Finding the ideal lunch spot that satisfies your preferences is of great importance. However, choosing the best lunch spots in Houston may seem daunting, especially in a city where international cuisines, game-changing ideas, and explosive sensations are prioritized.
You may discover locally produced Tex-Mex food, Mediterranean cuisines, and everything in between in Houston.
Let’s look at some of Houston’s top lunch spots so you can enjoy wonderful food and make new holiday memories with friends and family.
1. TRIS
In this Woodlands steakhouse, Chef Austin Simmons demonstrates why he is one of the best cooks in the area by combining elements of American, French, and Asian food. Along with its numerous cuts of beef, the restaurant’s menu features seafood-focused meals that experiment with various ingredients, most notably brown butter. These dishes include creamy crab truffle ravioli, lobster toast with yuzu aioli, and crab stacked on a toothsome kimchi pancake. Finish off the rich experience with one of its brown butter Old Fashioneds with an infused bourbon or one of its wine pairings.
Location: 24 Waterway Ave #125, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Phone: (281) 203-5641
2. Cowboys & Indians Tex-In Kitchen
This modest eatery offers burgers, kebabs, and Indian and Southern cuisine. The restaurant’s menu makes it clear that the name’s playful interpretation is accurate. Aside from Western favorites like Chicken Fried Chicken and Grilled Skewers, you can fill up on traditional Indian dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala, crunchy Naan nibbles that are great for mopping up sauces, and buttery Paneer. Vegan food is also available.
Location: 519 Shepherd Dr Houston, TX 77007
Phone: (713) 485-6724
3. NiceBuns
You can spice up your lunch break with a few savory melts and double deckers at the Galleria Food Truck Park, which all come with patties that have been perfectly smashed, cheese, signature sauce, and grilled onions, as well as seasoned fries. You can also upgrade your midday fix with a ton of chopped meat and extra condiments. You cannot return to the workplace without a cold Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch pleasure in tow, so keep that napkin handy for the milkshakes.
Location: 2829 Chimney Rock Rd Houston, TX 77056
Phone: (832) 349-5822
4. Squable
At this contemporary European eatery in The Heights, carbohydrates rule supreme in the best possible way. Discover a wide variety of shareable small plates, such as ricotta-filled Dutch baby pancakes and mussels served with calico beans and bonito aioli, as well as heartier dishes like bolognese lasagna with pickled collards. One might indulge oneself in the famous French cheeseburger covered with raclette cheese.
Location: 632 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: (832) 834-7362
5. Brasil Café
Brasil Cafe is a trendy hangout serving coffee, sandwiches, salads, and live music. Brazil, opened its doors in 1992 as Houston’s first specialty coffee shop.
With handhelds, lunch platters, appetizers, and salads, it has established itself as a mainstay throughout lunchtime.
Desserts and a superb selection of craft beer and wine are also available. Enjoy a midday lunch on one of Montrose‘s most stunning patios.
Don’t forget to order at the counter, take a seat, and indulge in one of their highly irresistible Butterscotch and Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Location: Brasil, 2604 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Phone: +1 713-528-1993
6. Flora Mexican Kitchen
Grant Cooper, the brains behind this new restaurant, capitalized on Houston’s obsession with Mexican-inspired meals by adding some creative twists. Must-tries include charred octopus with chorizo, roasted sweet potatoes, sour cream, various street tacos, enchilada platters, braised lamb topped with spices and warm tortillas, red snapper and yellowtail ceviches paired with housemade tostadas, and more. You’ll also appreciate the stunning, glass-walled building with its massive chandeliers.
Location: 3422 Allen Pkwy Houston, TX 77019
Phone: (713) 360-6477
7. Feges BBQ Spring Branch
Erin Smith and Patrick Feges, a husband-and-wife partnership, opened their second Feges BBQ establishment in Spring Branch in 2021.
The cuisine at Feges extends beyond traditional barbecue fare like brisket, boudin, and pulled pork. In addition to delectable sandwiches and wings, you can discover finer sides like Moroccan-spicy carrots, spiced cracklins, and pimento mac and cheese. There is also a large range of adult beverages here, including $10 frozen margaritas. If you decide not to take anything home, that’s on you. The restaurant also sells whole racks of ribs and vacuum-sealed slabs of brisket.
Location: 8217 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055
Phone: (346) 319-5339
8. Treebeards
Treebeards restaurant offers traditional Southern comfort food for lunch on weekdays.
Take advantage of a hot dish of Chicken & Sausage Gumbo every Monday through Wednesday.
The quantities are large, and the taste combinations are wonderfully balanced.
Remember the traditional bread pudding that everyone adores. The beverages are delicious, especially the mimosas, and the service is excellent.
Location: 1117 Texas St Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 229-8248
9. Backstreet Cafe
Backstreet Café is Houston’s first outdoor dining establishment offering seasonal American bistro fare.
They provide lovely meals and offer a beautiful patio, enticing lunchtime nibbles, and an upscale atmosphere.
With a vast and tasty menu, this 1930s-era cafe is often busy. They serve Red corn chicken enchiladas, salmon tacos, roasted corn crab cakes, french onion oxtail soup, and gulf oysters.
Location: 1103 S Shepherd Dr Houston, TX 77019
Phone: (713) 521-2239
10. Phat Eatery
Phat’s focus on Malaysian street cuisine mainstays like roti canai and satay skewers has helped establish this restaurant as a must-try dining destination, led by James Beard Award-nominated chef Alex Au-Yeung. Diners could expect to order a variety of its specialty dishes, including huge and juicy curry-sauced crawfish, delicious shrimp dumplings, and searing black pepper beef and Hainanese chicken with a trio of sauces for dipping.
Location: 23119 Colonial Pkwy suite b-2, Katy, TX 77449
Phone: (832) 913-6382