Downtown Houston is one of the city’s most exciting, amazing, and authentic places. The place offers an international hub with great entertainment, touring, and amazing food. Restaurants in this area offer multicultural dining experiences with cuisines from different nations (Check the Best French, Italian, Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Mediterranean food in Houston too).
In addition, they have a range of specialties in lunch, dinner, and even performing arts. Some downtown restaurants have a fun atmosphere, excellent food, and cocktails.
1. Xochi
Xochi is a modern upscale restaurant serving Oaxacan foods and cocktails. This sleek spot is headed by Chef Hugo Ortego, who cultivates Oaxaca-inspired dishes with creativity. You will enjoy amazing food, dessert, seafood, brunch, dinners, and cocktails.
The menu has insect tacos, roasted octopus, Pescado, homemade mole, house masa, Swiss chard, and baby carrots. Order the signature desserts of white chocolate filled with cocoa pods and tasty treats.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30 am to 9 pm
Address: 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
2. Potente
Are you looking for an Italian Restaurant around Houston? Potente is an upscale Italian restaurant serving you some Italian classics. It features a sophisticated dining area perfect for special events or a date night with your partner. In addition, Potente boasts a classic Italian villa with bar food made from locally sourced ingredients.
Enjoy signature truffle pasta, crème brulee, tiramisu and spaghetti al tartufo. If you arrive between 5 pm to 7 pm, you can enjoy la carte a specially priced three-course dinner with a glass of wine.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 pm to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 5 pm to 11 pm
Address: 1515 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
3. Treebeards
Treebeards is a vibrant restaurant downtown offering southern and Cajun dishes. Established in 1978, this restaurant offers the best dining experience to guests with its hearty southern dish and drinks. With three locations downtown, expect affordable home-cooked southern comfort food.
You’ll enjoy a wide selection of soups, salads, and entrees. Their red beans and rice is amazing, along with their desserts. Order a big slice of chocolate cake or warm bread pudding and enjoy it in their elegant dining area. In addition, Treebeards offers special offers on baked catfish and meatloaf during happy hour.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11 am to 2 pm
Address: 711 Louisiana St, Downtown Houston
4. Huynh Restaurant
Huynh is a family-friendly restaurant serving you Vietnamese cuisine in its modern, classy atmosphere. With over 10 years of culinary experience, the restaurant is a great spot for homemade delicious Vietnamese food.
Their varieties include fresh spring rolls, duck salad, noodle bowls, stir-fries, and rice. The meals are served in decent portions with amazing flavors.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 11 pm
Address: 912 St Emanuel St, Houston, TX 77003
5. Warren’s Inn
Warren’s Inn is a late-night bar offering charming drinks and beverages. This no-frills bar is perfect for date night or grabbing drinks with friends. You will enjoy a great selection of drinks with a jukebox in the background.
Apart from drinks, Warren’s Inn serves delicious salads, sandwiches, and soups. Though the food menu is small, this dive bar is a nice place to help you unwind in the company of friends.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 11 am to 2 am; Saturday and Sunday, 2 pm to 2 am
Address: 307 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
6. Hearsay Market Square
If you are looking for something old-school, visit Hearsay Market Square. The restaurant has a chic antique design with historical architecture and modern elements. The atmosphere is welcoming, with brick windows, doors, and a beautiful staircase.
You will find salads, crunchy ahi tuna tacos, Tuscan chicken pasta, and meat platters on the menu. The drink menu offers cocktails, wines, and beer alongside your meal.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11a.m to 11 pm, Friday to Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm
Address: 218 Travis St Houston, TX 77002
7. Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse
Vic and Anthony’s is an award-winning steakhouse with several locations in Houston. The owner Tilman Fertita has an extensive collection of ingredients from North America. Being a restaurant located in downtown Houston, it is incredibly popular for appetizers, salads, soups, and other entrees.
Try the oysters, wagyu carpaccio, premium prime ribeye, lobster, and mac and cheese. Then, transition your cozy lounge to red velvet dessert torte and a glass of wine.
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5 pm to 10 pm; Friday to Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm
Address: 1510 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
8. McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood and Steaks
McCormick is a perfect spot if you are looking for steaks and seafood. Founded in 1974, this place has been serving downtown Houston with delicious tasty seafood. They use fresh ingredients for their dishes for a delicious taste.
Signature seafood includes fish, oysters, shrimp, lobsters, and octopus. Treat yourself to their mac and cheese, sautéed spinach, roasted salmon, fillet mignon, and crispy potatoes.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:30 am to 9 pm
Address: 1201 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77002
9. Perbacco
Perbacco is a stylish lunch spot serving Italian food. Owned by Chef Vittorio Preteroti, he prepares food using traditional Italian ingredients. In addition, this restaurant has a friendly and accommodating atmosphere offering pre-theater meals.
Perbacco is a hidden gem serving lasagna, tiramisu, casserole, salads, French bread, ravioli, aged balsamic vinegar, and handmade pasta. Enjoy the excellent customer service with the delicious food and wine selection.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 11 am to 2:30 pm (lunch hours)
Thursday to Saturday, 5 pm to 9 pm (dinner hours)
Address: 700 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002
10. Irma’s Southwest Grill
Irma’s Southwest is a perfect place for tacos and fajitas. It is a top destination in downtown Houston serving popular Tex-Mex dishes. In addition, the restaurant has a vibrant dining space for hosting special events and corporate dinners.
Irma’s Southwest Grill offers special lunch, dinner, and Saturday brunch. Their menu includes Chilean sea bass, wild boar tacos, and bacon-wrapped Diablo shrimp fajita. Finish your meal with cocktails and handmade margaritas. Then, of course, try the sopapillas or chocolate mousse pie desserts.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11 am to 10 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm
Address: 1475 Texas St Downtown, Houston
