Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Houston

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Houston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes 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 reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Soto - Houston

4.9

4.9 (534)

$50 and over

Sushi

Montrose

About the restaurant

Soto offers sushi dressed to taste giving you a unique experience you won't forget. Chef Andy and team curated an award winning menu that also features two different Omakase'. Our bar carries an extensive Japanese whiskey and sake menu guaranteed to have something you will love. Stop in today for an upscale Japanese dining experience!

Top review

Samvip

Dined 3 days ago

It was really good food and service, I will be coming back.

Bandista

4.9

4.9 (214)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

About the restaurant

Discreetly located within Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Bandista is an intimate, modern-day speakeasy, reminiscent of a 1920s lounge that dazzles with a decadent Latin vibe. Guests of the 20-seat bar and lounge enjoy inventive and artistic interpretations of classic and contemporary cocktails, as well as rare spirits from around the world. Bandista's eight bar seats provide a center-stage show of the cocktail laboratory, where guests connect with the city's most talented bartenders and other discreet guests.

Experience @BandistaHouston on Instagram

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined 2 days ago

The drinks were amazing! The bartenders were very nice and creative with our recommendations! We will definitely go back!

CASE Chocolates

4.9

4.9 (40)

$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.

Pricing $68 per person

Top review

Naomi

Dined 5 days ago

Such a unique experience, nothing else like it in Houston! The drinks were amazing and paired well with the chocolates. Can’t wait to return!!

Discover more

Experience

Chocolate & Cocktails Tasting Experience

Amrina

4.8

4.8 (461)

$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

marievip

Dined 2 days ago

Molly was an excellent waitress Food great. Atmosphere sophisticated. One of my favorite places

Discover more

Experience

Fantasy Hour - A Royal Happy Hour Experience

Experience

Chef’s Table Experience

Experience

Main Dining Tasting Menu $125

BORI - Montrose

4.8

4.8 (29)

$31 to $50

Korean

Montrose

About the restaurant

Bringing an original and unique dining experience to Houston, BORI introduces the first authentic South Korean inspired steakhouse by using the finest and highest quality meats for a complete exposure to the cultural flavor and essence of Korean taste. This clean and fun atmosphere is a landmark destination for local and international food enthusiasts in search of the best Korean food in town! BORI is one of the few restaurants that offers selections of A5 Wagyu from Japan, Dry‐Aged Steaks, Filet Mignon, & our favorite Marinated Boneless Short Rib. We are equipped with the best ventilation system in Houston, so you won’t leave the restaurant smelling like BBQ. The table servers are trained to ensure a perfectly cooked meal while maintaining a fun and eyecatching experience for the customers. BORI promises not only a luxury, fine dining experience but an entertaining one as well. We have the freshest ingredients and the friendliest staff to cater to your every need!

Top review

Junvip

Dined 6 days ago

Great food, great service. Only complaint is relatively loud music, which is totally unnecessary since most customers are family. BORI is now one of my favorite restaurants in Houston. Since it is still soft opening, no coffee is available. Hope coffee will be available soon.

Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen - Vintage

4.7

4.7 (51)

$30 and under

Mexican

North Side

About the restaurant

Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen is an exciting concept kitchen that strives to bring elevated Mexican cuisine to a modern audience. The menu reflects the rich variety of Mexican cuisine, with a plethora of options to suit any craving. Each dish is made to order using fresh, local and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant strives to provide a traditional and modern interpretation of all family recipes. Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen offers special happy hour pricing Monday through Friday with appetizers and drinks. Start with an appetizer. Order the street corn, spicy chicharron, ceviche costeno or the pork belly in salsa verde. For entrees, get the risotto Mexicano, pescado a la veracruzana or the lamb shank. Not feeling that hungry? Guests can order tacos, quesadillas or fajitas a la carte. Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen is good for families, small and large groups or just a night out on the town.

Top review

Patricia

Dined 6 days ago

The food, the service and the atmosphere were excellent. We had a reservation for 8 that had to be adjusted for 9 and they were very accommodating.

The Fish

4.5

4.5 (235)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Montrose

About the restaurant

Proudly serving Houston since 2002, The Fish stands as Midtown's top destination for Japanese cuisine and sushi, boasting a vibrant social atmosphere. With an extensive menu featuring mouthwatering dishes such as Yuzu Shrimp & Noodles, Thai Chili Yellowtail, and Blue Crab Fried Rice, our dedicated and welcoming staff are here to exceed your expectations and ensure a memorable dining experience.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 7 days ago

Love the is place! The food and drinks are always 10/10

True Food Kitchen - Houston

4.4

4.4 (1428)

$30 and under

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar that was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, to provide food that tastes great and is good for you. At our table, delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. Our expertly trained chefs craft flavor-forward dishes, handcrafted cocktails and freshly pressed refreshers so you can enjoy epic food experiences that aren’t just good for you, but good to you. Join us in Houston for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. Located in Uptown Houston neighborhood at BLVD Place, home to other concepts such as: Whole Foods Market, North Italia and One Medical Anchored Shopping Center. New flavors, new combinations, new obsessions. Come see us for something completely new and delicious.

Top review

Vicki

Dined on Sep 20, 2024

This was my first time as well as my guest’s first time of ever eating at True Food…WOW!!! We absolutely LOVED everything about it. I have now found my new go to. I am not a fan of eating out for many reasons, but mainly healthy eating habits. It took my guest a minute to get his around no fries…lol so, he went with the kale slaw, by the end of the meal he was singing the praises of the food and he really needs to eat mor greens..lol

PostScript HTX

4.1

4.1 (41)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Southeast Houston

About the restaurant

PostScript is a modern American restaurant offering dinner, lunch and weekend brunch. Creative, memorable cuisine is brought to life in a unique and elegant venue.

PostScript offers options for large groups, celebrations and corporate events. The venue features two private dining rooms, including a large private room with bar and patio.

Top review

Barbie

Dined on Sep 11, 2024

If you're looking for a dining experience that combines elegance with a touch of whimsy, this charming pink restaurant is a must-visit. From the moment you step inside, the aesthetically pleasing decor envelops you in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff are exceptional, providing top-notch service with genuine friendliness and attention to detail. The bartender deserves a special mention for crafting delightful and expertly mixed drinks that perfectly complement the ambiance. Overall, the service is extraordinary, making every aspect of the visit memorable. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a blend of style, sophistication, and impeccable hospitality. Barbie

Derby Restaurant

3.9

3.9 (35)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Willowbrook

About the restaurant

At Derby, we pride ourselves on delivering not just exquisite flavors but also an exceptional bar experience. Indulge in our diverse menu featuring locally brewed beers, expertly crafted artisanal cocktails, and a carefully curated selection of premium spirits. Come join us and discover the perfect blend of culinary excellence and automotive passion at Derby Houston.

Open to the public. All ages are welcome in the restaurant.

Top review

Tommy

Dined on Sep 8, 2024

Good service and tasty food. Wish we could’ve seen the cars.

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