1. Shade Cafe

Shade is a lovely locals place in The Heights area of Houston. They have a simple dining room with a warm, clean feel, and a small bar to get things started. The fare is light and seasonal and the wine list adequate for this affordable choice for a...

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2. Rainbow Lodge

The Rainbow Lodge has been around for 30 years and recently moved to a new location (the old location is now Brenner's on the Bayou , a Landry's owned ...

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3. Quattro at Four Seasons Houston

Quattro is the Four Seasons' premiere restauraunt and like the Four Seasons, is class dining. Sure it comes at a premium price, but it's within walking distance of the Convention Center and the menu is diverse and pleasing to most. Italian or America...

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4. Ninfa's on Navigation

TEXMEX TEXMEX TEXMEX! The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is where it all began for the chain of texmex restraunts none of which have anything on the original. This is the ONLY Ninfa's I go to, and whenever I'm back from a trip this is the first stop ...

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5. Mai's Restaurant

Mai's owners opened the first Vietnamese restaurant in Houston in 1975 and  the current iteration is  as authentic as it gets. This spot is really popular with artist and the Vietnamese communities in Houston, so dining guests are interesti...

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6. Julia's Bistro

Julia's is right on the Metro light rail line and is a sort of hipster/mod place to go. It's brightly colored walls frame a small dining room of white white topped tables and chrome chairs; it's beautiful but the Latin-fusion food is the star here. M...

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7. Daily Review

Home cooking with a touch of organic sophistication is what the Daily Review has in store for you. I'm a regular for lunch mostly, but it makes an equally fine casual dinner choice. Concrete topped tables, a fine porch, and lush garden are the atmosp...

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8. Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen

A cloudy martini with a blue cheese stuffed olive should get you off to a good start at this Houston standard. Oysters on the half shell, the Gulf's freshest catch, and gumbo are my favorites here. The Mandola family is legendary in the local foodie ...

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9. Divino Italian

Divino is a fantastic little neighborhood place for sophisticated Italian. There is no sign and barely a light outside, so pay close attention when getting there. Once inside you'll find an intimate space with some fine folks. I will tell you that Ho...

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10. Thai Pepper

One of Houston's many Thai restaurants, this one saw it's heyday throughout the late 80's and mid 90's as a date night hot spot. Now it's more of a great place to have an authentic Thai experience off the beaten path. In a big house that's painted al...

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11. Goode Co. BBQ

This is it. This is where to go for Bar-B-Que no question. Wood paneled walls line the small bar-like building where iced antique coolers of beer are the first thing you find in line. Seating inside is limited, but the authentic experience comes with...

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12. Goode Co. Seafood

Gulf Coast seafood Goode family style served here daily. Fresh is key in this very casual spot that's a favorite with the locals. It's noisy, often crowded, and they won't seat incomplete parties, but it's quick, good, and fun. The decor features lot...

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13. Ouisie's Table

Ouisie's Table is a beautiful place to unwind in the casual elegance that is the South. The food reflects owner and Executive Chef Elouise Adams Jones' Texas roots and affinity for elegant Gulf Coast cooking. Located in Houston's exclusive River Oaks...

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14. Brennan's of Houston

Brennan's of Houston is quite possibly one of the most famous restaurants in Houston with a cookbook that's a staple in Southern kitchens. Serving what they call "Texas Creole", the Houston wing of this New Orleans institution is a sure bet...

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15. Brenner's on the Bayou

Brenner's on the Bayou is a steakhouse that occupies the rustic building that was The Rainbow Lodge for 29 years (now moved to a new location not far away...

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