Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Houston

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

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!

March

5.0

5 (15)

$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

Georgevip

Dined 2 days ago

As always, March dining is subtle, delicious, and sublime. The s, cuisine offerings were wonderful, and the staff are attentive and very informed. They are an important part of the best dining experience we have had in Houston, if not anywhere. We always look forward to the next visit adventure. Thanks for another great evening. George Santos MD

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Experience

Cocktails in The Lounge

ChopnBlok

5.0

5 (24)

$30 and under

African

Montrose

About the restaurant

ChòpnBlọk is a fast-casual restaurant concept that carefully unveils the West African culinary experience, serving fresh proteins, vegetables, grains, and beverages that are prepared under a West African flavor profile, packaged in a local, contemporary fashion.
Freshness and integrity are embedded in our culture. We selectively source our ingredients and work with partners to procure natural, high-quality meats and vegetables.
At its core, ChòpnBlọk is the cultural crossroads where local communities and West African culinary traditions intersect, to deliver a convenient, hospitable food experience with exquisite taste.

Top review

Justin

Dined 3 days ago

The brick and mortar just expands on the foundation that The Post location established: Great food, great service, great aesthetics, more fellowship and a bar!

CASE Chocolates

4.9

4.9 (42)

$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

Danielle

Dined 3 days ago

Michael, the host, was exceptional. All the chocolates and cocktails were delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and highly recommend it!

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Experience

Chocolate & Cocktails Tasting Experience

Amrina

4.8

4.8 (462)

$50 and over

Contemporary Indian

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

Located off the beautiful Waterway of The Woodlands, Amrina is a fine-dining eclectic restaurant. The menu is a testament to the artistry of Chef Jassi and his chefs, crafted with an unparalleled devotion to culinary excellence. From the opulence of oysters and caviar to an array of tantalizing vegetarian, meat, and seafood delights, every dish reflects the diversity and richness of Indian gastronomy. Steaks include succulent filet mignon, mouthwatering bone-in ribeye, ever-popular New York strip, and sumptuous A5 Miyazaki ribeye.

The restaurant has been honored Restaurant of the Year 2022 by several publications, including Eater Houston. Alison Cook of the Houston Chronicle, has hailed Amrina “one of Houston’s most exciting restaurants, with destination-worthy dining”. Amrina has also been awarded the Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator.

Enjoy Happy Hour with colleagues, a date on the Patio, business in the Private Dining Room, or intimate experience at the Chef's Table!

Top review

marievip

Dined 6 days ago

Molly was an excellent waitress Food great. Atmosphere sophisticated. One of my favorite places

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Experience

Fantasy Hour - A Royal Happy Hour Experience

Experience

Chef’s Table Experience

Experience

Main Dining Tasting Menu $125

Aya Sushi

4.8

4.8 (169)

$50 and over

Japanese

Bellaire

About the restaurant

A fresh, modern sushi experience in the Bellaire Triangle featuring innovative Japanese cuisine from reknowned chef Yoshi Katsuyama.

Guests can expect to enjoy fresh fish daily in a vairety of nigiri, maki, and sashimi preparations alongside traditional Japanese favorites from the kitchen. Aya features an innovative cocktail program, as well as an extensive selection of wine, sake, and Japanese whisky.

For the full Aya experience, enjoy chef's multi-course omakase option alongside hand-selected pairings including sake and wine.

With limited seating capacity, we reserve the sushi bar exclusively for omakase at this time. To book your sushi bar experience, please inquire via email: info@ayasushi.com

Top review

Jessicavip

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

Best sushi spot in Houston no questions asked! Chef is an experience every sushi consumer needs to experience! Leslie is an incredibly sweet manager and the servers always treat me with such amazing service!

