1. The Grove

The Grove is Houston's hottest new dining experience located just across from the Convention Center and Hilton Americas Hotel. Food, Bar, and View is what they say they've got, and boy do they have it and right out of the box too. The food is fanta...

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2. Massa's Seafood Grill

I imagine Massa's will be a busy place during the show since it's easily walkable from the Convention Center and has great food. It is right across the street from The Four Seasons and is frequented for lunch and happy hour by surrounding office go...

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3. Strip House

The Strip House Houston was designed by the ever popular David Rockwell of The Rockwell Group and serves as one of Houston's finest steak houses. The posh, executive d...

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4. Azuma Sushi

Azuma is probably the best place downtown to get your Sushi and Japanese food fix. Located in the historic Rice Hotel building, you can get a good lunch special here or a fine dinner at a good price as far as sushi is concerned. The block that the Ri...

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5. Sambuca

Sambuca is part "Jazz" lounge, part restaurant, part bar with live music nightly. This Dallas import has been popular ever since it opened as one of Houston Downtown's first "new" night spots. It's a mellow scene that is on the co...

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6. REEF

REEF is a beautifully designed restaurant and bar in heart of Houston's hot Midtown district. It's popular too so be sure to make your OpenTable reservation or you could be in ...

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7. Farrago

This is a locals spot full of regulars for sure. Sunday brunch is what Farrago is most known for with bottomless mimosas and delicious food. Located in Midtown Square, the scene is usually younger and hip. The menu is "world cuisine" and ma...

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8. T'Afia

Monica Pope is one of Houston's most respected chef's, and her t'afia restaurant is one of the best around. Her latest venture features a unique seasonal menu using the most local and organic ingredients possible in a beautifully designed 16 table ...

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9. Dolce Vita

Dolce Vita Pizzeria is Houston's best place for gourmet pizza. This casual concept is really nice for hanging out with a nice bottle of wine and it doesn't get any more authentic than enjoying some prosciutto slided by their antique slicer. ...

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10. Indika

Some of the nation's finest Indian food is had at Indika. This is undoubtedly one of those "Houston" restaurants to go to while you're here. Make a reservation and good luck with that!

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11. Mark's

Mark's American Cuisine is home to well known chef Mark Cox and is, again, another Houston not to miss. The restaurant is set in an old church building which makes for a unique frame for the menu and substantial wine list. Connoisseurs abound, this i...

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12. So Vino

So Vino Wine Bar and Bistro is the latest addition to the Westheimer scene. It's a warm, clean environment to enjoy finer wines and foods. Well priced for the offering I believe, you're sure to be satisfied here, but be prepared to have a couple of ...

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13. Ibiza

Chef Charles Clark has crafted a real winner with Ibiza. Located in Houston's hot Midtown District, it's a great place to sit outside and see the Houston scene go by. The food is first rate of course and is inspired by the Mediterranean island settin...

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14. Hugo's

Mexico City Mexican not Texas Mexican is Hugo's and it's the best. Set in restored, high ceiling building, chef Hugo Ortega serves up a refreshed menu of what I find the be the norm in Mexico. I'm a regular here and highly recommend Hugo's if you wan...

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15. Teala's

Another place to get away from the TexMex and enjoy the authentic flavors of Mexico is Teala's. The menu is centered around the Yucatan region of Mexico and is delicious. There's a very nice outdoor area in front and is a favorite amongst the neighbo...

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16. La Griglia

Started by Tony Vallone (see Tony's ) La Griglia is now a part of the Landry's Restaurant Group, but it still considered to be a flagship. The Italian menu...

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17. Maxx's Wine Dive

There is very little "dive" when it comes to Maxx's Wine Dive - it's just a name. From the creators of the popular Tasting Room, Maxx's focuses...

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18. Benjy's

Benjy's is another neighborhood standard in town. Located in Houston's Rice Village they serve an eclectic, latin influenced menu that's exciting while being a safe, surefire hit for any occasion. I recommend Benjy's for that nice quite mea...

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19. Cafe Annie

Cafe Anne is a bit of a hike from the Convention Center but so worth it once you're there in Houston's Uptown/Galleria district. "World -class on all counts" says Zagat and has it has been considered to be one of the top ten restaurants in ...

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20. del Frisco's

This smallish national chain has recently come to Houston and has established itself quite well in the Houston Steakhouse scene. The space is high-end as is the menu and wine list. Sure to see some A-listers here, it's worth the trip out one night to...

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21. Downtown Aquarium

The Downtown Aquarium made my list simply because it is downtown and has a certain novelty to it. The brainchild of Landry's Restaurant empire owner Tilman Fertitta, The Aquarium is a $38 million development and features dining and amusements surroun...

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22. Dharma Cafe

Dharma Cafe is my neighborhood restaurant that people from all over the city frequent. They have recently moved to a new larger location, but have managed to keep the same cozy, home-like appeal of the original that made them such a hit. Run by thi...

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23. Catalon

Catalon is situated in the red hot, up and coming, Washington Ave. corridor and serves Spanish cuisine with wine. It's really a wine bar meets restaurant with fantastic food. Created by the guys behind | Print | PDF | Email | Read more...

24. Gravitas

Gravitas is one of my absolute favorites. High quality here with dishes like pan-fried trout, pork chops,  and daily specials come easily here. It's also a real happening spot on many nights with a great bar crowd and a full dining room. I wou...

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25. Tony's

Tony's is amongst the top tier restaurants in country and certainly Houston. So successful, Tony and Jeff Vallone created a new, purpose built building to house the Houston legend. The main dining room features an impressive art collection,...

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26. Uptown Sushi

This is one of Houston's most fashionable sushi places. It's on my list because the sushi is good, but the crowd is better. If you want to see people, this is the place to watch for them. A night at Uptown is usually accompanied by a trip to Belveder...

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