Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Houston

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Houston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Cafe at Brookwood

5.0

5 (555)

$30 and under

American

Westside

About the restaurant

Bring the family and friends and come enjoy the spectacular garden views, complimented with exceptional cuisine created by our Chef Pablo and his team. We truly believe that our food, service, and ambiance can compete with any restaurant. Please dine with us…we think you will want to come again and bring your friends.

Top review

Chef

Dined 3 days ago

Great place great purpose. Like to go there often

Bloofin Sushi

5.0

5 (23)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Spring

About the restaurant

Welcome to Bloofin Sushi and Bar!
Dedicated to serve the finest and freshest fish from Japan. Celebrate the traditional umami flavor of Japanese culinary, with a modern touch.

Top review

JenniferVIP

Dined on Apr 10, 2025

Our usual family spot where everyone in the family loves every dish we order. Sushi is always fresh and delicious. Can’t complain about anything. Service always excellent, genuinely smiling. We go almost every week and every waiter that recognize us stop by just to say hi.

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Experience

Social Hour

Handies Douzo - Montrose

4.9

4.9 (107)

$30 and under

Sushi

Montrose

About the restaurant

Handies Douzo is Houston's first hand roll focused sushi bar. Following the popularity in the Heights, the team brings its second location to Montrose in 2022. With over 25 years of combined experience in award winning Japanese cuisine and sushi, rising star chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee are excited to join the trendy neighborhood.

Top review

MichelleVIP

Dined 6 days ago

From the moment we arrived,the warmth and professionalism of the entire team made us feel instantly welcome. The hospitality was truly phenomenal, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and genuine charm. As for the food, the freshness of every bite was quality, delicate flavors that let the ingredients shine. We'll definitely be back!

Irma's Southwest

4.9

4.9 (712)

$31 to $50

Mexican / Southwestern

Downtown

About the restaurant

For over 30 years, Irma’s Southwest and Irma’s Original have been staples in Houston’s downtown dining scene, bringing bold flavors and warm hospitality to the heart of the city. Led by Louis Galvan and the legendary Irma Galvan, a 2008 James Beard Award winner, we take pride in serving unforgettable Mexican cuisine with a Texas twist.

At Irma’s Southwest, you’ll find a casual yet elevated dining experience, featuring classic Mexican favorites like Mole, Pork Carnitas, and Chile Relleno, alongside unique Texas Wild Game specialties, including Axis Barbacoa, Wild Boar & Nilgai Tamales.

Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch, a quick bite before the game, or a full dinner experience, Irma’s Southwest is your go-to spot in downtown Houston. Come hungry, leave inspired.

Top review

JoyVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Food was amazing and we were seated at a round table, my fave! The staff was also very nice and amazing, however, they sat a large group right next to us. I could barely hear my family talking with the big group next to us. It wasn’t their fault but I would have appreciated the big group to be sat somewhere else in the dining room where there was plenty of opened tables.

CASE Chocolates

4.9

4.9 (119)

$50 and over

Dessert

Southeast Houston

About the restaurant

CASE Chocolates is the world's first chocolate and cocktail speakeasy. Our tasting experiences take you through fine and unique cacaos combined with high-end spirits and cocktails. Our space is meant to spark delight and joy, and we can't wait to welcome you in soon!

Our promise is a one-of-a-kind journey through chocolates in an unforgettable atmosphere.

Please arrive on time for the best experience. Plan ahead as parking is limited to a small lot and street parking. You must enter through Sampson St., Suite E. No-shows and cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will be subject to a charge of $74 per person.

Each tasting comes with 3 cocktail and chocolate pairings. Tastings start at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays and 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 10:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays and are approximately 90 minutes per tasting.

Top review

Michelle

Dined 4 days ago

Such a fun experience. Everything was absolutely delicious. The service was great. The presenter of the tasting was cool. The space was interesting and sophisticated. The whole thing was very unique and exceptional. We’ll be back.

