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Chris Shepherd's Houston Favorites!

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated September 22, 2023
Check out some of Chef Chris Shepherd's favorite spots in Houston. Make sure to book your reservation and find the perfect spot to dine before or after attending Table to Stage!
JŪN
4.8 (761)
$50 and over
American
Heights / Washington
Restaurant by Top Chef Alum, Chef Evelyn Garcia and Chef/Partner Henry Lu. New Asian American restaurant in the Heights serving chef inspired small to large dishes all meant to be shared. JŪN also has a full selection of craft beer from local brewers as well as an exciting wine list.

If you are interested in booking party size 6 and more please email: booking@junbykin.com with your inquires.
Top review
Daniel
Dined 2 days ago
An absolutely stunning meal. Service was spot on.
Restaurant by Top Chef Alum, Chef Evelyn Garcia and Chef/Partner Henry Lu. New Asian American restaurant in the Heights serving chef inspired small to large dishes all meant to be shared. JŪN also has a full selection of craft beer from local brewers as well as an exciting wine list.

If you are interested in booking party size 6 and more please email: booking@junbykin.com with your inquires.
Top review
Daniel
Dined 2 days ago
An absolutely stunning meal. Service was spot on.
Grace's
4.7 (4454)
$31 to $50
American
Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
Brunch on Saturday and Sunday is primarily first come, first served. If you do not see the time you want available online, please call us directly.

When owner Johnny Carrabba set out on his next restaurant venture, he knew his vision would include the fond memories he had of his dear grandmother Grace Mandola. Grace, also known to the family as Mama, was a Sicilian woman born to immigrant parents in Louisiana. She had a flair for cooking, hospitality, and deep faith.

She was known to make bread from scratch every Saturday for her legendary three-hour Sicilian Sunday lunches; and, her newly established family roots in Louisiana added interesting flavors to her home cooked meals. The entire Mandola family, including her five children and fourteen grandchildren, was regularly greeted in her home with smells of warm bread, well brewed sauces and homemade soups. It was around her table that her family learned the true meaning and value of relationships, friendships and good food.
Top review
Carol
Dined on Jun 5, 2025
All of our meals were delicious! Server was very friendly and attentive! The chocolate cake is too good!!!!
Brunch on Saturday and Sunday is primarily first come, first served. If you do not see the time you want available online, please call us directly.

When owner Johnny Carrabba set out on his next restaurant venture, he knew his vision would include the fond memories he had of his dear grandmother Grace Mandola. Grace, also known to the family as Mama, was a Sicilian woman born to immigrant parents in Louisiana. She had a flair for cooking, hospitality, and deep faith.

She was known to make bread from scratch every Saturday for her legendary three-hour Sicilian Sunday lunches; and, her newly established family roots in Louisiana added interesting flavors to her home cooked meals. The entire Mandola family, including her five children and fourteen grandchildren, was regularly greeted in her home with smells of warm bread, well brewed sauces and homemade soups. It was around her table that her family learned the true meaning and value of relationships, friendships and good food.
Top review
Carol
Dined on Jun 5, 2025
All of our meals were delicious! Server was very friendly and attentive! The chocolate cake is too good!!!!
Uchi Houston
4.9 (4557)
$50 and over
Sushi
Montrose
Bringing its hallmark level of quality and service to an urban location, Uchi Houston made its debut in 2012 in the former historic Felix space on Westheimer. Melding culinary innovation with an approachable vibe, the menu features items culled from both Uchi and Uchiko in Austin, along with signature seasonal items created by our Chef team. Reservations are encouraged and can be booked online up to 1 month in advance. Walk-in bar seating is available and is subject to wait times. We look forward to serving you, Kanpai!
Top review
JonathanVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Fantastic as always. Great food and service. Really enjoyed the experience
Bringing its hallmark level of quality and service to an urban location, Uchi Houston made its debut in 2012 in the former historic Felix space on Westheimer. Melding culinary innovation with an approachable vibe, the menu features items culled from both Uchi and Uchiko in Austin, along with signature seasonal items created by our Chef team. Reservations are encouraged and can be booked online up to 1 month in advance. Walk-in bar seating is available and is subject to wait times. We look forward to serving you, Kanpai!
Top review
JonathanVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Fantastic as always. Great food and service. Really enjoyed the experience
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse - Downtown
4.7 (2996)
$30 and under
Steakhouse
Downtown
Elegant, award-winning steakhouse serving dry-aged prime beef, seafood & exceptional wines.
Top review
Mario G
Dined 4 days ago
Great First Time Experience. Service Amazing. Food as well.
Elegant, award-winning steakhouse serving dry-aged prime beef, seafood & exceptional wines.
Top review
Mario G
Dined 4 days ago
Great First Time Experience. Service Amazing. Food as well.
Julep
4.7 (109)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
Heights / Washington
Julep Bar stands as an illustrious recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award, celebrated for its exquisite blend of craft cocktails, thoughtfully curated bar bites, and an enchanting ambiance. The menus, ever-evolving to mirror the changing seasons, captivate with their meticulous emphasis on fine ingredients and flavors. Located on Washington Ave between Sawyer and Silver St. The neighborhood is full of restaurants and B&B Butcher's Steak House is within walking Distance.

