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The Original Ninfa's on Navigation, Houston, TX

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

4.7 (3351)
$30 and under
Mexican
2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 114 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
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.

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
  • 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 3,351 people are saying

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Houston

    Mexican

  • Houston

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is a "great Houston institution" known for its "best fajitas in the Houston area." Patrons rave about "excellent service," "amazing margaritas," and "homemade tortillas." While some note occasional noise and seating issues, the "authentic Mexican ambiance" and "friendly staff" make it a must-visit for Tex-Mex lovers.
3,351 Reviews
  1. Christopher

    Houston1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The carnitas here set the gold standard—tender, flavorful, and perfectly crisped. This is what every other restaurant should be chasing. And Kady? Absolutely amazing. Warm, welcoming, and on point from start to finish. Can’t wait to come back!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Tiffany VIP

    Houston1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went to this establishment for the first time before the Astros game and had a wonderful time. Great margaritas and vibe would highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Carl VIP

    Houston34 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    We made reservations and clearly indicated to be seated inside on the reservation. We arrived Yury the hostess gave us a table outside. We then had to wait for 25 minutes for a table inside. No apologies from her or management. When seated the waiter was fairly rude and not like how it’s been before. Also the food was off too. The tortillas were hard, fajitas not hot and queso not like before. We’ve been going there for over 20 plus years. It’s lost its charm. Other places are better.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Barry

    Houston6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The usual Ninfa’s experience. Great service, delicious food and clean table. Biggest challenge, fresh greaseless chips, was the only kink.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Cheryl

    Greater Boston23 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Waiter was a little disappointing; however, the food was great. I enjoyed the tres leches dessert for my birthday.

    Is this helpful?

  6. David

    Seattle / Eastern Washington1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best food and service we’ve had in a while. Best meal in Houston

    Is this helpful?

  7. Jaime

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our experience at the Original Ninfa’s was amazing. Consistency is key at this Houston institution.

    Is this helpful?

  8. JenG

    Atlanta8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Enchiladas Suizas were excellent. Filled with plump chicken breast pieces. Tomatillo sauce spicy but not overly hot. My husband had seafood enchiladas filled with shrimp and blue crab meat. Daughter had a typical Mexican plate which she ate with gusto!

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  9. Bobby

    Houston9 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Service was great. We were seated outside for our reservation of 7 and there was a lot of flies. They did have some things on the table to help with that but apparently someone's plate was left on the brick wall which was attracting them during our meal.

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  10. Eduardo VIP

    Houston12 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    It was my first & unfortunately LAST time to order from the Brunch menu at Ninfa's. I found prices to be a little high for the portion size & realized that the order wasn't complete (we didn't receive the side of beans promised with the breakfast tacos plate) ]. While I normally REALLY enjoy eating at Ninfa's, the mimosas were WEAK & the barbacoa was substandard with a lot of fat, I couldn't finish them. The only positive was service was good, especially considering how packed it was & I appreciated the staff for getting me seated quickly.

    Is this helpful?

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 3351 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.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Houston
  4. Houston
  5. East Side

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 114 times today
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
  • 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!
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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