1. Introduction
Ask any Houstonian what they love most about their city, and you’ll likely get the same answer: the food. Houston has over two million people inside its city limits. It’s estimated one in four Houstonians were born in another country and they brought their tastes and cuisines with them. The city’s rich cultural and culinary diversity makes for a stunning variety of restaurants — some are widely popular and others are local gems but all serve delicious food. Your next meal in Houston should be at one of these 15 eateries.
2. The Breakfast Klub
Address: 3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002-9505, USA
Phone: +1 713-528-8561
This midtown brunch spot has some of the best southern cooking in Houston. In addition to all the greatest hits — biscuits and gravy, catfish and grits — the Breakfast Klub is famous among locals for its chicken and waffles. The waffles are fluffy and sweet, while the chicken wings are crunchy and savory. There’s a reason people line up around the block to grab brunch here — and they really do line up around the block. This place gets busy. If you swing by on a weekend morning, expect to hang out outside for a while until a table’s ready. It’s worth the wait.
3. The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
Address: 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003-1517, USA
Phone: +1 713-228-1175
Reasonable people can disagree on where the best Tex-Mex is in Houston, but few would argue who was the first to offer it. Back in the 1970s, the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation changed the course of culinary history by introducing the city to the cornerstone of Tex-Mex: the fajita, perfectly seasoned meat wrapped in a warm tortilla. Although the restaurant changed owners years ago, many locals maintain that if you want to find legit Tex-Mex, you can’t go wrong with the tacos al carbon (or beef fajitas) at the Original Ninfa’s.
4. Uchi Houston
Address: 904 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006, USA
Phone: +1 713-522-4808
When you want to impress someone in Houston on a first date, you take them to Uchi. This Montrose-area locale labels its menu as modern Japanese cuisine, but it also boasts an ultra-romantic vibe. From cozy booths and soft mood lighting to shareable dishes and attentive staff, this place is one of the city’s best date-night hot spots. However, its ambience isn’t the only standout feature; the menu is a modern twist on classic Japanese dishes, legitimately delicious and always an adventure worth trying.
5. Phoenicia Specialty Foods
Address: 1001 Austin St, Houston, TX 77010, USA
Phone: +1 832-360-2222
The city’s diversity is a point of pride for many Houstonians, perhaps only second to its cuisine. Phoenicia Specialty Foods is where both of these elements collide. This international food market and deli offers more than 15,000 products from over 50 countries, with Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food shining bright. The buffet has plenty of freshly made favorites like tabouli, shawarma, and baklava. You can grab ready-made food from the deli or stock up on supplies to cook your own meals.
6. Killen’s Barbecue
Address: 3613 E Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581, USA
Phone: +1 281-485-2272
Killen’s Barbecue is one of the city’s worst-kept secrets. Drive out to this south Houston suburb on a Saturday or Sunday, and you can bank on waiting at least an hour before placing your order. However, the wait is worth it because Ronnie Killen is the unofficial King of Meat in Houston, and his brisket is legendary. Unlike the saucy barbecue of Kansas City or vinegar-drenched pork of North Carolina, Killen’s serves true Texas barbecue, relying solely on dry-rub spices and high-quality meat for flavor.
7. Thien An Sandwiches
Address: 2611 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX 77004-1109, USA
Phone: +1 713-522-7007
The Houston metro area boasts the largest Vietnamese population in the United States outside of California. Therefore, Vietnamese food holds significant importance for Houstonians, and Thien An Sandwiches is one of the best places to indulge. This Midtown café is a popular lunch spot for downtown and med center office workers due to its Inner Loop location, high-quality menu, and reasonable prices. After enjoying your bánh mì, phở, or vermicelli bowl, treat yourself to a café sua da — a rich, creamy iced coffee made with sweetened condensed milk that’s common in Vietnam.
8. Houston’s Famous Deli
Address: 2130 Holly Hall St, Houston, TX 77054, USA
Phone: +1 713-799-2544
If American sandwiches are more your style, you’ll find it hard to beat Houston’s Famous Deli. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a tasty, filling meal in under 10 minutes for less than $10. The muffalettas are particularly popular among the regulars. Piled high with meats and cheeses and smothered with olive dressing, these New Orleans-style sandwiches are sure to please. Unlike many other sandwich spots, the salads at Houston’s Famous Deli are a feature—not an afterthought—boasting crisp lettuce and fresh veggies.
