Although an enormous metropolis with many options for dining, Houston’s downtown neighborhood in particular boasts some exceptional, must-try restaurants. Within two square miles, enough celebrated dining options fill the streets to turn any eater into a food lover in no time. The variety of food available here can take you on a culinary journey around the world, or it can give you the delicious hearty food that people expect in Texas, especially when it comes to the traditional steakhouse or BBQ joint. Eat your way through this list of amazing restaurants in downtown Houston that showcase the city’s rich culture and eclectic food scene. Your palate will thank you later. 

Related: The Best BBQ in Houston, TX

Where to Find the Best Food in Downtown Houston

The Smoke

Address: 712 Main St, Houston, TX 77002

Cost: $

Owner of The Smoke, Chef Reginald Scott, applied his background in Southern cuisine to make barbecue his forte. Locals and visitors alike love The Smoke’s casual, friendly atmosphere, which makes for a comfortable dining experience. Their staff will treat you like family, and you are guaranteed to try some of the best barbeque you’ve ever had, covered in the restaurant’s signature “Best Damn” sauce, of course. In addition to their storefront in Downtown Houston, The Smoke also operates a food truck at the Urban Harvest Farmers Market on Saturdays.

What to Eat:

When you arrive at an authentic BBQ joint in Texas, a few things are a given. For example, they will serve pulled pork, mac and cheese, and coleslaw. The Smoke does these classics right and adds fun, unlikely dishes to the menu as well, such as “Momma’s Famous Spaghetti” and “Curry Cabbage.” The ribs fall off the bone, and you can wash it all down with the thirst-quenching mango lemonade. Oh, and don’t forget to order the deep-fried peach cobbler.

Xochi

Address: 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

Cost: $$

Celebrate Oaxaca in this authentic Mexican restaurant located on the 1st floor of the Marriott Marquis next to Discovery Green. Don’t let its hotel restaurant location fool you. This restaurant delivers class, culture, variety, and excellent food. Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega uses traditional techniques and ingredients to create a menu of exciting regional cuisine that highlights, among other delicacies, Mexican chocolate and insects. Xochi offers private rooms, a covered patio, and a drink menu featuring some of the finest mezcal liquors.

What to Eat:

Each Oaxacan dish reaches the level of fine cuisine at Xochi, so you can’t go wrong here. Some crowd favorites include the Molotes de Xoxocotlan (masa cakes), chicken tamales with black mole sauce, and a cacao dessert made with a white chocolate cocoa pod, passion fruit, and a variety of chocolate textures. 

Bungalow

Address: 407 Main St, Houston, TX 77002

Cost: $$$

Just a few blocks away from The Smoke sits Bungalow. The steak and seafood options at this upscale restaurant inspire people to dine here for chic dinners and special events. Its decadent ambiance, fancy cocktails, and social media-worthy dishes allow patrons to enjoy a restaurant focused on crafting quality food in a luxurious environment. Bungalow lives up to its simple but inviting name, and the rooftop patio tacks on the added bonus of a beautiful city view.

What to Eat:

Bungalow takes pride in its surf and turf dishes, which remain favorites among its diners. They cook up an exquisite filet mignon and an impressive tomahawk ribeye to satiate any meat lover. The Wagyu meatballs and fried lobster tail add to the elevated feel of the menu, and an incredible strawberry spinach salad alongside some hearty mascarpone mashed potatoes round out the sides.

Guard and Grace

Address: 500 Dallas St, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77002

Cost: $$$$ 

Led by lauded Chef Troy Guard, Guard and Grace provides a sophisticated, elegant environment, with award-winning steak, seafood, and unbeatable service. This restaurant is located inside the notable One Allen Center in Houston’s Central Business District, offering high-end retail options if you care to browse before dinner. To accommodate a large group during your dining experience, Guard and Grace offers multiple private dining rooms. 

What to Eat:

From the prime rib to the New York strip to the “Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye,” diners can’t go wrong with any steak options that use Creekstone Farms premium Angus beef and Snake River Wagyu beef. These steaks may be pricier, but they’re well worth it. We also highly recommend the classic grilled salmon and the scrumptious lobster bisque. The menu at Guard and Grace changes seasonally, so check their website for the latest offerings. 

Grotto Downtown

Address: 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Suite A, Houston, TX 77010

Cost: $$ 

The Grotto offers an upscale location in the bustling downtown area of the George R. Brown Convention Center with unforgettable, dynamic Italian food. The warm, cozy, and family-friendly ambiance gives this place a classic Italian charm, from the intimate setting to the incredible wine selection. Within walking distance of Minute Maid Park, you can even enjoy a casual stroll after a delectable meal. They make their traditional Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients and serve it in big portions. Be aware that this place is always busy, so expect a noisy environment. Your stomach will feel joyful nonetheless.  

What to Eat:

The meals at the Grotto please the masses. As such, they serve pizza, pasta, soup, salad, and various proteins. However, these somewhat “normal” Italian foods taste anything but normal with the excellent flavors that they deliver. Try a small plate of fried mozzarella or a bruschetta assortment. 

The Rustic

Address: 1836 Polk St, Houston, TX, 77003

Cost: $$

Who can say no to upscale comfort food, live music, and an extensive selection of beer, wine, and cocktails? The Rustic caters to the casual diner or people in small groups looking for an exciting night in downtown Houston. The menu options range from crowd pleasers to local Southwestern favorites in a blend of culinary magic that never disappoints.

What to Eat:

To drink, the Spicy Rustic Water is a must-try take on a classic Texas cocktail. To eat, the juicy ribeye and molasses-brined quail stand out. The Rustic delivers an extensive menu, from wedge salads to brisket tamales, so you’ll enjoy the entire selection. This place shines in its modern takes on Southern classics like fried green tomatoes served with a spicy remoulade sauce.

Live Near the Best Restaurants in Downtown Houston

The only thing that could make visiting the coolest places to eat in downtown Houston better would be living next to them. Think about it — you’ll live a simple walk (or quick rideshare) away from some of the best food in the South. AptAmigo can help you find the perfect home in the Bayou City of Texas.