HN — RESTAURANT GUIDE

A selection of restaurants in the Houston area, covering all cuisines and prices.

Photo by Jupiter Images

Aquarium Restaurant
• 410 Bagby St., Houston, TX 77002
(713) 223-FISH
• #11 Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, TX 77565
(281) 334-9010
An underwater dining adventure, Aquarium Restaurants offer delicious seafood specialties in a unique setting — guests are seated around elaborate aquariums filled with more than 100 species of colorful fish and marine life. The mouthwatering menu includes items such as Crab & Shrimp Wontons, Sixteen Spice Tuna, Rib-Eye Steak, and Thai Pepper Shrimp. After a leisurely meal, enjoy aquarium exhibits and the interactive touch tank Stingray Reef.

Arcodoro Ristorante Italiano
5000 Westheimer Rd. at Post Oak Center, Houston, TX 77056
(713) 621-6888
Chef Efisio Farris brings the rich culinary legacy of Sardinia to this charming restaurant in the heart of the Galleria. Here you’ll find hundreds of happy diners, many who’ve traveled from all over the world. The cuisine draws on specialties of Italy, with touches of Spain, North Africa, and the Americas. Arcodoro’s veal medallions sautéed with a reduction of Vermentino di Gallura, one of the island’s finest white wines, and scallops honors the land, the sea, and the vine. And the Costata d’Oro, an aged rib eye marinated in Sardinian wine, garlic, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar, is a runaway favorite recently praised as “Best Steak” by the Houston Press.

Au Petit Paris
2048 Colquitt, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 524-7070
A little bit of Paris in Houston? Bien sur! Expect nothing less than superb, inventive French creations from Master Chefs Dominique Bocquier and Eric Legros. The restaurant, which is open only for dinner Mondays through Saturdays, has been rated among the top 10 restaurants by both The Houston Chronicle (2007) and Texas Monthly magazine (2009). It maintains an extensive and impressive list of both French and American wines and a full bar.

Babin’s Seafood House
• 21851 Katy Freeway, Katy, TX 77450
(281) 829-9200
• #13 Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, TX 77565
(281) 334-0192
• 17485 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77064
( 281) 477-9300
• 19529 IH 45, Shenandoah, TX 77385
(281) 296-8829
If New Orleans-style seafood is what you crave, head to Babin’s Seafood House. From the moment you walk in the door you will feel the ambiance that prevails in “the Big Easy” from the décor to the Dixieland jazz to delightful aromas that waft through the establishment. Babin’s offers the largest and most unique variety of Gulf Coast seafood in the area with fresh catch specialties offered daily. Patron favorites include Atchafalaya Blackened Catfish, Shrimp Lafayette, gumbo, and Zydeco Pasta, and the ethereal bread pudding.

Brenner’s on the Bayou
1 Birdsall Dr., Houston, TX 77007
(713) 868-4444
Situated in a picturesque retreat on Houston’s Buffalo Bayou, the rustic, yet elegant restaurant is surrounded by lush landscaping, a waterfall, gazebo, and beautiful springtime azaleas. Inside, the dramatic two-story dining room offers breathtaking views from every table. Brenner’s classic dishes, such as prime steaks and succulent seafood, Crunchy German Potatoes, Homemade Roquefort Salad Dressing and an incomparable Apple Strudel are served daily with the personalized service and warm atmosphere. Come for Sunday brunch!

The Chart House
Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, TX 77565
(281) 334-3360
The Kemah Boardwalk Chart House offers a spectacular menu featuring an expansive selection of high-quality fresh fish, seafood, prime rib, and steaks. The menu includes Chart House specialties such as the crab, avocado and mango stack, macadamia crusted mahi, slow roasted prime rib, and the decadent hot chocolate lava cake. The Chart House experience is about the food and the atmosphere. From fresh seafood to exceptional steaks, The Chart House will offer a unique dining experience with a sensational menu and spectacular waterfront dining.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
5061 Westheimer Rd., Suite 500 Houston, TX 77056
(713) 355-2600
Located within the new Restaurant Row at The Galleria, you’ll find see-and-be-seen Del Frisco’s, where the elite come to eat. Every detail of the restaurant has been attended to — from the double grand staircase to six elegantly appointed private dining rooms. Only the superior service and spectacular surpass the views. Chefs cut and prepare each steak to order, and each is paired with one of their 1,600 wines.

Downing Street Ltd.
2549 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX 77019
(713) 523-2291
A sophisticated retreat that feels like a private club, but with a warm friendliness that welcomes you on your first visit, this casually elegant haven offers an extensive by-the-glass wine list, a superlative selection from the 90-plus single-malt Scotches, 24 different vodkas, and more than 40 bourbons. Select fine handmade cigars from the 400-square-foot walk-in humidor.

Frank’s Pizza
417 Travis at Prairie, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 225-5656 or (713) 22-PIZZA
Frank’s Pizza, located in downtown Houston’s historic district, is the place to go for delicious hand-tossed pizza. Whole pies, slices, lasagna, spicy wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more — all available for dine-in, pick-up, or delivery (downtown). We have built our reputation on serving high-quality food at reasonable prices. Be sure to stop by and try a slice. Your taste buds will be glad you did.

