Houston, a city renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, boasts a vibrant gastronomic scene that caters to every palate. From steakhouses to seafood joints and fusion eateries, Houston’s restaurant landscape is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts. Below, we’ve highlighted ten of Houston’s finest dining establishments that should definitely be on your culinary radar.
1. TRIS
Nestled in The Woodlands, TRIS is a culinary gem that seamlessly combines American, French, and Asian influences. Chef Austin Simmons masterfully crafts dishes like Korean butter-poached crab, lobster toast with yuzu aioli, and crab truffle ravioli. Their selection of perfectly cooked beef cuts is a carnivore’s delight. Be sure to complement your meal with the signature brown butter Old Fashioned. TRIS can be found at 24 Waterway Ave #125, The Woodlands, TX 77380.
2. Amrina
Amrina, a modern Indian restaurant, earned the prestigious Eater Houston’s Restaurant of the Year award in 2022. Chef Jaspratap “Jassi” Bindra, hailed as one of the “World’s Best Indian Chefs” by the Hindustan Times, infuses playfulness into the menu. Expect delicacies such as A5 wagyu grilled on white charcoal, masala chai marble cake, and tandoori lamb chops with mint chutney. Visit Amrina at 516 Westheimer Rd #6000, Houston, TX 77006.
3. Taste of Texas
A Houston institution since 1977, Taste of Texas is a classic steakhouse renowned for its in-house aged prime beef and an expansive salad bar boasting over 50 options. Whether you prefer selecting your steak from the butcher shop or opting for menu classics like filet mignon, ribeye, or porterhouse, Taste of Texas promises a meaty delight. Their wine cellar houses more than 1,000 selections from across the globe. Taste of Texas is located at 10505 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024.
4. Uchi
Uchi is a Japanese haven where sushi, sashimi, and inventive Japanese-Texan fusion dishes rule the menu. With Chef Tyson Cole, a James Beard Award winner, at the helm, expect creations like 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 offers tantalizing omakase menus, allowing you to relish the chef’s curated selections. Find Uchi at 904 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006.
5. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood offers an opulent seafood experience complemented by prime steaks and chops. Dive into a seafood extravaganza featuring fresh oysters, crab cakes, lobster tails, scallops, and more from the raw bar. Meanwhile, their steak offerings, including filet mignon, bone-in ribeye, and New York strip, are cooked to perfection. Eddie V’s also boasts a lively jazz lounge where you can enjoy cocktails and live music. Head to 2800 Kirby Dr b132, Houston, TX 77098, to experience this seafood haven.
6. Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
For an authentic Brazilian feast, Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse is the place to be. Revel in an all-you-can-eat extravaganza of grilled meats and salads, where cuts of beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and sausage are cooked over an open flame and carved tableside by gauchos. Additionally, their salad bar features over 30 items, including cheeses, cold cuts, and vegetables. Satisfy your Brazilian cravings at 5865 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057.
7. Xochi
Xochi, a Mexican eatery, pays homage to the flavors of Oaxaca, celebrated for its mole sauces, corn-centric dishes, and mezcal libations. James Beard Award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega concocts tantalizing dishes like 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, indulge in mezcal and tequila-based cocktails. Visit Xochi at 1777 Walker St #A, Houston, TX 77010.
8. The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille offers a sophisticated dining experience, blending elegance with American cuisine. Revel in sumptuous steaks like dry-aged porterhouse, bone-in filet mignon, and Kona-crusted New York strip, or savor seafood delights such as seared tuna with ginger rice, lobster and crab cakes, and jumbo shrimp scampi. With a wine list featuring over 350 selections from around the world, The Capital Grille sets the stage for a memorable meal. Discover this culinary gem at 5365 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056.
9. The Breakfast Klub
For a taste of Southern-inspired breakfast and lunch, The Breakfast Klub delivers with flair. Start your day with chicken and waffles, katfish and grits, wings and eggs, or French toast.
Lunch options include sandwiches, salads, soups, and burgers. While the restaurant is often bustling with long lines, the mouthwatering offerings make it well worth the wait. Head over to 3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002, to satisfy your cravings.
10. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, another steakhouse gem, takes pride in offering prime beef, aged and expertly prepared in-house. Choose from a selection of steaks such as filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, and porterhouse, and elevate your meal with toppings like blue cheese butter, foie gras butter, or roasted bone marrow.
A diverse range of sides, including au gratin potatoes, creamed spinach, and lobster macaroni and cheese, complements your steak. With a wine list boasting over 2,300 selections, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse stands as a haven for wine connoisseurs. Find it at 5839 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Houston’s culinary landscape is a testament to its diverse and thriving food scene. Whether you’re craving steak, seafood, sushi, or any other culinary delight, the city offers a plethora of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. These ten restaurants merely scratch the surface, as Houston has a wealth of gastronomic experiences waiting to be explored. Bon appétit!