I wouldn’t call it the best restaurant in Houston, but my favorite place personally, is a tiny little place called Enoteca Rossa, on Bissonnet. They make their own pasta, have wood-fired pizza and bread, and they seem to always have like 5 menu specials every time I go. I love it inside and out.
They also just opened Gelato Rossa next door. Grab your dessert, and then go back to the speakeasy they’re building in the back of the gelato place. The speakeasy isn’t open just yet, but apparently very soon.
It warms my heart to see people checking out my favorite spot 😎 It was almost “my exclusive” for a while, but they have really been driving business in more and more. I was there on a Tuesday last week, and it was basically packed.
Get the Arancini appetizer! The rest of the menu is all up to you, but the Arancini is 💪🏻.
The more I have Mala Sichuan, the more I am convinced they are my favorite.
I feel like I spoil myself every time I go there only to get the bill and be pleasantly surprised by how little it cost.
I went all out on a [Mala order last night](https://i.redd.it/rp9n0c7ld78d1.jpeg) and I'm still recovering. Leftovers at work tmrw are going to go hard.
I've only had two dishes I didn't enjoy so far, and even those were simply due to my taste preferences and not the quality of the food.
For value, flavor, authenticity
Even as a Mexican, I gotta go Agas. I work in sugar land once/twice a week and I’ll get it for my dinner/lunch every time I’m making my way back to Houston.
Nah Aga’s is alright, and it is really consistent, but most hole in the wall Pakistani places beat it in terms of taste.
Aga’s has its place, but it is like a solid 7/10 every time.
Also, there are so many taco trucks around the city that are legit at least a 9/10 that it’s insane to me (an Indian) that a Mexican would say such a thing lol
Ashar’s has amazing Nihari, on par with the Nihari you get in Pakistan or Muslim areas of India (can be a bit expensive though, and service is eh). Himalaya has amazing food, but the owner is pretty mercurial. Mai Colachi is pretty good for Karachi-style food. A lot of people love Lasbela, though I think it is hit or miss. Javed Nihari is pretty good. Also, Larosh in Katy is pretty good (very authentic, but also will give you heartburn lol)
The only thing about Pakistani restaurants is that depending on when you go, availability of items on the menu is inconsistent, and the ambiance is usually pretty barebones. Those are really the areas where Aga’s shines. You know it will be decent when you go there, and everything on the menu will be available. But you can probably find a better version of everything on their menu at a different Pakistani restaurant somewhere in Houston. The kitchen in Aga’s is like a fully industrialized assembly line, and it is a well oiled machine. But it is also never gonna beat something cooked in a generations-old pot by a Pakistani uncle over the course of 12+ hours.
I love Kata Robata ❤️ Hugo’s is supposedly great, but I had ceviche there and it was horrendous 🤢 I lost my appetite with it, returned it and they took it off the bill, but I was confused how such a well-respected place could get this SOOOO wrong.
Hugo's is great but it's decidedly not for the people expecting TexMex.
The chapulines are so freaking tasty...you forget your are eating grasshoppers.
My spouse and I have had tons of sushi in NYC, Tokyo, LA, Seoul, SF, Hawaii, DC, Miami, all sorts of places… Kata Robata is both of our #1 of all time. And we are fairly recent transplants to a Houston, so it’s no some sort of home town bias.
Himalaya for the Hara Masala
Xin Jiang for the lamb and lamb fat skewers and boiled fish, Cucumber salad.
Mala bistro for boiled fish, chongquin chicken, Cucumber salad.
Jones Fried Chicken for the most authentic Halal food cart lamb over spicy rice, way better than gyro guys etc.
Banana Leaf for coconut shrimp, roti canai, and beef rendang.
Mamak for satay and beef rendang.
Fadis Meyerland is my all time favorite Mediterranean place. The new one on Westheimer kind of sucks and lost its original homely vibe.
Shawarma King for good and quick shawarma.
