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Best Restaurants for People Watching in River Oaks

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20 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of ARMANDOS restaurant
1. ARMANDOS
4.7
Exceptional(1113)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River Oaks
Booked 24 times today
Note for booking reservations: If you do not see available online for the time you are searching, please contact us directly as we may have additional availability.Since 1978 ARMANDOS has been more than just a restaurant. It is a place for friends and family to celebrate life and their successes, a fully stocked bar with a friendly face, a packed discotheque that welcomes everyone to dance their troubles away, and a quiet corner for a romantic evening.From guacamole to quesadillas, sumptuous enchiladas to elegant seafood dishes, ARMANDOS is the premier destination for authentic and elevated Tex-Mex cuisine. Our world-class catering service boasts full-service event catering, bulk delivery and the chicest taco trucks in Houston for your special occasions. Year-round events at our restaurant make dining at ARMANDOS a non-stop celebration. There’s no better place to live large.
A photo of Brasserie 19 restaurant
2. Brasserie 19
4.9
Exceptional(2740)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • River Oaks
Booked 68 times today
Brasserie 19, located in Houston’s 77019 neighborhood, offers a modern amalgamation of French brasserie fare and well-known American influences. The menu utilizes the freshest seasonal ingredients in thoughtfully prepared dishes. Brasserie 19 boasts an expansive, carefully developed wine list. Brasserie 19's sophisticated yet unpretentious interiors are bathed in deep blues, cool greys, and whites, with antiqued woods and white marble used throughout. Blue velvet banquettes are paired with woven chairs and complemented by white linen-covered tables to create a casually elegant setting for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch. Brasserie 19 serves lunch and dinner 7 days a week, as well as brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
A photo of Drake's Hollywood - Houston restaurant
3. Drake's Hollywood - Houston
4.6
Exceptional(297)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Montrose
Booked 53 times today
An Old Hollywood party - dry-aged steaks & cold martinis *Drake's Hollywood accepts reservations for parties of 7 or less. For parties of 8+ please contact houston@drakeshollywood.com. Happy Hour is available weekdays 4pm to 6pm and 9pm-C in the bar. Children under the age of 6 years of old are not permitted
A photo of a'Bouzy restaurant
4. a'Bouzy
4.7
Exceptional(2803)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary French / American • River Oaks
Booked 44 times today
Restauranteur Shawn Virene put the POP into Houston with his wildly successful a’Bouzy. This champagne-fueled spot located in the tony River Oaks neighborhood of town attracts a stylish crowd all day. The bar is always bustling and the patio echoes with the cry – “a Bouzy!” every time a bottle is sabered tableside. In fact, most tables will have multiple wine buckets close by, keeping the bubbly cool. The fresh, ripe American menu features seasonal seafood, salads, small-shareable plates, large raw bar and prime meats. The wine list curated by Virene, is both the best-priced on bubbly and wines in the city. The interiors have a sophisticated rustic vibe with exposed brick, reclaimed woods and a color palate of creams and blues. The effervescent appeal of bubbles is reflected in a light installation that mimics bubbles floating overhead. The spacious patio is a magnet for the stylish clientele that enjoy the year-round garden. The best thing is Champagne and wine is at or below retail
A photo of Flora restaurant
5. Flora
4.8
Exceptional(962)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Montrose
Booked 63 times today
While breathtaking park views and 40+ chandeliers are enough to make anyone fall in love with this glass treehouse, this dining destination also offers a top-notch culinary experience that explores the flavors and energy of the small towns of Mexico with a Texas touch. FLORA’s contemporary approach reimagines what Mexican food can be – offering familiar flavors and iconic dishes, newly interpreted. FLORA strips away the formality of dining with a focus on clean, organic, high-quality food made with love, made by hand. The stunning brass and marble bar, teeming with tequila and mezcal, sets the tone for a lively social scene and the unparalleled outdoor terrace is the quintessential Houston outdoor dining experience. For parties of 7+ guests, please submit a private dining request. Out of respect for our chandeliers, we do not allow balloons. We ask that you celebrate your special occasions with our desserts as we do not allow outside cakes. We ask that you leave your pets at home.
A photo of Clark's Oyster Bar - Houston restaurant
6. Clark's Oyster Bar - Houston
4.8
Exceptional(528)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Montrose
Booked 79 times today
Located in a former auto shop in the vibrant Montrose neighborhood near The Menil Collection and Museum District, Clark’s Houston is the third and largest location of our popular neighborhood oyster bar and seafood restaurant. Opened in Fall 2023, Clark’s features freshly shucked oysters, crudo, lobster roll, daily fish specials, caviar and blini, bowls of chowder and cioppino as well as a much-loved burger and shoestring fries.The restaurant specializes in martinis and signature cocktails as well as an extensive Champagne and wine list. The design is light, bright, and airy with nautically-themed touches including a centerpiece fish tank, teak wood furniture, bright white walls, and blue and turquoise tones.In addition to a marble-topped oyster bar and dining room, there’s a large, covered patio for prime people watching and oyster slurping. Clark’s Houston also offers a semi-private dining room for special occasions and events.
A photo of CIEL restaurant
7. CIEL
3.8
Excellent(600)
Price: Very Expensive
• French / Japanese • River Oaks
Booked 20 times today
CIEL Restaurant and Lounge offers an elegant mix of modern Japanese and French cuisines complemented by craft cocktails and a curated wine and champagne list. CIEL, meaning ‘sky’ in French, is inspired by vibrant restaurants of the French Riviera and brings an elevated and festive dining experience to Houstonians. Reservation times may be subject to change and final confirmation. Reservations may be subject to deposit and minimums and final confirmation. NOTE: Dress Code Strictly Enforced!
A photo of Bari Ristorante restaurant
8. Bari Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(605)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River Oaks
Booked 39 times today
BARI THE SIMPLE JOY OF ITALIANThere is a casual, effortless style found in Italy that has us falling in love over and over. It’s an elegant simplicity that is found in legendary food, cities, art, fashion, and everyday life. A spirit the world is instinctively attracted to. A nuanced approach that crosses generations and always in style. When it comes to Italian food…a balance between classic and modernity. Along comes Bari where diners experience respect for Italian food in a setting that evokes the stylish glamour of Milan and Rome. Serving classic dishes found from the mountains to the sea.
A photo of Azumi - Houston restaurant
9. Azumi - Houston
4.6
Exceptional(149)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • River Oaks
Booked 36 times today
Azumi brings an uncompromising commitment to Japanese cuisine, with a diverse menu focusing on upscale dishes and high-end ingredients. Highlighted by an impressive sushi program, Azumi’s menu is perfectly complemented by a hot kitchen menu featuring authentic Japanese entrees.
A photo of North Italia – BLVD restaurant
10. North Italia – BLVD
4.8
Exceptional(4201)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Galleria / Uptown
Booked 76 times today
At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.

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