Ulises, who made the evening a surprisingly space-themed joy.” 

– Robin Andrews, Google Review 

Had a great time

“I had a great time here. I asked the server for some recommendations for a variety of flavours and they did not disappoint. The robalo was raw striped bass served with a creamy avocado and a plantain tostada. Presentation was fantastic and the flavor was delicious. The Memel was toasted masa pancake with roasted pork and an assortment of vegetables and cheese. My mouth was so happy with every bite. The Pulpo, grilled octopus with purple potatoes and green chorizo was out of this world. The octopus was so tender and the chorizo balanced flavour in very unique ways. The cocktails and sangria were great too.” 

– Anthony Scott, Google Review

State of Grace captures the heart of Southern comfort dining while keeping things elevated. Inspired by Chef Ford Fry’s memories of Houston and South Texas, the restaurant’s charm lies in its warmth and attention to detail.

From Gulf oysters to slow-roasted prime rib, each plate tells a story of local flavor. The open kitchen and rustic-modern decor give the place a homey yet refined vibe. 

Though parking can be a challenge and prices lean upscale, guests praise the consistency and nostalgia woven into every dish. 

With soft lighting, rich wood accents, and windows offering glimpses of the Upper Kirby neighborhood, State of Grace is where timeless hospitality meets culinary craft.

5 Stars in every category

“We celebrated my wife’s birthday August 19,2025. The hostess was absolutely amazing. She seated us at an amazing table that provided us with a full view of the dining room we were seated in. Our server Cassaundra was very attentive. She explained the wine list, menu and offered us an excellent suggestion on our oyster selection. The blackened Red Fish was to die for. I highly recommend them with 5 Stars in every category.” 

– Cole Collins, Google Review 

My absolute favorite

“While in Houston for my daughter’s graduation we ate at several different restaurants.

State of Grace was my absolute favorite. The fillet was one of the best I’ve ever eaten. The service was next level and thank you to Trinity and Elizabeth for taking such good care of my family. Your attitudes and attention to detail were amazing and made our visit amazing. Elizabeth, you were right I needed the spoon 🫡 the Texas Ball was incredible. I can’t say enough how pleased we were to pick State of Grace to eat at out of all the great restaurants in Houston.” 

– Dennis Bishop, Google Review