Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Houston

OpenTable

Updated June 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!

Lucio's BYOB & Grill

5.0

5 (1290)

$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

ChuckVIP

Dined 2 days ago

This place is truly one of Houston's most well-kept secrets. John's food is some of the best you will ever enjoy. Run, don't walk. Get a reservation NOW!

Teppay

4.9

4.9 (38)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Westside

About the restaurant

Serene Japanese restaurant with both traditional decor & dishes, plus an extensive sushi bar.

Top review

Brenda

Dined on May 29, 2025

Love this bustling sushi bar. Excellent food and service as always! Gerardo was very attentive and made some excellent rolls.

The Cafe at Brookwood

5.0

5 (559)

$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

Rita

Dined on Jun 3, 2025

There were 4 of us ladies, with one celebrating her birthday. It was the first time for three of them and they fell in love with the place and the friendly Citizens. Nick, one of them Citizens, also had a birthday and so enjoyed celebrating with our birthday lady. I also love the Signature Salad, with grilled chicken, and the others had chicken crepes. All absolutely outstanding! And the rolls and apple mint tea were divine! This is our go to place for special occasions. Or, any occasion!

Bloofin Sushi

5.0

5 (24)

$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

JoAnnVIP

Dined on Jun 5, 2025

Scorpion sushi roll , one of the chefs custom made dishes, was fabulous-all other dishes were great also! We will return -was our first time there and met our expectations!

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Experience

Social Hour

Rudy & Paco Restaurant & Bar

4.9

4.9 (4073)

$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

EloiseVIP

Dined 6 days ago

It was a awesome experience to dine at Rudy & Paco, service was on point, food was delicious. It was an amazing experience.

Handies Douzo - Heights

4.9

4.9 (112)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

Handies Douzo is Houston's first hand roll focused sushi bar in the trendy Houston Heights neighborhood opened in 2019. With over 25 years of combined experience in award winning Japanese cuisine and sushi, rising star chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee present their first brick and mortar restaurant.

Top review

ScottVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent sushi in a no frills bar environment. Most of the sushi is hand rolls so don’t come here for exotic selections or presentation. It’s just really good food at a fair price.

Handies Douzo - Montrose

4.9

4.9 (116)

$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

LeeVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing experience- everything and everyone was outstanding - I highly recommend- especially if u r from out if Houston its a great experience and good value for money

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Experience

Handroll Class - Private Party

Joyce's Seafood & Steaks

5.0

5 (482)

$30 and under

Seafood

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Joyce’s Seafood & Steaks is a neighborhood bistro experience in Houston that has become a favorite with locals ever since opening the doors in 1997. Known for the freshest Gulf seafood and mouthwatering steaks, Joyce’s Seafood & Steaks has been given kudos and awards galore, including from Houston Press, Texas Monthly, Saveur Magazine and the Houston Chronicle.

House specialties at Joyce’s Seafood & Steaks include lobster and shrimp enchiladas, seafood gumbo, fresh fish, and Texas Gulf oysters . For something other than seafood try the filet mignon. Just be sure to save some room for dessert because the white chocolate bread pudding with pecans and bourbon sauce is to die for.

Top review

ArminVIP

Dined on May 27, 2025

Wonderfully prepared fish. Everything tasted fabulous!

Fusion Grill & Bar

4.8

4.8 (27)

$30 and under

American

Katy

About the restaurant

Welcome to Fusion Grill, a family-owned restaurant where culinary tradition meets modern creativity. Located in Katy Texas, we pride ourselves on serving freshly made burgers, succulent steaks, fresh pastas and expertly crafted cocktails. Our menu is a celebration of flavors, blending New American comfort food with innovative global influences. Don't forget to indulge in our delicious homemade desserts, the perfect finale to any meal. At Fusion Grill, every dish is made with love and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a dining experience that feels like home but tastes like an adventure. Join us for a meal that promises warmth, joy, and unforgettable flavors.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on May 31, 2025

The food and beverages were really fantastic! It's worth every penny and very reasonably priced. It was a great date night spot! Fun and romantic!The menu was creative and delicious! Our server was not very good. She brought out our appetizer, and about 2 minutes into that, she brought out the rest of our order. This was super rushed and uncomfortable. She never offered to refill my husbands coffee, I had to flag her down for a second drink and then remind her that I ordered it. After that, we had to flag down someone to go get her so we could pay our check. Needless to say, her tip wasn't 20%. From what I saw from the other servers around us, she was not the normal quality of service provided by the staff. We will definitely be going back for the food and ambiance and just hope we don't get her for a server.

Irma's Southwest

4.9

4.9 (710)

$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 on May 7, 2025

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.

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