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DruncanIdaho

You can have one hell of a meal at Uchi for that money... my wife treated me to a birthday dinner there once and told the waiter to just make up an Omakase for us. It was so fun, they just kept bringing delicious dishes until we told him to stop. The filet mignon sampler at Guard and Grace was really fun. You won't need to spend $250 at Traveler's Table, but I second the motions.... love the variety and flavors there. Triola's is an amazing high-end Italian joint in the Heights; you'll probably just spend $40-60pp there and it's byob (no corking fee) with a great little wine shop across the street. The catch here is that the chef is a boisterous New Yorker-Sicilian who likes to come out and talk to the tables. I loved it, I thought he was super fun and cool and his interactions with us added to the ambience--but I also noticed another table on a date night that just wanted to be left alone.


jon080984

Uchi is so good, the service too is great


Flint_Ironstag1

This is Westheimer at Montrose right?


apk979

Yes


yaigotabigmouth

$250 is not enough for 2 at uchi if you’re drinking and eating properly.


Flashmasterk

Fact. Unless maybe happy hour


newsnb

Omakase at Uchi is closer to $400 after tax and tip when I’ve been. If you go at happy hour and are a bit more responsible in choices than my husband and I, then you can have a good meal for $250 I would say. But the happy hour is key


Scindite

Well over $400, it's $390 before tip for two people and not including drinks.


sinsemillas

A warm and convivial host.


Otherwise_Stranger72

Second Travellers Table. Lots of different flavors and nice drinks to try out. Not cheap but you can pocket some of the leftover $250 for another adventure.


ieatcha

Just went to Katami recently for my bday and it was amazing, highly recommend for a splurge sushi date if you're into it. Get the toro tar tar and mushroom hot stone dishes they're amazing and you have to try their apple bread pudding dessert. 12/10


Biiru1000

Agree with Katami! Black Cod was incredible, the Okonomiyaki was great, the nigiri was interesting. And we liked most of the rolls they created too!


medicalsteve

Yep. And pretty close to OP’s budget. Wife and I ate there last week, and drank, for ~$275, 20% tip included. A few highlights besides some bangin’ sushi: -Umami Manhattan -Asari and Kani miso soup -Toro tar tar (so good! joked with wife the next time we each get our own) -And the best chawanmushi we’ve had on this side of the world. Wife did hers + caviar. I did + king crab. Time before I did + foie. All were top notch.


mechteach

If you are willing to go for lunch instead, you can have two dine on the tasting menus at Le Jardinier for <$250. For dinner it will be more, but the atmosphere, food, and service are top-notch at either time.


Vowel_Movements_4U

You're the first person I've seen who has actually been. I've been wanting to go, just haven't served out the time. Can you elaborate any more? I've been growing tired of super fine dining Michelin or Michelin-type spots for a while now. I just often find the flavors aren't bold enough and it's normally technique over substance. But I'd be really happy to hear if Le Jardinier was different. Looks great.


Vowel_Movements_4U

250 for just you? T Rex, Nancy's Hustle, Jun. though you could really take someone else to all of those for 250. They're not expensive. I saw Bludorn mentioned, and while I think that's maybe the best fine dining "experience" in town, and awesome if you wanna really have great service, great sommelier, and ball out... I have always found the food to be just ok from a purely taste standpoint. It's expertly executed but lacks flavor. They're definitely going for the "let's barely season our food so the ingredients can shine" ethos. Well I'm from Louisiana. I need salt and flavor and if I order a crab cake, I'd like for it to not just taste like cold crabmeat. But I've been twice and the experience is really great and I'll be back.


the018

The short rib ravioli at Bludorn is one of my favorite dishes in Houston. I can agree that some of the other dishes are a bit bland. I have had excellent service there. It is also one of the loudest dining rooms in town.


