Restaurants in Downtown Houston
Jump To: Fine Dining | International Flavors | Casual & Family-Friendly
The restaurant scene downtown is a mix of classic and new, offering something for everyone. From award-winning steakhouses to unique international flavors, the area is a destination for food lovers. Whether you need a spot for a business lunch or a celebratory dinner, this 2025 update is the guide to the best restaurants in Downtown Houston that have you covered.
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Also, check out our articles on Best Desserts in Houston, Best African Restaurants in Houston, and Frozen Yogurt in Houston!
Fine Dining & Upscale Restaurants in Downtown Houston
Theodore Rex
Image Credit: Theodore Rex
Known for its relaxed yet immaculate fine-dining experience, Theodore Rex has become of the most acclaimed restaurants in Downtown Houston and one of my favorites for a date night in Houston. Chef Justin Yu’s seasonal menu ensures there is always something new to try, and the dishes are perfect for sharing with the whole table.
Where: 1302 Nance St Unit A, Houston, TX 77002
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday CLOSED | Thursday – Monday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Pappas Bros Steakhouse
Image Credit: Pappas Bros Steakhouse
A longtime Houston favorite, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse has built its reputation on serving impeccable, award-winning dry-aged prime beef. Beyond the exceptional food and wine, the Downtown location offers a variety of unique private dining areas, from the Wine Room to the Train Car, perfect for any special occasion.
Where: 1200 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
Operating Hours: Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
Image Credit: Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
Voted Houston’s Best Steakhouse and Best Downtown Restaurant in 2021, Vic & Anthony’s is celebrated for more than just its prime cuts. The restaurant is equally renowned for standout dishes like its jumbo lump crab cakes and red snapper, all served with the impeccable service that keeps diners like me coming back.
Where: 1510 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Potente
Image Credit: Potente
Owned by Houston Astros owner Jim Crane, Potente is a truly exceptional Italian restaurant offering an upscale dining experience. They have earned national acclaim, including being recognized by the Food Network for one of the country’s best pasta dishes. Guests can pair homemade pasta, daily seafood selections, or USDA prime steaks with a selection from the restaurant’s extensive boutique wine list for a meal that I think is always a home run.
Where: 1515 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
Operating Hours: Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
International Flavors: Mexican, Italian , & Asian Downtown Restaurants
Kokoro
Image Credit: Kokoro Restaurant
For sushi lovers like me, Kokoro is the ultimate destination among the restaurants in Downtown Houston. This new-style Japanese concept from Chefs Daniel Lee and Patrick Pham has been earning rave reviews among the restaurants in Downtown Houston for its unique rolls and commitment to using only high-quality, fresh ingredients.
Where: 409 Travis St #366, Houston, TX 77002
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday – Wednesday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Xochi
Image Credit: Xochi
Helmed by the award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega, Xochi is a Downtown Houston gem that celebrates the rich culinary history of Oaxaca. This isn’t your typical Tex-Mex spot or Mexican restaurant in Houston; instead, you’ll find authentic and delicious dishes, from various moles to unique ingredients like avocado leaves.
Where: 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
Operating Hours: Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm | Friday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
Perbacco
Image Credit: Perbacco
With the charming ambiance of a neighborhood trattoria, Perbacco brings the authentic taste of Italy and is one of the best restaurants in Downtown Houston. Chef Luciano brings his culinary expertise from Capri, offering a menu of fresh seafood and made-to-order Italian favorites. Check out the other Italian restaurants in Houston, too!
Where: 700 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002
Operating Hours: Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 2:30 pm | Friday 11:00 am – 2:30 pm & 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Casual & Family-Friendly Downtown Restaurants
Hearsay
Image Credit: Hearsay Gastro Lounge
Located in one of Houston’s oldest buildings, Hearsay exudes a self-proclaimed “chic antique” vibe that transports diners to another era. Serving New American cuisine made with the finest, freshest ingredients, this is one of the restaurants in Downtown Houston that I head to for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Where: 218 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
Operating Hours: Daily 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Phoenicia
Image Credit: Phoenicia
A slight deviation from the restaurants in Downtown Houston, but definitely not to be missed, Phoenician Specialty Foods is a sprawling Mediterranean deli market with all your favorite meats, cheeses, wines, oils, and much more. You can snag some prepared food items for a lunch to-go, grab something from the bakery, or sit down and eat at their cafe. As one reviewer says, it’s a “culinary tour of the world.”
Where: 1001 Austin St, Houston, TX 77010
Operating Hours: Thursday – Friday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
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Hi, I’m a longtime Houston resident who loves exploring the Bayou City with my two dogs. When I’m not out and about, you can usually find me in my garden or working on my latest blog.
Dining and Cooking