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Experience

Chocolate & Cocktails Tasting Experience

Experience

Mezcal Tasting Series

Lucio's BYOB & Grill

5.0

5 (1283)

$50 and over

American

Montrose

About the restaurant

Lucio's is a hidden gem that takes the art of New American cuisine to new heights and offers a refined yet intimate dining experience, perfect for any occasion. Specializing in a menu that celebrates the best of both seafood and meats, every dish is crafted by our Chef using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients transforming them into bold, flavorful creations.
The warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with exceptional service, make the perfect spot for a memorable dinning experience.

Top review

Maria

Dined 5 days ago

Fantastic restaurant. Food is excellent and good variety. Service is top notch. Love the BYOB option. We were a large group and everyone enjoyed it.

Rudy & Paco Restaurant & Bar

4.9

4.9 (4058)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Galveston

About the restaurant

Paco is the definition of the "All American Dream", awarded the 2019 "Faces of Diversity Award" by the National Restaurant Association. This prestigious award honors those who have achieved success through perservance and determination embodying the American Dream.

Rudy & Paco's offer the freshest seafood and steaks with a Central American flare. Come experience fine dining at its best with Paco and his staff.

We are honored to have the opportunity and privilege to serve you and your family.

~ Paco Vargas and Family

Lunch - Street parking is available, pay at parking meter or by App
Dinner - Street parking is free after 6 pm.

Dress code is strictly enforced for Dinner.
No shorts for men, women (including rompers) and children. Men must have a collared shirt (no t-shirts) and no hats.

Dress code for Lunch is casual with shorts acceptable but no hats.

Top review

Stephanie

Dined 5 days ago

Had a wonderful dinner celebrating our son’s college graduation! Staff was attentive, food was plated beautifully and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening.

TRIBUTE

4.9

4.9 (615)

$31 to $50

Southern

Westside

About the restaurant

Serving seasonal dishes inspired by great chefs, cultures, and families from Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico, TRIBUTE’s food is called “Tex-Lex” and is food Houstonians love to eat. Enjoy our new outdoor patio for breakfast, lunch, and during bar hours!
Reservations are not necessary but are recommended.
TRIBUTE’s exclusive Wine Room is available for private dinners, seating up to four guests.

TRIBUTE attire is business casual or casual elegance. Jackets are not required. Athletic wear and flip-flops are not permitted.

Top review

David

Dined 3 days ago

Always outstanding food flavor and service. I highly recommend Tribute if you’re looking for outstanding food and service in a quiet atmosphere.

Bandista

4.8

4.8 (260)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

About the restaurant

Discreetly located within Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Bandista is an intimate, modern-day speakeasy, reminiscent of a 1920s lounge that dazzles with a decadent Latin vibe. Guests of the 20-seat bar and lounge enjoy inventive and artistic interpretations of classic and contemporary cocktails, as well as rare spirits from around the world. Bandista's eight bar seats provide a center-stage show of the cocktail laboratory, where guests connect with the city's most talented bartenders and other discreet guests.

Experience @BandistaHouston on Instagram

Top review

Lindsey

Dined 6 days ago

This is my favorite bar experience in Houston. The mixologists are extremely talented and everyone is delightful to be around. It was a bucket list experience and it was worth the effort. It’s a “real” speakeasy with a hidden door and a code to get in, and the experience just kept getting better from there!

Fratelli's Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (1073)

$30 and under

Italian

Spring Branch

About the restaurant

Fratellis is happy to say we are still open and doing take out food and wine and curbside So come in or call to help us keep are doors open, thank you for support.
For over 10 years Fratelli's has always been known for serving homemade pastas, seafood, and fine meats, that is still the same. . The chefs have over 25 years of experience. Full service bar from the 1940's; a great part of Houston history. Serving award winning martinis, cosmos, Italian Ritas
Outside seating is available on our spacious patio. We all so have a area for the dog lovers in the neighborhood Wonderful wine list, Kid friendly menus, gluten free dishes.
Elegant reception room, perfect for small parties of 20 up to 120 ppl. with a band or DJ. Birthday Corp.Meetings
Graduation- All Day Seminars- Weddings
Customized menus for all occasions.
We cater all events from 20 to 400 Fratelli's has a large garden area on site or we can come to you. Come experience the best. EAT YOUR PASTA!

Top review

JennyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Lovely Mother’s Day lunch.18 people booked last minutes service ambiance and food were perfect!

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