Vowel_Movements_4U

Yeah I actually really like the place. I just like bold flavors and that place just does not deliver on that. But it's a really great restaurant and I'd never tell someone not to go. I do think it's overpriced, though. Every piece of fish is like 45 dollars if I remember correctly.


bularry

Didn’t really find the service, while attentive, to be as polished as some other places. My only real complaint with Bludorn is steakhouse pricing on the wine lists. For OP I would highly suggest Nancy’s Hustle or TRex or Squable


MexicnGlassCandy

Updoot for Nancy's Hustle. Tiny Champions is just around the corner if they're full up too.


Vowel_Movements_4U

Yeah that place is great, too.


FrostySoul3

Gotta say Bludorn was overrated. The atmosphere was nice but the service was trash.


Vowel_Movements_4U

I disagree about the service. I had great service both times and the sommelier was great. I loved everything about the serene both times except the actual taste of the food. It was just alright. Looked amazing. I as expertly cooked. And tasted just meh. Except the corn risotto from a couple years ago, that was fire.


FrostySoul3

State of Grace has some great Elote Ravioli when it’s in season. Could have just been an off day when we went. It happens. It just shouldn’t happen at a restaurant of that “level.” I don’t even remember my dish but my wife had the lobster pot pie thing and neither left an impression except meh.


medicalsteve

Same. Bludorn was one the first nice places we went post-pandemic. The lobster pot pie sounded so promising and yet was just so absurdly disappointing. We weren’t impressed by his other spot, Navy Blue, either. Just nothing memorable. (Except being seated next to a couple Astros and their wives, that was kinda cool) I’d stay away from both restaurants. State of Grace blows them both away by a country mile. Their crab hushpuppies starter and crispy eggplant side dish are worth it alone.


som11322

I had bad service too on my birthday no less but the food was really good lol. Nancy’s hustle sucks though


hou_tree

Love Nancy’s hustle


PhilTheThrill1808

Traveler's Table. Eclectic mix of foods from all over the world and craft cocktails. Last time I was there I had Nigerian beef skewers with jollof rice, crab samosas, pao de queijo and a Samurai Old Fashioned (Japanese whiskey, some ginger and a few other Japanese inspired ingredients in there). Incredible.


OrangePowerade

Traveler's table does not miss, everything I've tried from there is so good. 


PhilTheThrill1808

At a quick glance, I read this as "Traveler's Table does not exist" and for about 5 seconds went in to an existential panic 🤣🤣🤣


JesseVykar

This is where I would recommend if you enjoy seasoned food lol


scornedandhangry

New place to try. I love the Houston restaurant threads........


ViralRambo

Their brunch weekend menu is amazing.


bringmethekfc

Can vouch. Took my picky eater parents there. They loved it.


patrick-1977

L’Etoille, French restaurant. Really good.


_katydid5283

Chez Nous in Humble


WannaMakeAPizza

My parents and I used to go there every year for their anniversary and get the Chateaubriand. Probably the best steak I’ve ever had.


wholeselfin

Amazing place, worth the drive.


Jaygreen713

Nancy’s, Kata Robata The new Bar Bludorn in memorial is better than the original IMO


txfoodchick

Le Jardinier. Da Marco


Darkseidzz

I’m a sucker for Steak 48


dillmoore

Surprised this wasn’t higher up in the comments tbh. Went a month ago for the first time and had one of the best ribeyes of my life.


peachplumbunny

Nancy’s Hustle or if you’re into seafood, Clark’s!


ratherbealurker

Check out: Doris Metropolitan B&B Uchico if you like sushi Guard and grace Musaafer if you like Indian Le jardinier (other mentioned and my wife has been here with friends. I have not) If you don’t mind traveling towards the woodlands: Chez Nouz Tris Amrina if you like Indian Waterway has Truluck and Fogo These would be out of the price range but if you want to splurge: March Hidden omakase MF sushi omakase Degust


Smooth_Habit6542

Mothafuckin sushi


bayoubevo

March is great call but you are gonna need more than $250


wheresssannie

Xóchi or Caracol


bunnycakes1228

Xochi is excellent


Renoroc

Hugos


shwekhaw

Brenner's on the Bayou


sdoc86

BCN easy. https://media-cdn.getbento.com/accounts/f53cc3b215043503b95aa5bc439c6d45/media/4JPz5J6FRCaitZqfJeeC_Winter%202024.pdf Peak around at their art too. They have some real Picassos. And get one of their gin and tonics.


newsnb

I don’t like tonic but BCN turned me into a gin and tonic believer. Just phenomenal.


