Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Houston

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Houston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Stella's Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (110)

$31 to $50

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Tucked away in the southeast corner of the hotel, Stella’s Wine Bar is Houston’s newest and most alluring wine destination for both casual wine enthusiasts and serious oenophiles. Offering over 30 wine-producing regions through a variety of flights and close to 60 wines by the glass, Stella’s Wine Bar provides a unique journey of tastes from around the world. Guided by our unrivaled team of highly skilled yet incredibly approachable sommeliers, guests can learn and explore both the new and the familiar wines in a social convivial atmosphere with world-class wine resources to share as little or as much as you want to know. The full Cellar wine program can also be accessed within Stella’s Wine Bar, so options are near limitless.

Top review

mikeVIP

Dined on 29 Nov 2024

Fantastic selection of wine and tasty snacks. Very helpful and knowledgeable sommelier. A lovely evening.

Uchiko Houston

4.9

4.9 (639)

$50 and over

Sushi

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

:: ADDITIONAL RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE ON RESTAURANT WEBSITE ::

Originated from the famed Uchi restaurant in Austin, founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole, Uchiko specializes in robust flavors infused with smoke and hints of char balanced with the fresh and clean profile that is the hallmark of its sister concept Uchi. Reservations are encouraged and can be booked online up to 1 month in advance. Walk-in bar seating is available and is subject to wait times. Patio seating is weather permitting and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Happy Hour is offered everyday from 4:00 - 6:00 and on Sunday - Wednesday from 4pm - 10pm at the bar only. We look forward to serving you, Kanpai!

Top review

Miku

Dined 6 days ago

Everything was fantastic but the service was phenomenal! Coming back this week because our waitress was just so incredible! Thank you for the unforgettable service and dinning experience! (The hostess was also lovely and made our night special)

March

4.9

4.9 (41)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Montrose

About the restaurant

In the heart of Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, MARCH Restaurant is an intimate Mediterranean restaurant from Chef Felipe Riccio. Serving both 6 and 9 course tasting menus, we study the gastronomy, history, and cultures of the region to answer the question:

“What is Mediterranean cuisine?”

After many years of personal and professional exploration of the Mediterranean – including extended stints at three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana and Azurmendi –Felipe has brought this spirit of exploration back to his home in Houston.

The word ‘MARCH’ signifies an area of land on the border between two territories; a frontier between realms. The menu is the team’s love letter to the Mediterranean where we will explore the unique, layered evolution of its many connected cuisines, with beverage pairings/selections artfully curated by partner and Master Sommelier, June Rodil, and the acclaimed beverage team.

Top review

Evelyn

Dined 4 days ago

Absolutely loved our experience! Incredible food and service. Worth every penny.

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Experience

Exquisite Lounge Soirée

Experience

Exquisite Lounge Soirée

CASE Chocolates

4.9

4.9 (74)

$50 and over

Dessert

Southeast Houston

About the restaurant

CASE Chocolates is the world's first chocolate and cocktail speakeasy. Our tasting experiences take you through fine and unique cacaos combined with high-end spirits and cocktails. Our space is meant to spark delight and joy, and we can't wait to welcome you in soon!

Our promise is a one-of-a-kind journey through chocolates in an unforgettable atmosphere.

Please arrive on time for the best experience. Plan ahead as parking is limited to a small lot and street parking. You must enter through Sampson St., Suite E. No-shows and cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will be subject to a charge of $68 per person.

Each tasting comes with 3 cocktail and chocolate pairings. Tastings start at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays and 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 10:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays and are approximately 90 minutes per tasting.

Top review

Erin

Dined 3 days ago

One of the coolest things I have ever done in Houston!! We came here to celebrate my husband’s 40th (a big time chocolate lover) and he was extremely impressed. This says a lot because he is actually rather difficult to impress.

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Experience

Chocolate & Cocktails Tasting Experience

Amrina

4.8

4.8 (501)

$50 and over

Contemporary Indian

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

Located off the beautiful Waterway of The Woodlands, Amrina is a fine-dining eclectic restaurant. The menu is a testament to the artistry of Chef Jassi and his chefs, crafted with an unparalleled devotion to culinary excellence. From the opulence of oysters and caviar to an array of tantalizing vegetarian, meat, and seafood delights, every dish reflects the diversity and richness of Indian gastronomy. Steaks include succulent filet mignon, mouthwatering bone-in ribeye, ever-popular New York strip, and sumptuous A5 Miyazaki ribeye.

The restaurant has been honored Restaurant of the Year 2022 by several publications, including Eater Houston. Alison Cook of the Houston Chronicle, has hailed Amrina “one of Houston’s most exciting restaurants, with destination-worthy dining”. Amrina has also been awarded the Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator.

