25 Best Places to Eat in Houston During Your Next Visit

Houston, the giant metropolis in Texas, offers a vast range of eateries from Classic American, Indian, Italian to Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, vegan, and more. In addition, the city has got highly skilled James Beard Award nominees and winners, chefs who make unique dishes that you’ll only find there. So whether you’re craving an authentic Vietnamese meal, the famous taco, dim sims, or a seven-course Indian meal, food places in Houston are waiting for you to take a big, Texas-sized bite. Places to eat in Houston feature cuisine from all over the world, and guess what? You can eat from a different cafe, pub, or bar daily without running out of options. You name it, and Houston has it! Overwhelmed? Wondering where to eat next when in Houston? Here’s a list of the best places to eat in Houston during your next visit.  

Places to eat in Houston that every foodie must try

Truth BBQ

110 S Heights Blvd Houston, TX 77007

Barbeque, Southern

Price Range – $$

Must try – Brisket

The Brisket at Truth BBQ is beyond tender and very flavorful, making it one of the top barbecue spots in the state. The place has evolved from the small shack in Brenham and offers delicacies such as corn pudding, tater tot casserole, and delectable cakes. You must also try the pepper jack sausage if you’re craving something juicy and spicy. They also offer various beer options for you to choose from, but doors close once the food sells out.

Xin Chao

2310 Decatur St Houston, TX 77007

Vietnamese, Asian Fusion

Price range – $$

Must try – Pork Belly 

The warm service and presentation at Xin Chao will make your experience worth it. The meat at this place is crispy, flavoury, and very tender. They offer great seasoning options and do a fantastic job with the sauces. The happy hours’ menu and the portion sizes will have your mind blown. Xin Chao offers outside seating as well, and the best way to find a spot is to get reservations done as the place fills up quickly on the weekends.

 

Squable

632 W 19th St Houston, TX 77008

Modern European, American (New)

Price range – $$

Must try – French cheeseburger

This modern gastropub is a great place to chill with friends. The food is impressive and offers delicious options, from breakfast to dinner. Every bite you take at Squable is made with the right amount of flavor, will melt in your mouth effortlessly, and the service is terrific.

 

The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation

2704 Navigation Blvd Houston, TX 77003

Mexican, Tex-Mex

Price range – $$

Must try – Marinated and Grilled Beef Skirt Steak Fajitas

Established in 1973, Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is one of Houston’s most treasured food destinations. The restaurant features two intimate dining areas, the main dining area, an enclosed year-round patio, and a bar. The place offers guests the best possible Original Ninfa’s experience as they can watch their famous handmade tortillas being rolled and cooked while entering the restaurant.

 

Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana

1000 W Gray St Houston, TX 77019

Pizza

Price range – $$

Must try – The Greek Detroit Style Pizza

A must-eat in Houston, Pizaro offers three styles of pizzas to choose from. Napoletana style, that is cooked in a wood-fired oven for 90 seconds. The crust is soft and thin, that will make you go crazy. New York classic American style pizza with a thin and crispy crust that holds a variety of toppings; and Detroit style, a pan pizza with a cheddar cheese crust and tomato sauce on top. Most of their pizzas are made with imported ingredients. 

 

Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine

1985 Welch St Houston, TX 77019

Steakhouses, Seafood, Wine Bars

Price range – $$

Must try – Seafood Gumbo, Crab Cakes 

This eatery serves the finest authentic and freshest Gulf Coast dishes and has received the title of ‘Best Seafood Restaurant,’ ‘Best Cajun Food Restaurant,’ and ‘Best Oysters’ by the Houston Press. They have an exciting menu that would make you want to try many options. Excellent customer service, upscale ambiance, affordable prices, happy hours, and a friendly atmosphere make the restaurant famous. 

 

Turner’s

1800 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056

American (New), Bar 

Price range – $$$$

Must try – Wood Grilled Octopus

Turner’s offers a blend of elegant service and classic American cuisine. Every dish is unique in terms of presentation and flavors. The service is amicable and welcoming. This is one of the best places to eat in Houston if you plan a memorable romantic dinner.  

 

Nancy’s Hustle

2704 Polk St Houston, TX 77003

American (New), Tapas/Small Plates, Modern European

Price range – $$$

Must try – Nancy Cakes 

One of the best parts of Nancy’s Hustle is that they change their menu very often, and none of their dishes disappoint. The Nancy Cakes are to die for and delicious. The restaurant serves a healthy portion of every dish and offers excellent customer service. 

