Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Houston

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Houston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

March

4.9

4.9 (9)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Montrose

About the restaurant

In the heart of Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, MARCH Restaurant is an intimate Mediterranean restaurant from Chef Felipe Riccio. Serving both 6 and 9 course tasting menus, we study the gastronomy, history, and cultures of the region to answer the question:

“What is Mediterranean cuisine?”

After many years of personal and professional exploration of the Mediterranean – including extended stints at three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana and Azurmendi –Felipe has brought this spirit of exploration back to his home in Houston.

The word ‘MARCH’ signifies an area of land on the border between two territories; a frontier between realms. The menu is the team’s love letter to the Mediterranean where we will explore the unique, layered evolution of its many connected cuisines, with beverage pairings/selections artfully curated by partner and Master Sommelier, June Rodil, and the acclaimed beverage team.

Top review

Douglas

Dined 5 days ago

Outstanding. Perhaps we will see Houston's first Michelin star(s) here.

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Experience

Cocktails in The Lounge

Arturo Boada Cuisine

5.0

5 (782)

$31 to $50

Italian

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

This neighborhood eatery serves up an eclectic blend of Italian, Spanish and Latin cuisine not to be missed. Try unique tapas like the camarones henesy en hamaca, mussels tomatillo, ceviche and many more. The wood burning-oven puts out authentic thin crust pizzas, with favorites such as the carnitas pizza. We offer a flavorful selection of fresh seafood and steaks. Our home made desserts are a must, from wood oven baked apple pastry to Arturo’s famous crème brulee. The hand picked wine list offers a variety of boutique and exclusive wineries. We are very happy to accommodate any of your special requests.

Top review

donvip

Dined on Sep 4, 2024

This is a real hidden gem located in a nondescript strip center. We’ve been dining here regularly since it’s opening circa 2011. The experience is consistently superb. Arturo uses the freshest high quality ingredients and the attentive service staff is among the industry’s best. It’s all about consistency and its longevity in the very competitive Houston food scene speaks volumes.

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Popular dish

Snapper Al Fresco

Lucio's BYOB & Grill

4.9

4.9 (1211)

$30 and under

American

Montrose

About the restaurant

Lucio's is New American cuisine in a comforting yet upscale dining atmosphere, concentrating on seasonal and fresh local ingredients.
Life is to be enjoyed, if you want to go somewhere to appreciate your bottle of wine and be reminded of the simple pleasures of life, this is it.

Top review

Tom

Dined 5 days ago

I have been a customer at Lucios since they opened back in the mid 2000s. Had several big parties there for various birthdays and anniversaries and they always accommodated. I always loved it. I had not been in several years and I was thrilled that it was still the same level of quality and service. Wonderful place. And Iliana, our server, was superb. Highly recommend this place.

CASE Chocolates

5.0

5 (35)

$50 and over

Dessert

Southeast Houston

About the restaurant

CASE Chocolates is the world's first chocolate and cocktail speakeasy. Our tasting experiences take you through fine and unique cacaos combined with high-end spirits and cocktails. Our space is meant to spark delight and joy, and we can't wait to welcome you in soon!

Our promise is a one-of-a-kind journey through chocolates in an unforgettable atmosphere.

Pricing $68 per person

Top review

John

Dined 5 days ago

Where do I begin? From the moment you enter you are immediately greeted by the host who checks you in. We had a 630pm reservation for two but arrived a little early. Right at 630 we were led back through a hidden bookcase door into the lounge/bar area where our journey began. The ambiance is magnificent, minimal lighting as well as a tasteful mix of blue suede and dark wooden accents provided a "speakeasy"type of vibe. We were seated at the bar and were provided water along with some trail mix snacks. We had good conversation with the Maitre D while the other parties arrived and were seated. You are given the course menu which consists of three courses. There are two chocolates per course along with your choice of one of two different cocktails. So in total you'll get three cocktails and six chocolates. They surprised us with a 7th one on the last course. Once everyone has made their choices all chocolates and drinks are brought out together. Once everyone has been served the host will begin to explain the origin country of the chocolate as well as explain some notes that you may taste. This was a very nice detail for those still developing their taste palate. Over all this was an amazing experience. Some tips for the first timer. 1. Arrive early, parking is kind of weird. We parked on the street around the corner but it can be tricky depending on how busy the area is. 2. Book early! We had to book over a month out and the entire place was full. 3. Definitely take advantage of each member of your party ordering a different cocktail though each course. That way you can both try each one and share vice versa. 4. Plan your dinner accordingly as the experience lasts about 90 minutes. We actually ended up going to eat dinner afterwards due to time constraints. 5. Take advantage of the water between courses to cleanse your palate and reset it for the next course. We will definitely be going back once they change up the course menu which is seasonal.

