Houston is one of the most iconic culinary capitals of the US. Shaped by one of the most diverse populations in the country, the city is home to over 13,000 restaurants. This strong culinary culture has led to a rise in independently-owned restaurants and local favorites.
Houston’s restaurant scene has evolved over decades, with a layered food identity slowly developing as new influences were introduced.
Because it borders the Gulf of Mexico, early trade brought in international flavors and ingredients early in the city’s history. Over time, Houston’s status as a port city also led to ongoing waves of immigration, including influxes of Vietnamese, Mexican, Indian, and Nigerian immigrants, as well as many more.
This established the city’s cultural diversity and led to the introduction of new cooking traditions. Additionally, the proximity to Louisiana lent many Cajun flavors that have mixed with other cultural dishes, creating a culinary profile that is uniquely Houston.
All of these factors resulted in the city’s exceptional modern restaurant industry. With so many delicious spots to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down your options. Here are some of the best restaurants in Houston.
Texas BBQ is shaped by long-held traditions and carefully crafted cooking techniques, but Houston’s strong Cajun influences have taken it to the next level. These spices have created a vibrant selection of excellent Texas BBQ institutions.
A local favorite with brisket and ribs sold by the pound, Pinkerton’s has been featured by Food Network, the Travel Channel, and many more. They’re known for their quality and commitment to the art of slow-cooking.
Serving red oak smoked BBQ, Corkscrew has been serving happy customers for over 15 years. They use only the highest quality meats and have spent years perfecting their craft. Their selection of classically-Texan sides completes their menu.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, The Pit Room is beloved for their expertly-smoked meats influenced by the city’s diverse cultural makeup. Their large, dedicated team is committed to providing the highest-quality dishes possible, and that hard work shines through in their food.
Classic Mexican dishes have merged with Southern comfort food to create the iconic Tex-Mex style, but every Texas city has its own spin on it. Houston-style fajitas, featuring Cajun flavors, are just one of the hallmarks of the city’s Tex-Mex scene.
Tony’s offers a fun, upbeat atmosphere complete with an expansive menu and weekend brunch events. Family owned and operated, Tony’s is built around community, togetherness, and tradition.
Operating since 1979, Spanish Flowers serves both Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican dishes. Their fan-favorites include their homemade menudo, enchiladas, and fajitas, all made from recipes passed down for generations.
Classic Texan brisket meets queso and vegetable blends to create a menu that truly embodies the spirit of Tex-Mex. Their large menu has something for everyone, and their bulk to-go menu make them the perfect last-minute catering option.
Houston’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it a hotspot for fishing, and that shows in the city’s food scene with an abundance of great seafood spots throughout the city. Situated right next to Louisiana, Cajun influences have created a one-of-a-kind flavor profile.
Named after the “Prairie Cajun Capital” of Louisiana, Eunice brings authentic Cajun-Creole cuisine to Houston. Crafted with local seafood and seasonal produce, this spot offers seafood steeped in spices, southern sides, and a variety of gumbo and vegetable dishes.
Josephine’s sources their ingredients locally, honoring tradition while leaving room for creativity and innovation with dishes like their blue crab rice bowl and their fruity pebbles creme brulee. They also offer 10% discounts for locals to express appreciation for being part of their community.
Open for over 40 years, Goode Co. serves gulf seafood seasoned with creole spices to create a fresh, flavorful menu. They offer a variety guaranteed to appeal to any seafood lover, with excellent sides and desserts to complete the experience.
Houston is home to so many Vietnamese restaurants that it’s difficult to pick just a few. Each has its own specialty, whether it be bahn mi, pho, or mi quang. No matter where you go, there’s sure to be a delicious Vietnamese spot nearby. Here are a few crowd favorites.
Focused on home-style Vietnamese cooking, Huynh is a popular family-run spot known for their welcoming atmosphere and quality dishes. They have a large menu, allowing guests to sample a variety of Vietnamese staple dishes.
Everything at Lua Viet Kitchen is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients to serve traditional Vietnamese dishes. They also have various vegan and gluten-free options, making them a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Pho Tau Bay’s dedication to creativity and tradition has led to a menu full of inventive yet authentic dishes. They have everything from pho to banh mi to classic rice dishes and delicious appetizers.
Houston’s Middle Eastern food scene was founded by an influx of immigrants in the late 20th century. As time went on, it evolved into a beloved and diverse part of the city’s culinary landscape.
This fast-casual restaurant features boxes and combos with Middle Eastern staples, such as falafel and shawarma. Everything is made to travel, so it’s a convenient grab-and-go lunch spot.
Abdallah’s Lebanese cuisine has been serving the Houston community for 50 years, speaking to their quality and popularity. Their menu changes daily based on the availability of local ingredients and produce, making Abdallah’s a truly locally-powered spot.
Open since 1986, Darband is the oldest Persian restaurant in Houston. Serving shish kabobs and other Persian classics, their menu is full of savory flavors. Their coupons and specials also make this joint an especially affordable option.
Houston’s soul food is a testament to the city’s history. It’s the product of a mixture of Southern, Cajun, Gulf Coast, and African culinary tradition. These flavors have come together to create this iconic, boldly-flavored comfort food.
Mikki’s combines classic soul food with family tradition to create Texan flavors rooted in community. They have a large menu, featuring fried catfish, smothered pork chops, ox tails, and plenty of classic sides.
