Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in Houston

by The OpenTable Team

Updated 28 January 2020

Houston has a bold Texas spirit, famous for its world-class arts scene, booming businesses and professional sports. In recent years, Houston has experienced a renaissance of Mexican cuisine. The flavors of Texas barbecue and local seafood mix add a spin twist to traditional enchiladas, tamales and, of course, tacos. From Tex-Mex classics to traditional Mexican treasures, we've got the low-down on all the best tacos in town. But where can Tex-Mex fanatics find the best tacos in Houston? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Our team of expert diners has tried every soft tortilla or crispy shell across town to create this unique list of top offerings. Book tonight for the best tacos in Houston.

La Lucha

4.8

4.8 (1377)

$30 and under

Seafood

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

There’s a certain buzz around this popular Houston Heights restaurant. Black leather, wood, and greenery lend an old school feel, and the menu is also full of classics, yet the overall effect is fresh and modern. A select wine list, Southern favorites, plus some of the best tacos in Houston make La Lucha a neighborhood mainstay. Crispy shrimp tacos are the dish to order, also known as the La Lucha Late Night Treat. The combo of shrimp, spicy chile and American cheese is quite something.

Top review

Evelyn

Dined 5 days ago

Overall experience is always on point. A1 food and service!

State of Grace

4.7

4.7 (3376)

$31 to $50

Regional American (Contemporary Southern)

River Oaks

About the restaurant

State of Grace manages to combine nostalgia and the modern in equal measure. Polished and upmarket inside, it still has a certain retro air to it, like a really cool museum. The menu takes influences from all over the world, with dishes ranging from chicken and sausage gumbo to gnocchi with lamb ragu. The taco? Ask for the Duck Carnitas. This is a sharing plate of tortillas, meat which just falls apart, and Mexican mole. Take a friend- there’s too much for just one person!

Top review

taelene

Dined 4 days ago

I recently visited State of Grace for a Christmas date with my husband, and while I had high hopes for the evening, the experience was a bit underwhelming. We ordered 1/2 dozen raw oysters and Oyster Bienville to start, followed by two spritz cocktails and the Bistecca alla Fiorentina as our main course. While the service was attentive and the ambiance was inviting, the food itself left much to be desired. The oysters were fresh, and the Bistecca alla Fiorentina didn’t live up to expectations, especially considering the hefty $370 bill. Having traveled to Florence, we’ve enjoyed authentic Bistecca alla Fiorentina at Trattoria ZaZa and Buca Mario. The portions there were much larger, unbelievably flavorful, and cost around 70 euros—an experience we still miss to this day. Hoping to relive that memory, we decided to give State of Grace’s version a try, even at $225. Unfortunately, it fell far short of the real thing. Overall, while the service and atmosphere were enjoyable, the food fell short, making it hard to justify the cost. I wouldn’t recommend it for the price point, but it might be worth a try if ambiance and service are your priorities.

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New York Strip Bone-in 18 oz

Nobu Houston

4.6

4.6 (1608)

$50 and over

Cocktail Bar

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Uptown’s Nobu is a Japanese restaurant filled with traditional flavor in a sparkling contemporary space. The Nobu brand is famous worldwide, and Houston’s venue doesn’t let fans of the Matsuhisa empire down. The “Nobu Style” sashimi tacos are availble on most Nobu menus- for a very good reason. These seafood spectaculars are a massive hit. Tuna, battered white fish, and lobster all get the Nobu treatment, in tiny but tantalizing taco shells with big flavors.

Top review

Journ

Dined 5 days ago

We love love loveeeee Nobu it’s just so expensive

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Nobu at the Sushi Bar

Eloise Nichols Grill + Liquors

4.4

4.4 (1129)

$30 and under

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Head Uptown and just a little north of the main stretch of Westheimer and discover the vintage-styled delights of Eloise Nichols. Family run, the name is for their grandmother- allegedly a “no-nonsense” woman. That’s the ethos of the menu here: thoughtful, simple and flavorful, with no pretentions. Grilled fish tacos are one offering, made with whatever the catch of the day is. Plus, early risers can choose from not one but two types of breakfast taco- chorizo, or onions and red bell peppers. Always full of flavor.

Top review

Kim

Dined on 12 Dec 2024

I don’t frequent the area and wasn’t familiar with restaurant, but needed something in that area that didn’t break the bank for a larger group. Awesome place - menu is perfect, little if everything, reasonably priced, service was wonderful, manager came around introducing himself (which I do love, shows his investment) - all around great place!

True Food Kitchen - Houston

4.4

4.4 (1436)

$30 and under

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Eco-chic is definitely becoming cool. Seasonal eating, sustainable eating; these aren’t just buzzwords anymore and True Food Kitchen has taken that to heart. Their menu is all about food positivity, supporting local producers and healthy living. This includes tacos made from grass-fed steak, with corn and coconut, or their grilled fish tacos with a creamy yet sharp avocado tomatillo salsa. Good food with a clear conscience.

Top review

AngelVIP

Dined on 7 Dec 2024

Visiting Houston and stopped in True Food Kitchen, which I always go to in my hometown. The service was spectacular! I enjoyed the impeccable dining experience from our bartender Ruslan!! He is a very knowledgeable server and you can tell he enjoys his job. The food was tasty, but the service provided by Ruslan was a memorable experience!! Thank you.