 

Cali Sandwich & Pho 

2900 Travis St Ste F Houston, TX 77006

Sandwiches, Vietnamese, Soup 

Price range – $

Must try – Banh Mi, Egg Rolls 

Egg rolls are great here as they are crunchy yet chewy at the same time. Cali’s Banh Mi’s hits the list and is one of Houston’s best things to eat. The eatery always provides top-notch quality meat and fresh bread. The ambiance is decent but not aesthetically pleasing.

 

Paulie’s

1834 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77098

Sandwiches, Italian, Coffee & Tea

Price range – $$

Must try – Canestri Alla Funghi, Mushroom Pasta

Looking for Italian cuisine? Paulie’s offers the best food in Houston with a large portion and intense flavor. They also have a menu with small amounts, and the small part is quite filling for one person. The prices are very reasonable, and the menu also offers a Daily Dinner Special. 

 

Nobie’s

2048 Colquitt St Houston, TX 77098

American (New), Tapas/Small Plates, Whiskey Bars

Price range – $$$

Must try – Olive Oil Cake, Nonno’s Pasta, Texas Tartare 

Nobie’s offers the best pies you might have had in your entire life. They have a great collection of whiskeys and cocktails that will make you drool for more. The food is full of mixed spices, and the overall ambiance is perfect for a date or a girl’s night out. Don’t miss to check their special everyday menu. 

 

Dumpling Haus

2313 Edwards St Ste 180 Houston, TX 77007

Chinese

Price range – $$

Must try – Vegan Dumplings, Pork Dumplings

Handmade dumplings with bountiful ingredients flavored ideally make this place a great option to eat from. Additionally, it also has many vegan and gluten-free options for you to choose from. Some of the popular gluten-free dishes are Chili Garlic Special with Glass Noodles and the Honey Soy BBQ chicken rice bowl. 

 

The Breakfast Klub

3711 Travis St Houston, TX 77002

Breakfast & Brunch, Southern, American (Traditional)

Price range – $$

Must try – French Toast, Wings & Waffle, Katfish & Grits

If you are a breakfast and brunch lover, this is your dream restaurant and one of Houston’s best places to eat. It offers the perfect southern touch you need, and the staff is very polite. A notable tourist spot and highly recommended.

 

High & Dry 

306 Main St Ste 200 Houston, TX 77002

Cocktail Bars, American (New)

Price range – $$

Must try – Pina Colada, Strawberry Kush

High & Dry has a great atmosphere and lovely music. They change their menu seasonally and offer solid and unique drinks all year round. The atmosphere and ambiance will give you the perfect party vibe.

 

Z on 23 Rooftop 

1121 Walker St Fl 23 Zutro Restaurant Houston, TX 77002

Cocktail Bars, Lounges 

Price range – $$

Must try – Popcorn Shrimp, Home Fries 

This open-air bar has a wide variety of delicious drinks, which are decently priced. In addition, it offers unmatched city views on the 23rd floor of the Le Meridien hotel in Houston. You can also use the lounge seating, a nice place to sit, chat, catch up and chill with your gang. 

 

La Chingada Tacos & Tequila

1402 Northwood St Houston, TX 77009

Mexican, Breakfast & Brunch

Price range – $

Must try – Torta 

La Chingada Tacos & Tequila is more than just a taco joint. It serves the most authentic Mexican food and offers homemade recipes with high-quality ingredients. In addition, customers are treated with a trio of salsas served with warm chips every time they dine in.

 

March

1624 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77006

Mediterranean 

Price range – $$

Must try – Beef Rib

The lounge area that March offers is very nice. The seat has a buzzing sensation that allows you to enjoy your meal comfortably. The service is impeccable, and the food is excellent for Mediterranean lovers. 

 

Vegan Sweet Spot 

1001 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77042

Desserts, Pop-Up Restaurant 

Price range – $$

Must try – Cookies

All desserts at this place are vegan and gluten-free, and it is the only spot that offers such desserts. They are handmade and tasty plant-based desserts that anyone will enjoy.