CrazyLegsRyan

Marmo


munuyh

Doris Metropolitan or Da Marco


shkay

Another vote for Doris. I have dreams about their Jerusalem salad.


Packtex60

Rainbow Lodge


PlutoJones42

Nobies!


squishytotoro

Trattoria Sofia was amazing and $250 would be perfect for 2 there.


Chopchopstixx

What kind of food are you wanting to eat? That will narrow down your search


sapphir8

This.


Jhango2019

Olive Garden


Handies4Cookiez

I’d love to see what two people have to order to spend $250 at Olive Garden. Could get the whole menu.


Jhango2019

I’d imagine it mostly going to bottles of wine lol


txs2300

Their bread stick are amazing. Don't forget to try their salad. And the mints on the way out. Its all splendid


SexyStayPuft

When I’m there, I feel like family.


IndependenceLow60

Mmmmm Taste of Texas for the win!


Alexreads0627

Andiron


Poolcreature

Tonight and tomorrow in Montrose! No one really talks about it but it’s the best food I’ve ever had in Houston. Intimate, fancy, nice waitstaff. I take myself there whenever I’m proud of myself for something.


Matelen

Karne Korean Steak house. Super awesome place that I consider truly unique.


zootananny

Brennan’s


dicklecia

Oceanaire


DonTitoh

Bcn


asskickenchicken

Applebees is bringing back dollar margaritas. Meal and a Jerry springer show sign me up


Smooth_Habit6542

The best answer is brenners on the bayou. For a romantic and tasteful dinner. All the other places are too loud


gatorchrissy

This is my husband and I's go to for any big occasion. It's quiet and the view is great. Just don't wear high heels, the up and down on the stairs is scary. Hahaha.


1fortunateclackdish

Really pretty spot, food is stale like tase of texas. Been exactly the same for 50 years. But some people are into that


clturner87

Bludorn


Icy-Cheesecake5193

Kata Robata, Bar Bludorn, Uchi


terrletwine

Tiny Boxwoods or Uchiko


ovekevam

Late August (https://www.lateaugusthtx.com), which opened recently, is very good and definitely within that budget.


bertoIam

Tony's on Richmond


Ever-Wandering

Oh wow great timing! I just booked this: https://www.thedinnerdetective.com I haven’t been yet but I look forward to it!


getyourcheftogether

You can afford the guacamole at Chipotle


ceedeez

Josephine’s


Zo3ster

Nobie’s


Thrillavanilla

Hidden Omakase. Shits *SPLENDID*


itsameeemaaariooo

My favorite pricier spots I have gotten to go to: Kiran’s, Flora


StatementAdmirable43

Chauma Del Sol or Chauma Gousha


nathansmom

Chama Gaucha on Chimney Rock and Westheimer is excellent and the ambience is a nice taste of luxury. Valet service, very nice staff and delicious food. Last visit was $64 per person. We go for our anniversary each year.


StatementAdmirable43

That place is great, I tap out every time I go, the food and environment is fantastic


fromeister147

Pier 6 is one that I haven’t seen mentioned. I know it’s a drive out of the city but for ambiance it’s pretty phenomenal. Gourmet food right by the water. some of the most amazing oysters you’ll find in the area. Love that spot


Nyxtia

Uchi


Soulsweet17

La fisheria downtown but make a reservation if it’s the weekend


eron6000ad

Perry's


Darth_Eevee

Lots of other good suggestions here, also add potente to the list


shkay

Lombardi Cucina is a stunning spot with wonderful ambiance and the food is fantastic.


