Best Fun Restaurants in W. University / Med Center

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianJapaneseTapas / Small PlatesFondueKorean

Regions

Houston

Neighborhoods

ChinatownFar WestheimerGalleria / UptownMidtownNorthsideRiver Oaks

Top Rated

Good for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

10 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. CIEL

4.0

Excellent(596)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• French / Japanese • River Oaks

Booked 11 times today

CIEL is a vibrant spot where food, drinks, and entertainment come together for an unforgettable experience. Reviews rave about the exciting atmosphere and live performances, calling it a unique concept in Houston. The French and Japanese cuisines get high praise as well, with many reviewers saying the food is delicious and unique.

A photo of North Italia – BLVD restaurant

2. North Italia – BLVD

4.7

Exceptional(4191)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 50 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.

A photo of Thirteen by James Harden restaurant

3. Thirteen by James Harden

3.7

Very Good(1038)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Pan-Asian • Midtown

Booked 8 times today

Thirteen is an upscale, elevated dining restaurant offering an unmeasurable experience right in the heart of Midtown Houston, Tx. Founded by NBA Star, James Harden, Thirteen was a labor of love built on Harden's passion for excellent food and wine, while bringing something different and fresh to the city that you can't find anywhere else. At Thirteen, we enforce a strict, upscale dress code. We do not allow overly revealing clothing, athletic apparel, jerseys, ball caps, bandanas, sleeveless shirts, or tank tops. Beachwear and gym attire including but not limited to sweatpants, hoodies, or pool slides are also prohibited in both the dining and lounge area.

4. Emilia's Havana

4.6

Exceptional(79)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Cuban • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 6 times today

Discreetly located next to The Annie Café & Bar, Emilia’s Havana is an intimate, 50-seat lounge reminiscent of a vibrant 1950s Cuban club with a luxe Latin vibe. The latest from Berg Hospitality Group, guests will enjoy inventive interpretations of classic and contemporary Cuban-inspired cocktails by the James Beard award winning mixologist, Alba Huerta, along with an elevated wine list and bottle service. Perfect for a post-dinner snack, the light, Latin-inspired small plates by Executive Chef Brian Sutton are not to be missed.* The highlight of the evening? The live “bossa nova style” music performed at every seating by our house band along with tunes by local DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. *PLEASE NOTE: Emilia’s Havana has lounge-style seating with Cuban-inspired small plates but does not have a full dinner menu.

5. Palace Social - Bellaire

4.7

Exceptional(10)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • University of Houston

Booked 1 time today

Palace Social the premier dining and entertainment venue in Houston for guests seeking to elevate their experience. Come for the food, stay for the fun. Our unique blend of chef crafted food, premium bar and countless entertainment opportunities make for an unforgettable evening out. Bring the family, your friends, your office or your boss, we have something for everyone.

6. Tins

5.0

Exceptional(32)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Northside

Indulge in an exquisite culinary journey at our hidden gem, a captivating omakase sushi haven nestled within the heart of Houston. Step into an intriguing world where speakeasy charm meets contemporary trends, creating an ambiance that effortlessly balances sophistication with casual allure.Prepare to be dazzled as our talented sushi artisans curate a tantalizing symphony of flavors, presenting a delectable array of meticulously crafted creations that dance upon your taste buds. Each bite is a masterful masterpiece, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that showcases the very essence of sushi artistry.Join us for an evening of uninhibited enjoyment, where every dish tells a story and every encounter becomes a cherished memory. Elevate your senses, ignite your palate, and embark on a journey of tasteful exploration that is as unforgettable as it is fun.*** reservations only ***$150 per person 14 COURSES & UNLIMITED sake***

A photo of The Melting Pot - Houston restaurant

7. The Melting Pot - Houston

4.7

Exceptional(2319)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Fondue • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 17 times today

The Melting Pot Restaurant is where fun is cooked up fondue style. Our locally owned and operated restaurant is located 1.5 miles West of the Galleria on Westheimer. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, long overdue date night or celebrating with a group, Melting Pot is always a hit.We are the premier fondue restaurant, providing a casually elegant dining experience and an intimate atmosphere. The relaxing four-course experience begins with a cheese fondue prepared table side and fresh salads while your entrée pot heats up. You’ll simmer a variety of meats, seafood and vegetables in the cooking style of your choice. Each bite is hot, fresh and delicious and all entrées are accompanied by an array of dipping sauces. Chocolate fondue a curated wine selection, crafty cocktails, local and popular beers. Reservations are recommended but not required. Special events will sell out well in advance. Join Club Fondue for advanced notice and restaurant features and offers.

A photo of Benihana - Houston, TX restaurant

8. Benihana - Houston, TX

4.8

Exceptional(8254)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Far Westheimer

Booked 28 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

9. Soju Blues

4.1

Excellent(3)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Korean • Chinatown

Cheer up, Soju Blues is here! We are Korean Bar & Karaoke. Celebrate your party and dine in or even celebrate your party at our Private Karaoke room.

A photo of Dave & Buster's - Houston (Katy Fwy) restaurant

10. Dave & Buster's - Houston (Katy Fwy)

3.7

Very Good(43)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Westside

Each Dave & Buster’s has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Gabriela
Atlanta •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Went to CIEL for dinner and had such a wonderful time. The service was top tier, the food was great and the atmosphere was so lively and fun! Highly recommend for a fun night out.
More info
CIELPrice: Very Expensive• French / Japanese• River Oaks
•
4
R
Ramon A
Houston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Spectacular experience! My Venezuelan wife and I enjoyed the menu and danced the night away.
More info
Emilia's HavanaPrice: Very Expensive• Cuban• Galleria / Uptown
•
4.6
G
Gretia
Atlanta •1 review
5.0
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
We had an excellent experience with Trevon (Mr. South Carolina). He was excellent with presentations of the restaurants menu with suggestions. His bartending skills also excellent. He was all around EXCELLENT! !! If I could give him 10 stars I would double his stars. I would recommend this restaurant to others who visit Houston.
More info
Thirteen by James HardenPrice: Very Expensive• Pan-Asian• Midtown
•
3.7
K
kellyVIP
Houston •83 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
White truffle bread is amazing! Also had a pizza and a salad. Both very good!
More info
North Italia – BLVDPrice: Moderate• Italian• Galleria / Uptown
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
London •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 9, 2025
Had a great time with my son! We ate and played games afterwards. Very nice service as well… highly recommend for a date night, or just to have fun with friends and family
More info
Palace Social - BellairePrice: Moderate• American• University of Houston
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Fun

W. University / Med Center

Cypress
Oklahoma
Vintage Park
Rice Village
Sugar Land
Texas
Hitchcock
Southeast Houston
Katy
Clear Lake / Webster / Bay Area
Fairbanks / Northwest Crossing
River Oaks
Westside
Fulshear
League City
Spring
Downtown
North Side
Galveston
Heights / Washington