Serving flavorful southern cuisine, Butter Funk offers a well-rounded menu with classic comfort food and new innovations. Their combo meals and $1.25 wings are affordable, savory, and delicious.
Built around family recipes passed down for generations, Esther’s recipes are a local favorite. From smoked chicken to beef tips to gumbo, Esther’s has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for more upscale dining, Houston has you covered, with plenty of high-end spots to choose from. The Montrose and River Oaks neighborhoods are known for their fine dining options, home to many luxury, Michelin-Starred spots.
With periodically rotating themed menus, MARCH delivers an exciting dining experience that keeps customers coming back to sample their new creations. Their dishes are built around Mediterranean cuisine, with each new menu focusing on layering different cultures to create something entirely new.
Boasting a Michelin star, BCN blends traditional and modern Spanish cuisine. They specialize in elevating classic recipes that have been passed down through generations. They’re very selective about their ingredients, ensuring that only the best makes it onto the table.
Theodore Rex takes a more relaxed approach to fine dining, so guests can enjoy fine cuisine without the need to dress up or worry about formal dining etiquette. Their French-inspired menu features carefully curated hors d’oeuvres, plats de milieu, plats forts, sides, and desserts.
Whether you’re looking for subs, soups, salads, or well-rounded fast-casual joints, Houston is home to a healthy variety of delicious lunch options. Signature rotating and house specials make these restaurants convenient, affordable weekday meal spots.
Serving fresh, classic southern dishes, Treebeards is a beloved lunch spot with multiple locations throughout Houston. Their soups, salads, and daily specials provide flavorful variety, and their selection of sides and desserts complete the menu.
Zero’s has a selection of specialty sandwiches in various sizes guaranteed to satisfy any appetite. They have simple classics and inventive concoctions, but their signature “Zero” sandwich is a must-try.
With awards from The Leader, Food Network, and Houston Press, Ploughman’s serves expertly crafted sandwiches, salads, and sides. They have a simple, expertly-curated menu. If nothing catches your eye, you can even build your own sandwich.
Houston hosts a variety of quality sweet spots, each serving handmade goods baked fresh daily. Each has its own selection of cultural influences and modern twists, but they’re all shaped by years of experience and a true passion for the craft.
La Sicilia’s menu features classic Italian dishes and culinary innovations. Everything is made fresh daily, and their wide variety of cannoli, butter cornetto, and bomboloni make up a sweet menu that can’t be missed.
Tiny’s operates out of multiple open-air shops across Houston. While they’re known for their cookies, their menu goes well beyond that. They have breads, pastries, breakfast and lunch options, coffee, and ice cream, making them a well-rounded place to grab a quick treat.
Using all organic ingredients, Mangol serves elevated homemade breads and desserts. Their artisan breads, croissants, and pastries are authentically French and made from scratch every day.
Fooda brings delicious food into the workplace with our network of 4,500+ restaurant partners. Houston’s stellar food scene makes it impossible to truly narrow down the best of the best, but here are three Fooda restaurant partners that showcase a sampling of what the city has to offer.
Featuring Sichuan cuisine and a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, Spicy Girl is known for their large entree and appetizer selection. Many of their dishes feature Sichuan peppercorn, a potent spice known for creating a signature numbing sensation, making it a must-try for any spice enthusiast.
Gyros Hero Halal serves both Mediterranean flavors and American favorites. Gyros, pitas, and shawarma meet burgers and savory Philly cheesesteak to create a menu guaranteed to satisfy any palate.
Open since 1994 with multiple locations across the city, Layne’s serves classic comfort food, with quality chicken fingers, crinkle cut fries, and their ‘secret sauce.’ If you’re not feeling any of those options, they also have chicken sandwiches and wraps to choose from.
All of Fooda’s meal programs are built around variety, quality, and local flavors. We bring rotating selections of beloved local restaurants into the workplace, creating a unique and delicious dining experience.
When you implement a workplace food program with Fooda, you get easy, affordable access to the best restaurants in Houston without ever having to leave the office.
Here’s a quick rundown of our products:
Want to learn more about how Fooda can help you bring Houston’s best local restaurants into your workplace? Connect with one of our experts today.
What food is Houston best known for?
Houston’s signature dishes reflect its port-city history and diverse community rather than being dominated by a single cuisine. That being said, Tex-Mex, Texas BBQ, Gulf Coast seafood, and Vietnamese dishes are among the most prominent.
What's the best neighborhood in Houston for restaurant-hopping?
Montrose and Rice Village are known for fine dining and eclectic small plates, EaDo (East Downtown) has become a hub for newer chef-driven concepts, and Asiatown along Bellaire Boulevard is the center of the city's Vietnamese and broader Asian food scene.
Are there good vegetarian or vegan options among Houston's top restaurants?
Yes. Houston's Vietnamese and Middle Eastern restaurants tend to offer the most vegetarian-friendly menus, with dishes built around vegetables, tofu, and legumes. Several fast-casual spots also offer dedicated vegan options.
How is Houston's Texas BBQ different from other Texas cities?
Houston’s Texas BBQ has been shaped by Cajun flavors due to the city’s closeness to the Louisiana border. The city’s BBQ is often seasoned with distinct spice blends that give it a flavor profile that’s noticeably different from the Texas BBQ found in Austin, San Antonio, or Dallas.
