Best Local Restaurants in Houston, TX

With the largest and most diverse population in Texas, Houston is home to global cuisines. Award-winning culinary masterminds and the filming of “Top Chef” Season 19 have helped put Houston on the map of desirable dining destinations. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Houston has many local restaurants to satisfy every appetite.

BCN Taste & Tradition

Experience Barcelona cuisine at BCN Taste & Tradition. Located outside Houston’s Museum District, this taste of Spain began as a dream of the owner, Ignacio Torres, after he immigrated to Houston from Barcelona. When he met Chef Luis Roger, a fellow Barcelona native, the dream became a reality, and the rest is history. Since 2014, BCN has prepared authentic Spanish food with fresh, imported ingredients. Menu favorites include the pulpo a la gallega (Spanish octopus), the bacalao (salt-cured Spanish cod), or the caldareta de menorca (lobster stew). Don’t forget to try bonbons or the Tarta de Santiago for dessert.

• Location: 4210 Roseland St., Houston
• Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5-9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5-10:30 p.m.
• Special Diets: Gluten-free options, vegan options, vegetarian friendly.
• Cuisine: Spanish and Mediterranean.
• Price point: $$$.

Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse

If you’re ready for an upscale dining experience, head to Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse and become immersed in the essence of southern Brazil. Armed with skewers of well-seasoned, sizzling varieties of meats, Brazilian chefs called gauchos come to your table and carve individual slices of all your favorites. You control your dining experience by signaling with a card whether you are ready for more: Green side up means you’re hungry, and red side up means you’re full or need a break. With 12 types of meat, there is no doubt you will find one or several to your liking. The generous salad bar features more than 30 food items to satisfy vegetarian diners.

• Location: 5865 Westheimer Road, Houston
• Lunch Hours: Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Dinner Hours: Monday through Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, 3-10 p.m.; Sunday, 1-9 p.m.
• Special Diets: Gluten-free options, vegetarian friendly.
• Cuisine: Brazilian.
• Price point: $$$$.

La Griglia

Head to the River Oaks neighborhood of Houston for authentic Italian cuisine at La Griglia. With a mix of old-world flavor and modern dining, this mainstay is reminiscent of a trattoria, blending flavors that will transport you to Sicily, Roma, and Tuscany. You have the option to dine al fresco on the spacious outdoor patio. From pizza to pasta, chicken to fish, soup to steak, and everything in between, La Griglia’s menu is sure to have a dish that will delight everyone in your party.

• Location: 2002 W. Gray St., Houston
• Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 4-10 p.m.; Sunday, 4-9 p.m.
• Special Diets: Gluten-free options, vegetarian friendly.
• Cuisine: Italian.
• Price point: $$-$$$.

Mezza Grille

Located in the Mid-West neighborhood of Houston, Mezza Grille offers a fusion of cuisines in a casual setting. Owner and chef Mike Tibi has made many changes to his restaurant since 2005 to meet customers’ needs. With the hardships of the last two years, he has turned Mezza Grille into a more accessible dining experience for everyone and lowered prices while maintaining quality and infusing flavors from all over the world. Transport your taste buds by trying the popular Mango Stuffed Chicken, Kufta Kabob, or Smoked Chipotle Seafood Bisque. No matter what you choose, Mezza Grille is sure to please.

• Location: 6100 Westheimer Road, Houston
• Hours: Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Special Diets: Gluten-free options, vegetarian friendly.
• Cuisine: Fusion.
• Price point: $$-$$$.

The Breakfast Klub

Kick off your morning at The Breakfast Klub, named by “Good Morning America,” USA Today, Esquire, and Forbes magazines as one of the best breakfast spots in the nation. Located in Houston’s Midtown, this spot serves classic Southern breakfast foods and has options for those with dietary restrictions. Try one of the signature plates, “katfish & grits” or “wings & waffles.” If you’re on the go, grab a breakfast sandwich. A separate menu is available after 11 a.m. if you’re in the mood for a lunch special.

• Location: 3711 Travis at Alabama, Houston.
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Special Diets: Gluten-free options, vegetarian friendly.
• Cuisine: American.
• Price point: $$-$$$.

Uchi

If sushi is your thing, look no further than Uchi, located on Westheimer Road in the former historic Felix space. Tyson Cole, owner and James Beard Award-winning chef, is one of a handful of American sushi masters, having trained under the tutelage of two other sushi masters for over 10 years in Tokyo, New York, and Austin. The menu boasts hot and cool tastings, yasaimono and agemono, nigiri and sashimi, and more. A separate menu appeals to vegetarian tastes. Save room for dessert and try the jasmine cream, yuzu key lime okashi, or fried milk.

• Location: 904 Westheimer Road, Suite A, Houston.
• Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-11 p.m.
• Special Diets: Gluten-free options, vegan options, vegetarian friendly.
• Cuisine: Japanese.
• Price point: $$$.

Xochi

Visit Xochi to head south of the border without leaving Houston. Located on the corner of Walker and Crawford streets, you can enjoy the flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico, with homemade moles, masas made from colorful corn, ribbons of quesillo, and giant tortillas filled with toppings and served fire-roasted. Save room after dinner for imported Oaxacan coffee, chocolates, and horchata mousse cake.

• Location: 1777 Walker St., Suite A, Houston
• Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Special Diets: Gluten-free options, vegan options, vegetarian friendly.
• Cuisine: Mexican and Latin.
• Price point: $$-$$$.

We think these seven spots are the best places to grab a bite in Houston. Are there any restaurants we left off the list? If so, let us know. Contact our dedicated team at Eddins Counseling Group, and we’ll make sure to add your favorite Houston eatery to our list.

Close-Up Photo of Three Sushi by Valeria Boltneva | Licensed by Pexels