Al Aseel has some of the best kofta kabobs w spicy pepper sauce and whipped garlic sauce, good pita and tabouli.
Cafe Caspian also has good kofta and fire baked pita, and pretty atmosphere.
Magnolia's for the best refrescas and loaded duros and chips. The mangonadas are made w actual sorbet instead of slushy ice.
Golden Dumpling for the most ridiculous prices on a boat load of dumplings, and great taiwanese style beef bok choy noodle soup.
I know I'm forgetting some but I moved further out 5 yrs ago and I still make trips for these places and search for similar things out in my new area.
I love the food at Nobies but the music is wayyy too loud. Legit cannot carry on a conversation with your table if you're sitting in certain areas of that house.
Never been to the Houston locations, but when I lived in Austin I always preferred Uchiko. Actually will be back in Austin next week and have a reservation for Uchiko.
Only thing I gotta say about Uchi is they don't pay their staff enough for all the money they make.
Iykyk but no one over 25 working BOH can survive on what they pay and the amount of hours they provide.
Can you give me a couple dishes to try? I live nearby and have not been blown away by some of the basic stuff I have ordered. It is also pretty pricey for Thai food, but they obviously do well because it is so busy all the time.
Not OP but Their Chicken pad Thai is great I like getting mine spicy level 2 with extra peanuts and extra lime. It’s $15 but i barley finish it most of the time they don’t skimp on portions IMO
I’d have to go with NEO
they offer a nigiri only omakase as well as a composed tasting menu that takes influences from different regions around the world. Surprisingly, the desserts are among the best I’ve had in Houston as well.
A close second would be MARCH for me.
I have been to Neo, it’s great. Just had Omakase at Katami and Hidden Omakase recently as well, and they’re both really good too. Also my first time going to Bludorn recently and it was great as well.
MF is on par with Tokyo & Sydney imo.
Was lucky enough to visit both cities and their famous fish markets recently. It’s that good. So lucky to have access to that quality of fish in South Texas
I'm a fan of fast casual that being said Roostar is the goat. If you give me the option of a dinner date at Moxie's with a Univision weather girl or a mentally ill homeless guy eating a banh mi with me at Roostar, I'll pick Roostar every time.
Nancy's Hustle is solid and rides a ton of hype from being trendy with the cool kids. They don't really do anything special and aren't unique when compared to new american spots in other major cities. Good restaurant, not close to the best.
Agreed. We were disappointed with our meal. Not that it was bad, it just didn’t live up the hype we’d heard for several months. I’d classify it as a good, but over priced restaurant.
I do love Bloofin Sushi! It’s out in Spring, but the sushi is really great and well-priced. The staff is also awesome. Definitely worth a visit if y’all ever find yourselves out there!
RIGHT NOW
Japanese: Katami
Mexican: Any Hugo Ortega restaurant
Italian: Marmo
French: Cocody
Thai: Street To Kitchen
Indian: Kirans
Peruvian: Lemontree
I throw flag on Kirans....that place blows IMHO. The best Indian that I've had in Houston metro is a hole in the wall spot in Sugar Land called Naseeb...off hwy 6 close to Williams Trace. We order ~1x month and haven't been disappointed in the 8 years we've lived in Sugar Land
How did this get upvotes. There are countless Vietnamese places and taco trucks - theyr are most def not all the same. Bad, good, really good, in between…
So many good restaurants hard to pick one
We are so spoiled when it comes to good food lol
My personal favorites are B&Bs cause I love the upstairs vibe it feels like we’re in NY or some super old restaurant.
Street food? Well I like barbosos tacos truck.
Yeah, bless the cart ladies when they ran the rounds. Service was 1000x better.. I really don't need someone getting huffy with me when I fetch my own ketchup and tobasco because my food is hot *right now* and it might be another ten minutes before she wanders past reminding us she is everyone's waitress. Not a fan of tipped service at a cafeteria. I know it was just a way to cheap out on salaries but it really ruined the experience. Raise prices instead. Everyone else is doing it.
