Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Northwest

50 restaurants available nearby

1. JŪN

4.6

Exceptional(627)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Heights / Washington

Booked 29 times today

JŪN, nestled in the vibrant Heights neighborhood of Houston, offers an unforgettable Asian culinary experience. Lauded by patrons for its "excellent, thoughtful tasting menu at a great price," this Asian American gem, led by Top Chef Alum Chef Evelyn Garcia, showcases a fusion of flavors that are both innovative and deeply rooted in traditional Asian cuisine. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with dishes like beef tartare and scallops receiving high praise for their "creative presentation" and "explosion of flavor." Diners recommend the Chef’s Tasting Menu paired with exquisite wine selections, describing each bite as a "euphoric experience." With its welcoming ambiance and stellar reviews, JŪN is a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore the finest in Asian dining.

A photo of The Union Kitchen (Ella Blvd) restaurant

2. The Union Kitchen (Ella Blvd)

4.7

Exceptional(612)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Heights / Washington

Booked 3 times today

The Union Kitchen on Ella Blvd, nestled in the vibrant Heights / Washington area of Houston, is a gem for those seeking top-notch Contemporary American cuisine. Known for blending global flavors with Southern hospitality, the restaurant shines with its diverse menu that promises something delicious for every palate. From the "super delicious" Sarah’s Avocado Chicken sandwich to the "best of everything" spinach dip and crab cakes praised by patrons, each dish is crafted to perfection. As diners rave about the "phenomenal experience" and "sublime service," it’s clear that The Union Kitchen is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey. Whether it's the hand-selected wine list that complements the meals perfectly or the standout dishes like the praised bread pudding and fish and chips, every visit is poised to exceed expectations. "Great food and service" in a "friendly and comfortable" atmosphere make it a beloved neighborhood staple.

3. Auden

4.4

Awesome(154)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Montrose

Booked 11 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Montrose area of Houston, Auden is celebrated for its exceptional American cuisine with a creative twist of Texas and Indian influences. Diners rave about the "incredible flavors" and "perfectly cooked" dishes, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation. The Chicken 65 and agnolotti are standouts, described as "super interesting and delicious." Guests consistently praise the "impeccable service" and the ambiance that makes every dining experience special. As one reviewer puts it, Auden has "risen to my top choice in the city," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier American dining experience in Houston.

4. Crisp - Heights

4.4

Awesome(817)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Heights / Washington

Booked 11 times today

Crisp - Heights in Houston is a beacon of pizzeria perfection, where the wood-fired pizzas are not just meals but a sublime experience. Nestled comfortably in the Heights neighborhood, this eatery offers a chef-driven menu that delights every palate but truly shines with its pizza offerings. Reviewers rave about the enticing crust and fresh toppings, with one guest exclaiming, “The pizza was amazing!”. Another patron highlighted the BBQ pizza as “the bomb!” emphasizing not only the quality but the variety of the pizzas available. Crisp - Heights is the go-to spot for anyone seeking authentic, high-quality pizzeria cuisine in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.

5. Warehouse 72

4.7

Exceptional(803)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Spring Branch

Booked 18 times today

Warehouse 72 in Spring Branch, Houston, is a beacon of Modern American cuisine with a delightful twist of Mediterranean influence. The restaurant's industrial chic decor, complemented by stunning commissioned artwork, provides the perfect backdrop for an exceptional dining experience. Their menu features an array of exquisitely crafted dishes, including the crowd-favorite Angel Hair Pasta with truffle cream sauce and the robust 18-ounce Bone-in Ribeye. Guests rave about the "melt-in-your-mouth delicious" charred octopus and the "exquisite" seafood risotto, highlighting the kitchen's commitment to quality and flavor. With glowing reviews praising everything from the "super flavorful" starters to the impeccable service, Warehouse 72 is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier American dining experience in Houston.

6. Leo's River Oaks

4.7

Exceptional(40)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • River Oaks

Booked 54 times today

Welcome to Leo's River Oaks. We looking forward to seeing you.

A photo of Scott Gertner's Rhythm Room restaurant

7. Scott Gertner's Rhythm Room

4.8

Exceptional(536)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • River Oaks

Booked 10 times today

Scott Gertner's Rhythm Room, nestled in the vibrant River Oaks neighborhood of Houston, is a beacon of Contemporary Southern cuisine, seamlessly blending tradition with modern flair. Patrons rave about their signature dishes, particularly the award-winning Scottie Hottie Chicken Wings, acclaimed for their authentic Southern taste. The restaurant's ambiance, enhanced by live music and a sophisticated setting, perfectly complements the culinary experience. Enthusiastic reviews such as, "Great food great music. Live band," and "The food was absolutely amazing," underscore the exceptional quality and authenticity of their offerings. Whether it's the blackened catfish or the meticulously seasoned lamb chops, Scott Gertner's Rhythm Room promises a delightful and genuine Southern dining experience, making it a must-visit destination.

