Where to Eat: Houston, TX
Houston is a very foodie city with a massive population of nearly 4 million hungry people. Thanks to all these hungry mouths to feed, there is absolutely no shortage of restaurants in America’s fourth largest city.
As a major port city, Houston is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines from all corners of the globe, and eating around town can be like taking a food tour around the world.
Before I ever dreamed of becoming a chef, I spent the majority of my formative years growing up as a chubby kid in H-Town. I was blessed with the opportunity to eat at several different places around the city, and I’d love to share some of the places that kick-started my passion for food with you!
Ninfa’s on Navigation
Mexican culture and influence is found all over the state so get used to seeing a lot of Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants on this list.
Ninfa’s claims to have invented the fajita when they first opened their doors in 1973 and have been feeding hungry Houstonians ever since.
This eatery has been featured in numerous Food Network “Best of” lists and was even named Best Restaurant in Texas by Southern Living Magazine in 2017!
The Breakfast Klub
Since 2001, The Breakfast Klub has been serving up it’s signature Wings & Waffles alongside a variety of other breakfast classics.
Since it’s only open from 7 AM - 2 PM (8 AM on weekends), the line to this eatery quite literally wraps around the block from time to time, so make sure to get there early!
Frequently named one of the best breakfast restaurants in the country, The Breakfast Klub is a must for any visitor to H-Town.
Goode co. Restaurants
Another Houston success story, the Goode Co. family of restaurants started as a single restaurant in the heart of the city at 5109 Kirby Dr., serving up freshly smoked Texas style BBQ to the masses back in 1977.
Before long, Jim Goode and his family opened up a few other restaurants around the city including Good Co. Seafood and Goode Co. Taqueria.
Each restaurant may have it’s own theme, but they all have one thing in common: amazing food.
Blue Nile
If haven’t had Ethiopian food before, let me tell you that you are missing out, and Blue Nile is serving up some of the best.
Serving traditional Ethiopian dishes on their signature, homemade Injera, a soft, spongy, pancake-like bread made out of teff flour.
Although the original location that opened in 1994 has closed, their new location in the upscale River Oaks area continues to deliver the best flavors of Eastern Africa!
Dimassi’s
Everything is bigger in Texas, especially the appetites, which is why you’ll always find buffets throughout the state.
When most people think of buffets they think of quantity and not quality, but believe it or not, Dimassi’s has both.
I’ve always loved Middle Eastern food and Dimassi’s all you can eat hummus and freshly made pita bread is enough to keep me coming back over and over again.
Little Pappasito’s
The original Pappasito’s located on the corner of Richmond Ave. and Kirby Dr. is an iconic Houston landmark due in no small part to the gas-station style awning over its parking lot.
Since it’s original opening in 1976, Pappasito’s has been serving some of the best Tex Mex in the city.
Their success has allowed them to open several other restaurants all across Houston as well as a few scattered throughout the rest of Texas, but the original is still the best.
Benjy’s
Known as the first restaurant to get brunch “right’ in Houston, Benjy’s has quickly become one of the city’s hottest restaurants.
The good food extends into lunch and dinner as well with innovative New American fare accompanied by a fun and creative cocktail menu.
It’s comfortable but chic interior also makes it a great place for a date night and happy hour specials make it a great place to just hang out with a group of friends.
Brennan’s
A common theme you’ll notice in Houston is that good restaurants can last for many years, sometimes decades. Open since 1967, Brennan’s is the embodiment of this fact.
With its roots deeply planted in New Orleans, Brennan’s brings upscale cajun food to the Bayou City.
Brennan’s is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the culinary scene in Houston, but be prepared for your wallet to become a little lighter after you get the check.
El Meson
Some say “tapas” are a fad, but tell that to the family at El Meson that have been perfecting tapas in the Rice Village since 1981!
Proving that sometimes the best things come in small sizes, El Meson serves small dishes that are full of flavor.
Tapas are meant to be enjoyed with a good drink and El Meson’s wine program is one of the best and recently received an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, so stop by and enjoy some good food and good wine!
Xin Chao
I’ll admit, this recommendation is a little strange because Xin Chao has not yet opened, but there is a lot to be excited about.
Co-opening the restaurant are MasterChef winner Christine Ha and Chef Tony Nguyen, whose previous restaurant, Saigon House, was named the 28th best Vietnamese restaurant in the country by Thrillist.
Check out their website to find out when they’re opening! Lovers of Pho and Vietnamese fare are not going to want to miss this one.