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Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Houston

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OpenTable
Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Houston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Emilia's Havana restaurant
5.0
5 (67)
$50 and over
Cuban
Galleria / Uptown
About the restaurant
Discreetly located next to The Annie Café & Bar, Emilia’s Havana is an intimate, 50-seat lounge reminiscent of a vibrant 1950s Cuban club with a luxe Latin vibe. The latest from Berg Hospitality Group, guests will enjoy inventive interpretations of classic and contemporary Cuban-inspired cocktails by the James Beard award winning mixologist, Alba Huerta, along with an elevated wine list and bottle service. Perfect for a post-dinner snack, the light, Latin-inspired small plates by Executive Chef Brian Sutton are not to be missed.* The highlight of the evening? The live “bossa nova style” music performed at every seating by our house band along with tunes by local DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.

*PLEASE NOTE: Emilia’s Havana has lounge-style seating with Cuban-inspired small plates but does not have a full dinner menu.

Top review
Santiago
Dined on Dec 6, 2024
This speakeasy is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, the ambiance feels like stepping into another era. The music was exceptional—a perfect blend of live tunes and curated playlists that set the mood beautifully. It’s the kind of place where every beat feels intentional, adding to the charm of the experience. The service was equally impressive. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely seemed to enjoy what they were doing. They made thoughtful recommendations and ensured everything felt seamless throughout the evening. The attention to detail—from the decor to the cocktail presentation—made the night unforgettable. If you’re looking for a hidden treasure with incredible vibes, outstanding service, and music that transports you, this place is a must-visit.
A photo of Ginger & Fork restaurant
5.0
5 (952)
$30 and under
Cantonese
Heights / Washington
About the restaurant
Welcome to Ginger & Fork! We are limited in our reservation capacity, and reservations of over 4 guests must be made by calling only. If you are unable to make a reservation online, please call the restaurant directly at 713-861-8883. Reservations are required for guaranteed seating.

Ginger & Fork will offer gracious hospitality and service, high quality food, and exotic drinks in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Mary’s vision for Ginger & Fork is to create a place where she and all of her customers can reconnect with old friends, as well as form new friendships.

Top review
Aaron
Dined on Dec 29, 2024
Absolutely amazing! This is a truly family owned and family run joint. The food was mind blowing, the atmosphere was amazing, and the staff (family) are refreshing to talk with. What a wonderful date night we couldn't have been happier! 10/10 I'll be back.
A photo of Lucio's BYOB & Grill restaurant
5.0
5 (1248)
$30 and under
American
Montrose
About the restaurant
Lucio's is New American cuisine in a comforting yet upscale dining atmosphere, concentrating on seasonal and fresh local ingredients.
Life is to be enjoyed, if you want to go somewhere to appreciate your bottle of wine and be reminded of the simple pleasures of life, this is it.

Top review
Jen
Dined 1 day ago
Had the filet with the blue cheese stacked potatoes. So delicious!! Ended the meal with the apple pie a la mode! Perfect.
A photo of Costa Brava Bistro restaurant
5.0
5 (1910)
$50 and over
Spanish
Bellaire
About the restaurant
Owners Angeles Dueñas and Kitty Bailey have created a home where they explore the rich traditions of the food and wine from Spain and France with a modern, personal approach.
Open Table's 2016 list - "100 Best Restaurants for Foodies in America"


Top review
Justo
Dined 2 days ago
Great service, people and most importantly, food. Will come again. For sure.
A photo of Tourão - Katy restaurant
4.9
4.9 (12)
$31 to $50
Brazilian Steakhouse
Katy
About the restaurant
Indulge in the flavors of Brazil with Tourao! Experience the finest Brazilian steakhouse dining, where succulent cuts of meat and authentic dishes are perfectly prepared. Join us as we explore culinary delights, share mouth-watering moments, and inspire your next gourmet adventure. Let's savor and celebrate together!
Top review
DIANA
Dined on Dec 26, 2024
WE WENT FOR BUSINESS LUNCH YESTERDAY, FOOD IS DELICIOUS AND THE STAFF WAS SO NICE
A photo of Aburi Sushi restaurant
4.9
4.9 (83)
$31 to $50
Sushi
University of Houston
About the restaurant
Aburi refers to the technique of torching fish, enhancing its flavor by lightly searing it. This process not only brings out the fish's taste but also benefits from the use of premium Japanese white oak charcoal, imparting a subtle smokiness & effectively filtering out torch-related gases. Aburi involves a gentle searing, leaving the fish partially cooked.

