Houston’s food scene is one of the top draws for this major Texas city. Drawing from its Gulf Coast location and infusion of recipes from immigrants from all corners of the globe, H-town’s restaurants reflect a diversity of cuisine options and unexpected fusions that sizzle and smoke their way to your table. In fact, following his visit to the city for “Parts Unknown,” Anthony Bourdain declared Houston a “wonderland of the strange and diverse.”

Here are the 27 best places to eat in Houston that you’ll want to make time for on your next Houston food crawl.

Best for Breakfast

Bādolina Bakery

For a delicate pastry-filled breakfast, head to Rice Village and Bādolina Bakery, a sweet bakery where the croissants, quiches and babkas are baked with a modern Middle Eastern and Israeli twist, paired with a fresh-brewed cup of coffee. Next door is the owner’s modern Israeli restaurant, Hamsa.

badolinabakery.com, 5555 Morningside Dr. Houston, TX 77005

Koffeteria

For more baked goods, check out the inventive rotating daily creations at pastry chef Vanarin Kuch’s Koffeteria in EaDo (formerly called Vietnam Town). From the savory, cheesy French Onion Soup Danish to Ube Snickerdoodles topped with salted egg yolk, this is where the one-time “Top Chef: Just Desserts” and “Chopped” contestant showcases his skills back in his hometown of Houston.

koffeteria.com, 1110 Hutchins St., Houston, TX 77003

Tacos Doña Lena

Houstonians love hitting up this humble taqueria for authentic Mexican eats like quesabirria, tortas, gorditas, and sopes. On weekends, start your day with a filling breakfast taco like the chilaquil—a house-made tortilla encasing egg, tortilla strips, sour cream, and queso fresco topped with delectable salsa.

donalenatacos.com, 8788 Hammerly Blvd. G, Houston, TX 77080

Goode Company Cantina

Take your weekend brunch date to Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina, which has three locations in Houston. The menu features hearty options from migas, carnitas con papas, chilaquiles, and breakfast tacos with pork and green chile guisada, and more lunchy options like redfish on the halfshell and enchiladas.

kitchenandcantina.com, 9005 Katy Fwy., Houston, TX 77024

Armandos

This family-owned Mexican restaurant opened 45 years ago in Houston, fashioned in the style of an upscale 1920s era Mexico City eatery, in contrast to mainly mom-and-pop casual Tex-Mex restaurants. Armandos now offers a Sunday brunch menu with Huevos Rancheros, Huevos Revueltos, and waffles stacked with whipped cream, cinnamon, cajeta (Mexican caramel sauce), and a churro, in addition to their late-night dance party on Thursdays.

armandosrestaurant.com, 2630 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098

The Breakfast Klub

This classic diner-style breakfast spot has amassed quite the following, so be prepared to see a long line winding out the door on the weekends. Among their favorite breakfast orders include the “katfish & grits” and “wings & waffle.” The playful twists on brunch items do not disappoint.

thebreakfastklub.com, 3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002

Best for Lunch

POST Houston

A brunch or lunchtime food adventure in POST Houston is a fine way to spend an afternoon. This food hall gave new life to a 1934 abandoned post office. It’s now the home of a variety of independent restaurants that you might not expect, including fresher-than-fresh crudo and ceviche at the Norwegian restaurant Golfstrømmen, hand pinched dumplings at the Cantonese restaurant Loy Loy Dim Sum, and whimsical cocktails at the twin bars, Return to Sender and Address Unknown.

posthtx.com, 401 Franklin St., Houston, TX 77201

Crawfish & Noodles

Take a detour through the year-round Houston Farmers’ Market, the city’s oldest. Walking through the open-air market is a treat for your eyes and nose as you peruse the fresh produce and spices at the dozens of stalls. Crawfish & Noodles, an outpost of one of the city’s first acclaimed Viet-cajun restaurants, is one of several new restaurants on the perimeter of the market. Order the classic salt-and-pepper shrimp and perfectly seasoned calamari.

