Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Houston

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies 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!

Uchi Houston

4.9

4.9 (4564)

$50 and over

Sushi

Montrose

About the restaurant

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

Cidnea

Dined 6 days ago

UCHI is my go to restaurant for any extra special occasions. The service is impeccable, the food is an experience like none other. There is absolutely nothing disappointing! Hands down, the absolute best meals of my life were enjoyed inside the walls of UCHI. The noise level is a bit loud, but that’s to be expected in a small, very popular restaurant. If you have never been to UCHI, do yourself a favor and treat yourself, but leave your budget at home because it is spendy, but worth it! Highly recommend!

MF Sushi

4.9

4.9 (1736)

$50 and over

Sushi

Museum District

About the restaurant

We are now offering Omakase reservations
Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 7:00 pm.
Please contact us directly at (713) 637-4587 for Omakase reservations and large party reservations.

Top review

ShayVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Fantastic sushi restaurant. Top notch and one of our favorites in Houston. Highly recommend

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Experience

Omakase Reservation

Soto - Houston

4.9

4.9 (615)

$50 and over

Sushi

Montrose

About the restaurant

Soto offers sushi dressed to taste giving you a unique experience you won't forget. Chef Andy and team curated an award winning menu that also features two different Omakase'. Our bar carries an extensive Japanese whiskey and sake menu guaranteed to have something you will love. Stop in today for an upscale Japanese dining experience!

Top review

RhondaVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Great Omakase- and wonderful waiter nice casual environment

CASE Chocolates

4.9

4.9 (134)

$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.

Please arrive on time for the best experience. Plan ahead as parking is limited to a small lot and street parking. You must enter through Sampson St., Suite E. No-shows and cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will be subject to a charge of $74 per person.

Each tasting comes with 3 cocktail and chocolate pairings. Tastings start at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays and 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 10:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays and are approximately 90 minutes per tasting.

Top review

ShaunnaVIP

Dined 5 days ago

We had so much fun! An experience I will never forget.

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Experience

Chocolate & Cocktails Tasting Experience

Bandista

4.8

4.8 (272)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

About the restaurant

Discreetly located within Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Bandista is an intimate, modern-day speakeasy ranked #59 in North America’s Best Bars. Inspired by 1920s lounges and infused with a decadent Latin vibe, the 20-seat bar offers inventive and artistic interpretations of classic and contemporary cocktails, alongside rare spirits from around the world. With eight bar seats framing the cocktail laboratory, guests connect with the city’s most talented bartenders and enjoy an exclusive, immersive experience.

Experience @BandistaHouston on Instagram

Top review

Robin

Dined 1 day ago

Helped my coworker setup his proposal to his girlfriend at Bandista. The staff was incredibly accommodating and helped make the night memorable despite the amount of drinks we had. The cocktails were unique and delicious!

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Experience

Jigger & Pony / Cosmo Pony Pop-Up

JŪN

4.8

4.8 (774)

$50 and over

American

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

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

Kimberly

Dined 5 days ago

Outstanding experience. Tasting menu and wine pairing was perfect. Service 1st class .

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Experience

Wine & Dine XXI Chef Zubair Mohajir

Barbacana Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (45)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Downtown

About the restaurant

An upscale casual restaurant serving "Houston-Inspired" tasting menu. Located in Downtown Houston and helmed by Chef Christian Hernandez, whose career has taken him through some of the best restaurants from Houston, New York City, and Mexico City. The gorgeous historic building boasts huge fifteen-foot ceilings with custom artwork from Austin-based artist Xander Rudd and local graffiti legend Daniel Anguilu.

Use code BARBACANA15 for 15% off your ride with Alto to and from the restaurant.

Top review

jordan

Dined on Jul 5, 2025

Barbacana delivered the best dining experience we’ve had in Houston—hands down. The tasting menu was phenomenal from start to finish, but three standouts absolutely stole the show: the duck, the wagyu, and the curry. Each dish was a masterclass in flavor, technique, and balance. The wine pairings that accompanied those courses were exceptionally well-chosen—elevating the meal and making the whole experience feel effortlessly refined. What made the evening even more special was the personal attention from Chef Christian Hernandez. He stopped by our table multiple times—not just to check in, but to genuinely engage, share insights, and make us feel welcome and seen. That kind of thoughtful presence is rare and so appreciated. The space is intimate and beautifully designed, with an atmosphere that feels warm, elevated, and exclusive without being pretentious. Barbacana is doing something truly special downtown—this isn’t just dinner, it’s an experience. We’ll be back, and we’ll be bringing friends.

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Experience

Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske

Experience

Chef's Tasting

Experience

Dessert Tasting at Barbacana

La Fisheria

4.6

4.6 (643)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown

About the restaurant

La Fisheria is known for fresh seafood and Mexican soul cuisine with fresh and traditional Mexican flavors. At our bar you will find a variety of exceptional signature cocktails. We also offer a spacious private dining room where we can host events up to 60 people.

Top review

Kimmie

Dined on Jun 29, 2025

The ceviche and octopus is my new FAV! Came here for a last minute birthday dinner and we were pleasantly surprised with the great service from Alex. She was so patient and attentive, we had such an amazing time!

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Experience

Happy Hour

Despechados Bar

4.6

4.6 (10)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Tu Lugar Favorito Donde Puedes Compartir con Tu Tia, Tu Mama y Hasta Tu Abuelita!
Para una reservacion de 8+ enviar mensaje a (346)-791-5096
Solo es posible abrir 4 cuentas

Top review

Angie

Dined on May 10, 2025

We had a great time we will definitely be back. Our waiter was awesome !

Koya - Houston

3.7

3.7 (166)

$50 and over

Fusion / Eclectic

Midtown

About the restaurant

At Koya Houston, our vision is simple yet profound—to create a space where passion meets palate, where every detail, from the carefully plated dishes to the dynamic performances, contributes to an unforgettable experience.
We strive to redefine the boundaries of dining, inviting you to savor not just exquisite flavors but to immerse yourself in a world of artistry and entertainment

Join us at Koya Houston, where each night is a celebration of culinary excellence, performance, and the joy of shared moments. We look forward to making your visit an extraordinary one.

Top review

Jimena

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Great food very chic a little too noise. Difficult to talk as music was super load but it is a great experience

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