I found this map by Bonnie Dain online, and I love love love it. It highlights most of my favorite places. I went to Kuhl-Linscomb for the first time on Friday, and I’m seriously obsessed. I’ve embarrassingly never eaten at Da Marco!
I must admit it, I love the Bayou City, so I’ve compiled a list of my favorite restaurants + coffee shops by area, including some brief thoughts about each place. Let me know if you have any other good suggestions – always up for a new culinary adventure!
Email me if you want any specific recommendations! Click here for a Google map of all these restaurants, which helps when trying to pick a restaurant nearby.
Downtown
The Grove – love the views and the fact it’s a part of Discovery Green
The Blue Fish – a perfect downtown spot for a night at the theater – good tofu options for veggies!
Midtown
Sparrow (by Top Chef Monica Pope) – try the brussels sprouts (oh, and everything else)
Barnabys (there are a few around the city) – this is a staple in my life – get the falafel patty
Pass & Provisions – one of the more recent “cool” places to go – formal and casual in one building
Brooklyn Athletic Club – plan on having a fun game night at BAC with amazing food (not typical bar food!)
Montrose/West Gray
Bistro Menil – a pretty little restaurant directly across from the Menil Collection with delicious sangria and quinoa + roasted veggie dish
Indika – amazing Indian fusion restaurant – try the Kale Blueberry Salad
Roost – one of my new favorites – very intimate setting with delicious food (and yes, Brussels)
Cafe Brasil – love this eclectic spot – sit in the back courtyard and eat the Goat Cheese Salad
Uchi – amazing sushi, beware – the wait may be LONG, but the Brussels sprouts are worth it
El Tiempo Cantina – amazing Mexican food – pretty busy on the weekends (warning: strong margs!)
Just Dinner – it’s an old house converted into a BYOB dinner-only restaurant
Canopy – the layout of the place can change and it looks like it’s a canopy – how cool is that?
Black Hole Coffee – totally Austin-like coffee shop – Dell-users would feel out-of-place
Backstreet Cafe – a gorgeous two-story house turned into an absolutely delicious restaurant
Dolce Vita – step into Italy at this intimate restaurant – please, please eat the Brussels sprouts
Baba Yega – a “wholesome vegetarian” menu? yes… please
La Griglia – a big, loud Italian restaurant – worth a visit
Underbelly – not the most veggie friendly place in the world, it’s definitely worth a visit (great wine menu!)
Mockingbird Bistro – more of a fancy, quiet restaurant (for dates!) – the food is phenomenal, as are the cocktails
The Heights
Cedar Creek or Onion Creek – the former feels like it’s in Austin – love both!
El Gran Malo – delicious flavor-infused tequila – grungy garage style, but cool
Cottonwood Club – popular hangout place at night – just north of the Heights (pretty new)
Antidote Coffee – it’s super, super hipster and it’s pretty much awesome (as is the sign)
Glass Wall – go there for a date night – it’s small and tasty and you won’t regret it
Rainbow Lodge – two words: Sunday Brunch, and three more: 99 cent mimosas!
Washington Corridor
Benjy’s (also in Rice Village) – where I go for my birthday every year – Brussels sprouts are amazing!
The Counter – make your own yummy burgers (veggie options too)
Catalina Coffee – best coffee in Houston, hands down
Beavers – not the healthiest option in town, but great food and vibe
Coppa – great wine selection, delicious “bites” and fresh salads (try the burrata cheese!)
Rice Village
Benjy’s – see note above
Black Walnut Cafe – has become a chain but doesn’t feel like it – the Black Walnut Salad is great
Tiny’s No. 5 – sister restaurant to Tiny Boxwoods (below)
Upper Kirby/River Oaks
Tiny Boxwoods – you need to go here – it’s perfect – esp. in the spring – best “ladies who lunch” experience
Haven – organic, delicious, pretty – went there when I got engaged and for the Royal Wedding
Pondicheri – Indian fusion at West Ave – love the big doors when you walk in
Tasting Room – also in Galleria and CityCentre – small bites are amazing (baked brie – eeeek!!) and wine selection is great
Giacomo’s – authentic Italian food – don’t leave without trying the involtini di melanzane alla parmigiana
Corner Table – tucked away off Westheimer, this gorgeous, healthy restaurant has one of the best menus around (try the Earth veggie burger!)
Field of Greens – not a fancy restaurant, but darn good vegetarian and vegan food – Quinoa Delight is unreal
Local Foods – I am seriously obsessed with this place (namely the giant old map of River Oaks on the wall) – try the Fall Harvest Salad or Falafel Sandwich as a salad (+ sangria!)
Galleria/Tanglewood
Adair Kitchen – must go there – it’s best during lunch, but busy – get the Black Bean Quinoa Burger
Relish – gorgeous glass building and amazing light, healthy meals
Kiran’s – delicious Indian food (kind of pricey) – great for a romantic meal or special occasion
Philippe – a great place for a private party or romantic dinner – Quartette of Vegetables, all day long
Dish Society – a relative newcomer, this farm-to-table restaurant will win you over with the quinoa stuffed avocado
Memorial/Bellaire
Barnabys – see note above
Brenner’s on the Bayou – a tucked-away garden with great views, this laid-back version of Brenner’s Steakhouse won’t disappoint (perfect date night spot)
Harvest Grille – all organic – lovely
La Vista – BYOB, down the street from Harvest – amazing portobello mushrooms
Jonathan’s The Rub – the “hidden gem of Houston” – also BYOB – total Memorial crowd
Union Kitchen – do yourself a favor and order the baked brie
Island Grill – hummus, falafel and the best juices and smoothies in town (new location at Bunker Hill/I10!)
Maryz – amazingly authentic lebanese food, with hummus so good, you’ll order seconds
Shri Balaji Bhavan – voted best Indian in Houston by Alison Cook – who am I to argue? Try everything
Latin Bites – attention all vegetarians: order the Quinoa Salad… it’s absolutely phenomenal
CityCentre/Town and Country
Cyclone Anaya’s – try the skinny blueberry mojito – it’s Sasha’s favorite
Ruggles Green – one of my top three regular go-to places – I dream about the Texas Goat Cheese Salad
Zoe’s Kitchen – the only “fast food” worthy of your time (you’ll find others across town as well)