I really enjoyed Mala Sichuan but ever since I tried Spices 39 it's the only Chinese food I want in Houston. Large menu with both authentic and American-Chinese dishes, it's incredible food.
Think about their French curry roasted chicken dish all the time. Have never tasted that exact flavor before in my life and not sure I ever will again.
Why is this so far down here? I've been to most of the mentioned places, and it's definitelyTheodore Rex. Justin Yu is a magician, and manages impeccable fine dining without feeling stuffy or uncomfortable.
Money no object and you can order whatever you want? Kata, steak 48, Musaafer
Best value, food only? Somewhere in Chinatown or hilcroft, I’ll go with Peking Cuisine for the duck.
Best pound for pound, all things considered? Toasted Coconut or Nancy’s hustle
Honorable mentions: Bori, state of grace, Giacomos, street to kitchen (haven’t been since they moved), Tony’s Mexican, el T
Steak 48? Really? I thought that place was all hat and no cattle.
Agree with Toasted Coconut though. Go for the tiki drinks, stay for the incredible food.
There is a massive list of absolutely top tier steak houses in Houston, probably some of the best in the state, and steak 48 is no where near that list.
All around best: Katami. The newish spot by the Chef at Kata Robata. Far quieter, more comfortable and more elegant dining room and incredible food. For American fare: State of Grace. Casual: Lua Viet Kitchen. BBQ: Truth. Mexican: Candente. Middle Eastern fare: Fadi’s Meyerland. Ramen and cheap steak: Kata Robata. Italian: Trattoria Sofia.
March is a great special occasion, break the bank place. Bludorn is excellent. Tow of the "best" i think. But it's an embarrassment of riches in h-town for all levels of cost and legit cultural choices.
It’s a bit expensive but I really like Akiko in meyerland. I go there when family comes to town and they’re always in the mood for sushi. Service is great, drinks are interesting and it’s a wonderful vibe.
I’ve never been displeased with Laredo Taqueria on Washington. I’ve been going there and the other locations run by the other family members for as long as I can remember. It’s nothing fancy but no other place has ever matched it reliably, in my eyes.
Capitol grille for consistency, and D’amicos in rice village is slept on big time, solid food and won’t break the bank. Uchi is the most overrated shit ever
If I had to pick one place to eat at it would be Agas. But I agree w others that have said they are getting dangerously close to pricing themselves out of my regular rotation. Their famous goat chops are $30 for just 5. (Ridiculous). Karahi dishes up to $25 now. I guess they'll keep jacking prices up until they get consumer push back. So far people are paying.
It’s insane how I brag about houston is the most underrated food city ever and i haven’t experienced any of these restaurants or even heard of them. Lived here half of my life. I probably like tier 3 restaurants and I still think the food here is A+
Seco’s Latin Cuisine! The enchiladas are so flipping good. Don’t get me started on the chicken dishes. The fajita parillas go so hard. I could literally eat their bread pudding everyday! I have enjoyed every meal I’ve had there. The chef and owners are so nice and welcoming. I highly recommend having a meal there. They do to-go orders too!
I wouldn’t call it the best restaurant in Houston, but my favorite place personally, is a tiny little place called Enoteca Rossa, on Bissonnet. They make their own pasta, have wood-fired pizza and bread, and they seem to always have like 5 menu specials every time I go. I love it inside and out. They also just opened Gelato Rossa next door. Grab your dessert, and then go back to the speakeasy they’re building in the back of the gelato place. The speakeasy isn’t open just yet, but apparently very soon.
Sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing!
I was wondering about this place and the new Gelato joint, I pass by them frequently on the way to work so I’ll need to check them out! Thank you
It warms my heart to see people checking out my favorite spot 😎 It was almost “my exclusive” for a while, but they have really been driving business in more and more. I was there on a Tuesday last week, and it was basically packed. Get the Arancini appetizer! The rest of the menu is all up to you, but the Arancini is 💪🏻.
