Restaurants in Downtown Houston: 10 Best Food Places to Eat Steak, Mexican & more!

One of the things I love most about Houston restaurants is the extensive selection of authentic, foreign foods we have available to us throughout the city. Downtown is no exception, and it’s here that you’ll find some of the most upscale, authentic, and finger-licking good restaurants in the entire city. So let’s take a look at the best places to eat delicious food in Downtown Houston!

---

Best Downtown Houston Restaurants

Theodore Rex

1302 Nance St Unit A, Houston, TX 77002

If you’re looking for a cozy spot with a five-star chef, look no further. Theodore Rex has become one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in Downtown Houston, thanks to their relaxed fine-dining experience complete with immaculate service. Their seasonal menu changes periodically, so you’ll always be able to try something new. The menu is best enjoyed tapas-style, splitting with everyone at your table so you can sample all there is to taste.

Localite Tip: This is one of Houston’s most popping restaurants, so be sure to book a table well in advance, especially if you have a group of more than two people.

 

Kokoro

409 Travis St suite a-366, Houston, TX 77002

Sushi lovers, this one’s for you. Kokoro is the new-style Japanese concept from Chefs Daniel Lee and Patrick Pham, who have more than 20 years of combined culinary experience. With their high-quality, fresh ingredients going into their unique sushi rolls, the raving reviews are rolling in. Kokoro is hands down the best sushi restaurant in Downtown Houston.

 

Xochi

1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

Award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega consistently creates Oaxacan food that celebrates the region’s culinary history. This isn’t your local Tex-Mex burrito spot. Instead, think of varieties of mole, grasshoppers, and avocado leaves. This authentic Mexican restaurant in Downtown Houston has an extensive and delicious dinner menu, plus lunch, brunch, vegetarian options, and one-of-a-kind mezcal cocktails. With over 2500 reviews, you know this place will be the bomb!

 

Pappas Bros Steakhouse

1200 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010

This long-time favorite steak restaurant in Houston has been a staple in Houstonians’ hearts for years, and the Pappa family has been serving impeccable food for even longer. With over 80 restaurants spread through the country, you know they’re doing something right. Their Downtown location offers several private dining areas, including the Train Car, the Side Car, the Dining Car, the Wine Room, and the Lounge. They’re known for their award-winning dry-aged prime beef and exceptional wine collection.

 

Perbacco 

700 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002

Continuing our trend of authentic foreign cuisine in Houston, we have Perbacco, which brings the taste of Italy to our city. This quaint little restaurant serves the freshest seafood, made-to-order Italian favorites, and fine Italian red and white wine. The chef, who moved to the States from Capri in 1991, is happy to make any substitutions or any dish you desire, so long as he has the ingredients. Talk about personalized service!

Localite Tip: Located in the heart of the theatre district, Perbacco is the perfect Downtown Houston restaurant to stop by for a lovely dinner before a show at Revention, Wortham, or any other of the local venues.

 

Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse

1510 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002

Voted both Best Steakhouse and Best Downtown Restaurant Houston in 2021, Vic & Anthony’s doesn’t just stop at steak. They’re also well known for the jump lump crab cakes and red snapper, so there’s something here for everyone. And it’s not just their menu that keeps people coming back. They’re focused on matching their impeccable food with exquisite service as well.

 

Potente

1515 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002

Another mouth-watering, authentic Italian restaurant – this one brought to us by Astros-owner Jim Crane. They serve up daily seafood selections, homemade pasta, and perfectly cooked USDA steaks for dinner. They even won an award for One of the Best Pastas in the Country by the Food Network, so you know Potente has secured a spot as one of the best Downtown Houston restaurants. Pair a portion of pasta with a bottle from their boutique wine list or a choice from their selection of fine whiskeys, scotches, spirits, liquors, and craft beers, and you have a dinner of champions.

 

Margaux’s Oyster Bar

409 Travis St STE A, Houston, TX 77002

Oysters – people either love them or hate them. If you’re in the latter group, Margaux’s might change your mind! This place has tons of reviews of first-time oyster eaters who’ve fallen in love with fresh Gulf oysters after a visit to this top restaurant in Downtown Houston. Margaux’s opened right at the start of the pandemic but has persisted and grown, so you know it’s here to stay. They offer a massive variety of oysters to choose from, and if you’re still not convinced, they have other plates and seafood options as well.

 

Hearsay

218 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002

The vibe at Hearsay is self-proclaimed chic antique, which makes sense since it’s located in one of Houston’s oldest buildings. Serving nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients on their menu of New American cuisine, this Downtown Houston restaurant has become a favorite for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Plus, their speakeasy-style vintage libations offer flavor profiles for every taste.

 

Other Food Places to Eat in Houston Downtown 

Phoenicia

1001 Austin St, Houston, TX 77010

A slight deviation from the gourmet options scattered throughout Houston, but definitely not to be missed, Phoenician Specialty Foods is a sprawling Mediterranean deli market with all your favorite meats, cheeses, wines, oils, and much more. You can snag some prepared food items for a lunch to-go, grab something from the bakery, or sit down and eat at their cafe. As one reviewer says, it’s a “culinary tour of the world.”

Localite Tip: They also offer curbside pickup and delivery, so you can order online if you don’t have time to deal with Downtown traffic or parking.

 

Looking for nothing but meat? Check out the Best Steakhouses in Houston.

For more foodie content, check out the Food & Drink section at HoustonOnTheCheap.