The best restaurants in Houston
174 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Longtime family-operated Italian eatery serving homemade dishes, including pizzas.
Denny's Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
Denny's Restaurant
RestaurantsTostada Regia Pasadena
RestaurantsTacos, burritos & other basic Mexican fare (including breakfast) offered in a casual environment.
Tostada Regia Pasadena
RestaurantsCicis Pizza
RestaurantsItalian chain offering an array of specialty pizzas, plus classic pastas & salads.
Cicis Pizza
RestaurantsChick-fil-A
RestaurantsFast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.
Chick-fil-A
RestaurantsLa Fonda Taqueria
RestaurantsSmall bare-bones offering known for tacos, chicken & Mexican burgers in a bright space with a mural.
La Fonda Taqueria
RestaurantsPostino Montrose
RestaurantsPostino Montrose is your move when you want an easy hang with excellent bruschetta boards, snacky things, salads, and paninis, plus a solid…
Postino Montrose
RestaurantsThe Patio At The Pit Room
RestaurantsThis week, skip the couch and slide into The Patio At The Pit Room, where you can haul over Pit Room BBQ, settle into the Montrose patio,…
The Patio At The Pit Room
RestaurantsBonchon Pearland
RestaurantsBonchon Pearland is all about that ultra-crispy, double fried Korean chicken brushed in signature sauces, plus Korean comfort food that…
Bonchon Pearland
RestaurantsDripped Birria
RestaurantsWhen the birria craving hits this week, Dripped Birria has you covered with 100% Halal goodness, from cheesy quesadillas and loaded fries…
Dripped Birria
RestaurantsThe Pit Room
RestaurantsCraving real deal Central Texas-style BBQ with that black pepper, smoke, love thing going on, no sauced meats unless you ask. The Pit Room…
The Pit Room
RestaurantsPho Now
RestaurantsPho Now brings authentically Vietnamese comfort with rich pho, Fresh Spring Rolls, Banh Mi, grilled specialties, and Bo Lu Lac. Swing by…
Pho Now
RestaurantsPho Ben Bellaire
RestaurantsWhen a noodle craving hits, Pho Ben Bellaire nails it with legit Vietnamese flavors built from fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables. Slide…
Pho Ben Bellaire
RestaurantsEdo Japan
RestaurantsWhether you crave a roll marathon or sizzling hibachi made to order, Edo Sushi Japanese Sushi & Hibachi Grill keeps plates coming with…
Edo Japan
RestaurantsBig 6 Bar-B-Que (Food Truck)
RestaurantsFood stand selling pork, beef, lamb & other barbecued meats by the plate or pound, plus sides.
Big 6 Bar-B-Que (Food Truck)
RestaurantsRodeo Goat
RestaurantsCasual joint offering inventive variations on house-ground burgers and a lengthy craft-beer lineup, with takeout options.
Rodeo Goat
RestaurantsPho Saigon
RestaurantsInformal eatery serving a variety of beef noodle soups (pho) & other classic Vietnamese fare.
Pho Saigon
RestaurantsCiccio's Pasta
RestaurantsCasual eatery offering small plates and Italian dishes such as chicken alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, and fried cheese.
Ciccio's Pasta
RestaurantsARTISTRY
RestaurantsCozy spot serving fresh salads, paninis and other casual bites from a scratch-cook kitchen.
ARTISTRY
RestaurantsTaglia
RestaurantsLaid-back place boasting a bar and serving Italian classics such as pasta dishes, pizza and ravioli plus beer.
Taglia
RestaurantsCafe Petra Greek & Lebanese Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual dining room serving classic grilled chicken kabobs plus other Mediterranean delicacies.
Cafe Petra Greek & Lebanese Restaurant
RestaurantsKelley's Country Cookin'
RestaurantsFamily-owned chain serving breakfast & classic American comfort food in an old-school setting.
Kelley's Country Cookin'
RestaurantsOcean Sushi & Ramen
RestaurantsCasual Japanese eatery offering an extensive menu that includes sushi and ramen.
Ocean Sushi & Ramen
RestaurantsBarcenas Mexican Grill #2
RestaurantsCelebrated low-key Tex-Mex spot that also features Mexican specialties on the menu.
Barcenas Mexican Grill #2
RestaurantsSnooze, an A.M. Eatery
RestaurantsVibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
RestaurantsLive Oak Grill
RestaurantsLaid-back restaurant with Texas flair serving comfort foods from the counter.
Live Oak Grill
RestaurantsSorrento
RestaurantsCreative Italian dishes in an elegant interior with muraled walls & live piano, plus Sunday brunch.
Sorrento
RestaurantsTexas Roadhouse
RestaurantsLively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.