Grotto
• 4715 Westheimer Rd. (at Loop 610) Houston, TX 77027
(713) 622-3663
• 9595 Six Pines (Market Square) The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 419-4252
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, entertaining atmosphere that will transport you to the cozy setting of a trattoria in the Old Country. From the vivid antipasti display to a variety of spectacular entrées and made-from-scratch pastas, Grotto’s soulful Neapolitan-influenced menu is sure to please friends, clients, and business associates alike. With its winning combination of impeccable service, superb cuisine, and unsurpassed passion for detail, Grotto is the perfect dining destination.

Guadalajara Hacienda
• 27885 I-45 North, The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 362-0774
• 9799 Katy Fwy., Houston, TX 77024
(713) 461-5300
• 2925 Southwest Fwy., Houston, TX 77098
(713) 942-0772
• Del Centro, 1201 San Jacinto (next to House of Blues downtown) Houston, TX 77002
(713) 650-0101
Part of the reason for Guadalajara’s popularity is its atmosphere. Colored lights lend a festive air, ceiling fans give a rustic charm, and tropical plants create the feeling of a cool oasis. The same attention to detail is found in the kitchen, which creates the Tex-Mex standards Houstonians demand, but with a quality and an innovative touch that stand out among others. Special dishes including the Roasted Cream of Poblano Soup or the Piernitas, a dish of charbroiled quail legs stuffed and wrapped in bacon, build on the basics and surpass them. The new Guadalajara Del Centro downtown features the cozy Agave Lounge upstairs.

Howl at the Moon
612 Hadley St., Houston, TX 77002
(713) 658-9700
It’s a singing, clapping, stomping, dance on the piano rock-n-roll dueling piano show! It is part piano bar, part singalong with two baby grand pianos all centered around audience participation. Located in Midtown near many major hotels and the convention center. Book your corporate parties of 10-400 people with full service catering packages, customized company songs and a unique experience.

India’s Restaurant
5704 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77057
(713) 266-0131
India’s Restaurant offers an awardwinning experience, where sophisticated, yet relaxed ambiance sets the scene for delicious Indian cuisine. Guests can enjoy cocktails form the bar and marvel a the menu, which includes dishes drenched in flavors that range from a mild, soothing yogurt-based sauce to zesty curry concoctions. There’s also a bountiful buffet offering hot and cold dishes, including tandooris and other tempting vegetarian and non-vegetarian regional specialties.

Kenny & Ziggy’s
2327 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056
(713) 871-8883
Kenny and Ziggy’s combines traditional New York deli staples with contemporary cuisine. They do everything the old-fashioned way, baking their own breads and cakes, and pickling and curing their own meats. The smoked fish is flown in overnight from New York. The menu includes everything from traditional Hungarian goulash, Romanian chicken fricassee, blintzes, stuffed cabbage, and latkes to apricot glazed salmon, grilled Mediterranean tuna, Chicken Astoria, black walnut chicken salad and sweet potato pancakes.

La Griglia
2002 W. Gray St., Houston, TX 77019
(713) 526-4700
With a lively, festive atmosphere, La Griglia offers a delicious display of Italian dining. Colorful Italian murals and mosaics provide a playful ambiance, while fresh fish, creative pastas, chicken, beef, and fresh vegetables tempt guests with an array of fabulous choices. A great people-watching spot, La Griglia has a wonderful outdoor patio and a beautiful, well-appointed dining room. With inventive cuisine, attentive service, and a casual, energetic atmosphere, La Griglia is one of the most popular restaurants in Houston.

Landry’s Seafood House
• 22215 Katy Fwy., Katy, TX 77450
(281) 392-0452
• 8816 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77063
(713) 975-7873
• #1 Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, TX 77565
(281) 334-2513
• 5310 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77551
(409) 744-1010
• 1212 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 362-9696
Classic seafood with fresh fare from the sea and spectacular scenery, Landry’s Seafood House echoes the sights and sounds of a 1940s seafood house. Its mouth-watering menu has the best of everything from irresistible appetizers such as Oyster Bar Trash, a combination of blackened shrimp and crabmeat, to fresh salads and its world-famous seafood specialties, such as freshly prepared Gulf snapper, stuffed flounder or Shrimp Fresca. Landry’s also offers steaks and chicken delicacies. Taste why we’ve been pleasing diners for more than 60 years!

Mark’s American Cuisine
1658 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-3800
Dining at Mark’s American Cuisine is a true epicurean adventure. Chef Mark Cox prepares not just one but four unique menus for his patrons. Houstonians and visitors will find food unlike that in any other restaurant. Mark’s American Cuisine is located in a 1920s renovated church. The golden ceilings, handpainted deco walls, and the candlelit tables provide guests with an intimate escape from the outside world.

