Arthur – 1111 Studewood (832-582-7146) http://arthuravehou.com/
From the Helen Greek folks, a nicely modern twist on Italian-American food we all remember, such as lasagna and red sauces. $$‑$$$
Azuma Sushi & Robata Bar – 5600 Kirby Dr (713-432-9649) http://www.azumakirby.com/
Start with a robata (which translates as “by the fireside”) selection: black peppered scallops with shitake mushrooms. The spicy “Polo Roll” wrappped in rice paper and stuffed with deep fried oysters, avocado, and white fish, is also good. Pretty setting $$
Backstreet Cafe – 1103 S. Shepherd (713-521-2239) http://www.backstreetcafe.net/
Best patio in town. Comfort food, including meat loaf tower. $$
BCN – 4210 Roseland Street (832-834-3411) http://bcnhouston.com/
Hot spot in Montrose. BCN are the airline call letters for Barcelona tablecloths, nice food, civilized. $$$‑$$$$
Benjy’s on Washington – 2424 Dunstan Rd (713-522-7602) http://www.benjys.com/
The Rice Village version, Benjy’s on Washington is packing them in. Pan seared pork dumplings and rare tuna with soy vinaigrette are favorites. $$
Bernadine’s – 1801 N. Shepherd Dr (713-864-2565) http://www.brandanis.com/
Handsome setting with good Southern cuisine, seafood and a fine brunch. A fav. $$‑$$$
Brandani’s – In Missouri City (832-987-1313) http://www.brandanis.com
This Italian restaurant and wine bar is drawing crowds. Nicely done seafood, fried chicken, and burgers as well. $$‑$$$
Breakfast Klub – 3711 Travis (713-528-8561) http://thebreakfastklub.com/
Chicken wings or pork chops with breakfast eggs? They taste just fine. Also a hearty rendition of Eggs Benedict and great waffle. Funky interior with good people watching. $
Caracol – 2200 Post Oak Blvd. #160 (713-622-9996) http://www.caracol.net/
Hugo Ortega’s new spot, strong on seafood. Nice front patio. Very noisy during peak hours. Post Oak Blvd. $$‑$$$
Coltivare – 3320 White Oak Dr. (713-637-4095) http://coltivarehouston.com/
From Revival Market folks, this Heights Italian place is terrific, but they take no reservations. $$‑$$$
Cooking Girl – 315 Fairview (832-649-7175) http://www.thecookinggirls.com/
Really hot and good Szechuan food and they just opened a second spot, Pepper Twins that we also like based on one visit. $‑$$
dak & bop – 1801 Binz (713-528-0280) http://www.dakandbop.com/
Korean hot fried chicken wings, strips, and drums, plus great corn on the cob. Industrial, casual setting on Binz. $$
DaMarco – 1520 Westheimer (713-807-8857) http://www.damarcohouston.com/
Westheimer west of Montrose Blvd. Still one of the best Italian spots in town. Great lamb chops and burrata cheese. Book. $$$
Dolce Vita – 500 Westheimer (713-520-8222) http://www.dolcevitahouston.com/
A casual Italian bistro from the folks at DaMarco–how could it be bad? We especially like the pizzas (arugula, cheese, and pear is an unusual winner) and the pastas. Expect crowds and noise. $$
Etoile – 1101-11 Uptown Park Blvd. (832-668-5808) http://etoilecuisine.com/
Among the best in French food in Uptown Park. Pretty interior. $$$
Glass Wall – 933 Studewood (713-868-7930) http://glasswalltherestaurant.com/
A stylish, casual setting in the Heights makes a good backdrop for ambitious food, including good pork dishes. $$
Helen Greek Food & Wine – 2429 Rice Blvd. (832-831-7133)
A welcome addition to Rice Village offers great gyros, dips, and wines, plus other classic dishes. $$‑$$$
Hugo’s – 1600 Westheimer at Mandell (713-524-7744) http://www.hugosrestaurant.net/
Still very good, yet a bit noisy, for Mex Mex fare. Great Sunday brunch buffet. $$
Izakaya Wa – 12665 Memorial Dr. (713-461-0155) http://www.izakayawa.com/