Moxies - Houston

4.6

4.6 (1008)

$31 to $50

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Moxies is one of the best restaurants in Uptown Houston, located near Galleria Houston. Offering a trendy and lively atmosphere, our two-level modern restaurant boasts a globally inspired menu featuring freshly made, in-house dishes suitable for any dining occasion: lunch, dinner, Happy Hour, late night eats, or weekend brunch. With a large patio, as well as plenty of TVs, Moxies is the place to catch sporting events or enjoy Happy Hour in Houston. Indulge in our beautiful array of handcrafted cocktails and our extensive wine list, which features half-priced bottles every Wednesday. Our restaurant is also tailored to host large group dining events, making it perfect for bachelorettes, birthdays, corporate events, and all other celebrations.

Top review

John

Dined 7 days ago

Steak bites are the absolute bomb! Great service and atmosphere!

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Popular dish

CHIPOTLE MANGO CHICKEN (gc)

True Food Kitchen - Woodlands

4.5

4.5 (848)

$30 and under

American

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar that was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, to provide food that tastes great and is good for you. At our table, delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. Our expertly trained chefs craft flavor-forward dishes, handcrafted cocktails and freshly pressed refreshers so you can enjoy epic food experiences that aren’t just good for you, but good to you. Join us in Woodlands for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. Located in Woodlands at Market Street, across the street from Drybar and lululemon. New flavors, new combinations, new obsessions. Come see us for something completely new and delicious.

Top review

Shyam

Dined on Sep 27, 2024

One of our local favorite restaurants. Great for lunch and dinner.

True Food Kitchen - Houston

4.3

4.3 (1429)

$30 and under

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar that was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, to provide food that tastes great and is good for you. At our table, delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. Our expertly trained chefs craft flavor-forward dishes, handcrafted cocktails and freshly pressed refreshers so you can enjoy epic food experiences that aren’t just good for you, but good to you. Join us in Houston for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. Located in Uptown Houston neighborhood at BLVD Place, home to other concepts such as: Whole Foods Market, North Italia and One Medical Anchored Shopping Center. New flavors, new combinations, new obsessions. Come see us for something completely new and delicious.

Top review

Vicki

Dined on Sep 20, 2024

This was my first time as well as my guest’s first time of ever eating at True Food…WOW!!! We absolutely LOVED everything about it. I have now found my new go to. I am not a fan of eating out for many reasons, but mainly healthy eating habits. It took my guest a minute to get his around no fries…lol so, he went with the kale slaw, by the end of the meal he was singing the praises of the food and he really needs to eat mor greens..lol

Ojo de Agua

4.3

4.3 (27)

$30 and under

Mexican

River Oaks

About the restaurant

Directly from Mexico City, Ojo de Agua was born with the commitment to serve authentic Mexican food with a trendy twist. Using high quality and fresh ingredients, our ample menu ranges from traditional Mexican dishes to innovative uses of classic ingredients, with great flavors being our main goal. Our concept of an all day restaurant will have you enjoying from classic chilaquiles, delicious in-house bakery, freshly made juices to amazing cocktails, one of a kind tacos or a variety of delicious dinner dishes. Saturdays and Sundays from Open till 5:00 pm we are WALK INS ONLY (Except for large parties 10+).

Top review

Martha

Dined 3 days ago

Great food and service. Great place for a date night.

Rainforest Cafe - Katy Mills

4.0

4 (396)

$31 to $50

American

Katy

About the restaurant

You don’t have to travel far to dine in a tropical rainforest, It’s a safari for the senses. Our menu contains an array of delicious items and tropical treats you’re sure to go WILD for. End your journey with the out-of-this-world VOLCANO dessert.
Discover the rainforest, complete with cascading waterfalls, tropical rainstorms, trumpeting elephants and entertaining gorillas. It’s not just another meal; it’s an adventure! Don’t forget to take a journey through our Retail Village.
CAUTION: Flashing lights and thunder sounds inside restaurant. May cause discomfort and/ or seizures for those with photosensitive epilepsy.

Top review

Idris

Dined on Sep 5, 2024

Great service overall. No complaints!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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