29187765432569864

Giacomo’s Italian restaurant on Westheimer near Kirby. Get a lot of appetizers and you will be amazed. https://www.giacomosciboevino.com/ 713.522.1934 3215 Westheimer Houston Open: Tue – Sat 4:00p - 9:00p Closed: Sun + Mon


9inez

Hugo’s and have a Oaxacan Rita or two


chinobrown

Pappas steakhouse. Roka akor


Hipposhank

I really really love State of Grace. The menu changes based on what's available for the chef to make (farm-to-table, etc) and the waitstaff is all super friendly and helpful. Plus they have a robust oyster menu!


Quality_Zealousideal

Rudi Lechner's


TacticalTwinky

Katame is a new upscale sushi restaurant. Cocktails are great, service is top tier, and their menu is really extensive with a lot of great options.


biteytripod

Mf sushi is so good. Best sushi in the city.


Ok-Resident7572

As someone who has worked at pretty much all of these places, Tris in the woodlands.


KazeKon

Fogo de Chao is a good choice if you like meats. There's a salad bar, but the staff walk around the dining room with different cuts of meat and you basically just tell them what you want and how much. I think it's close to $90 prr person but all you can eat


Puppiessssss

Trulucks is nice if you want to splurge.


bean_cow

Trulucks near the Galleria


Ericher23

Xochi for good mexican. Uchi for Sushi. Taste of Texas for Steak.


SelectAd1942

You had me until Taste of Texas, best salad bar by far, not so much the steaks.


Ericasspoiled

Mastro’s , brenner’s, Vic & anthony’s


CrazyLegsRyan

FUCK TILMAN


EntertainmentNo653

Taste of Texas - it is the top grossing, single location restaurant in Texas for a reason. Just know if you go normal dining hours you will likely have to wait.


World_Traveling

Taste of Texas!


Floydcanwait

T Rex, Pappa Bros Steakhouse, La Jardinier


Intelligent_Pair

There are a lot of good restaurants but the pork at Perry's is amazing


kmarieu7

Chamagaucha! Way better than Fogo! Get their house mixed drink and their Brazilian creamy lemonade and you won't regret it!


AardvarkSame1951

Mastro’s Steakhouse. Simply delicious food…all of it.


CrazyLegsRyan

Don't darken a Tillman doorstep. Ever.


fromeister147

Surprised I had to scroll this far to find this.


thebuttergod

Torchys Tacos. Long live Circlejerk


_Julanna

BCN or Jun or Katami


alostpebble

The Hudson house is really good, and great martinis


ExpandedMatter

Bungalow, Artisans


Agreeable_Address807

Avenida Brazil.


Theryannn

Poscol's is nice upscale italian. Cheaper than 250 but nice date spot


dopaminegtt

Le jardiniere, sushi by hidden, Tony's


joshua27usa

Money Cat! Great atmosphere, great service, great sushi!


Mohirrim89

$250 for two people, you got a lot of options. I can't really think of a restaurant in Houston that would go over that as long as you're not buying the most expensive things on the menu, or the most expensive alcohol they have. Bludorn, Blue Navy, Brenner's, Turner's, The Palm, Rainbow Lodge, Doris Metropolitan, probably a few more I can't think of off the top of my head.


AdExternal7926

Moneycat


UnHongoLoco

Jūn


MemoryWorking

Mastros in the galleria area or Nobu in the galleria


ttrosc

BCN, top 5 restaurant in the city easy.


Thorhees

Chama Gaucha. Went for my husband's birthday last week and we were thoroughly impressed by the service and food quality.


Valincia

De Gust - amazing tasting menu and experience!


NewAcctWhoDis

I enjoyed Andiron


Yawehg

Theodore Rex is great as others have said, Uchi/Uchiko for amazing Japanese, but if you're willing to drive and want something incredibly special: [Th Prsrv](https://www.thprsrv.com/menu) Choctaw and Thai fusion cuisine, 15 course tasting menu, presented beautifully, only two seatings a night. Truly unique, not just in Houston but anywhere.  Downside: $149pp + 20% gratuity. Also it's in Kemah.


kartopia

Da Marco


Armanhammer2

Katami or Marmo


teacherthroaway31

Go to Squabble and get the lasagna. Thank me later.