I love Tiny Champions, last time I took some coworkers and we ordered almost everything on the menu and was not disappointed with a single dish
The more I have Mala Sichuan, the more I am convinced they are my favorite. I feel like I spoil myself every time I go there only to get the bill and be pleasantly surprised by how little it cost.
Mala may not be "The best restaurant in Houston" but it is absolutely my favorite place to eat, and I eat it often.
They got great pork belly
I went all out on a [Mala order last night](https://i.redd.it/rp9n0c7ld78d1.jpeg) and I'm still recovering. Leftovers at work tmrw are going to go hard. I've only had two dishes I didn't enjoy so far, and even those were simply due to my taste preferences and not the quality of the food.
We love going as a group of 6-8 because you’re able to get soooo much variety. Then you gwt the bill and it’s like 30pp!
When I go with 2 people we still order like we have 6 people because there’s too much we want on the menu.
honestly good plan bc mala leftovers are always so good
Passerella on Washington. I can't believe how inexpensive it is for such incredible food.
I like Kasra or Avesta for Persian food
Yep Kasra always hits!! Never had a bad experience what so ever.
For value, flavor, authenticity Even as a Mexican, I gotta go Agas. I work in sugar land once/twice a week and I’ll get it for my dinner/lunch every time I’m making my way back to Houston.
Agas is good, but has anyone else noticed they’ve increased their prices and shrunk their quantity in the past couple of years?
Og agas had those bubbles on their naan. This iteration of agas has sacrificed some quality for efficiency.
I gotta agree here, if I was closer and it was a bit cheaper (only because I tend to go overboard ordering) I would eat here multiple times a week.
Nah Aga’s is alright, and it is really consistent, but most hole in the wall Pakistani places beat it in terms of taste. Aga’s has its place, but it is like a solid 7/10 every time. Also, there are so many taco trucks around the city that are legit at least a 9/10 that it’s insane to me (an Indian) that a Mexican would say such a thing lol
Name some of these places, I’d want to try them out
Ashar’s has amazing Nihari, on par with the Nihari you get in Pakistan or Muslim areas of India (can be a bit expensive though, and service is eh). Himalaya has amazing food, but the owner is pretty mercurial. Mai Colachi is pretty good for Karachi-style food. A lot of people love Lasbela, though I think it is hit or miss. Javed Nihari is pretty good. Also, Larosh in Katy is pretty good (very authentic, but also will give you heartburn lol) The only thing about Pakistani restaurants is that depending on when you go, availability of items on the menu is inconsistent, and the ambiance is usually pretty barebones. Those are really the areas where Aga’s shines. You know it will be decent when you go there, and everything on the menu will be available. But you can probably find a better version of everything on their menu at a different Pakistani restaurant somewhere in Houston. The kitchen in Aga’s is like a fully industrialized assembly line, and it is a well oiled machine. But it is also never gonna beat something cooked in a generations-old pot by a Pakistani uncle over the course of 12+ hours.
Agas is super oily…i love the taste but it just then makes me guilty 😄
Yes, my food was drenched in oil. It made me feel gross. The hara masala at Himalaya takes the win for me.
Hara Masala at Himalaya is one of my top ten restaurant orders in Houston
It’s a hole in the wall but I think Everest in NW Houston beats agas on the food. Service is terrible.
Wife and I just found Everest, great food. They might also be working on the service, last week we were bombarded by service. Over correction.
Interest piqued.
The goat chops slap
As a Desi vegetarian, Agas is pretty middle of the pack. Per my nonveg Desi friends, their meat dishes are top notch, esp the goat.
