It may be no surprise that Houston is known for serving up some of the best steaks in the country—bigger, better, and with that Texas touch that makes for the best tasting beef; whether it's seared or flame-grilled, a tender filet or an epic T-bone, H-town knows how to bring the taste of the Lone Star state right to your plate.
But Houston’s cuisine scene isn’t just about a classic steak dinner with all the trimmings; the city’s restaurants are as diverse as the multicultural city itself, with a plethora of amazing dining options that make for the most memorable meals. The fourth-largest city in the country, Houston is a true melting pot—and this rich cultural diversity shines through beautifully in some of the most exciting restaurants in the great state of Texas.
Take The Savory With The Sweet
A bustling, modern spot on Houston’s east side and a local fave since its opening over two years ago, Nancy’s Hustle is a sophisticated take on the traditional bistro fare. Serving up deliciously inventive dishes that pair well with their amazing cocktails and extensive wine list, Nancy’s is a fun neighborhood spot packed with shareable bites perfect for a night out with friends.
- Address: 2704 Polk Street
- Contact: (346) 571-7931
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 5 PM-11 PM
- Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended and can be made via Resy, or by phone after 2 PM Tuesday through Sunday
- Price: $$-$$$
- What To Try: Nancy Cakes; Pickle Party (Add Hand Cut Fries for extra YUM); Ricotta Gnocchi; Lamb Tartare
Fresh And Tropical Tulum Cuisine
A taste of Tulum, Mexico in the Houston’s Heights neighborhood, Casa Nomad is a new and exciting restaurant that evokes the seaside feel and tropical vibes of one of the most exciting cities south of the border. Fresh, inventive, and oh-so-delicious, Casa Nomad is a cozy and intimate spot whose menu is only outdone by its extensive tequila and mezcal list.
- Address: 600 N Shepherd Suite 499
- Contact: (832)-538-1056
- Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 5 PM-12 AM
- Reservations: Yes, via Resy
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- What To Try: Tropical Fusion (small plate); Fried Camote; Four Flats (tamales); Jungle Disco cocktail
The Best BBQ In Texas?
If steak is Houston’s signature dish, BBQ is not that far behind—and Truth BBQ really knows how to roast smoke, and backyard barbecue the dickens out of everything from tender, juicy brisket to world-class ribs. Consistently lauded as one of the top BBQ joints in the entire state, Truth BBQ is so popular that its menu often sells out—and closes up shop for the day when it does.
- Address: 110 S Heights Blvd
- Contact: (832) 835-0001
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11 AM to sellout
- Reservations: N/A
- Price: $$-$$$$
- What To Try: Pork Ribs; Brisket; Bootlegger Baked Beans; Corn Pudding
An Oyster Bar And So Much More
Known as one of the city’s absolute best oyster bars, State of Grace serves up a veritable parade of fresh bivalves from the Oyster Room—but there’s more to this eclectic menu than what’s served on the half shell. Though the menu is ever-changing, diners can always expect the ultimate in fresh, creative cuisine from brunch through dinner in an atmosphere that’s elegant, cozy, and fun—all rolled into one.
- Address: 3258 Westheimer Road
- Contact: (832)-942-5080
- Hours: Brunch served Sundays 11 AM-3 PM; Lunch served Fridays 11 AM-3 PM; Dinner served Sunday through Thursday 4:30 PM-9 PM, Friday & Saturday 4:30 PM-10 PM
- Reservations: N/A
- Price: $$$-$$$$$
- What To Try: Anything from the Oyster Room; Hearth Roasted Octopus; Raviolini; Redfish “on the half shell”
Globally Inspired Gulf Coast Goodies
Gulf coast cuisine with a global mien is on the menu at the popular Riel. Local flavors and seasonal ingredients are taken to the next level by executive chef (and Manitoba native) Ryan Lachaine’s Ukrainian heritage and French-Canadian roots. Eclectic and original, Riel’s menu is fueled by inventive takes and deliciously elevated comfort food.
- Address: 1927 Fairview Street
- Contact: (832)831-9109
- Hours: Monday through Thursday 5 PM-10 PM; Friday & Saturday 5 PM-11 PM
- Reservations: Highly recommended and can be made via Resy
- Price: $$-$$$$
- What To Try: Pelmeni (pork dumplings); Kimchi Carbonara; Caviar Tots; Cabbage Rolls
A Neighborhood Vietnamese Spot
Described as “a contemporary take on Vietnamese cuisine,” Xin Chao uses Texas and Gulf Coast faves as a palette to celebrate Vietnamese favorites with a regional flair. Creative, fresh, and mouthwateringly delicious, Xin Chao’s is a homage to heritage and a love letter to local ingredients that creates an unforgettable meal.
- Address: 2310 Decatur St
- Contact: (832)740-4888
- Hours: Monday through Thursday 5PM-10PM; Friday and Saturday 11AM-2PM (lunch); 2:30PM-5PM (Happy Hour); 5PM-11PM (dinner); Sundays 5PM-9PM
- Reservations: Yes, via Resy
- Price: $$-$$$$
- What To Try: Smoked Beef Cheek Dumplings; Not Our Ma’s Egg Rolls; Texas BBQ Fried Rice; Braised Pork and Crispy Rice
Outstanding Oaxaca-Inspired Flavor
Downtown Houston eatery Xochi is less a restaurant and more of a cultural experience; an exploratory mission mining the depths of Oaxaca’s rich culinary heritage to produce some of the most distinctive Mexican fares in the city. Diners can expect house-made masa and moles side by side with traditional Oaxacan fare that pairs well with the extensive tequila and Mexican craft beer selection.
- Address: 1777 Walker Street, Suite A (1st Floor of the Marriott Marquis Houston)
- Contact: (713) 400-3330
- Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 4 PM-9 PM; Friday & Saturday 11:30 AM-10 PM; Sunday 10 AM-3 PM
- Reservations: Yes, can be made on their website
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- What To Try: Memela (toasted masa pancake); Pulpo (wood-roasted octopus); Barbacoa de Res de Zaachilla; Camarones en Mole Verde
Beautiful Burgers For The Win
There are lots of great spots to grab fun on a bun in Houston—but Underbelly Burger is the newest kid on the block serving up the juicy handheld goods at its Farmers’ Market location. With a casual, fun diner vibe complete with milkshakes (!), the menu at Underbelly may be small, but the burgers (and the flavors) are Texas-style BIG.
- Address: The Houston Farmers’ Market 2250 Airline Dr, Building B, Suite B-215
- Contact: (832) 582-5642
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11 AM-6 PM
- Reservations: N/A
- Price: $-$$
- What To Try: ranch Wagyu Burger with fries; Bacon Sausage Hot Dog; Chocolate Milkshake; Veggie Burger
Visitors to Houston can expect a veritable smorgasbord of delicious menu offerings throughout the city that goes way beyond a fantastic steak dinner. Globally inspired cuisine dominates an inventive food scene; building on local flavor and flair to create delish dining options galore for any aspiring foodie and visitor to H-town.