Top 11 Restaurants in Downtown Houston You Need to Visit Now

Downtown Houston is one of the most exciting areas in the country. In addition to hosting a variety of bustling businesses, Downtown Houston also boasts major attractions like the Houston Aquarium and Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. You can also catch major sporting events and concerts at the Toyota Center.

After a full day of shopping and sightseeing, you can sit down at one of Downtown Houston’s many restaurants. If you’re a bit too tired to dine-in, you can also order pick-up and enjoy some delicious food from the comfort of your own home. Not sure where you want to eat? Check out our full guide to the top 11 restaurants in Downtown Houston now!

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Within seconds, you can text your loved one a virtual gift card to their favorite restaurant in Downtown Houston. Purchase one today!

1. Hearsay Market Square

Popular restaurant where contemporary cuisine meets old school dining.

Hearsay offers delicious meals like this one, and delicious drinks to go with them! Image courtesy of Instagram.

218 Travis St. | Downtown Houston | hearsayhouston.com

At Hearsay Market Square, you can expect to find the perfect blend of contemporary sophistication and old-fashioned charm. The restaurant boasts “chic antique” design, which features a unique mix of historic architectural elements with modern pieces. 

On the menu, you can find a fine selection of upscale plates and craft cocktails. Shareable plates, salads, sandwiches, and meat platters are all served at this special restaurant. Our favorite dishes are the Crunchy Ahi Tuna Tacos and Tuscan Chicken Pasta. The drink menu offers special cocktails, beer, and wine to enjoy alongside your meal. 

Hours are from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Sundays.

“The atmosphere is so cool here. Beautiful old building with exposed brick, old wood windows and doors, beautiful staircase, and a captivating wall of flickering candles over the bar. It's fairly small and limited seating, especially because of social distancing.” - Yelp Review

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2. Niko Niko’s

Rustic restaurant venue known for its Greek and American dishes.

Guests can enjoy a quick meal on the restaurant’s outdoor patio, or sit down for a nice, relaxing dining experience. Image courtesy of Instagram.

2520 Montrose Blvd | Montrose | nikonikos.com

Tired of the typical Tex-Mex and New American restaurants in Houston? Try Niko Niko’s! This popular Greek restaurant is known for its fresh dishes and contemporary dining space. Guests can order curbside pick-up or eat inside its spacious dining room. Outdoor patio seating is also available if you’re in the mood to eat outside and enjoy the fine Houston weather.

On the menu, you can find a decent mix of breakfast dishes, appetizers, sandwiches, and platters. Some of their most popular dishes include the Falafel Sandwich, Char-Grilled Pork Chops, and Lamb Kabob. Soft drinks, carafes, smoothies, tea, cocktails, and beer are also available to help quench your thirst after a hearty meal.

Niko Niko’s is open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. every day of the week.

“Absolutely amazing pita and stuffed with delectable gyro meat accompanied  by perfect fries! I've been going to Niko Nikos since I was a little girl and it was in a trailer! Now I take my little girls here.” - Yelp Review

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3. Warren’s Inn

Charming and laid back late-night bar known for its strong pours.

This assuming, no-frills bar is perfect for grabbing drinks with some friends. And it’s also beautiful! Image courtesy of Instagram.

307 Travis St. | Downtown, Fourth Ward | warrensinn.biz 

Warren’s Inn is a charming bar known for its strong pours. Whether you want to grab a quick drink with friends or find somewhere new for date night, Warren’s Inn is the perfect destination for casual kickbacks with your loved ones. This laid back, no-frills bar offers perfect mood lighting and a rustic decor to help you unwind. 

In addition to its extensive drink menu, Warren’s Inn also offers an appetizing selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches. Since the food menu is a bit small, it’s important to note that Warren’s Inn might not be the best place for a full meal. But if you aren’t too hungry and just want a new bar to relax in, you’ll love visiting Warren’s Inn.