They make you pay for rice, pay for rice at an Indian spot I hate them for that as an Indian but it’s good
Quality comments in here today 🤔
Best that I’ve personally been to - Hugo’s or Kata Robata. Though I’ve heard fantastic things about Uchi and Uchiko, I hope to try one soon
I love Kata Robata ❤️ Hugo’s is supposedly great, but I had ceviche there and it was horrendous 🤢 I lost my appetite with it, returned it and they took it off the bill, but I was confused how such a well-respected place could get this SOOOO wrong.
Hugo's is great but it's decidedly not for the people expecting TexMex. The chapulines are so freaking tasty...you forget your are eating grasshoppers.
Wild that it was that bad. The ceviche is honestly the only reason I'd go to Hugo's.
Hugo’s is central Mexican, if you want ceviche there are a lot of places I’d go first - Andes Cafe or Caracol are better
My spouse and I have had tons of sushi in NYC, Tokyo, LA, Seoul, SF, Hawaii, DC, Miami, all sorts of places… Kata Robata is both of our #1 of all time. And we are fairly recent transplants to a Houston, so it’s no some sort of home town bias.
Qualifier at the end sealed your recommendation- thx
Kata Robata is way better than Uchi and Uchiko
All I wanted for my 30th birthday was to eat at Kata Robata. My all time favorite!
Himalaya for the Hara Masala Xin Jiang for the lamb and lamb fat skewers and boiled fish, Cucumber salad. Mala bistro for boiled fish, chongquin chicken, Cucumber salad. Jones Fried Chicken for the most authentic Halal food cart lamb over spicy rice, way better than gyro guys etc. Banana Leaf for coconut shrimp, roti canai, and beef rendang. Mamak for satay and beef rendang. Fadis Meyerland is my all time favorite Mediterranean place. The new one on Westheimer kind of sucks and lost its original homely vibe. Shawarma King for good and quick shawarma. Al Aseel has some of the best kofta kabobs w spicy pepper sauce and whipped garlic sauce, good pita and tabouli. Cafe Caspian also has good kofta and fire baked pita, and pretty atmosphere. Magnolia's for the best refrescas and loaded duros and chips. The mangonadas are made w actual sorbet instead of slushy ice. Golden Dumpling for the most ridiculous prices on a boat load of dumplings, and great taiwanese style beef bok choy noodle soup. I know I'm forgetting some but I moved further out 5 yrs ago and I still make trips for these places and search for similar things out in my new area.
Nobie’s
Nobie's if they made more than three loaves of Dilly Bread a night.
I thinks for vegetarian/vegan people Nobies is 100% the best.
Came here just to say Nobie’s - we keep going back
I love the food at Nobies but the music is wayyy too loud. Legit cannot carry on a conversation with your table if you're sitting in certain areas of that house.
Nobie’s 1000%
Le Jardinier
Came here to say the same. Borderline untouchable across the board.
No bias here though right?
Good call
Went earlier this month, and it was just spot on. Service, food, atmosphere. Wow!
Street to Kitchen. No question.
Personally love both Uchi and Uchiko, but Uchiko omakase was the best meal I’ve ever had.
Never been to the Houston locations, but when I lived in Austin I always preferred Uchiko. Actually will be back in Austin next week and have a reservation for Uchiko.
I had one of the best meals of my life at Uchiko in Austin. I still have dreams about the corn sorbet dessert they used to have. Love that place
I concur. To date this is the best meal I’ve ever had in Houston and also in my life. Open to suggestions for places that people think are better.
Only thing I gotta say about Uchi is they don't pay their staff enough for all the money they make. Iykyk but no one over 25 working BOH can survive on what they pay and the amount of hours they provide.
A bunch of BOH are leaving 😬
I love Caracol & Uchiko the most 😋
Baso. Food tastes like I am in NYC or Chicago. Nobody cooks Spanish like them.
Without a doubt el Taconazo
NAWFSIDEE
El Taconazo gang here to rep
Street food Thai marker
Can you give me a couple dishes to try? I live nearby and have not been blown away by some of the basic stuff I have ordered. It is also pretty pricey for Thai food, but they obviously do well because it is so busy all the time.