Enjoy Happy Hour with colleagues, a date on the Patio, business in the Private Dining Room, or intimate experience at the Chef's Table!

Top review

Nathan

Dined 1 day ago

Great flavorful well presented food. Exceptional service. Great cocktails with unique presentations such as their new fashion that comes out on a branch and then poured in front of you. Loved everything about it.

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Experience

Dine Like Royalty - 2025 NYE Dinner-Early Seating

Experience

Dine Like Royalty - 2025 NYE Late Seating

Experience

Chef’s Table Experience

Late August

4.5

4.5 (86)

$31 to $50

American

Midtown

About the restaurant

The Late August name derives from the joyful time of year when the Sears catalog would arrive at your doorstep, bringing a deep desire and wonderment to all who would receive it and begin feverishly circling the items that would hopefully arrive for Christmas.

Our restaurant, set in the previous Historic Downtown Sears building, seeks to bring that same wonder to guests through its atmosphere, service, and cuisine. Echoing the mission of Lucille's Hospitality, which is committed to “Serving the Past, Feeding the Future,” Late August’s menu explores the culinary heritages of Chef Chris Williams and Chef Sergio Hidalgo by bringing the dishes and flavors from both their youths and the experiences to date creating a culturally culinary celebration.

Top review

David

Dined 3 days ago

Friendly service, attractive dining room. Reasonable value for lunch. Beautifully fried chicken and fish sandwiches. Outstanding smash burger.

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Experience

Brunch

Experience

Brunch on Christmas Eve

Experience

New Year's Brunch

Lost & Found- Midtown

4.1

4.1 (63)

$30 and under

Continental

Montrose

About the restaurant

Lost & Found- Midtown is an eclectic new bar boasting colorful craft cocktails!

Top review

ashley

Dined on 6 Dec 2024

Great food I give a 9/10 …everything was a bit spicy but overall really good and service was fast and great customer service !!!

Ojo de Agua

4.1

4.1 (30)

$30 and under

Mexican

River Oaks

About the restaurant

Directly from Mexico City, Ojo de Agua was born with the commitment to serve authentic Mexican food with a trendy twist. Using high quality and fresh ingredients, our ample menu ranges from traditional Mexican dishes to innovative uses of classic ingredients, with great flavors being our main goal. Our concept of an all day restaurant will have you enjoying from classic chilaquiles, delicious in-house bakery, freshly made juices to amazing cocktails, one of a kind tacos or a variety of delicious dinner dishes. Saturdays and Sundays from Open till 5:00 pm we are WALK INS ONLY (Except for large parties 10+).

Top review

Martha

Dined on 5 Oct 2024

Great food and service. Great place for a date night.

Rainforest Cafe - Katy Mills

3.3

3.3 (405)

$30 and under

American

Katy

About the restaurant

You don’t have to travel far to dine in a tropical rainforest, It’s a safari for the senses. Our menu contains an array of delicious items and tropical treats you’re sure to go WILD for. End your journey with the out-of-this-world VOLCANO dessert.
Discover the rainforest, complete with cascading waterfalls, tropical rainstorms, trumpeting elephants and entertaining gorillas. It’s not just another meal; it’s an adventure! Don’t forget to take a journey through our Retail Village.
CAUTION: Flashing lights and thunder sounds inside restaurant. May cause discomfort and/ or seizures for those with photosensitive epilepsy.

Top review

AdamVIP

Dined on 7 Nov 2024

The restaurant is going under a major renovation, so most of the animals are not working and sounds like it will be that way for a while. The food was great, though.

Gazebo Seafood House

3.2

3.2 (28)

$30 and under

Seafood

Midtown

About the restaurant

Discover a culinary gem in Houston, where elegance meets exceptional seafood and Cajun cuisine. At Gazebo, we offer a refined dining experience with a menu featuring fresh seafood and flavorful Cajun dishes. Our inviting ambiance and stylish setting make it ideal for any occasion, from romantic dinners to lively celebrations. Savor artisanal appetizers, delectable entrees, and delightful desserts, all complemented by an extensive selection of wines and creative cocktails. Join us at Gazebo for an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates both sophistication and flavor.

Top review

Zakia

Dined 1 day ago

I’m not sure about these bad reviews I’ve seen but the experience at Gazebo was absolutely fantastic! My friend and I had an incredible time on Friday night. Rimah, our waitress, was exceptional—she truly made the evening memorable with her excellent service. The food was beyond delicious, with every dish surpassing our expectations. If I had to offer one suggestion, it would be to add a dessert option to the menu. A classic like fire-baked bread pudding would be a perfect touch to an already amazing dining experience. Highly recommend!

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