Best Lunch Restaurants in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Houston

Neighborhoods

BellaireDowntownEast EndEast SideGalleria / UptownGreenway / Upper Kirby Area

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard AwardMICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

218 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Just Lunch

(0)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Montrose

Coming Soon!

A photo of The Federal Grill - Downtown restaurant

2. The Federal Grill - Downtown

4.6

Exceptional(217)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 34 times today

Dress Up or Dress Down. A Bourbon or a Beer. A Ribeye or a Burger. Where precision cooking meets quality ingredients in a tribute to classic American cuisine. Dining experiences are complemented by an exceptional whiskey and cocktail list—the essence of the Federal Experience. This location also will serve lunch, happy hour, and dinner, as well as weekend brunch – and will offer catering to our downtown neighbors. New to this location will be a grab-and-go coffee bar, which will offer pastries, sandwiches, and salads throughout the day – and a variety of locally owned 4WD Coffee drinks.

3. Main Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(240)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

Main Kitchen Restaurant and 806 Lounge indulge guests with a variety of classic cocktails and lively American fare in an intimate atmosphere where the downtown vibe is palpable. Newly appointed Executive Chef Rafael Gonzalez has developed locally infused, seasonal menus, founded on the freshest ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour.

4. The Nash

4.3

Awesome(123)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 15 times today

The Nash, a Modern American restaurant and bar, offers diners a dynamic yet laid-back style, serving lunch, happy hour and dinner in the heart of downtown. Led by General Manager Timothy Contreras & James Beard Awarded Chef Tom Cunanan, the handsome space is located in the historic Star formerly known as the Texaco Building, that features an impressive floor to ceiling bar and open kitchen. This inviting ambience makes for the ideal spot for happy hour, late afternoon cocktails or dinner.

A photo of The Palm Houston – Downtown restaurant

5. The Palm Houston – Downtown

4.8

Exceptional(1817)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 14 times today

The Palm Houston, located near the Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park, is the perfect dining destination for any occasion. Guests are welcome to enjoy premier cuisine, service, and ambiance in the heart of Downtown Houston.

6. Brasserie du Parc

4.6

Exceptional(1373)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown

Booked 12 times today

We are an authentic French brasserie located on the ground floor of the landmark residential high-rise One Park Place overlooking Discovery Green. Come and join us for lunch or dinner to experience the French Culinary Cuisine that Chef Jose has to offer. For those of you looking where to go for after work drinks and bar bites, our Happy Hour menu is available daily at our bar area from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

A photo of Hearsay on the Green restaurant

7. Hearsay on the Green

4.5

Awesome(1433)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

Hearsay’s tradition continues with our On The Green location, serving distinctive American cuisine in an elegant antique setting. Located near Downtown Houston and Discovery Green Park, our venue offers a unique dining experience close to a 12-acre park, lake, and interactive fountain, with a variety of free activities for everyone.

A photo of Hull & Oak Southern Kitchen restaurant

8. Hull & Oak Southern Kitchen

3.5

Very Good(96)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Downtown

Booked 6 times today

Welcome to Hull & Oak, where you’ll find modern, Southern-inspired cuisine that encompasses all the warmth and style of the Lone Star State. Located inside The Laura Hotel in the heart of downtown Houston. Sunday brings downtown's best Brunch delicious mimosas, housemade Bloody Mary menu and more. Midweek, Hull & Oak is the perfect place for a breakfast meetings and power lunches with healthy and quick options. Come here to meet new people or spend time with your closest friends and family as you enjoy flavors as big and bold as Texas itself. We can’t wait to greet you.Private Dining Room available for 10-15, Bar and Lounge, and The Deck available.

A photo of Guadalajara Del Centro restaurant

9. Guadalajara Del Centro

4.6

Exceptional(126)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 11 times today

Noted as Houston's go-to destination for Mexican fine food, Guadalajara Del Centro provides visitors with contemporary favorites that include everything from enchiladas or fajitas to campeche. The restaurant offers brunch, lunch and dinner menus and features only finest ingredients for optimal results. A visit to Guadalajara Del Centro is a popular choice with families and groups, and they even have happy hour to make it the perfect after work destination. Portions on popular menu items are adjustable, and the fajitas as a trademark dish. With medium or large portions and such unique add-ons as stuffed quail or portabella mushrooms, the Guadalajara Del Centro is sure to have something for everyone.

10. Toro Toro

4.7

Exceptional(641)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 22 times today

An exciting new destination for elevated dining has arrived. Chef Richard Sandoval brings his award-winning global Pan Latin Steakhouse concept to Four Seasons Hotel Houston. Rooted in the celebration of the vibrant flavors and convivial dining culture of Central and South America, Toro Toro will offer guests a twist on the contemporary steakhouse experience with Pan-Latin flavors from Rodizio-style Churrasco and creative shareable small plates.Exceptional beverage options will complement the bold flavors of each dish with an expansive wine list highlighting Latin wines and unique Latin cocktails, all hand-muddled with the freshest ingredients and artful garnishes.Toro Toro is located on the third floor of Four Seasons Hotel Houston. $6 Valet Parking for restaurant guests. Before or after your Toro Toro experience, slip behind the bookcase to Bandista, our hidden speakeasy named the #59 Bar in North America. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 5 PM to midnight.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MichaelVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •623 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
I enjoyed a pleasant late lunch/brunch this afternoon. Wonderful, engaging, and entertaining atmosphere here (see my funny pictures of their restroom pictures), someone has a great sense of humor! Food was delicious. I had the Federal full meal (or some name like that). It was scrumptious scrambled eggs, tasty and spicy breakfast potatoes, bacon, and French toast. All enjoyed with some Bailey’s coffee. Service was good. I sat in a comfortable booth high top table adjacent to the bar area. Great layout.
More info
The Federal Grill - DowntownPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.6
C
Chrisel
Houston •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Decided to have my bday dinner here with my Bestfriend. Everything was perfect!
More info
The Palm Houston – DowntownPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.8
D
DavidVIP
Houston •69 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jul 20, 2025
This is one of our favorite go to restaurants in Downtown. We often opt for The Main for our pre-theatre restaurant and we are never disappointed. The food and the service are first rate.
More info
Main KitchenPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.6
J
Jim
Las Vegas •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 7, 2025
Just good food and great service at fair prices. Really enjoyed the extra steps made for our enjoyment. The tater tors are a must!
More info
The NashPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.3

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