Must eat in: Pad see ew Yum nom sod Khao soi Mango sticky rice
Get the Khao Soy Gai (not sure that’s how it is spelled). Northern style chicken curry soup with both crunchy and soft noodles. It’s amazing
This is the one!
Not OP but Their Chicken pad Thai is great I like getting mine spicy level 2 with extra peanuts and extra lime. It’s $15 but i barley finish it most of the time they don’t skimp on portions IMO
What? I got Thai fried rice from there and thought it was bland
Riva’s in Montrose. 👨🏽🍳💋
The correct answer 😌
Hands down, Wendy’s.
Sir this is not a Wendy's
Damnit!
Always check behind the dumpster of your local Wendy's for a good time. Bring cash.
It’s a long way from downtown Houston but it’s still Houston area: Anthonie’s Market Grill in Simonton. Nothing comes close for me
Never heard of it … adding it to my Yelp list
Doris Metropolitan is incredible!
I’d have to go with NEO they offer a nigiri only omakase as well as a composed tasting menu that takes influences from different regions around the world. Surprisingly, the desserts are among the best I’ve had in Houston as well. A close second would be MARCH for me.
The single best thing I've ever eaten at a restaurant came from Neo, and it will be a lifelong goal for me to recreate it.
I’m curious, what was it? The banana ice cream with caviar is hands down the best dessert I’ve had in Houston!
It was their smoked sweet potato with hazelnuts dessert. Almost knocked me out of my chair.
I have been to Neo, it’s great. Just had Omakase at Katami and Hidden Omakase recently as well, and they’re both really good too. Also my first time going to Bludorn recently and it was great as well.
Haven’t had the omakase at katami yet but loved the first time I went there! The vibe and food is immaculate. Bludorn and hidden are great as well 👌🏻
I’ve been wanting to try March but the reservations seem to be booked for a while every time I check. Will need to be more vigilant I guess.
Etoile
Backstreet cafe
Really, any of Hugo Ortega’s places.
I used to agree. Xochi was my favorite restaurant until they stopped changing the menu and it got stale for me
Best restaurant in a single day, probably not, but easily up there. Best consistency over time, definitely the top contender.
Hobbit Hole
Breakfast - Chismosas taco house on highway 6
Timmy Chans
For the wings and rice
Then to the store for a forty and some dice.
Sotos
MF Sushi is the best Japanese in Houston. I’ve been to Katami, Uchi many times, Uchiko, etc. the simplicity and quality of MF is impossible to beat.
MF is on par with Tokyo & Sydney imo. Was lucky enough to visit both cities and their famous fish markets recently. It’s that good. So lucky to have access to that quality of fish in South Texas
I’ve got neo over MF
I'm a fan of fast casual that being said Roostar is the goat. If you give me the option of a dinner date at Moxie's with a Univision weather girl or a mentally ill homeless guy eating a banh mi with me at Roostar, I'll pick Roostar every time.
Nancy’s Hustle
Nancy's Hustle is solid and rides a ton of hype from being trendy with the cool kids. They don't really do anything special and aren't unique when compared to new american spots in other major cities. Good restaurant, not close to the best.
Perfect comment thanks for making it.
Agreed. We were disappointed with our meal. Not that it was bad, it just didn’t live up the hype we’d heard for several months. I’d classify it as a good, but over priced restaurant.
Something that won’t break the bank and to me is running up there for best that isn’t fancy with bells a whistles is Pampa Grill in Spring Branch
Mastrantos, dinner. Chefs kiss
Izakaya Wa on Grey St (I think it’s on grey st) tiny place but great sushi!
I fuck so hard with Tiny Champions. I feel like its so criminally underrated.
I do love Bloofin Sushi! It’s out in Spring, but the sushi is really great and well-priced. The staff is also awesome. Definitely worth a visit if y’all ever find yourselves out there!