From the Kata Robata folks, this new Japanese spot is packing ‘em in. Imaginative rolls and other seafood dishes. $$‑$$$
Kata Robata – 3600 Kirby Dr. (713-526-8858) https://www.katarobata.com/
Terrific Japanese in a pretty setting with fine service. Kirby at Richmond. $$$
Killen’s Barbeque – 3613 E. Broadway, Pearland Tx. (281-485-2272) http://www.killensbarbecue.com/
Great barbecue! They open in morning and serve until they run out. Expect lines, but worth it. $‑$$
Killen’s Steakhouse – 6425 W. Broadway, Pearland Tx. (281-485-0844) http://www.killenssteakhouse.com/
is nearby Killen’s Barbeque and an excellent steakhouse from renowned Chef Ronnie Killen. $$$$
La Table Chateau – 6 BLVD Place, 1800 Post Oak Blvd (713-439-1000) https://latablehouston.com/
Good French food in a posh setting that allows for conversation – prices aren’t bad, either, nor is the view of Post Oak. $$$‑$$$$
Le Mistral – 1420 Eldridge Pkwy (832-379-8322) http://www.lemistralhouston.com/
Relaxed, pretty spot way out west, with French speaking servers forgiving of our faux pas in pronunciation. Terrific tarragon spiced chicken potpie, good garlicky escargots, and spinach and veal ravioli with pesto sauce. $$‑$$$
Lucille’s – 5512 La Branch St. (713-568-2505) http://www.lucilleshouston.com/
African American roots and good Southern food. An old house close to Binz. $$‑$$$
Mala Sichuan – 1201 Westheimer Rd. near Montrose (832-767-0911) https://www.malasichuanbistro.com/
Some like it hot and Mala delivers heat. Interesting dishes. $$
Mein – 630 Clarewood Dr (713-923-7488) http://www.eatmein.com/
Cantonese hotspot out west. Dozens of house made noodle dishes. $$‑$$$
MF Sushi – 1401 Binz (713-637-4587) https://www.facebook.com/MFSUSHIHTOWN/
Reopened in a new location after fire. Very fine Japanese food. $$‑$$$
Niko Niko’s – 2520 Montrose (713-528-4976) http://www.nikonikos.com/
This bustling place in the Montrose dishes up a good gyro plate, mousaka, and souvlaki. $‑$$
Oporto Fooding – 125 W. Gray (713-528-0115) http://www.oportomidtown.us/
Silly name but pretty darn good food, Portuguese style. Exotic setting. $$‑$$$
Pondicheri – 2800 Kirby Dr. In West Ave (713-522-2022) https://www.pondicheri.com/
Indika’s little brother, more casual Indian “street food.” Good food and really interesting breakfasts. $$‑$$$
Revival Market – 550 Heights Blvd. at White Oak (713-880-8463) http://revivalmarket.com/
This fav market/coffee/lunch stop in the Heights now serves dinner, too. Buttermilk biscuits Texas peach salad are recent standouts. $‑$$$
State of Grace – 3258 Westheimer (832-942-5080) http://stateofgracetx.com/
Nice oysters, dishes from Houston’s past, and lively bar. $$‑$$$
Third Coast – 6550 Bertner Ave, 6th floor parking garage (713-749-0400) https://thirdcoasthouston.com/
(Formerly occupied by Trevisio)
This Med Center spot has terrific views of the nearby hospitals and beyond. We recommend the steaks, followed by apple crisp a la mode. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$$
Tony’s – 3755 Richmond at Timmons (713-622-6778) http://tonyshouston.com/
Posh setting—still very good and not as packed as it used to be. $$$‑$$$$
Uchi – 904 Westheimer (713-522-4808) https://uchihouston.com/
Really interesting Japanese inspired food with expert service. Westheimer near Montrose. Book ahead, though they take some walk ins. $$‑$$$
Vic & Anthony’s – 1510 Texas Ave (713-228-1111) http://www.vicandanthonys.com/
Good steakhouse, with very fine crab cake, too. Downtown. $$$
Weights + Measures – 2808 Caroline St. (713-228-1111) http://weights-measures.com/
Erratic, but capable of great dishes—salmon, peppercorn truffle butter served with the house bread from the adjoining bakery. $$‑$$$