We always take walk-ins so shoot us a texas or stop by and see us if you don't see a table available.
Top review
Stephen
Dined 4 days ago
Had a wonderful time at Julep as a pre-show drink and meal. Sending array of craft cocktails to choose from. I loved that they can make a penicillin, which requires fresh ginger. Also tried one of the Julep drinks, pretzel, and flatbread pizza. All great.
Julep Bar stands as an illustrious recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award, celebrated for its exquisite blend of craft cocktails, thoughtfully curated bar bites, and an enchanting ambiance. The menus, ever-evolving to mirror the changing seasons, captivate with their meticulous emphasis on fine ingredients and flavors. Located on Washington Ave between Sawyer and Silver St. The neighborhood is full of restaurants and B&B Butcher's Steak House is within walking Distance.

We always take walk-ins so shoot us a texas or stop by and see us if you don't see a table available.
Top review
Stephen
Dined 4 days ago
Had a wonderful time at Julep as a pre-show drink and meal. Sending array of craft cocktails to choose from. I loved that they can make a penicillin, which requires fresh ginger. Also tried one of the Julep drinks, pretzel, and flatbread pizza. All great.
La Lucha
4.7 (1506)
$30 and under
Seafood
Heights / Washington
An homage to the San Jacinto Inn, La Lucha offers a unique and indulgent menu complete with the freshest Gulf Coast-only oysters, shrimp, crab, warm biscuits and satisfying fried chicken dinners. Meaning “the Fight,” in reference to the Battle of San Jacinto, La Lucha embraces it’s rebellious side with its beverage selections, surprising guests with a variety of bubbly wines, outstanding craft beers and the essential stellar tequila and mezcal offerings. La Lucha’s comfortable atmosphere pays tribute to chef-owner Ford Fry’s childhood memories, meshes timeless and industrial with a few nods to the 70s.
Top review
Cece
Dined 6 days ago
Amazing service! Thank you to the manager for being attentive and making my friend’s 1st time a great experience.
An homage to the San Jacinto Inn, La Lucha offers a unique and indulgent menu complete with the freshest Gulf Coast-only oysters, shrimp, crab, warm biscuits and satisfying fried chicken dinners. Meaning “the Fight,” in reference to the Battle of San Jacinto, La Lucha embraces it’s rebellious side with its beverage selections, surprising guests with a variety of bubbly wines, outstanding craft beers and the essential stellar tequila and mezcal offerings. La Lucha’s comfortable atmosphere pays tribute to chef-owner Ford Fry’s childhood memories, meshes timeless and industrial with a few nods to the 70s.
Top review
Cece
Dined 6 days ago
Amazing service! Thank you to the manager for being attentive and making my friend’s 1st time a great experience.
State of Grace
4.6 (3496)
$31 to $50
Contemporary Southern
River Oaks
State of Grace is a coastal, South Texas neighborhood restaurant in the refurbished Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center. Elegant but casual, its elevated comfort food by executive chef Bobby Matos is executed at the highest level in a welcoming, beautiful space. The jubilant medley of old favorites played with new spice, accent, and freshness lends itself to southern, American, Latin, Gulf Coast, German and Asian influences. Chef-owner Ford Fry’s first venture outside of Atlanta, State of Grace is located in the neighborhood where Ford grew up and nods to his childhood memories fused with Houston’s evolution into a melting pot of cultures and cuisines.
Top review
jeffreyVIP
Dined on Jun 4, 2025
outstanding service and food last eve - i especially loved the blacked redfish thanks
State of Grace is a coastal, South Texas neighborhood restaurant in the refurbished Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center. Elegant but casual, its elevated comfort food by executive chef Bobby Matos is executed at the highest level in a welcoming, beautiful space. The jubilant medley of old favorites played with new spice, accent, and freshness lends itself to southern, American, Latin, Gulf Coast, German and Asian influences. Chef-owner Ford Fry’s first venture outside of Atlanta, State of Grace is located in the neighborhood where Ford grew up and nods to his childhood memories fused with Houston’s evolution into a melting pot of cultures and cuisines.
Top review
jeffreyVIP
Dined on Jun 4, 2025
outstanding service and food last eve - i especially loved the blacked redfish thanks

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