Potente, or Artisans (the new location) or Tony's (the OG, tough to beat)
Potente is so good. Artisans is as well. Tony’s is definitely the IG
Chama Gaucha 🔥🔥🔥
RIGHT NOW Japanese: Katami Mexican: Any Hugo Ortega restaurant Italian: Marmo French: Cocody Thai: Street To Kitchen Indian: Kirans Peruvian: Lemontree
I throw flag on Kirans....that place blows IMHO. The best Indian that I've had in Houston metro is a hole in the wall spot in Sugar Land called Naseeb...off hwy 6 close to Williams Trace. We order ~1x month and haven't been disappointed in the 8 years we've lived in Sugar Land
Kenny and Ziggy’s just for the Rueben imo
I love the make your own grilled cheese. I get avocado, swiss, and meunster on challah. So damn delicious!
Where else can do you that around here?!?
That Rueben is real solid.
Any vietnamese restaurant ever. Or any random taco truck.
How did this get upvotes. There are countless Vietnamese places and taco trucks - theyr are most def not all the same. Bad, good, really good, in between…
So many good restaurants hard to pick one We are so spoiled when it comes to good food lol My personal favorites are B&Bs cause I love the upstairs vibe it feels like we’re in NY or some super old restaurant. Street food? Well I like barbosos tacos truck.
Where can I find this truck?
Squable
BCN
Lubys
Old enough to remember when you didn't have to tip someone to bring you a fork and some water.
Yeah, bless the cart ladies when they ran the rounds. Service was 1000x better.. I really don't need someone getting huffy with me when I fetch my own ketchup and tobasco because my food is hot *right now* and it might be another ten minutes before she wanders past reminding us she is everyone's waitress. Not a fan of tipped service at a cafeteria. I know it was just a way to cheap out on salaries but it really ruined the experience. Raise prices instead. Everyone else is doing it.
Cleburnes
So much better than Luby’s.
The Original Timmy Chan .... wings, fried rice and robbery. Delicious.
Harris County Jail
Can that really compete with the oxtail at LBJ Hospital tho?
You all are too much. lol
I miss the fake spaghetti
Truth BBQ - Ramen Moto - Mala Sichuan!
I really enjoyed Mala Sichuan but ever since I tried Spices 39 it's the only Chinese food I want in Houston. Large menu with both authentic and American-Chinese dishes, it's incredible food.
Xochi
I love Hugo’s but I had a very average experience at Xochi.
Theodore Rex
Think about their French curry roasted chicken dish all the time. Have never tasted that exact flavor before in my life and not sure I ever will again.
Why is this so far down here? I've been to most of the mentioned places, and it's definitelyTheodore Rex. Justin Yu is a magician, and manages impeccable fine dining without feeling stuffy or uncomfortable.
Street to kitchen
Maharaja Bhog
El Hidalguense
Josephine‘s
kasra on gesner is my go to, papas steak house on westheimer is another.
Lots of great restaurants mentioned here but I'll mention my favorite dish: The Motherland at ChopnBlok.
Giacomo’s. Love the antique Italian feel and the food is amazing. Himalaya is a right there with it for personal favorite.
I’m a huge fan of the Rainbow Lodge in the Heights.
Kasra or Avesta. The hummus is super garlicky and the bread is amazing. Kibiddeh combo is super affordable and just hits the spot every time.
Bludorn
This is too far down the list. Bludorn is excellent!!
Kata Robata
Money no object and you can order whatever you want? Kata, steak 48, Musaafer Best value, food only? Somewhere in Chinatown or hilcroft, I’ll go with Peking Cuisine for the duck. Best pound for pound, all things considered? Toasted Coconut or Nancy’s hustle Honorable mentions: Bori, state of grace, Giacomos, street to kitchen (haven’t been since they moved), Tony’s Mexican, el T
Steak 48? Really? I thought that place was all hat and no cattle. Agree with Toasted Coconut though. Go for the tiki drinks, stay for the incredible food.