crawfishandnoodles.com, 2550 Airline Dr. Houston, TX 77009

Lucille’s

Located in Houston’s Museum District, Lucille’s serves impeccable southern-style cuisine. Helmed by two-time James Beard nominee Chris Williams, the restaurant is a tribute to Williams’ great-grandmother, who invented the first instant hot roll mix in the U.S. and whose recipe box, Lucille’s Treasure Chest of Fine Foods, was reprinted multiple times and treasured by homecooks throughout the South and the rest of the counry. Her recipes (including her signature rolls) are on the menu.

lucilleshouston.com, 5512 La Branch St. Houston, TX 77004

Le Jardinier

Treat yourself to a fancy lunch at this French restaurant located in the Museum of Fine Arts. In addition to nightly dinner service, Le Jardinier is open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday, as well as a special pre-fixe brunch on weekends. Choose from an a la carte menu filled with seasonal flavors, such as Wagyu Beef Tartare, Salade Niçoise, and Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops, or go for a four-course chef’s tasting menu.

lejardinier-houston.com, 5500 Main St. Suite 122, Houston, TX 77004

Stuffed Belly

Master Chef champion Christine Hà and husband John Suh opened their third restaurant concept in summer 2023 in homage to the classic sandwich. The drive-through restaurant serves up the signature Stuffed Belly, a smashed patty burger, hot honey fried chicken sandwiches (served on glazed donuts), Sichuan hot chicken sandwiches, tater tots, and more comfort food items.

stuffedbelly.co, 8133 Long Point Rd., Houston, TX 77055

Phat Eatery

Known for a menu filled with classic Malaysian street food eats, Phat Eatery is located in Houston’s second Chinatown neighborhood known as “Katy Asia Town,” plus a second location in the Woodlands. Chef Alex Au-Yeung was a 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalist for the Best Chef: Texas category. Menu favorites include Roti with Curry Chicken Dip; hand-crafted dim sum dumplings and pork buns; and a rich, tender beef rendang.

phateatery.com, 23119 Colonial Pkwy., Katy, TX 77449

Tiny Boxwoods

Inspired by garden-side dining and the small potted plants in the nursery where the first location opened, Tiny Boxwoods is a dreamy brunch and lunch spot to snag sandwiches, salads, and more, including delectable baked goods to take home.

tinyboxwoods.com, 3614 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77027

Clark’s Oyster Bar

This Austin staple opened a location in Houston and boasts the same seafood-centric menu with some of the best oysters, shrimp cocktails, and ceviches around, paired with cold martinis and warm specialities not to miss, including a buttery lobster roll and outstanding burger.

clarksoysterbar.com, 3807 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006

Best for Dinner

Riel

Enjoy an elevated yet casual meal at Riel in Montrose, where the menu is filled with seasonal Gulf Coast-inspired flavors imagined by executive chef and co-owner Ryan Lachaine, born in Manitoba, Canada. Not to be missed: house-made caviar tater tots and the truffle-and-caviar pierogi. And, trust us on this one: save room for the unexpected, like sticky toffee pudding with a pork blood sauce.

rielhtx.com, 927 Fairview St., Houston, TX 77019

Himalaya

For dinner where it feels like the owner has added you to his family, go to Himalaya, located in a strip mall in the International District. Featured by major foodie celebs, including Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern, this Indian-Pakistani restaurant run by Chef Kaiser Lashkari still remains true to its roots. Warm-hearted Lashkari is always quick with a wink and a joke, and the menu is filled with interesting dishes like beef tikka, Indian fried chicken, and Paratha-dilla (Indian quesadilla), stuffed with your choice of spicy fillings.

himalayarestauranthouston.com, 6652 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074

Rosalie Italian Soul

Located in the C. Baldwin Hotel, Rosalie Italian Soul offers contemporary Italian American fare from Top Chef’s Chris Cosentino. Like Williams of Lucille, Cosentino drew inspiration from his great grandmother, Rosalie. The restaurant includes a replica of her television, and tchotchkes throughout the space. Guests can order up unique pizzas and pastas, Great Grandma’s Meatballs, and Halibut Marsala. 