Texas Roadhouse
RestaurantsPinball Pizzeria
RestaurantsCasual spot with a retro vibe, known for pizza and pinball machines.
Pinball Pizzeria
RestaurantsStuff'd Wings
RestaurantsDown-to-earth fast-food joint dishing up fried chicken wings with a choice of sauces.
Stuff'd Wings
RestaurantsLien's Viet Kitchen
RestaurantsCasual eatery for pho, boba and banh mi sandwiches, plus rice bowls.
Lien's Viet Kitchen
RestaurantsYamamori
RestaurantsCasual eatery featuring hibachi specialties, fresh sushi rolls and other traditional Japanese dishes.
Yamamori
RestaurantsDickey's Barbecue Pit
RestaurantsBBQ chain eatery featuring house-smoked meats, stuffed baked potatoes & classic sides.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
RestaurantsMagdalena’s
RestaurantsPizza and other Italian dishes are served in a comfortable family-owned eatery.
Magdalena’s
RestaurantsR & K Barbecue
RestaurantsNo-frills BBQ restaurant with functional decor & a menu of smoked-meat platters, sandwiches & sides.
R & K Barbecue
RestaurantsIekei
RestaurantsRelaxed eatery serving pan-Asian fare such as ramen, udon and sushi rolls.
Iekei
RestaurantsLuigi's Pizzeria
RestaurantsLocal pizzeria chain serving NY-style pies, plus pasta, sandwiches & gelato, in a relaxed space.
Luigi's Pizzeria
RestaurantsHB Japanese Steak House &Sushi
RestaurantsMeals are prepared for guests on tableside hibachi grills at this lively Japanese eatery.
HB Japanese Steak House &Sushi
RestaurantsPho Dien
RestaurantsVietnamese noodle house with a casual ambiance & a selection of bubble teas.
Pho Dien
RestaurantsElliot's Table
RestaurantsElevated regional American fare plus local desserts served in a rustic-chic space.
Elliot's Table
RestaurantsPizza Hut
RestaurantsPopular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.
Pizza Hut
RestaurantsNettBar
RestaurantsDog-friendly hangout in a historic building offering craft beers, cocktails, games & a patio.
NettBar
RestaurantsHash Kitchen
RestaurantsLively, fun, and energetic brunch spot presenting classic options, creative cocktails and live music.
Hash Kitchen
RestaurantsWings N Go
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving up wings and other bar bites, plus happy hour drinks.
Wings N Go
RestaurantsCasual chain serving pizza along with soups, sandwiches & pastas.
Jet's Pizza
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain offering Detroit-style pizza with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs.
Jet's Pizza
RestaurantsPappas Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsLong-standing chain dishing up Texas-style smoked meats & sides in a relaxed counter-serve setting.
Pappas Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsGrazia
RestaurantsItalian dishes, wood-fired pies & creative cocktails served in a warm, relaxed setting with a patio.
Grazia
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsTake-out joint doling out pizza, subs & basic Italian dishes in a modest space, with delivery.
Rising Sun
RestaurantsCasual spot for rolls, dinner bento boxes & other Japanese favorites, plus sake-fueled happy hours.
Rising Sun
RestaurantsBrookstreet Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving brisket, turkey, and other hickory-smoked meats, plus breakfast tacos.
Brookstreet Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsFrenchies
RestaurantsItalian spot with counter-serve lunches & sit-down dinners has space-centric decor (NASA is nearby).
Frenchies
RestaurantsWingstop
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
Wingstop
RestaurantsFloyds Seafood - Pearland
RestaurantsRoomy, down-home pit stop featuring Cajun seafood & Texas steak, plus occasional live music.
Floyds Seafood - Pearland
RestaurantsOng Jas Viet Kitchen
RestaurantsCozy eatery serving traditional Vietnamese dishes including pho and egg rolls in a warm space.
Ong Jas Viet Kitchen
RestaurantsKatami
RestaurantsUpscale restaurant offering sushi, wagyu, and sake in a stylish setting.
Katami
Restaurants5Kinokawa
RestaurantsIntimate restaurant with an omakase menu of Japanese dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients.
5Kinokawa
RestaurantsItaliano's
RestaurantsLow-key restaurant with a warm vibe offering traditional Italian dishes, New York-style pies & wine.
Italiano's
RestaurantsThe Annie
RestaurantsBustling bar & eatery for classic drinks & American-Southwestern eats in an ornate dining room.
The Annie
RestaurantsVia 313
RestaurantsLocal pizzeria chain known for its square, Detroit-style pizzas & inventive toppings.
Via 313
RestaurantsPinkerton's Barbecue
RestaurantsTexas-style brisket and ribs, plus sides and cobbler, dished up in a classic setting with rustic decor.
