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Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown

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86 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brasserie du Parc restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1328)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown
Booked 24 times today
We are an authentic French brasserie located on the ground floor of the landmark residential high-rise One Park Place overlooking Discovery Green. Come and join us for lunch or dinner to experience the French Culinary Cuisine that Chef Jose has to offer. For those of you looking where to go for after work drinks and bar bites, our Happy Hour menu is available daily at our bar area from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
A photo of Bandista restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(219)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 15 times today
Bandista is the real deal when it comes to an authentic cocktail bar experience. It's a speakeasy-style spot with a modern Latin vibe. Reviewers rave about the unique, high-end drinks and the top-notch service. One even mentioned the special treat of being escorted to the bar! It's a great place for an intimate night out or for special occasions.
A photo of Guadalajara Del Centro restaurant
4.2
Awesome(107)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 8 times today
Noted as Houston's go-to destination for Mexican fine food, Guadalajara Del Centro provides visitors with contemporary favorites that include everything from enchiladas or fajitas to campeche. The restaurant offers brunch, lunch and dinner menus and features only finest ingredients for optimal results. A visit to Guadalajara Del Centro is a popular choice with families and groups, and they even have happy hour to make it the perfect after work destination. Portions on popular menu items are adjustable, and the fajitas as a trademark dish. With medium or large portions and such unique add-ons as stuffed quail or portabella mushrooms, the Guadalajara Del Centro is sure to have something for everyone.
A photo of House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Houston restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1428)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
The House of Blues Restaurant & Bar in Houston is a unique blend of Southern dining, live music, and service, making it a true reflection of authentic Southern culture. Reviewers rave about the 'great food', 'nice location and ambiance', 'live music night', and 'attentive and friendly staff'. The restaurant's description highlights its commitment to family-style dishes, craft cocktails, and live music, which further solidifies its authenticity.
A photo of Street To Kitchen restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(824)
Price: Expensive
• Thai • East End
Booked 33 times today
Enjoy unapologetically authentic Thai food in the East End. All food is made from scratch by native Thai chef and James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Texas Benchawan Jabthong Painter.Chef Benchawan and her husband—who also spend time in their Bangkok home each year—have painstakingly built out a restaurant that would fit into Bangkok’s hip Thong Lor neighborhood, but they have located it in Houston. Expect trendy Thai vibes, music, strong cocktails and an adventurous wine list to accompany Chef Benchawan’s acclaimed dishes.The largest party Street to Kitchen can accommodate is 6 people. If more than 6, you can arrange a private Thai tasting menu, including a minimum spend. please contact us via email at eatthai@streettokitchen.org Thai tasting menus can also be made available for smaller parties if confirmed at least one week before via the same email.
A photo of Mamajuana Cafe Houston restaurant
4.4
Awesome(82)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Downtown
Booked 15 times today
Mamajuana Cafe connects the heart of Houston’s vibrant Downtownneighborhood with the energy, flair, regional & authentic flavors of theLatino Caribbean & South American culinary traditions, bringing youmouth-watering & brilliantly innovative Latino cuisine. Mamajuanadelivers a singular blend of world-class cuisine, innovative cocktailsand one-of-a-kind experiences. Here, that immersion feels like agetaway to somewhere alluring and high-energy and, most of all,unforgettable.
A photo of Fiori restaurant
4.3
Awesome(619)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Montrose
Booked 12 times today
Fiori is a charming and cosy Italian restaurant and floral boutique in the heart of Montrose, led by chef Alessio from Rome. The restaurant is located in a cute two-story building, has a nice patio with lights hanging on the outside and a terrace; massive oak trees surround the building creating an unique atmosphere. The beautifully interior, decorated with fresh flowers, plants and paintings, offers a lovely and light ambience. Fiori focuses on using authentic traditional recipes. At lunch offers salads, pasta and Italian sandwiches. At dinner, Fiori transforms to a relaxed lounge atmosphere with a full bar and refined wine selection, where you can have a classic Italian aperitive and then taste a selection of true Italian dishes. Periodically Fiori hosts local artist to delight you with paintings and live entertainments. Moreover, you can surprise your guests with a table floral arrangement or a bouquet for your partner. Fiori is available for private parties/events of many sizes.
