Best Authentic Restaurants in W. University / Med Center

Price

££
£££
££££

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Houston

Areas

BellaireChinatownDowntownEast EndEast SideGalleria / Uptown

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard AwardMICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

100 restaurants available nearby

1. Street To Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(906)

££££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.When booking your reservation, all children—regardless of age—must be included in the head count. 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.

2. Fiori

4.1

Excellent(666)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Montrose

Booked 8 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

3. BCN Taste & Tradition

4.8

Exceptional(1926)

££££Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Montrose

Booked 57 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.

4. Hamsa

4.7

Exceptional(156)

££££Price: Expensive

• Middle Eastern • Rice Village

Booked 44 times today

Crafted by the visionary minds who brought you Doris Metropolitan and Badolina Bakery & Café, Hamsa emerges as a radiant gem in the culinary landscape, celebrating the vibrant flavors of Israel. Revel in the artistry of our hummus creations, succulent grilled skewers, and perfectly charred pitas. Indulge in the symphony of flavors with our salatim, a delightful array of vegetable-based delights that promise to tantalize your taste buds.

5. MF Sushi

4.8

Exceptional(1698)

££££Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • Museum District

Booked 32 times today

We are now offering Omakase reservations Friday at 7:30 pm. Please contact us directly at (713) 637-4587 for Omakase reservations and large party reservations.

A photo of AMORE Italian Restaurant restaurant

6. AMORE Italian Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(718)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

Booked 14 times today

Amore Italian Restaurant is a charming family-owned establishment in Houston, celebrated for exceptional dishes featuring the finest seafood and prime steaks served in an inviting atmosphere. Located in the heart of our vibrant community, we pride ourselves on sourcing the freshest ingredients and a commitment to top quality. Our diverse menu includes everything from handmade pizzas to sumptuous truffle pasta, with highlights like Chef Alfredo Mojica’s spaghetti all'astice and perfectly seared filet mignon with peppercorn brandy sauce.Amore has become a favorite destination for notable patrons who appreciate elevated culinary dining, often praising us as the most authentic Italian restaurant. In a city filled with restaurants, Amore stands out as a local gem, promising unforgettable meals, 5 star service and a dedication to Italian traditions.2024: Houston Chronicle Top 19 Italian RestaurantsHouston Chronicle Top 20 Pizza SpotsEater Houston 24 Essential Italian Restaurants

A photo of Rumi's Kitchen - Houston restaurant

7. Rumi's Kitchen - Houston

4.8

Exceptional(901)

££££Price: Expensive

• Persian • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 110 times today

The premier destination for Persian Cuisine in Uptown Houston.

A photo of Mexican Sugar Montrose - Regent Square restaurant

8. Mexican Sugar Montrose - Regent Square

4.3

Awesome(287)

££££Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Montrose

Booked 144 times today

Mexican Sugar is NOW OPEN at Regent Square in the heart of Montrose! We offer an elevated dining experience that celebrates the vibrancy and richness of Mexico. We take the traditional flavors of Mexican cuisine and elevate them to new heights with our commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and preparing everything from scratch. Our warm and inviting atmosphere inspired by the beauty of Mexican design and architecture provides an ambiance ideal for any dining occasion. From Happy Hour to Lunch, Brunch to Dinner and Late Night, we are so excited to serve you in Montrose!

A photo of Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston restaurant

9. Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston

4.5

Awesome(840)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Side

Booked 67 times today

*Please note- reservations are only accepted via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant directly*Lombardi Cucina Italiana is a celebration of authentic Italian cuisine with a modern touch. The menu features a large selection "fatto a Mano" pastas as well as an extensive array of fresh fish, meats and produce. The curated beverage program has a vast selection of worldly wines and handcrafted signature cocktails. Our forward thinking cocktail menu uses innovative ingredients from the kitchen, such as prosciutto, rosemary and amarene. The wine list will represent all main wine regions of the world, with a primary focus on the Italian Peninsula, Lombardi Cucina Italiana's atmosphere will remind you of an open air villa in Italy, surrounded by olive trees, Italian marble and Venetian Chandeliers. Their luxurious bar and cocktail lounge is the perfect setting for an evening of relaxation, while listening to live entertainment.

A photo of Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks restaurant

10. Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks

4.7

Exceptional(1132)

££££Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • River Oaks

Booked 46 times today

Zanti presents authentic Italian cuisine in a high-end casual atmosphere. Contemporary décor will combine with a charming outdoor patio, bar lounge area, pizza station and lively dining room. Handmade pasta, prepared daily in our kitchen and our gleaming brick oven, in which we will bake pizza, piadinas and select main dishes, will add to the unique vibrancy of Zanti. It is a place to feel yourself among friends and enjoy the beauty of the Italian experience.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MaxineVIP
Greater Boston •33 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a wonderful anniversary dinner at BCN. Service was excellent after a minor confusion regarding our table which was quickly resolved. The drinks and wine were amazing. The food was beautiful, delicious, and satisfying. We opted to do the tasting menu to try the greatest hits and it did not disappoint. Favorites were the branzino with cuttlefish ink rice, the lamb chop, and pear duck salad. The ambiance was lovely, it's an inviting setting that is cozy and comfortable. We are already thinking of when to return to try more of the menu!
More info
BCN Taste & TraditionPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• Montrose
•
4.8
J
Jenny
Houston •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Fantastic food and drinks, superb and thoughtful service. 10 out of 10!
More info
HamsaPrice: Expensive• Middle Eastern• Rice Village
•
4.7
D
Denisse
1 review
5.0
Dined on 5 Mar 2025
Everything we had was outstanding from food to drinks. The service was amazing, I can’t wait to come back ❤️
More info
MF SushiPrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• Museum District
•
4.8
A
Ali
Houston •1 review
5.0
Dined on 5 Mar 2025
Amazing food and awesome service. Will def be back.
More info
Street To KitchenPrice: Expensive• Thai• East End
•
4.7
S
SherryVIP
Houston •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on 11 Feb 2025
Food here is just delicious! Everything we had was very good.
More info
FioriPrice: Expensive• Italian• Montrose
•
4.1

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W. University / Med Center

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