From fancy-schmancy to down-home BBQ, Houston offers an infinite selection of tempting tastes for your palate. With a progressing reputation of becoming one of the nation’s leaders in gastronomic diversity, Houston contributes an abundance of multi-ethnic eatery options. Cultures from across the globe include recipes from Thai, India, China, Japan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Mexico, Nigeria and, of course the melting pot of America.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Located in the trendy River Oaks area, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar is a convenient restaurant for professionals looking to score the perfect place for a “working dinner” or romantic couples looking to dine in style. Flemings is also known for its intimate private gatherings with their custom-tailored touches. The wine list is well thought out with its award-winning collection of “The Fleming’s 100” wines by the glass that provides vino lovers a premier wine selection at a great value. Wine flights are available for tasting, too. Light meal selections and a variety of cocktails are available in the bar, including couture cocktails made with fresh fruit and juices and retro-chic cocktails that combine premium liquor blended with old fashioned recipes. The full menu is served in the main dining room and features an assortment of beef and seafood burgers; porcini rubbed filet mignon, plenty of prime steaks, and seafood selections, such aas, Alaskan King crab legs. Visit Fleming’s on Sunday to enjoy a well-rounded prime rib dinner served with a trio of sauces, salad, sides and dessert. (713-520-5959)
Sorrento
Nestled in the heart of Montrose, Houstonians and tourists, who are hungry for true Italian cuisine, flock to Sorrento’s. The mood of Sorrento Ristorante is romantic and rich with its Tuscan décor, fresh flowers on the tables and a professional sommelier who will recommend the best wine pairing for your meal. The service is impeccable and the menu is divine, offering lunch, dinner and brunch versions. Whether you are looking to eat hearty lasagna with prime ground beef or Lobster and Arulgula Tortelloni with Lemon Cream and Caviar, Sorrento offers plenty of options. Brunch is served on Sundays and the menu ranges from the “simple-not-so-Italian” to very Italian. Make sure you save room for “dolche.” The Grand Marnier and Chocolate Souffle with Dark Chocolate Sauce is worth every penny. (7135270609)
Bistro Lancaster @The Lancaster Hotel
The Bistro is a local downtown Houston favorite for power meetings during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Tourists and locals enjoy the sophisticated, cozy setting and tend to choose this hot spot before they head to the theatre or a downtown shindig. The Bistro allows for highly attentive personal service, which is why many socialites around town indulge in an elegant dinner with friends. Savor an excellent martini before ordering a specialty crab cakes or a signature entree. They are known for their warm croissant bread pudding, so save room for dessert! Most of the time you can catch a table without a reservation, but its best to be prepared, especially when the Alley Theatre has a show that evening! (7132289502)
Goode Co. Texas Bar-B-Q
This family owned BBQ restaurant serves up quality meats, fresh sides and a heap of good ole’ Texas music! The prices are reasonable and the portions are great! The recipes might take longer to make, but its worth the time, so kick back while they do their stuff in the kitchen! The cooks promise to prepare a dose of true Texas BBQ for its faithful followers. There is indoor and outdoor seating and serving is performed cafeteria style. There are plenty of choices, but don’t prolong your decisions or you’ll be holdin’ up the entire line! They call it honest food, and that it is! And the honest truth is if you are hankering for some good BBQ, head to the Good Co. for one of Houston’s best. (713-522-2530)
Chez Nous
Head to old town Humble for an opulent, French culinary experience prepared by the one and only Chef Gerard Brach, owner of Chez Nous. You’ll feel like you are in the middle of the French countryside as you sip on a glass of white burgundy wine and savor seared Gulf Shrimp over a Persimmon-Pistachio Risotto with Sweet and Sour Coulis and Rainbow Micro Greens. The garden on site is a reflection of the freshest ingredients and the culinary team spares no expense to ensure a quality meal. No French restaurant would be complete without an assortment of fine cheeses or fresh foie gras. The red carpet service wins a “thumbs up” from fans and overall dining experience is magnifique. (281-446-6717)