Pinkerton's Barbecue
RestaurantsWings World HTX
RestaurantsCasual outpost for pan-fried chicken wings tossed in a variety of sauces, plus egg rolls and fries.
Wings World HTX
RestaurantsSmashburger
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.
Smashburger
RestaurantsDave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsCasual, chicken fast food chain featuring fried tenders, sliders and sandwiches as well as Mac and Cheese for kids.
Dave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsYummy Pho & Bo Ne
RestaurantsCasual, family-friendly eatery for traditional Vietnamese fare such as pho noodles and vermicelli bowls.
Yummy Pho & Bo Ne
RestaurantsJ.A.M Viet Kitchen & Bar
RestaurantsPho, egg coffee, and other Vietnamese favorites served in an informal setting with a bar.
J.A.M Viet Kitchen & Bar
RestaurantsNorth Italia
RestaurantsRelaxed Italian restaurant serving scratch dishes from pizza to pasta and meatballs, as well as housemade cocktails and craft beers.
North Italia
RestaurantsEl Paisa Express, LLC
RestaurantsCasual eatery cooking up popular breakfast and lunch dishes inspired by Mexican traditions.
El Paisa Express, LLC
RestaurantsFrank's Pizza
RestaurantsGiant, foldable slices of New York-style thin crust pizza (or whole pies) available late night.
Frank's Pizza
RestaurantsTakumi
RestaurantsCasual restaurant offering Japanese fare such as sushi and sashimi, plus hibachi meals, and bento boxes.
Takumi
RestaurantsUmiya Sushi
RestaurantsAsian flavors, from Chinese to sushi & hibachi, are on the menu at this venue with a full bar.
Umiya Sushi
RestaurantsCitizen of Montrose
RestaurantsBrunch-focused eats featuring classic favorites with a creative twist served in casual surroundings at this restaurant and bar.
Citizen of Montrose
RestaurantsSushi Koi
RestaurantsCasual eatery featuring sushi rolls, hibachi steaks and udon noodles, along with beer and wine.
Sushi Koi
RestaurantsCOPA Sips & Latin Tapas
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving fusion Latin tapas and empanadas in Vintage Park, plus drinks.
COPA Sips & Latin Tapas
RestaurantsFlossie's Barbecue
RestaurantsSmoked meats and baked potatoes highlight this eatery, but brisket is the star.
Flossie's Barbecue
RestaurantsThe Chef's Table
RestaurantsGlobal fare, including Indian, African, and French options, served in an upscale space with live music.
The Chef's Table
RestaurantsBig City Wings
RestaurantsBurger, chicken wings and fried options such as pickles, cheese and burgers.
Big City Wings
RestaurantsWingstop
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
Wingstop
RestaurantsPizza Hut
RestaurantsPopular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.
Pizza Hut
RestaurantsMi Luna Tapas Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsCasual eatery serving a menu of Spanish tapas with an emphasis on seafood, plus sangria.
Mi Luna Tapas Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsPho Vi Vi
RestaurantsCasual, family-run eatery serving traditional Vietnamese dishes, including noodles, banh mi sandwiches and rice dishes.
Pho Vi Vi
RestaurantsYummy Pho & Thai Bistro
RestaurantsCozy eateries serving traditional Vietnamese fare (including pho and banh mi) in a clean setting, plus Thai options.
Yummy Pho & Thai Bistro
RestaurantsThe Finn
RestaurantsEuropean-inspired, art deco food hall with casual, diverse dining options, bars & a cocktail lounge.
The Finn
RestaurantsGolden Corral Buffet & Grill
RestaurantsFamily-friendly buffet chain featuring all-you-can-eat American fare, plus salad & dessert bars.
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
RestaurantsFernando's
RestaurantsSteaks & seafood prepared with Latin flair, plus wine, in a roomy, upscale dining room.
Fernando's
RestaurantsYellowtail
RestaurantsJapanese, ramen–serving venue, whose menu offers specialty rolls such as the Super Shaggy and Houston hang as well as classic nigiri and…
Yellowtail
RestaurantsAkashi
RestaurantsSpacious place for Japanese cuisine (such as sushi, nigiri) and Chinese fare such as orange chicken.
Akashi
RestaurantsPho Saigon
RestaurantsInformal eatery serving a variety of beef noodle soups (pho) & other classic Vietnamese fare.
Pho Saigon
RestaurantsPizza Lounge
RestaurantsCasual bi-level eatery prepping traditional Italian fare like pastas, calzone & pizzas, plus beer.
Pizza Lounge
RestaurantsJimmy Changas {Pearland}
RestaurantsAiry, contemporary restaurant featuring tacos, enchiladas & other Mexican staples, plus margaritas.