A photo of The Federal Grill - Shepherd restaurant

8. The Federal Grill - Shepherd

4.7

Exceptional(2465)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Heights / Washington

Booked 11 times today

At The Federal Grill - Shepherd in Houston's vibrant Heights / Washington area, diners are treated to the quintessence of Contemporary American cuisine. This restaurant excels in delivering a diverse array of dishes that reflect the innovative spirit of American cooking. Patrons rave about the "delicious food and excellent service," highlighting standout dishes like the Lemon Basil Salmon Bowl, known for its "amazing" combination of crispy Brussels sprouts and tender salmon. The flexibility in the menu, allowing for half or full servings, and the consistent praise for their "friendly and attentive" service make The Federal Grill a top choice. Whether it's for a casual meal or a special occasion, this spot's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction shines, making every visit memorable.

9. Blue Tuba

4.4

Awesome(58)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Heights / Washington

Booked 11 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Heights neighborhood of Houston, Blue Tuba is a delightful haven for lovers of authentic European cuisine with a unique Texas twist. Owned by Vlado and Giga, whose roots trace back to Czechoslovakia, this restaurant is celebrated for its imaginative fusion of traditional European dishes and Texan flavors. As one patron raved, the experience is "a delightful culinary adventure with amazing service." From Slovak macaroni and cheese to German tacos with schnitzel, each dish is a testament to the chefs' mastery and creativity. The ambiance blends European elegance with Texan hospitality, providing a warm, inviting atmosphere. With glowing reviews and a menu that delights and surprises, Blue Tuba is a must-visit for a truly exceptional dining experience in Houston.

A photo of Lucio's BYOB & Grill restaurant

10. Lucio's BYOB & Grill

5.0

Exceptional(1231)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Montrose

Booked 9 times today

Lucio's BYOB & Grill in Montrose, Houston, is a standout destination for authentic New American cuisine. This gem emphasizes seasonal and fresh local ingredients, creating dishes that are both innovative and comforting. Guests rave about the “consistently amazing” food and highlight the Apple Pie as the “best dessert in Houston.” With its BYOB option, diners can enjoy their favorite wines with meals described as “cooked to perfection,” from the tender short ribs to the perfectly seared salmon. The warm, inviting atmosphere and exceptional service make Lucio’s a top choice, with one guest noting it as a place where the owners treat you “like family.” Whether for a romantic dinner or a celebration, Lucio’s promises an unforgettable dining experience, making it a beloved Houston icon.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Gary
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Everything was great. A Tuesday night, so a bit slow, but the service and food met our expectations.
More info
Leo's River OaksPrice: Very Expensive• American• River Oaks
•
4.7
B
Brendonvip
Houston •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The food was pretty good. I had the crab cakes, the seafood risotto, the chocolate hazelnut torte and a cappuccino. My server was very attentive, keeping my drinks filled. I went for Sunday brunch.. It was a little loud because there was a live saxophonist doing a mixture of show tunes, R&B, and yacht rock (he had a great tone). Will definitely return.
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Warehouse 72Price: Expensive• Contemporary American• Spring Branch
•
4.7
P
Patricia
Houston •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Excellent service and sweet and savory dishes. The sausage gravy was perfect with the most delicious biscuit I have had. I would just order biscuits from here in the future. The French toast was cooked to perfection with a beautiful plating of strawberries and cream on top. As silly as this is, the water is quite pleasant.
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The Union Kitchen (Ella Blvd)Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• Heights / Washington
•
4.7
M
margaretvip
Houston •35 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
Perfect! Thank you for everything. The space, the food and the service were wonderful.
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The Federal Grill - ShepherdPrice: Moderate• American• Heights / Washington
•
4.7
S
Sheilavip
Houston •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
We have been a few times to Auden and have loved it every time. The service is warm and attentive, the food is consistently delicious and the ambiance is classy and cozy. I also love that the chef changes up the menu with the seasons (while keeping the fan favorites on) and the way he is able to meld tastes and flavors together is perfection. The dessert menu is always on point and their wine selection is quite expansive. This truly is a great place for either a casual get together or an intimate evening. It is no wonder this place is rated as one of the top restaurants to visit in Houston.
More info
AudenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Montrose
•
4.4

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Northwest

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50 restaurants available nearby

1. JŪN

2. The Union Kitchen (Ella Blvd)

3. Auden

4. Crisp - Heights

5. Warehouse 72

6. Leo's River Oaks

7. Scott Gertner's Rhythm Room

8. The Federal Grill - Shepherd

9. Blue Tuba

10. Lucio's BYOB & Grill

See what locals rave about

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