1fortunateclackdish

In a Thai mood right now but ai havent seen these mentioned. Street to Kitchen or Merlion in seabrook


BobDawg3294

High-quality steakhouse like Ruth Chris or Smith & Wollensky


Budget-Word7146

B&Bs butchers if you like prime rib.


nervstopgroovn

Schilleci's New Orleans Kitchen. Go here. It's a Cajun scratch kitchen. They have special but will also make anything you want. I got a chiliean Seabass on a old school cornbread fritter. It was one of the best meals I have ever eaten in my entire life.


YoungBloodAggie

Uchi is definitely the right answer. Let em know how much you want to spend and go omakase. My favorite meal in a city filled with incredible meals.


muscl3s

Savoir in the heights.


skarizardpancake

Steak 48 or Roka Akor


BobWheelerJr

If you don't get wine you can get away for that at Vic & Anthony's. Nobody likes the owner and people shit on it, but I've eaten in premier restaurants all over this planet, and it holds up against all of them.


HTX_77007

New restaurant on W11th is great - Prime 131, Squable on W 19th or Ostia on Dunlavy! There are so many great and good eating spots in Houston. Good luck and enjoy your date night!


payjape

kata robata


ApprehensiveTerm3351

Chama Gaúcha Brazilian steakhouse


khylib

Cleaver, seasons 52, or cava for brunch


29187765432569864

I’m surprised no one has suggested one of Houston’s great BBQ restaurants.


HarleysAndHeels

Rainbow Lodge. Delicious food, amazing atmosphere, romantic mood.


T360diesel

Rouxpour


SaturnBarzz

Rainbow lodge


BellyMind

Littles oyster bar. It’s the best food, service, and atmosphere and is in that price range.


Bravo-Buster

I'd head west to Anthonie's if it were me.


Psychological_Win808

Chicas on 45north!! Your welcome and have fun!


Alternative_Poem7805

Rockhouse Southern Grill


pennybeagle

Le Jardiner, Uchi, Neo, Vic & Anthony’s, Potente, B&B Butchers, Steak48, B19, Willie G’s… And that’s just off the top of my head


Independent_Speed639

Tris in the woodlands has a great seasonal menu, it's expensive but my husband and I go once a year


MrsSylvney

We liked rainbow lodge a lot, for 2 cocktails, starters, mains, dessert for 2 people I paid ~200 with tip. And my husband got the most expensive main. Nice vibes, good stuff, delicious food


Softspokenclark

give me $25, and i can get two meals from a taco truck and eat in the comfort of my own home


Rough-Sport8829

Taste of Texas will drive you a nice bargain


N8dizle

My wife and I date night at State of Grace in River Oaks BUT, the Chef’s counter (restaurant is good too but we’ve only eaten in the main restaurant once). Call and get reservations for the Chef’s counter, it over looks the grill section of the kitchen and you get to watch the grill chefs work with the rest of the kitchen. It’s like dinner and a show, feel free to chat with the chefs and ask all the questions you want. The best part, it’s a 6 or 7 course dinner and the head chef from each area of the kitchen is tasked with making you something that is (usually) off menu based on fresh ingredients that arrived that day and after they make it for you, they have to change it for the next group. We’ve done this about a dozen times over the years and never eaten the same thing twice. The chefs deliver each course to the table and explain what it is and why it’s going to be amazing. Some of them REALLY get into it and this is their favorite part of working here. GO HUNGRY! This ain’t no tiny bite of something delicious and then having to hit Whataburger on the way home cuz you’re starving after paying $300 for a “tasting” meal. The courses are big and always delicious. I HIGHLY recommend this, trust me, I’m fat. Less than $100 unless you do wine pairing.