Jimmy Changas {Pearland}
RestaurantsGen Korean BBQ House
RestaurantsLocal chain offering Korean BBQ grilled tableside & ban-chan in a trendy, modern setting.
Gen Korean BBQ House
RestaurantsTrue Food Kitchen
RestaurantsRelaxed, eco-chic chain serving health-conscious fare, including vegan options, plus cocktails.
True Food Kitchen
RestaurantsJINYA Ramen Bar - Heights Waterworks
RestaurantsPopular chain preparing slow-cooked ramen noodle dishes, plus buns, fried chicken, and sake.
JINYA Ramen Bar - Heights Waterworks
RestaurantsRays Real Pit BBQ Shack
RestaurantsHickory-smoked meats & housemade sides & desserts plus seafood specials in a casual dining room.
Rays Real Pit BBQ Shack
RestaurantsHoot's Smokehouse
RestaurantsLaid-back BBQ eatery smoking brisket, ribs, sausages and other meats, plus live music and catering.
Hoot's Smokehouse
RestaurantsBCN Taste & Tradition
RestaurantsSet in a 1920s home, this contemporary Spanish fine-dining spot presents classic Catalan flavors.
BCN Taste & Tradition
RestaurantsMamma Mia's Pizza & Pasta
RestaurantsFamily-owned Italian place serving pizza, pasta, subs & entrees for dine-in & takeout.
Mamma Mia's Pizza & Pasta
RestaurantsMAD
RestaurantsStriking & vibrant destination for innovative Spanish tapas & mains plus unique gin & tonics.
MAD
RestaurantsPrima Pasta Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsCozy Italian eatery featuring homemade noodles, sauces and pizzas. Live music is offered in the evening along with delivery and catering.
Prima Pasta Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsBig City Wings- EaDo
RestaurantsPopular eatery featuring a variety of wings and other chicken dishes.
Big City Wings- EaDo
RestaurantsBrisket & Rice
RestaurantsCozy kitchen serving Texas-style barbecue fare such as brisket and ribs, along with Asian-inspired fried rice.
Brisket & Rice
RestaurantsKata Robata
RestaurantsSleek, contemporary space for innovative sushi & Japanese small plates such as Kobe beef skewers.
Kata Robata
RestaurantsSnooze, an A.M. Eatery
RestaurantsVibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
RestaurantsPizzitola’s Heritage BBQ
RestaurantsInstitution for BBQ classics, especially racks of ribs, chicken, sausage & down-home banana pudding.
Pizzitola’s Heritage BBQ
RestaurantsSteamboat Bill’s Pearland, TX
RestaurantsPub grub & beer served in spacious, industrial surrounds with pool tables & live music.
Steamboat Bill’s Pearland, TX
RestaurantsPop Drinks
RestaurantsSugar-free soda shop specializing in custom beverages and cookies, plus a drive-thru.
Pop Drinks
RestaurantsSaltgrass Steak House
RestaurantsInformal Texas-themed chain offers a meaty menu & full bar amid cattle kitsch decor.
Saltgrass Steak House
RestaurantsPho L'amour | Noodles & Grill
RestaurantsRelaxed eatery specializing in Vietnamese standards including p̉hở, bánh mì, pho and fresh spring rolls.
Pho L'amour | Noodles & Grill
RestaurantsCulver’s
RestaurantsFast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.
Culver’s
RestaurantsItaliano's
RestaurantsLow-key restaurant with a warm vibe offering traditional Italian dishes, New York-style pies & wine.
Italiano's
RestaurantsPotente
RestaurantsSwanky, modern destination serving locally sourced modern Italian cuisine plus wine & cocktails.
Potente
RestaurantsPho 71
RestaurantsCasual strip-mall restaurant dispensing Vietnamese eats, including spring rolls & its namesake soup.
Pho 71
RestaurantsEmber & Greens
RestaurantsCasual restaurant/bar offering international cuisine, cocktails & weekend brunch, plus happy hours.
Ember & Greens
RestaurantsBoiling Pho
RestaurantsVietnamese fare, including pho, rice & noodle dishes, plus specialty teas crafted in a modern setup.
Boiling Pho
RestaurantsSaltgrass Steak House
RestaurantsInformal Texas-themed chain offers a meaty menu & full bar amid cattle kitsch decor.
Saltgrass Steak House
RestaurantsRoost
RestaurantsCozy bistro dishing up a diverse selection of creative New American dishes in a small, old house.
Roost
RestaurantsWingstop
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
Wingstop
RestaurantsHuynh Restaurant
RestaurantsHomestyle Vietnamese fare such as spring rolls & rice plates with BYOB available for a fee.
Huynh Restaurant
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