rosalieitaliansoul.com, 400 Dallas St. Houston, TX 77002

Brasserie 19

Situated in Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood, this elegant French bistro offers the perfect atmosphere for a dinner out on the town, starting with an impressive wine selection. You’ll find classic French dishes—such as escargots, French onion soup, steak frites, and more—on the menu.

brasserie19.com, 1962 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019

Marmo

This Italian steakhouse in Montrose whose name means “Marble” in Italian, offers premium dry-aged steaks, hand-rolled pastas, and dishes like Ricotta Gnocchi and Chicken and Eggplant Parmigiana. Add to that recipe a romantic dining room and attentive service, and you have the perfect environs for a cozy date night. There’s also a piano bar that hosts a rotating ensemble of Houston singers.

marmoitalian.com, 888 Westheimer Rd., Suite 109, Houston, TX 77006

Pondicheri

This River Oaks spot by chef Anita Jaisinghani is an all-day Indian concept that offers your fill of classic, wonderfully spiced main dishes, along with surprisingly standout breakfast and brunch items that are not to be missed. The weekly specials rotate constantly, which means there’s always something new to try.

pondicheri.com, 2800 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098

Maximo

This newer concept has rightfully gained praise and popularity amongst locals. The menu pays homage to Mexican and Texan heritage cooking, Japanese techniques, and the Gulf Coast region. Standout dishes include house-made corn tortillas filled with crispy fish, barbacoa dressed with epazote aioli, and sweet potato tempura dotted with pepitas. 

maximo-htx.com, 6119 Edloe St, West University Place, TX 77005

Bludorn

Chef Aaron Bludorn’s eponymous first solo restaurant is located in the Montrose neighborhood with comfortable fine dining vibes and a menu featuring French-inspired Gulf Coast cuisine. A sister restaurant, Navy Blue, is open in Rice Village. Start your meal with fresh oysters served “everyway,” squash blossoms, or cucumber gazpacho. Bludorn classic dishes include jollof-style Carolina Gold Rice crab étouffée and Lobster-Chicken Pot Pie.

bludornrestaurant.com, 807 Taft St., Houston, TX 77019

El Tiempo Cantina

We’d be remiss not to include this Houston institution that doles out potent house margaritas and offers expected Tex-Mex classics, as well as unique dishes such as ancho quail, parrillada with lobster, and even jalapeno-infused sausage (á la Texas BBQ). The first location opened in 1998, and it has since expanded to other Houston locations.

eltiempocantina.com, 3130 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098

Amrina

Located in The Woodlands, this modern Indian restaurant is helmed by “Chopped” Champion Chef Jassi Bindra, who has achieved global accolades for his fine cuisine. Unexpected flavors swirl together, from whiskey naan; samosa with jackfruit; baked lamb nachos; cheese and prune kofta; and Queens Duck, a whole roast duck that takes 45 minutes to prepare, and is carved tableside and served with a rumani pancake and tamarind hoisin. A dessert favorite is the Cardamom Chocolate Mousse prepared with jaggery caramel and a 24-karat gold “kiss.”

amrina.social, 3 Waterway Square Pl., The Woodlands, TX 77380

Best for Desserts and Late Night Snacks

Bae & Co.

Treat yourself to ice cream or late night snacks in Houston’s Chinatown, or International District, which glows with neon signs pointing you in the direction of your next great cone, corn dog, or cup of boba. Bae & Co. is known for its soft serve ice cream in unexpected flavors, such as earl grey, charcoal pineapple, and Thai tea flavors. 

9798 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77036

Hui Lau Shan

If you’re a fan of mangos, you’ve got to make a note of Hui Lau Shan, a dessert restaurant originally founded in Hong Kong in 1960. The tropical fruit sings throughout the menu, including mango pudding, mango pancakes, and mango mochi—all prepared using imported Carabao mangoes from the Philippines.

hkhls.com, 9889 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77036

House of Pies

Since 1967, this dessert shop has been serving up a vast selection of towering pies and baked goods. There are multiple locations you can visit, and the thing that keeps people coming back for more (other than the pies)? The Fuqua Street location is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; and the other three locations are open until midnight. Talk about late-night eats!

houseofpies.com, multiple locations