Hailing from Houston, a city renowned for its cultural diversity, our restaurant draws inspiration from this multicultural hub. Despite our Japanese name, our culinary concept transcends borders, aiming to showcase a medley of global cuisines, mirroring the diverse food scene of Houston.

Fresh fish is flown in directly from Tsukiji Market, Japan.

ATTENTION:
We recommend arriving early to experience our specialty cocktail menu before dining!

Top review
JenniferVIP
Dined on Dec 28, 2024
Our new go to sushi! We love this place. Great sushi, rolls, appetizers Even cocktails
A photo of Magnolia Society restaurant
4.9
4.9 (92)
$30 and under
American
Columbus
About the restaurant
WELCOME TO MAGNOLIA SOCIETY. Magnolia Society offers a food and wine experience like none other in Columbus, Texas. Sip on curated craft cocktails paired with chef-driven dishes or indulge in a bottle of your favorite wine. With a focus on providing hand-picked selection of premier wines paired with exceptional hospitality and crave-worthy cuisine, Magnolia Society sets the standard for an unforgettable affair where food and wine meet.
Top review
Mark
Dined on Dec 28, 2024
Everything was excellent. One thing I love, is fine dining. And folks, this is it. At its finest. For our little town of Columbus Texas.
A photo of Bayou City Seafood & Pasta restaurant
4.9
4.9 (149)
$30 and under
Cajun
Galleria / Uptown
About the restaurant
Located in Houston, Texas, Bayou City Seafood & Pasta is an American seafood restaurant with an extensive menu. The beautiful dining room is full of exposed brick to create a homey atmosphere while customers enjoy one of the many fine seafood and pasta options at Bayou City Seafood & Pasta. Start out your meal with one of the restaurant’s many appetizers like the fried mushrooms or the seafood jambalaya. Bayou City Seafood & Pasta, located in Houston’s Uptown, has a wide variety of menu options for everyone in the family, including vegetarians and those sensitive to gluten. Enjoy a Cajun inspired meal at this homey restaurant.
Top review
EliseVIP
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Chris provided excellent service. My family enjoyed the food very much.
A photo of TRIBUTE restaurant
4.9
4.9 (584)
$31 to $50
Regional American (Southern)
West Side
About the restaurant
Serving seasonal dishes inspired by great chefs, cultures, and families from Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico, TRIBUTE’s food is called “Tex-Lex” and is food Houstonians love to eat. Enjoy our new outdoor patio for breakfast, lunch, and during bar hours!
Reservations are not necessary but are recommended.
TRIBUTE’s exclusive Wine Room is available for private dinners, seating up to four guests.

TRIBUTE attire is business casual or casual elegance. Jackets are not required. Athletic wear and flip-flops are not permitted.

Top review
BethVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Jennifer gave us the most outstanding service. Food was delicious. Wendy, Eduart, Lucia and all the others gave us a most outstanding breakfast experience.
A photo of Vargas Cut & Catch restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1293)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Galveston
About the restaurant
Located in the heart of Galveston's historic downtown district, Vargas Cut and Catch is a contemporary Steak House serving USDA Prime Steaks and the Freshest Seafood available.

We look forward to serving you soon!!

Sincerely,
Paco Vargas and family

Street parking is complimentary after 6:00pm

Top review
Rick
Dined 3 days ago
What a great surprise we had at this quiet swanky elegant restaurant. Our service and food were perfect. We had many servers help through the courses and yet we were left alone to ourself to have the quiet elegant dinner. Lobster bisque is a must along with crab cakes. Thank you Vargas for a great evening.
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