• Nino’s Restaurant
2817 West Dallas, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-5120
• Vincent’s Restaurant
2701 West Dallas, Houston TX 77006
(713) 528-4313
Houston has two of the best Italian ristoranti anywhere — Nino’s and Vincent’s. Both are part of the Mandola family dine-asty. Nino’s is arguably the most venerable among the aristocracy of Houston’s traditional Italian restaurants, whereas Vincent’s represents the benchmark of exciting, regional Italian cuisine. While both Nino’s and Vincent’s have different menus, some of their most enticing specialties can be savored at both. Lunch and dinner served Monday-Friday; dinner only on Saturday. Closed Sunday. Private parties and special events accommodated.

Pesce
3029 Kirby Dr. at W. Alabama, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-4858
From the tasteful design and elegantly appointed dining room to the unparalleled cuisine, Pesce is truly a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Renowned Chef Mark Holley has created a carefully crafted seafood menu featuring a melting pot of flavors. Fresh fish selections, crab cakes, Maine lobster, and filet mignon tempt guests to journey on a culinary adventure. Pesce is the perfect place to hold your next social event in our private banquet room. Reservations are recommended.

Rainbow Lodge
2011 Ella Blvd. at East TC Jester, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-8666
Regional Wild Game and Gulf Coast seafood dishes complement this cozy log cabin on White Oak Bayou conveniently located inside Loop 610. Stellar cellar! Insider tip: Try the Food and Wine Safari — the nightly tasting menu. A Houston hot spot for quick lunches and comfortable Sunday brunches that feature 99-cent mimosas. Sunday Suppers start at 5 p.m. Wrap up the weekend with super specials and half price wines by the glass.

Red Sushi and Hibachi Grill
Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, TX 77565
(281) 334-6708
Red Sushi and Hibachi Grill at the Kemah Boardwalk features exhilarating Hibachistyle tableside cooking and traditional Japanese cuisine in a chic and modern setting. With a fantastic waterfront view, the restaurant offers the finest handcrafted sushi and sashimi, specialty rolls, fresh fish, steaks, tempura and more. The Hibachi Grill features tableside performances by highly trained chefs as they slice and dice at amazing speeds. Hibachi Grill items include Teriyaki Chicken, Grilled Shrimp Flambé and Filet Mingon. Red Special Combinations include The Hokaiddo, a New York Strip and Shrimp; The Hibachi Châteaubriand; and The Emperor’s Feast. There is even a special Hibachi Grill menu for the kids.

Shay McElroy’s Irish Pub
909 Texas at Main, Suite A, In The Rice Lofts, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 223-2444
Shay McElroy’s in the Rice Lofts downtown takes the Irish-pub-in-America concept to a new level. Owner and Dublin native John McElroy created the space around a richly detailed, 19th century bar he had shipped from Ireland and furnishings acquired from the historic Rice Hotel’s Old Capitol Club. The crowd at Shay McElroy’s is an inviting collection of young professionals and not-so-young merrymakers who enjoy colorful dialogue and witty conversation.

State Bar & Lounge
909 Texas Ave., Suite 2A, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 229-8888
This classic lounge in the Historic Rice Hotel — President Kennedy’s last stop before Dallas — offers sophisticated wines, beers, and a large selection of liquors and specialty martinis. The menu has everything from delicious hors d’oeuvres to full buffets. Enjoy a drink overlooking the downtown nightlife on the grand balcony. Conveniently located one block from the Main Street light rail and minutes from the Galleria. The friendly staff will cater your happy hour party or business meeting. Open Mon.-Fri. 3 p.m.-2 a.m., Sat. 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse
4608 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77027
(713) 961-0333
Sullivan’s specializes in steak, but proudly serves a variety of other dishes. Favorites include fish and lobster, with a prime rib special on Sundays and all-you-can-eat stone crab claw feast on Mondays. In addition to the restaurant, Sullivan’s has a piano bar that stays open through the night and a “Ringside” bar with live local bands Wednesday through Saturday nights into the wee hours.

Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
1510 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002
(713) 228-1111
With its prime location downtown, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse features a blend of high-quality food in an intimate atmosphere. The menu offers USDA Prime grain-fed beef, including rib eye, New York strip, porterhouse, and filet mignon. For those with a taste for something other than beef, Vic & Anthony’s offers lamb and veal chops, live Maine lobster, Australian rock lobster, red snapper, tuna, and chicken. In addition to the breathtaking main dining room, Vic & Anthony’s offers three private rooms as well as its Piano Lounge & Bar. For a memorable meal, a sophisticated event or cocktails with class, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse is an award-winning dining experience.

Willie G’s Seafood & Steak House
• 1605 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056
(713) 840-7190
• 2100 Harborside Dr., Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 762-3030
Willie G’s, in Houston’s Galleria area, has established itself as America’s premier seafood house for more than 28 years. The extensive menu boasts the freshest Gulf Coast seafood with a New Orleans flair. In addition to making the top 10 list in the seafood house category, Willie G’s is celebrated for perfectly prepared, tender, and juicy Certified Angus steaks served in a unique style. Willie G’s offers guests a distinguished yet comfortable dining experience — a handsome atmosphere with rich, dark wood and granite interiors adorned with beautiful artwork and wall coverings. Enjoy Willie G’s extensive wine list. Banquet facilities available.

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