Houston is a foodie city! You could eat your way through this city and love every second of it. It’s impossible to name just a few restaurants that are must visits in Houston TX. That’s why for this collaborative blog with SoFab Foods where you can check out the best local spots across the globe, we couldn’t come up with just a few.
We had to list the best restaurants in Houston in 3 categories: Gorgeous, Delicious, and Affordable; Best Tex-Mex because we are in Texas after all! And we have a category for best world cuisine. Houston is one of the most international cities in the world and our food reflects that.
Gorgeous, Delicious, and Affordable
The Conservatory is a food hall with several different mini sized restaurants all of which are phenomenal! It’s located in Downtown Houston in a vintage building that is so pretty. The walls are covered in live plants which creates a gorgeous scene. There is a lovely wine bar and a lovely beer tap too. The Pho Spot, one of the newest additions to The Conservatory is THE BEST PHO I’ve had in Houston. Easy. It’s exceptional broth and family run.
Melange Creperie coincidentally just moved from The Conservatory to their new spot at Heights Mercantile. The interior is just dreamy and full of bright colors. Sometimes you can catch Melange at the Urban Harvest Farmer’s Markets on the weekends where you are sure to get a “Heck Yeah” with every order.
Weights & Measures – looking for a cocktail Then this is the spot. Sit at the bar and ask for Justin. If you order food at the bar, they’ll whip out these totally fun vintage Star Wars placemats that you may never stop staring at. The cuisine is inspired and the pizzas made with local favorite Slow Dough crust are a must.
Image by Ralph Smith, from 365 Houston
Coltivare may be the dreamiest restaurant in Houston because they have a small outdoor garden that you can roam and enjoy before being seated. And the garden is just lovely! Coltivare is a modern twist on farm to table Italian and so amazing that it’s always packed. My secret is dining at Coltivare right when they open at 5pm!
Brasil is a Houston staple. It’s affordable, delicious, and full of African and Mesoamerican Art. There is a pop up retail space next door that’s ever changing. And on the other side is a contemporary art gallery that connects to the back patio of Brasil. You can find live performances, movie nights, gallery talks and more. It’s like it’s own bubble of beauty in the center of Montrose.
Best Tex Mex
Because after all this is Texas! If you miss out on the Tex Mex here then that would be a tragedy. Here are my top picks.
Teotihuacan on the North side has delicious margaritas and delicious food too. My recommendations are any of the stuffed and fried avocados and the seafood enchiladas. This restaurant is always lively with people, and if you eat there, you will know why!
Ninfa’s on Navigation is a staple of Houston. Ninfa’s has a great patio that’s perfect for drinks and perfect for fajitas! The entire menu is good but I just can’t get enough of the beef and shrimp fajitas with a classic frozen margarita with salt.
Eduardo’s Mexican Kitchen is the only place I know where the waiters and restaurant owner will shake your hand when you come in. It’s the best service in Houston and the food is just outstanding! Don’t miss the green salsa. It’s delicious!
World Cuisine
Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the US and you can see that in the food. You can find everything here and please do because it’s all delicious.
Vieng Thai confuses me why they don’t have 5 stars on yelp?! This is hands down the best Thai food I’ve ever had in my life. You can find Thai music in the evenings sometimes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and every type of curry is rich, flavorful and complex.
Andes Cafe is so much fun for happy hour. This restaurant spans traditionally cuisine from many different South American countries. Don’t miss the Ceviche – it’s to die for. Maybe avoid the guinea pig unless you really have a flair for the extraordinary!
Lucy is all about the vibe. If you go to this amazing Ethiopian restaurant, be sure to sit in the lounge. It’s often crowded back there and the dishes are perfect for sharing with a group of friends. You can also grab a hookah in lots of different flavors. Lucy is the perfect spot for taking your time.
Himalaya is no stranger to being on best of Houston lists! This delicious Indian & Pakistani Restaurant was on Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown. It was well deserved because Himalaya is classic-Houston-affordable and perfectly delicious. This restaurant will make your feel spoiled with Houston’s delicious cuisine.
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