Warren’s Inn is open from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. the following morning on weekdays, from noon until 2 a.m. on Saturdays, and from 2 p.m. until 2 a.m. on Sundays.

“This is one of the best dive bars you will go to in the area. They do not skimp on the drinks. Just don't walk in expecting this to be your regular bar like the others.” - Yelp Review

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4. Treebeards

Vibrant restaurant in Downtown Houston offering classic Southern and Cajun dishes.

There are lots of options at Treebeards, and lately they’ve been working to make their menu more inclusive for dietary restrictions. Image courtesy of Instagram.

711 Louisiana St | Downtown Houston | treebeards.com 

Since 1978, Treebeards has successfully delivered delicious Southern cuisine to the hungry residents of Houston. Treebeards offers a fun, laid back dining experience for guests who want to enjoy a nice cold drink and hearty Southern dish. The Downtown Houston location boasts a sprawling garden and elegant architecture for guests to admire. 

On the menu, you can find a wide selection of soups, salads, sides, and entrees. Treebeards also offers daily specials from Monday through Friday on popular dishes like the baked catfish and meatloaf.

Hours at Treebeards are from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and the restaurant is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

“Treebeards has some mighty DELICIOUS food!!! The shrimp etouffee is my favorite. We had an event there today in their semi-private room and the staff was AMAZING from start to finish.” - Yelp Review

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5. Irma’s Southwest Grill

Fajitas, tacos, and more classic Tex-Mex dishes await you at this popular eatery.

Irma’s is the perfect place to enjoy a hearty lunch or dinner, or grab a drink! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1475 Texas St. | Downtown Houston | irmassouthwest.com

Irma’s Southwest Grill is one of the top destinations in Houston for savory and creative Tex-Mex dishes. This popular Tex-Mex spot is open for lunch and dinner as well as Saturday brunch. Irma’s sleek, contemporary dining space is also perfect for hosting private gatherings. Rehearsal dinners, corporate dinners, and other special events have been held here in the past. 

In terms of the menu, Irma’s serves interesting and appetizing dishes including the Wild Boar Tacos, Bacon-Wrapped Diablo Shrimp Fajita, and Chilean Sea Bass. If you’re a huge breakfast fan, you’ll love Irma’s all-day breakfast menu. 

Handmade margaritas and cocktails are also served to help finish off your meal. If you still have any room for dessert, you should try the Sopapillas or Chocolate Mousse Pie. 

Irma’s is closed on Sundays, but Monday through Friday the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., and the hours are 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday.

“The food is delicious, the staff is wonderful and my favorite lemonade is always waiting for me. I would recommend this place for anyone looking for some great food and ambiance.” - Yelp Review

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6. Potente

Upscale, modern Italian restaurant featuring dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients!

Potente boasts a sleek bar with a design that is reminiscent of a classic Italian villa, and it also has all the classic bar foods you could want on the menu! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1515 Texas Ave. | Downtown Houston | potentehouston.com 

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, head to Potente. This contemporary Italian restaurant features a sleek and sophisticated dining space perfect for celebrating special occasions or even just catching up with loved ones. 

Only the freshest, high-quality ingredients are included in Potente’s dishes. Whenever possible, the restaurant also sources local ingredients for its award-winning meals. 

Guests can order a la carte or enjoy a specially-priced three-course dinner if they arrive between 5pm-7pm. A full wine and dessert menu are also available to help round out your meal at Potente.

Potente is open from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

“We ordered quite a lot & did family style for the appetizers. Everything was absolutely mind-blowing… I had the spaghetti al tartufo nero where they shaved the truffle table-side & the first bite instantly knocked me out with so much amazing flavor.” - Yelp Review

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7. Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse

An award-winning steakhouse in downtown Houston!

While the star of the show is Vic and Anthony’s steak, there’s plenty more on the menu! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1510 Texas Ave | Houston | vicandanthonys.com

With locations in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Lake Charles, and Houston, Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse has won awards in more states than just Texas. However, this restaurant was first founded in Houston, and it has become incredibly popular there.

