Best restaurants in Houston

If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Houston, you’re in for a treat. This populous city in Texas has arguably one of the most exciting culinary scenes in America. Sure, you’ll find plenty of Tex-Mex options, but the sheer diversity of the city means you’ll also find plenty of international influences too.

From authentic South-East Asian delights to freshly caught Gulf Coast seafood, there’s no shortage of global flavors. So, whether you’re heading to the city for the first time, or are a returning visitor, read on as we uncover the best restaurants in Houston.

Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse

1510 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002

Conveniently located Downtown, this up-scale restaurant offers fine dining in an elegant old-school environment. The award-winning menu features a variety of savory appetizers, fresh seafood, prime beef and decadent desserts.

Enjoy refreshing oysters followed by gulf red snapper, served with seasonal vegetables and sherried lobster sauce. There’s plenty of accompaniments to choose from too, including sea salt fries, baked potato and mac and cheese.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying a romantic meal for two, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse promises an exquisite culinary experience that is sure to impress.

JOEY Uptown

045 Westheimer Rd Suite X-01, Houston, TX 77056

Located right in the heart of Houston, JOEY Uptown is a relaxed, contemporary dining spot featuring a broad menu of international and regional dishes. Take your pick from small sides and sharing plates through to sushi, salads, sandwiches and burgers.

The décor is equally impressive too. Inside the huge 10,288-square-foot restaurant you’ll find plant accents, leather seating and a living green ceiling. From the very moment you step through the front door, the decidedly verdant interior will make you feel as though you’re inside a greenhouse.

Underbelly Burger

2520 Airline Dr Suite B-215, Houston, TX 77009

There’s no shortage of great hamburgers among the plethora of food trucks and steakhouses in Houston, but the burgers at Underbelly Burger are arguably the best in the city. Located at Houston Farmers Market, each burger is handcrafted with locally sourced ingredients from 44 Farms and R-C Ranch Butcher Shop.

Each burger is also layered with two beef patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and house sauce. If you’re not a burger fan, don’t worry. There’s plenty of other options on the menu too. From bacon sausage hotdogs to chicken sandwiches with black pepper buttermilk, and kale salad, there’s something to suit every appetite.

The Blind Goat

8145 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055

This modern Vietnamese eatery was founded by Christine Ha. Her love of cooking was inspired by her late parents, both Vietnamese refugees, but Ha is entirely self-taught.

The restaurant name is a nod to Ha’s story. When she was 19, Ha lost her vision due to an autoimmune disease. But that hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her passion. The blind chef won MasterChef USA season three, and her cookbook, Recipes from my Home Kitchen, was a New York Times best-seller.

Stop by and enjoy modern Vietnamese dishes like Vietnamese tostada with baby clams and Mom’s Egg rolls – Ha’s childhood favorite, with pork, shrimp, carrot, wood ear mushroom and fish sauce.

Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant

3030 Audley St, Houston, TX 77098

If you’re a fan of Ethiopian cooking, head to Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant. This family-owned restaurant has been open since 1994 and has been nominated as one of the best ethnic restaurants by the Houston community.

Foodies will enjoy a unique taste of Ethiopian meat dishes and salads in a warm and friendly environment. The menu is also packed with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options too. Shrimp wot is a standout, rich with spices, while fitfit is one of the best lamb dishes, with a heady turmeric sauce. As the restaurant can get rather busy, reservations are encouraged.

Brennan’s of Houston

3300 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006

New Orleans character and cuisine shine at this popular creole restaurant in Houston. First opened in 1967 as a sister restaurant to the world-famous Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Brennan’s of Houston has evolved into the city’s hottest destination for southern hospitality.

The menu proudly puts Cajun cuisine on full display. Sample everything from wood-grilled Matagorda Bay oysters to roasted bandera quail. Of course, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to try the famous turtle soup either. The signature dessert is the bananas foster, flambeed table-side with Jamaican rum.

Truth BBQ

110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007

If you’re out on the road, this rustic, counter-service restaurant is the perfect pit stop for classic smoked meats, homemade sides and refreshing beverages. With juicy hog roasts, fatty brisket and beef-ribs, Truth BBQ may just be one of the hottest barbeque spots in the state.

Aside from its food offerings, the restaurant has a variety of merchandise available, including hats, aprons and logo tees. Their addictively delicious pickles and sauces can be purchased too, if you want to try to recreate their peerless pitmastery at home.

MAD

4444 Westheimer Rd Suite C180, Houston, TX 77027

MAD restaurant is a striking and vibrant destination for innovative Spanish tapas. With edgy décor and an eclectic feel, you’re in for a dining experience like no other. Designer Lazaro Rosa-Violan took inspiration from the years of La Movida Madrileña, the countercultural scene of the late 70s to the mid-80s in Madrid.

Expect the very best of Spanish gastronomy, from creative tapas and small bites, to wood fire-cooked rice and freshly caught fish. Each dish is prepared with the highest quality ingredients and there is a creative surprise around every corner. Highlights include bluefin tuna married with a brioche bun, bao buns stuffed with jamon iberico and a Manchego cheese lava cake dessert.

There’s no shortage of great restaurants in this striking and diverse city. Reserve a car rental in Houston online with Hertz today and get ready to embark on an epic culinary adventure.

Get to know more about Houston

Want to find some of the hottest spots in Houston? Discover more of our city guides:

• Best hotels in Houston
• Best things to do in Houston
• Houston’s neighborhoods