Houston's Best Restaurants: 12 Culinary Gems Worth Exploring

By Rebecca Thompson

Houston isn’t just the city where astronauts eat BBQ (although, yes, they do). It’s a dining metropolis where flavors collide as if the cosmos planned it that way. You don’t come here to nibble politely; you come to dive into pho that could launch rockets or brisket that’s been smoked longer than a Texas summer. I’ve spent countless meals navigating its sprawling food scene—often with a napkin in one hand and a fork in the other. These are the spots that’ll make you unapologetically unbutton your jeans.

Bludorn

1. Bludorn, Montrose

Bludorn is the culinary equivalent of that friend who throws the best dinner parties. Led by Chef Aaron Bludorn, this chic-yet-approachable spot delivers dishes like Gulf Coast beignets stuffed with blue crab or a lamb tagine that feels like a hug from Morocco. The airy dining room is as polished as the food, with warm wood accents and a bustling open kitchen. It’s no wonder the place has been buzzing since it opened in 2020.

2. March, Montrose

The tasting-menu-only experience at March feels like dining inside a contemporary art gallery curated by a chef obsessed with the Mediterranean. Under the deft hand of Chef Felipe Riccio, each course is a micro-masterpiece, blending elements from Southern Europe and North Africa. The menu changes seasonally, but expect dishes like squab with harissa or house-made cavatelli drenched in saffron cream. The intimate 28-seat space, paired with a world-class wine list, makes for the kind of evening where you’ll willingly surrender control to the chef.

3. MAD, River Oaks District

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to eat inside a Salvador Dalí fever dream, MAD is your answer. The Spanish tapas spot, courtesy of BCN’s team, throws out convention in favor of whimsy. Start with liquid olives—an explosion of briny goodness—and work your way to the truffle and lobster arroz. The interior? Think mirrored ceilings, neon lights, and avant-garde installations. It’s a feast for all five senses, and possibly your sixth, too.

4. Blood Bros. BBQ, Bellaire

Sure, Texas is littered with BBQ joints, but none fuse Asian flavors into smoked meat like Blood Bros. Founded by brothers Robin and Terry Wong alongside pitmaster Quy Hoang, this spot serves brisket with a side of brilliance. Their brisket fried rice and Thai green curry boudin sausages prove that innovation and tradition can share a plate. Expect long lines and zero regrets.

5. Theodore Rex, East Downtown

Justin Yu’s gem in East Downtown is like your eccentric aunt’s dining room: cozy, quirky, and unapologetically original. Theodore Rex’s ever-evolving menu features dishes like tomatoes dressed in a soy-miso vinaigrette so addictive it could double as cologne. With a tiny dining room and handwritten menus, T-Rex feels delightfully offbeat—until you realize the food is a James Beard-level revelation.

6. Squable, The Heights

Squable is what happens when European classics collide with Texan audacity. Under the direction of Chef Mark Clayton, the menu offers standouts like the French cheeseburger with raclette dripping down the sides and a potato gnocchi so pillowy it should come with a bedtime story. Set in a sleek, industrial-chic space, this Heights darling is perpetually packed, and for good reason.

7. Truth BBQ, Houston Heights

Texans are BBQ purists, and Truth BBQ doesn’t mess around. Pitmaster Leonard Botello IV brings Central Texas traditions to Houston with meats that could make a vegan reconsider. The brisket is smoked to perfection, with a bark that crunches like caramelized gold, and the housemade sausage is a smoky revelation. Pair your tray of goodness with sides like tater tot casserole, and grab a seat in the rustic, industrial dining space adorned with neon signs and vintage touches.

8. Xochi, Downtown

Chef Hugo Ortega’s homage to Oaxacan cuisine is a love letter to Mexico’s most soulful region. From the tlayudas (giant crispy tortillas) to the mole negro draped over roasted duck, each dish at Xochi tells a story. The colorful space inside the Marriott Marquis is elevated but unfussy—perfect for digging into an order of wood-roasted oysters topped with mole amarillo. Pro tip: Save room for the cacao-infused dessert.

9. Khói Barbecue, Spring Branch

Khói is where Texas barbecue meets Vietnamese ingenuity, creating a marriage of flavors so harmonious it deserves its own Grammy. This Spring Branch favorite is run by Don and Theo Nguyen, who’ve perfected their craft with dishes like smoked brisket banh mi and pork belly glazed with fish sauce caramel. The setup is casual—picnic tables and paper trays—but the flavors are Michelin-level serious. Be sure to grab the smoked beef rib if it’s on the menu—it’s worth every calorie.

10. Lucille’s, Museum District

Chef Chris Williams named Lucille’s after his great-grandmother, and her legacy shines through every plate. Known for its Southern comfort food with global twists, the restaurant serves must-try oxtail tamales and fried chicken so golden it deserves a medal. Situated in a charming bungalow, Lucille’s feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s, if grandma had a Michelin-worthy kitchen.

11. Traveler’s Table, Montrose

This Montrose hotspot from Chef Stanton Bundy doesn’t just serve global cuisine—it spins it into something extraordinary. The jerk lamb chops at Traveler’s Table are smoky perfection, while the truffle butter naan has a cult following for a reason. The dining room is both refined and playful, with worldly decor that nods to the menu’s eclectic inspirations.

12. Rosie Cannonball, Montrose

If Houston’s dining scene were a high school, Rosie Cannonball would be the effortlessly cool kid. Known for its wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas, this Montrose gem specializes in comfort food done right. The nduja pizza is smoky, spicy, and utterly unforgettable, while the cacio e pepe is so creamy you’ll briefly forget your own name. With a wine list curated by Goodnight Hospitality, this place is as much about sipping as savoring.

13. Quan Ba Ky, Bellaire

Bellaire is Houston’s mecca for authentic Vietnamese food, and Quan Ba Ky doesn’t disappoint. This unassuming spot specializes in home-style comfort dishes that transport you straight to Saigon. The duck noodle soup is a must-try, featuring tender duck and silky noodles swimming in an aromatic broth. Don’t skip the lemongrass pork chop, perfectly charred and served with a mound of fragrant rice. With a no-frills atmosphere, it’s all about the food here—and the food is unforgettable.