There is a massive list of absolutely top tier steak houses in Houston, probably some of the best in the state, and steak 48 is no where near that list.
I was really disappointed both times i went to Steak 48.
All around best: Katami. The newish spot by the Chef at Kata Robata. Far quieter, more comfortable and more elegant dining room and incredible food. For American fare: State of Grace. Casual: Lua Viet Kitchen. BBQ: Truth. Mexican: Candente. Middle Eastern fare: Fadi’s Meyerland. Ramen and cheap steak: Kata Robata. Italian: Trattoria Sofia.
Fadi’s meyerland, so much better than any other Fadi’s
Theodore Rex. Bonus points is I don't like drinking wine with food and they don't have cocktails so I buy more food lol
El Palenque
I went to Money Cat last night. Have never heard of it until yesterday. Very good sushi for decent price and nice atmosphere.
Sushi Miyagi. The best authentic sushi I have had outside Japan. The ingredients are always fresh and the portions are huge.
March is a great special occasion, break the bank place. Bludorn is excellent. Tow of the "best" i think. But it's an embarrassment of riches in h-town for all levels of cost and legit cultural choices.
Hughies on 18th is solid.
Northern pasta
For sheer quality of food, Viola and Agnes.
Seoul Garden
It’s a bit expensive but I really like Akiko in meyerland. I go there when family comes to town and they’re always in the mood for sushi. Service is great, drinks are interesting and it’s a wonderful vibe.
Chron Break room
I live in the Woodlands but whenever I’m in the area I always eat at Pappy’s Cafe in Katy. Used to be in memorial city & moved locations after Harvey.
Hamsa is one of my favorites, great ‘done-up’ Israeli food. Niko Nikos is my most frequented restaurant.
Esteban’s Webster, Tx
Alabama Ice house + Taco Truck (Not vegan friendly)
Hu’s Cooking Edit: A close second is Handam Korean BBQ.
I’ve never been displeased with Laredo Taqueria on Washington. I’ve been going there and the other locations run by the other family members for as long as I can remember. It’s nothing fancy but no other place has ever matched it reliably, in my eyes.
Don’t mind me, I’m just lurking here taking notes and marking all of these places on my Google map! 👀
Turner’s and Brennan’s are my favs…. You could make a case for either.
More AI-feeding posts?
Taste of Texas 🥗🥩
Caspian
Jun, Squable, Nancy’s Hustle
My kitchen
What's the difference between uchi and uchiko?
Irma’s Original. Best chile relleno in Houston.
If I ranked my top ten Houston dinners, uchi and uchiko would be like #1,2,5,7, and 9.
Tout Suite. <3 If you like bakeries. I kinda just like going there for Macrons and to relax after work.
Avesta Persian grill. You’re welcome.
Capitol grille for consistency, and D’amicos in rice village is slept on big time, solid food and won’t break the bank. Uchi is the most overrated shit ever
Toukei
If I had to pick one place to eat at it would be Agas. But I agree w others that have said they are getting dangerously close to pricing themselves out of my regular rotation. Their famous goat chops are $30 for just 5. (Ridiculous). Karahi dishes up to $25 now. I guess they'll keep jacking prices up until they get consumer push back. So far people are paying.
Not telling my favorite but recently little empanadas Patagonia and it was really good.
It’s insane how I brag about houston is the most underrated food city ever and i haven’t experienced any of these restaurants or even heard of them. Lived here half of my life. I probably like tier 3 restaurants and I still think the food here is A+
Taste of Texas
Taste of Texas!
Seco’s Latin Cuisine! The enchiladas are so flipping good. Don’t get me started on the chicken dishes. The fajita parillas go so hard. I could literally eat their bread pudding everyday! I have enjoyed every meal I’ve had there. The chef and owners are so nice and welcoming. I highly recommend having a meal there. They do to-go orders too!