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Experience

Chocolate & Cocktails Tasting Experience

Costa Brava Bistro

5.0

5 (1875)

$50 and over

Spanish

Bellaire

About the restaurant

Owners Angeles Dueñas and Kitty Bailey have created a home where they explore the rich traditions of the food and wine from Spain and France with a modern, personal approach.
Open Table's 2016 list - "100 Best Restaurants for Foodies in America"

Top review

Brucevip

Dined on Sep 3, 2024

We have been here many times and have never been disappointed

Handies Douzo - Montrose

4.9

4.9 (33)

$30 and under

Sushi

Montrose

About the restaurant

Handies Douzo is Houston's first hand roll focused sushi bar. Following the popularity in the Heights, the team brings its second location to Montrose in 2022. With over 25 years of combined experience in award winning Japanese cuisine and sushi, rising star chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee are excited to join the trendy neighborhood.

Top review

Marivip

Dined 1 day ago

The experience last night was very nice and the food was great! Our server was very nice and give us great recommendations.

Stella's Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (104)

$31 to $50

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Tucked away in the southeast corner of the hotel, Stella’s Wine Bar is Houston’s newest and most alluring wine destination for both casual wine enthusiasts and serious oenophiles. Offering over 30 wine-producing regions through a variety of flights and close to 60 wines by the glass, Stella’s Wine Bar provides a unique journey of tastes from around the world. Guided by our unrivaled team of highly skilled yet incredibly approachable sommeliers, guests can learn and explore both the new and the familiar wines in a social convivial atmosphere with world-class wine resources to share as little or as much as you want to know. The full Cellar wine program can also be accessed within Stella’s Wine Bar, so options are near limitless.

Top review

Peyton

Dined 4 days ago

This was my first time at Stella’s and I really enjoyed it. This choices of wine were great quality. The wait staff was extremely nice. They even had a welcome sign at the table for us. I will definitely be back.

MF Sushi

4.9

4.9 (1634)

$50 and over

Sushi

Museum District

About the restaurant

We are now offering Omakase reservations
Tuesday-Wednesday at 7:00 pm, Friday at 7:30 pm.
Please contact us directly at (713) 637-4587 for Omakase reservations and large party reservations.

Top review

Brianvip

Dined 5 days ago

Outstanding experience. Delicious food, great service, nice atmosphere.

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Experience

Omakase Reservation

Handies Douzo - Heights

4.9

4.9 (36)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

Handies Douzo is Houston's first hand roll focused sushi bar in the trendy Houston Heights neighborhood opened in 2019. With over 25 years of combined experience in award winning Japanese cuisine and sushi, rising star chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee present their first brick and mortar restaurant.

Top review

Brianvip

Dined on Sep 4, 2024

I've never had a bad experience here. The staff is friendly and professional, and the hand rolls are just amazing!

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Experience

Handroll Making Class

Mezzanotte Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (1570)

$30 and under

Italian

Cypress

About the restaurant

Mezzanotte is a unique blend of fine restaurant and bar elements fused together to not only offer an unbelievable culinary experience but a place to truly relax and enjoy life.

Top review

Kentvip

Dined 6 days ago

Fantastic New Find! Recommend with highest marks!! Owner/family/staff Fantastic!! Bravo - Definitely will repeat!!

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Popular dish

Lobster Ravioli

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