A photo of BCN Taste & Tradition restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1803)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • Southeast Houston
Booked 54 times today
BCN Taste & Tradition, the name gives a nod to Barcelona and the meld of traditional and modern Spanish cuisine. Chef Luis Roger relocated from Girona, Spain - trained under Michelin Chef Ferran Adria at elBulli- and taught at the renowned culinary school Aula Gastronomica de l’Emporada. Located on a 1920’s era Victorian home in the trendy Montrose/Museum District (4210 Roseland St.). BCN Taste & Tradition will recreate an authentic Spanish style dining experience with unparalleled service. The menu will showcase all the fantastic, cutting-edge haute cuisine that put Spain on the world stage. Credit card info required for reservations larger than 5 guests. A $50/person fee will be charged if you are unable to cancel within 48 of your scheduled time or if your party decreases in size within 24 of your reservation. No fee will be assessed for transferring the reservation to a different name.
A photo of Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina restaurant
4.5
Awesome(117)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Mexican • University of Houston
Booked 14 times today
Authentic Modern Mexican Restaurant & Craft Cocktails.
A photo of The Rustic Houston Downtown restaurant
4.4
Awesome(45)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 53 times today
At The Rustic, we proudly serve American food with a culinary flair. Every dish is crafted from fresh ingredients right in the heart of Houston. Enjoy a diverse selection of authentic Texas beers, wines, and spirits, or handcrafted mocktails. Come by for great food and live music, and soak in the vibrant ambiance from our award-winning patio. For larger group dining of more than ten, just give our team a call—we're here to help make your gathering a memorable one!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Hitoshi
    Las Vegas •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This is my go-to place for special family events. Tonight, my wife and I dined there with our son, who is visiting from New York. As always, the food was great—authentic and delicious. We started with Baked Brie and Beets with Chevre (goat cheese). For our main courses, we enjoyed the traditional Coq au Vin, Duck Confit, and the special of the day, Red Snapper. We finished our meal with Moose au Chocolat and Passion Fruit Sorbet. Each dish was exquisite, but the Baked Brie was a delightful surprise—it was amazing. Our server, Mr. Nguyen, was very attentive, and the service was exceptional. I’m sure we will be back to this restaurant again soon.
    More info
    Brasserie du ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown
    4.5
  • larry
    Houston •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had a great birthday lunch with a friend. The lunch tasting menu was a fantastic way to sample a few courses, each of which was really tasty. Will definitely be back.
    More info
    Street To KitchenPrice: Expensive• Thai• East End
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    Dallas - Fort Worth •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 27 Oct 2024
    Bubble time is the best time. Sarah was awesome. Drinks were great.
    More info
    BandistaPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
    4.8
  • Renee
    Houston •150 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 2 Oct 2024
    The creamy poblano bisque is one of the best soups in Houston...so delicious! I had the shrimp tacos for lunch and the shrimp was outstanding! super crunchy and hot. I love the del Centro location, we had lunch here and then walked to Minute Maid Park for an Astros game. Very convenient.
    More info
    Guadalajara Del CentroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown
    4.2
  • great2dine
    Houston •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 30 Sept 2023
    Restraurant perfect to grab a quick bite before concert. Wish menu offered a wider selection.
    More info
    House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - HoustonPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
    4.1

Discover best authentic restaurants in Downtown

Embark on a culinary journey through Downtown Houston, where authenticity is the hallmark of its vibrant dining scene. This bustling urban area is home to a diverse array of restaurants that pride themselves on delivering genuine flavors and experiences. From the rich, hearty delights of Southern cuisine to the intricate tastes of Japanese cooking, each establishment offers a unique glimpse into the cultures they represent. Patrons seeking an authentic dining experience will find meticulously crafted dishes prepared with traditional methods and ingredients. The atmosphere in these restaurants often mirrors the authenticity of their menus, providing diners with a truly immersive experience. Whether it's the lively ambiance of a Mexican eatery or the intimate setting of a speakeasy-style cocktail bar, Downtown Houston's restaurant scene is a testament to the city's rich culinary heritage and its dedication to genuine hospitality. This area not only satisfies your taste buds but also envelops you in the true spirit of each cuisine, making every dining outing memorable.

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