Las Locas Fajitas
Whether you are on the prowl for the best breakfast taco or authentic, homemade tortillas, Las Locas Fajitas serves up both! Located in the Spring Branch area, this café is known for its flavorful breakfast and lunch menu. Usually a great salsa means that the food will be great, too, right? Well, if you love spicy, the green salsa will send you flying and the red salsa is suitable for mild to medium spice lovers. Sizzling fajitas are some of the best in Houston and to keep it fresh they offer daily specials. (7134648580)
Churrascos
For more than 20 years, Michael Cordúa, one of Texas’ most respected chefs, has been recognized for his South American cuisine and the celebrated Cordúa Churrasco Steak that is found at the highly acclaimed, award-winning Churrascos restaurant. Mouthwatering spices are infused into his menu and delicacies such as, the Frito Mixto with plantain encrusted fried calamari and the Peruvian style ceviche are a great way to start off a delectable dinner. Of course, for an entrée, the signature center cut beef tenderloin steak is always a winner. They also offer pan-seared snapper, salmon, lobster, Coca-Cola glazed short ribs, lamb chops, and several Gulf shrimp entrees. The enticing selection at Churrasco’s fuses native Latin ingredients with its signature items, providing a surprising twist to culinary works of art. (713-527-8300)
Kiran’s
Simply put: Kiran’s of Houston puts a clever spin on Indian food. The acclaimed, fine dining Indian restaurant features fresh ingredients, authentic recipes and classically prepared Indian dishes. The owner, Kiran Verma, has paid attention to every detail, evoking quality service with a personalized touch and gracious attention for every guest. Meticulous care has been placed into creating classics like, Chicken Tikka Masala, Nan bread and Saag Gobi. (If you are new to the curry scene, those are some of the more popular dishes!) Chef Kiran’s menu offers unique flair to the fare creating signature dishes with seafood, steaks and chicken, such as, Chilean Sea Bass with Mango Chutney, Lobster Tail, and Porterhouse steak. The ethnic dishes fused with American favorites appeal to every palate. Kiran’s wine list offers vintage selections and impressive choices. The dining room has rich red decor, fine linens, and comfortable upholstered chairs giving it an upscale feel with remarkable service. In a hurry? Grab a take out! (713-960-8472)
Da Marco
Da Marco is all the hype in Houston, so if you are in the mood for Italian, call someone and share a meal at this restaurant. Whether you go during the bustle of lunch or for a romantic dinner, Da Marco gives your chops authentic Italian food. The Burrata Salad with Roasted Tomatoes is a great way to start your meal, especially since the cheese is flown in twice a week from Italy. Their signature dishes are daring to say the least, but pleasantly surprising to the palate. Patrons feel like they have left Texas and are sitting in a quaint restaurant in Italy as they sip expensive wine and taste exquisite dishes, such as, maple leaf duck with grapes and saba (grape syrup). The Black Truffle Pasta is a whopping $49, but has become quite popular in the Montrose area. The chef is generous with his portions and definitely knows how to impress his guests. (713-807-8857)
Mark’s American Cuisine
A top pick for the most romantic restaurant in Houston, Chef and Owner, Mark Cox has certainly honed his culinary skills at Mark’s American Cuisine restaurant. Winner of several awards, including, #1 in Houston of Zagat’s Best Restaurants in the World, people flock to dine in style at the refurbished church with superbly crafted, ornate golden ceilings. The decorated walls surrounding the dining area are hand painted and stained glass lamps hang from rustic chains overhead. Each plate has Mark’s signature touch and the well thought-out wine list offers perfect pairings for your meal. Handcrafted truffles, delicious cakes and fruit tarts are prepared nightly by Executive Pastry Chef, Sam Major. There is an art to what Mark’s American Restaurant serves to Houston and whether they choose the slow roasted duck, sesame crusted ahi tuna, or a prime sirloin of beef, no one goes away hungry. (713-523-3800)
Raelene Chastain - Nobody Does It Better 