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The Original Ninfa's on Navigation, Houston, TX

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

4.7
4.7
2996 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

Located on Navigation Boulevard just minutes from the heart of downtown Houston, the Original Ninfa's was all started with Mama Ninfa Laurenzo's creative TexMex recipes. These led to the introduction of fajitas & Mexican cuisine to North America which gained immediate success.

If you're looking for a Houston Mexican restaurant, Ninfa's on Navigation is not only a local icon, having serviced politicians, celebrities & even visiting royalty, their Mexican food is unbeatable. Chef Alex Padilla uses only top quality ingredients, like Mama Ninfa herself did, & fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood like red snapper, jumbo shrimp & more.

Voted Best Margaritas, you can enjoy Ninfaritas on the outdoor deck, dine on the best Mexican dishes & fajitas around and truly enjoy the great restaurant experience.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 53 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Tex-Mex
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (713) 228-1175
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Alex Padilla
  • Catering
    Original Ninfa's prides itself on its tremendous quality in outside catering events. We would be delighted to put together a personal proposal for you. Our restaurant team can put you in touch with one of our catering consultants. <br /><br />Weddings<br />Corporate Events <br />Rehearsal Dinners<br />or just about any event you can imagine...<br /><br />713.228.1175
  • Private party facilities
    Our new private dining room is a welcome addition to The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. With 660 square feet of newly renovated space, our private dining room can accommodate up to 70 seated guests, and 75 guests cocktail-style. It is the perfect spot for your next social or corporate event!
  • Neighborhood
    East Side
  • Cross street
    Delano
  • Parking details
    We have ample parking and complementary Valet parking service is available.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

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What 2,996 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Houston

    Mexican

2,996 Reviews
  1. RisaL

    Houston

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Too loud for any conversation. No real waiting area, constantly in the way of the servers. Now charge for a very small amount of pickled carrots.

    Is this helpful?

  2. jmsg8girl

    Houston

    196 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    196 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our waiter let us talk as long as we wanted and didn't hurry us. We appreciated being able to catch up without being rushed. The food - always outstanding!

    Is this helpful?

  3. AnnaS

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Ninfa's is an icon, and it's easy to see why. It's on the pricier side, but the beef fajitas were delicious, as was the berry side. The margaritas are fine, although nothing remarkable.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Happy

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food. The amount of food was a good value. The food was presented well.

    Is this helpful?

  5. robinf

    Austin

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, the food was excellent. The service was also excellent. We had the best time!

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great overall experience, our server did a wonderful job

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Food was good and service was great. Queso could be better. Margaritas were great. Asked for indoor seating through app and got outdoor. Weather was nice thankfully.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Gandalf

    Houston

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome. A Houston tradition! I have been a loyal patron since 1976

    Is this helpful?

  9. Ladyesk

    San Diego

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We go here every time we visit Houston. It’s always good!

    Is this helpful?

  10. JamesH

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food and margaritas. Service was on top of things too.

    Is this helpful?

  11. ImpressMe

    Houston

    114 reviews

    5.0

    114 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We took our niece to Original Ninfa's because she has lived in Houston for a few years but somehow had never been! It was great to visit the original location on Navigation, as it brought back our memories of many fun times we have spent there over our 30 years in Houston. The service is always friendly and professional. The staff treats customers like family. The food was excellent, as usual. They have the best enchiladas suizas in town and the skinny margaritas were lovely. Original Ninfas still sets the standard. If you have not been in a while, you must go. Thanks to the Laurenzos for keeping this Houston tradition alive.

    Is this helpful?

  12. dijon

    New York Area

    31 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Food was delicious, and we were seated on time. Food didn’t come out all at the same time, but it was a busy Saturday night, would still go back again as it was overall a good experience.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    New Mexico

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Quintessential Houston restaurant experience, perfect for out of town guests!

    Is this helpful?

  14. AustinD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food was great, but expensive. The service was ok, but the guy got some of the orders wrong. Not a big deal.

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The evening was offset by a sketchy walk to the restaurant from Minute Maid Park. The food was well worth it and the margaritas were amazing! Recommend get a ride/Uber if downtown.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Victor

    Houston

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and service was excellent! A favorite spot…

    Is this helpful?

  17. HannahW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Born and raised Texan, and this was some of the BEST Tex Mex I've ever had in my life. Run don't walk!!!

    Is this helpful?

  18. Rosemary

    Dallas

    43 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Good food. Tables too close together, and way too noisy.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff was outstanding & the food was top notch! They were so accommodating to our large party!

    Is this helpful?

  20. CarrieC

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    The server did a good job trying to serve our table of 11. The tortillas did not come out with our fajitas, one of our meals had to be sent back because it wasn’t prepared correctly. And one of the orders wasn’t correct.