Arnaldo Richards' Picos

4.8

4.8 (1284)

$31 to $50

Regional Mexican

Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

About the restaurant

Tex-Mex is great, but when the soul calls for some real authentic Mexican food, that’s when it’s time to head to Arnaldo Richards’ Picos. A third-generation restaurateur, Richards was learning his grandmother’s Mexican recipes by the tender age of 14. At this Southwest Houston restaurant, he aims to teach Texans all about real Mexican food, including some of the best tacos in town. Ask for the famous Chilorios: slow roasted pulled pork, avocado and pico de gallo. Don’t leave without trying a house margarita.

Top review

NANCY DVIP

Dined 7 days ago

One of our favorites. Guacamole is the best in town & the margaritas are fabulous. Over the years, we’ve sampled just about everything on the menu & it’s all delicious. Be sure to save room for dessert—we recommend the flan.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston

4.5

4.5 (514)

$30 and under

Mexican

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

It’s all in the name: This is where to come for the finest tequila and best tacos in Houston. Guests can indulge in flights of tequila to taste them all, plus a menu of food that blends the best of Mexican and Texan influences. The taco menu is out of this world: grilled fish or shrimp, pork or carne asada, plus grilled avocado with a fresh and spicy yogurt drizzle. There truly is something for everyone here.

Top review

Jordai

Dined on 9 Dec 2024

Great food and great service, drinks were good as well.

Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina - Memorial

4.8

4.8 (1304)

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

West Side

About the restaurant

Goode Company has a few restaurants across the region, but this Kitchen and Cantina close to memorial is all about the blend of influences the family has come across over the years. There are dishes that speak of traditional taquerias, Tex-Mex classics, plus a range of Texan seafood. Tuck into some of the best tacos in Houston, including marinated redfish, carbon beef, and crispy beef, all served with a range of other Mexican favorites.

Top review

William

Dined 4 days ago

Thank you for an enjoyable Merry Christmas Eve afternoon family dinner.

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4.8

4.8 (4771)

$30 and under

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

River Oaks locals know that Ousie’s is the place to go for traditional Southern food. Since 1973 the restaurant has been serving up shrimp and grits and fried chicken made with passion and style. Today, the only thing that’s changed is that Ousie’s is even more popular, with offerings to suit everyone. This includes a diverse breakfast menu with some of the best breakfast tacos in Houston. The blend of soft eggs, caramelized onion and melting cheese is the perfect way to start any day.

Top review

Sheila

Dined 5 days ago

I have eaten here several times and enjoyed both the food and the experience. It was a bit congested today, particularly as we were seated very close to where counter seats were located. The food I ordered required a substitute due to something not being available, which was a disappointment, but additional shrimp was offered and accepted as a substitute. The waitress was very competent and friendly. Valet service was timely and professional as previously experienced.

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4.6

4.6 (3807)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Willie G’s is West Loop South premier seafood destination. For nearly four decades, they’ve been the place to go for fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail, plus a range of fresh fish broiled, roasted and seared. Willie G’s is always worth a visit but it makes it onto our list thanks to the supreme blackened fish tacos. Guests just can’t get enough of the combo of fish, crisp radish and creamy aioli. Sublime.

Top review

DeniseVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Great food! Great ambience! This venue is our Christmas Eve dinner tradition!

Saltillo Mexican Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (474)

$50 and over

Traditional Mexican

Bellaire

About the restaurant

A regular sight on lists of top Houston restaurants, Saltillo might be a tiny space but it's full of massive flavors. Cozy and welcoming, Saltillo is as filling for the soul as it is for the stomach. The menu is full of authentic Mexican flair, from pollo con chilaquiles to enchiladas verdes with the house green sauce. Start with the trio of tacos, a symphony of prime sirloin, pork in that same green sauce, and rich smoked brisket. A great way to try a range of flavors.

Top review

John

Dined on 27 Sept 2024

When you want to splurge with friends or family, order the tapa de Loma for the finest cut of beef. As good as anywhere in Houston and outside of Saltillo Mexico. Other cuts are also good. Love to get the enchiladas for lunch. Ask about the wine selections. Good values from Mexico. Truly a neighborhood gem.

Irma's Southwest

4.8

4.8 (704)

$31 to $50

Mexican / Southwestern

Downtown

About the restaurant

Irma’s promises Texas cuisine with Mexican Spirit, the ethos of original Irma’s founder Irma Galvan. This combined with stellar service, a neighborly feel, and a comfortable and casual dining area make Irma’s Southwest a firm favorite with locals and visitors alike. Keep an eye out for the barbocoa style tacos with their soft meat, plus the shrimp tacos are always a big hit too.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined on 5 Dec 2024

Mexican martini was amazing 🍸food is always good as well.

Cyclone Anaya's - Rice Village

4.6

4.6 (353)

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

Rice Village

About the restaurant

Started by a former famous professional Mexican wrestler, Cyclone Anaya’s is definitely a heavyweight when it comes to Tex-Mex cuisine. Lobster enchiladas with chardonnay cream sauce, peppers stuffed with chicken and Mexican cheese, and house tamales are just some of the favorites on this exciting menu. Tacos include the ever-popular Tacos al Carbon with charcoal cooked meat, and the crispy beef- a hit with taco fans of all ages.

Top review

ErikVIP

Dined 6 days ago

It’s always great to be here. The service was good and the ambiance is great!!