If you’re looking for fine dining, you’ll find it here, and not just with the steaks! The selection of appetizers, soups, salads, and other entrees will make your mouth water just by looking at them.

Sundays through Thursdays, hours are from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Friday hours are from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. while Saturday hours are from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. The bar opens at 4 p.m. every day of the week.

“We got there before the game let out and we're so glad we did. We had the best table in the bar. Our food came out before the rush and it was delicious. Our drinks were strong and consistent.” - Yelp Review

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8. Grotto Downtown

Italian-inspired dishes in Houston, Texas!

Not only is the food at Grotto great, but you should also definitely take a look at the wine list! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1001 Avenida De Las Americas Ste A | Houston | grottorestaurants.com 

With both decor and dishes inspired by “Old World” Italy, Grotto in downtown Houston is all about the ambience. You can sit down to dine, order takeout online, or book a private event at any of their locations!

Grotto has an impressive selection on the menu, including signature dishes like Neapolitan Pizza, Veal Kickerillo, Pollo Francese, and more! Choose a wine to accompany your meal and just enjoy the dining experience.

Grotto is open from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays. 

“Came to this place on a last minute decision and so glad that we did! Atmosphere is nice and relaxed, ambiance is perfect. The decor is the best, we couldn't stop obsessing over it!” - Yelp Review

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9. McCormick & Shmick’s Seafood & Steaks

Serving delicious steak and seafood since 1974 in many locations!

Delicious steak and tasty seafood for dinner in downtown Houston! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1201 Fannin St | Houston | mccormickandschmicks.com

With many locations across the country and four in Houston alone, McCormick & Shmick’s has been making great steaks, seafood, and beverages since 1974. They’re known for service that’s a cut above the rest, an award-winning happy hour, and plenty of space for private dining.

This restaurant uses the freshest ingredients possible for all of their delicious dishes, especially the seafood— signature fish, signature oysters, and seafood specialty dishes? McCormick & Shmick’s is far more than just another steakhouse.

The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Fridays, 3:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 3:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays.

“I enjoyed all three courses, the restaurant was clean, noise level was surprisingly tame considering how many people were there, and our reservations made it a breeze to get in and get a table.” - Yelp Review

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10. Perbacco

Authentic Italian food at a restaurant that accommodates your needs!

Perbacco serves authentic Italian dishes in downtown Houston. Image courtesy of Instagram.

700 Milam St | Houston | perbaccohouston.com 

Perbacco has been serving authentic Italian food for years, after its founder and owner— Vittorio Preteroti —moved to the United States from Capri Island in 1991. They pride themselves on amazing customer service to go with their delicious food and wide selection of wine.

They serve casserole, pasta, salads, and entrees— both with meat, fish, and vegetables. If you’re looking for authentic Italian dining, you’ll find it here!

Lunch hours are from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and dinner hours are from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

“Stopped in since it was next door to Jones Hall and was not disappointed. Delicious food (the tiramisu was delightful) and service was quick but very friendly. Will definitely come again.” - Yelp Review

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11. Huynh Restaurant

Authentic, homemade Vietnamese cuisine in downtown Houston!

Caption + Image courtesy of Instagram.

912 St Emanuel St | Houston | huynhrestauranthouston.com 

This family-owned restaurant has been serving homemade, authentic Vietnamese food in Houston for over 10 years. The atmosphere is both comfortable and modern, and their delicious food and great service has earned Huynh Restaurant a spot on many lists like this one!

They have a variety of dishes on the menu, some of the most popular being fresh spring rolls, rice plates, noodle bowls, and stir-frys.

“Huynh is a good Vietnamese restaurant with decent portions and great authentic flavor. It's definitely more upscale Vietnamese food vibes. If you want great service, a nice place to dine in, and good food, Huynh is a good place to try.” - Yelp Review

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Downtown Houston boasts a thriving restaurant scene. What restaurant do you plan on visiting next? Let us know in the comments!