Houston, a city known for its numerous culinary options, has a thriving food scene that appeals to all tastes. Houston’s restaurant scene is a foodie’s dream, with everything from steakhouses to seafood places to fusion diners. Below, we’ve identified 10 of Houston’s best eating venues that should be on your culinary radar.
1. TRIS
TRIS, located in The Woodlands, is a culinary jewel that flawlessly blends American, French, and Asian flavors. Chef Austin Simmons creates exceptional delicacies such as Korean butter-poached crab, lobster toast with yuzu aioli, and crab truffle ravioli. Their flawlessly grilled meat steaks are a carnivore’s dream. Make sure to pair your meal with the trademark brown butter Old Fashioned.
Address: 24 Waterway Ave #125 in The Woodlands, Texas 77380
2. Amrina
Amrina, a contemporary Indian restaurant, received the coveted Eater Houston Restaurant of the Year award in 2022. Chef Jaspratap “Jassi” Bindra, named one of the “World’s Best Indian Chefs” by the Hindustan Times, incorporates fun into the food. Expect delights like A5 wagyu cooked on white charcoal, masala chai marble cake, and tandoori lamb chops with mint chutney.
Address: 516 Westheimer Rd #6000, Houston, TX 77006
3. Chama Gaucha – Brazilian Steakhouse
Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse is the place to go for a genuine Brazilian feast. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of grilled meats and salads, including cattle, lamb, hog, chicken, and sausage cooked over an open flame and sliced tableside by gauchos. In addition, their salad bar has over 30 options, including cheeses, cold meats, and veggies.
Address: 5865 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77057
4. Xochi
Xochi, a Mexican restaurant, pays homage to the flavors of Oaxaca, which is known for its mole sauces, corn-based meals, and mezcal libations. Hugo Ortega, a James Beard Award-winning chef, creates delicious delicacies such as mole negro with duck confit, queso fresco tamal with mole Amarillo, and pulpo al carbón with grilled octopus and black bean puree. At their bar, try mezcal and tequila-based cocktails.
Address: 1777 Walker St, #A, Houston, TX 77010
5. The Capitol Grille
The Capital Grille provides a refined dining experience that combines elegance with American food. Enjoy succulent steaks like dry-aged porterhouse, bone-in filet mignon, and Kona-crusted New York strip, as well as seafood favorites like seared tuna with ginger rice, lobster and crab cakes, and jumbo shrimp scampi. The Capital Grille’s wine list, which includes over 350 options from across the world, sets the setting for an unforgettable evening.
Address: 5365 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056
6. The Breakfast Klub
The Breakfast Klub serves Southern-inspired breakfast and lunch with flare. Start the day with chicken and waffles, catfish and grits, wings and eggs, or French toast. Sandwiches, salads, soups, and burgers are all possible lunch alternatives. While the restaurant is frequently busy with long lines, the delectable choices make it well worth the wait.
Address: 3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
7. Pappas Brothers Steakhouse
Another steakhouse treasure, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, takes pride in serving quality meat that has been matured and masterfully cooked in-house. Choose from filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, and porterhouse steaks, then enhance your dinner with blue cheese butter, foie gras butter, or roasted bone marrow.
A variety of side dishes, including au gratin potatoes, creamed spinach, and lobster macaroni and cheese, compliment your steak. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is a wine connoisseur’s dream, with over 2,300 options on the menu.
Address: 5839 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057
8. Taste of Texas
Taste of Texas, a Houston staple since 1977, is a traditional steakhouse known for its in-house aged prime beef and an extensive salad bar with over 50 selections. Whether you choose to choose your steak from the butcher shop or go with menu mainstays like filet mignon, ribeye, or porterhouse, Taste of Texas guarantees a savory thrill. Their wine vault has over 1,000 varieties from throughout the globe. Address: 10505 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024
9. Uchi
Uchi is a Japanese restaurant that serves sushi, sashimi, and innovative Japanese-Texan fusion meals. Chef Tyson Cole, a James Beard Award winner, will prepare dishes such as wagyu beef carpaccio with ponzu and candied quinoa, hamachi nabe with koshihikari rice and egg yolk, and foie gras nigiri with pomegranate and balsamic. Uchi also serves delectable omakase meals, which allow you to enjoy the chef’s carefully prepared selections.
Address: 904 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006
10. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Eddie V’s Top Seafood provides an extravagant seafood experience accented with top steaks and chops. The raw bar serves up fresh oysters, crab cakes, lobster tails, scallops, and other seafood delights. Meanwhile, their steaks, which include filet mignon, bone-in ribeye, and New York strip, are perfectly cooked. Eddie V’s also has a vibrant jazz room where you can enjoy beverages and live music.
Address: 2800 Kirby Dr b132, Houston, TX 77098
Final Words
Finally, our culinary tour of Harris County, Texas, reveals a tapestry of gastronomic excellence, with distinct flavors and culinary expertise defining the county’s eating scene. From the authentic halal pleasures of Tahini Plus to the delicious steaks of Taste of Texas and the inventive fusion of D’Alba Garden Oaks, these top-tier restaurants highlight the diversity of Harris County’s culinary traditions. Each location, from Spices 39 to La Lucha, adds its distinct character, resulting in a colorful culinary mosaic that assures every dining experience is a scrumptious tour through the best Harris County has to offer.