    Is this helpful?

  21. Chris

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Possibly the best Tex-Mex in Houston. And their cocktails are incredible. If you have any out of town guest its a must visit. Just make sure to have a reservation.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Great spot. Ask for the old school carnitas. They’re off menu but delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  23. MeghanV

    Houston

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was absolutely amazing - from drinks to food to service!

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    An amazing experience. We are currently visiting Houston and was told that we had to try Ninfa’s on Navigation. The food and atmosphere was extremely authentic. We tried the Chicken Fajitas as the Ninfa family were the ones to bring them to the United States. Service was great and I truly enjoyed the family vibes. Lastly margaritas were EXCELLENT

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ernesto was just awesome. He was on point the whole time.

    Is this helpful?

  26. LaurenH

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Terrific, sumptious dinner. We love coming here each year!

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great food and service. We especially like to go on Astros game day as they have shuttle to take you to and from game for free. We have been going there from the 1970s and hasn’t disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  28. LewisS

    Houston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience2
    I thought it was too expensive for what we received. Mexican food is historically less costly. We had 5 meals (kids shared). Total bill $347.00 with tip. $19.00 for guacamole.

    Is this helpful?

  29. ChuckT

    Austin

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    It’s a classic. We made a reservation which proved wise on a Saturday night. The staff are friendly, although can be a little overwhelmed by the volume of customers. Nonetheless, they remain cordial and committed to a good dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  30. Betty

    New York Area

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic food, friendly service, but a bit loud. That's part of the ambiance!

    Is this helpful?

  31. AdamS

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was only in town for the night and was not disappointed my choice for dinner. Ninfa's was excellent. Worst part was that I could only eat/try so much. Would love to come back and try more.

    Is this helpful?

  32. ChrisS

    San Francisco

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have been going to Ninfas since the late 70s and although it’s changed ownership over the years they continue to offer the same delicious dishes and recipes created by mama Ninfa. My favorite are the Acapulco shrimp which are not on the menu and never have been. They are butterflied deep-fried And topped with lump crab meat, cheese, and pico de gallo served on the sizzling platter. They are truly a treasure of this restaurant. While you can get most of the same dishes next-door from Mama Ninfas family at el tiempo, you just can’t beat the old Cantina atmosphere at the Original Ninfas on navigation. 

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Now living in DFW, I could not wait to enjoy the Original Ninfa’s again after so many years. My anticipation and expectation was high and the staff at Ninfa’s did not disappoint. This was a five star experience at every level. Friendly. Fun. And the Food…outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  34. DreaS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    We chose this location to celebrate my Mother's birthday. The food and drinks were delicious but the service started off very slow. Once we ordered, our food came out fast! We were originally advised that they would not be able to separate checks. We were aware and ok with this. However, one of the servers told us twice, that we could separate up to four checks so we were expecting to be able to do this and spent time discussing and separating items for them to come back and say they are not able to separate checks. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable experience and we will return.

    Is this helpful?

  35. CourtneyB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated a birthday party for the second year in a row - Great food - Great Service- we will be back next year.

    Is this helpful?

  36. JULIE

    Houston

    57 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Absolutely love this place and love the pumpkin margaritas

    Is this helpful?

  37. Linz

    Houston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, as always. The waiter and all employees are helpful and great!

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience2
    Service was very good but super crowded! Food was very good along with the drinks

    Is this helpful?

  39. MadisonS

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love Ninfa’s! From the tortillas to the brisket fajitas to the salsa, everything tasted like it was made with love. The house margs were a little sour for our group’s taste but the margaritas from the menu were beautiful & delicious. We’ll be back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  40. CindyC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have eaten many times at Ninfa's on Navigation over the years. Reservations are always right on time, the service is top notch, and the food is always great!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (713) 228-1175.

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is rated 4.7 stars by 2996 OpenTable diners.

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 53 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Delano
  • Neighborhood
    East Side
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Tex-Mex
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    We have ample parking and complementary Valet parking service is available.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Alex Padilla
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (713) 228-1175
  • Catering
    Original Ninfa's prides itself on its tremendous quality in outside catering events. We would be delighted to put together a personal proposal for you. Our restaurant team can put you in touch with one of our catering consultants. <br /><br />Weddings<br />Corporate Events <br />Rehearsal Dinners<br />or just about any event you can imagine...<br /><br />713.228.1175
  • Private party facilities
    Our new private dining room is a welcome addition to The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. With 660 square feet of newly renovated space, our private dining room can accommodate up to 70 seated guests, and 75 guests cocktail-style. It is the perfect spot for your next social or corporate event!
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