9. Stanton’s City Bites
Address: 1420 Edwards St, Houston, TX 77007-6212, USA
Phone: +1 713-227-4893
Stanton’s City Bites is the go-to place when you desire deep-fried food and messy but delicious burgers. Ranked among the best burgers in Houston, their offerings include gourmet ingredients like deep-fried bacon and garlic spinach (the “Luke Skyburger”), fried eggs and fried pickles (the “Cowboy Brunch”), and various types of cheese (the “Holy Cow”). Moreover, sandwiches can be paired with numerous tasty sides, including 11 different kinds of fried potatoes that are sure to satisfy any craving.
10. Hugo’s
Address: 1600 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006, USA
Phone: +1 713-524-7744
Houston has no shortage of Mexican restaurants, yet few can match the authenticity of Hugo’s. Founded by esteemed Mexican chef and James Beard Award-winner, Hugo Ortega, Hugo’s menu showcases authentic Mexican cuisine with a high-class flair. This isn’t your typical Tex-Mex place; it offers genuine Mexican dishes — such as fresh ceviche, savory barbacoa, and hearty mole — that you’d find at high-end establishments in Hugo’s homeland. Be sure to experience Hugo’s Sunday brunch, a bucket list item for food lovers.
11. Ibiza Food & Wine Bar
Another popular venue for date nights and special occasions, Ibiza Food & Wine Bar boasts the trifecta: delicious food, excellent service, and a captivating ambience. While classified as modern American cuisine, its menu reflects a melting pot of influences from around the world. Fried catfish and pizza share the spotlight with seared ahi tuna and stuffed piquillo peppers. Although the menu isn’t extensive by Texas standards, it offers enough variety to satisfy both adventurous diners and traditionalists alike. Bonus: Visit on your birthday for a complimentary cotton candy treat with a sparkler!
12. Baby Barnaby’s
Address: 604 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77006, USA
Phone: +1 713-522-0106
The brunch game is fierce in Houston, making Baby Barnaby’s one of the city’s best breakfast spots. The restaurant is exclusively open for breakfast, allowing it to perfect this meal. Notably, Baby Barnaby’s signature dish features green eggs (cheesy scrambled eggs mixed with spinach and artichokes) served with home-fried potatoes, which are the ideal balance of fluffy and crisp. However, this Montrose-area restaurant is small, and limited seating virtually guarantees a wait on weekends; it’s best to arrive early to enjoy a meal without a long delay.
13. Izakaya WA
Address: 12665 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77024, USA
Phone: +1 713-461-0155
Easily recognized as one of the best places in the Houston area to enjoy seafood, Izakaya WA specializes in Japanese cuisine served tapas-style. Along with classic dishes such as sushi, edamame, and grilled skewers, the restaurant also offers Japanese and Texas craft beers alongside sake and wine. However, it’s not just the food that makes Izakaya WA a must-visit; the staff are known for their friendly, attentive service, even during busy times. The result is a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s simultaneously classy and laid-back.
14. Xochi
Address: 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010, USA
Phone: +1 713-400-3330
It’s rare to have two restaurants hit it out of the park, but Chef Hugo Ortega isn’t your typical chef. Xochi, opened in downtown in 2017, pays homage to Ortega’s homeland by featuring cuisine from Mexico’s Oaxaca region. Don’t miss out on trying the mole tasting, where you can sample four mole sauces served on warm tortillas. Conclude your meal with one of Xochi’s delectable chocolate desserts, such as their Oaxacan hot cocoa, foamed tableside and served with churros for dipping.
15. Doris Metropolitan
Address: 2815 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77098-1535, USA
Phone: +1 713-485-0466
Texans have a passion for meat, so steakhouses are commonplace. However, Doris Metropolitan surpasses them all. The dry-aged beef is the star attraction, artfully displayed under a chandelier, but it’s the accompanying elements—from mouthwatering bread service to flavorful vegetable sides and creatively crafted cocktails—that contribute to making Doris Metropolitan one of the best dining destinations in Houston, if not Texas. And that’s saying something.