 

La Sicilia Italian Bakery & Café 

515 Westheimer Rd Ste C Houston, TX 77006

Bakeries, Desserts, Cafes

Price range – $$

Must try – Chocolate Almond Croissant, Lemon Ricotta

You cannot miss the weekend specials at La Sicilia because a special tart or pastry is always featured. They offer a variety of Italian cookies that are super cakey, moist, and delicious. Their desserts are not too sweet, and servings are great – the ideal café to have a heavenly breakfast! 

 

Grinder’s Coffee Bar 

5410 Kirby Dr Houston, TX 77005

Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch 

Price range – $

Must try – Avocado Toast, Matcha 

Locally sourced coffee, availability of several toasts, breakfast sandwich options throughout the day, and ready-to-go salads make this place your go-to coffee bar. The food and drinks are pretty delicious and economical. 

 

Tikka Shack 

134 Vintage Park Blvd Ste H Houston, TX 77070

Indian 

Price range – $$

Must try – Samosa, Tikka Wrap 

Tikka Shack is a great option to enjoy tasty South Asian food with a modern spin. Their samosas and classic masala chai are a must-try for everyone who visits there. The spicy curries are full of spices and provide the perfect Indian tickle to your tongue.

 

Dave’s Hot Chicken

614 Dennis Street Houston, TX 77006

Indian Chicken

Price range – $$

Must try – Hot Chicken, Chocolate shake 

This place is renowned for its excellent customer service and spicy Indian chicken. Their chocolate shake is to die for, and it is one of the best fast-food shakes you may have ever tried. What’s more? The price is very affordable, and the limited menu makes it easier for you to decide on what to order.

 

Tandoori Grill 

2002 N Fry Rd Ste 103 Houston, TX 77084

Indian, Buffet 

Price range – $$

Must try – Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, Butter Chicken 

Tandoori Grill offers many Indian delicacies and a vast selection of vegetarian and vegan options. The staff is warm and friendly and helps you find suitable options according to your needs. In addition, the restaurant is very clean and kid-friendly. 

 

Hu’s Cooking 

2502 W Holcombe Blvd Houston, TX 77030

Chinese

Price range – $$

Must try – Dan Dan Noodles, Spicy Chicken, Mapo Tofu

Hu’s Cooking offers a unique kind of Chinese fusion food with a sophisticated flavor and taste that no one has in Houston. The restaurant has a modern, relaxed vibe and clean environment that makes your dining experience memorable. 

 

Aga’s Restaurant & Catering 

11842 Wilcrest Dr Houston, TX 77031

Pakistani, Indian

Price range – $$

Must try – Goat Chops, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Lollipop

Aga’s Restaurant & Catering has been serving authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine in Houston for more than 20 years. Their menu includes popular vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, from goat chops and biryanis to curries and sizzlers. The place has a casual dining atmosphere and offers a semi-private seating area for family gatherings, weddings, birthdays, corporate events, social events, and other private parties. 

When looking for best places to eat in Houston, the list is never-ending, and none of these places will leave you disappointed. So, make sure you visit them when in the city! 

Frequently asked questions about food in Houston

 

1.What food is Houston best known for?

Houston has an incredible culinary history that everyone must explore. Houston’s chefs and restaurant owners offer a variety of global cuisines and add their unique touches to provide you with some genuinely iconic dishes. With countless dishes and restaurants to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down a list of the best food found here. However, some dishes such as crispy fried shrimp tails and Shrimp Chippewa are a must-try! 

 

2.What area of Houston has the best restaurants?

The city provides a diversity of food throughout. Some of Houston’s best areas to eat are Pearland, Woodlands, East End, Washington, Rice Village, Upper Kirby, Galleria, Midtown, River Oaks, Chinatown, Downtown, Heights, and Montrose. 

 

3.What is Houston cuisine?

The Louisiana Creoles, who settled in Houston in the 1920s, brought their cuisine. They also sold the food often, and this cuisine became famous in Houston in the post-World War II era. Even today, many food chains in Houston sell Creole food, including Frenchy’s Chicken, Pappadeaux, and Popeyes. Other food items such as black rice and shrimp creole, crawfish, gumbo, and jambalaya are also Creoles food. Apart from this, Tex-Mex cuisine is trendy in Houston.

 

4.What is Houston’s signature dish? 

Houston’s signature dish is known as “Pho.” This soup consists of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat. It is super delicious and reinforces Houston’s diversity. There is a Pho shop at every corner of Houston, and this dish is integrated into the Houston culture.