The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Houston | Central

1. • March 90

   • Experiential Mediterranean Tasting
   
   

   1. 2022 James Beard Awards
      Best Chef: Texas, Felipe Riccio | Semifinalist

   2. Eater Houston
      The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

   3. Esquire
      The Best New Restaurants in America 2021 | #6

   
   

   ---

   • 1624 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX | Central
   • Website
   • Instagram

2. • Koffeteria 85

   • Unassuming Houstonian Bakery
   
   

   1. 2024 James Beard Awards
      Outstanding Bakery | Semifinalist

   2. Eater Houston
      The 26 Best Coffee Shops in Houston

   3. Eater Houston
      The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

   
   

   ---

   • 1110 Hutchins St, Unit 102, Houston, TX | Central
   • Website
   • Instagram

3. • Nancy's Hustle 83

   • Modern American Bistro
   
   

   1. Michelin Guide
      Bib Gourmand

   2. Wine Enthusiast
      Forward 50 Restaurants 2023

   3. 2023 James Beard Awards
      Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program | Nominee

   
   

   ---

   • 2704 Polk St, Houston, TX | Central
   • Website
   • Instagram

4. • Julep 81

   • Thoughtful Global Cocktail Bar
   
   

   1. 2022 James Beard Awards
      Outstanding Bar Program | Winner

   2. 2024 Spirited Awards
      Best U.S. Cocktail Bar – U.S. Central | Regional Honoree

   3. 2024 Spirited Awards
      Best U.S. Cocktail Bar – U.S. Central | Regional Honoree

   
   

   ---

   • 1919 Washington Ave, Houston, TX | Central
   • Website
   • Instagram

5. • ChopnBlok 78

   • Fresh West African Fast-Casual Restaurant
   
   

   1. Michelin Guide
      Bib Gourmand

   2. The New York Times
      The Restaurant List 2025

   3. Eater Houston
      The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

   
   

   ---

   • 507 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX | Central
   • Website
   • Instagram

6. • Pappas Bros. Steakhouse 76

   • Decadent Steakhouse
   
   

   1. AAA
      Four Diamond Restaurants

   2. Wine Enthusiast
      The Wine Restaurant Hall of Fame

   3. Eater Houston
      The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

   
   

   ---

   • 1200 McKinney St, Houston, TX | Central
   • Website
   • Instagram

7. • BCN Taste & Tradition 75

   • Modern Spanish Fine Dining
   
   

   1. AAA
      Four Diamond Restaurants

   2. Michelin Guide
      1 Star

   3. Eater Houston
      The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

   
   

   ---

   • 4210 Roseland St, Houston, TX | Central
   • Website
   • Instagram

8. • Ema 73

   • Creative Indigenous Cafe
   
   

   1. Michelin Guide
      Bib Gourmand

   2. The New York Times
      The 26 Best Dishes We Ate Across the U.S. in 2024 | Horchata Berlinesa

   3. Texas Monthly
      Texas’s Best New Restaurants in 2025 | #6

   
   

   ---

   • 5307 N Main St, Unit 100, Houston, TX | Central
   • Website
   • Instagram

9. • Agnes and Sherman 71

   
   

   1. Michelin Guide
      Selected Restaurants

   2. Eater
      The Best New Restaurants in America in 2025

   3. The Infatuation
      The Top-Rated New Restaurants Of 2025 | #12

   
   

   ---

   • 250 W 19th St, Houston, TX | Central

10. • Le Jardinier 71

    • Artistic French Restaurant
    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       1 Star

    2. 2025 James Beard Awards
       Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, Andres Blanco | Semifinalist

    3. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 5500 Main St, Unit 122, Houston, TX | Central
    • Website
    • Instagram

11. • Perseid 70

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Selected Restaurants

    2. Bon Appétit
       The 20 Best New Restaurants of 2025

    3. Wine Enthusiast
       Top 50 New Restaurants 2025

    
    

    ---

    • 4110 Loretto Dr, Houston, TX | Central

12. • The Marigold Club 70

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Selected Restaurants

    2. Esquire
       The Best Martinis in America, 2024 | Mayfair Martini

    3. Eater Houston
       Most Beautiful Restaurant

    
    

    ---

    • 2531 Kuester St, Houston, TX | Central

13. • Theodore Rex 70

    • Relaxed French-Influenced Fine Dining
    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Bib Gourmand

    2. 2023 James Beard Awards
       Outstanding Hospitality | Semifinalist

    3. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 1302 Nance St, Houston, TX | Central
    • Website
    • Instagram

14. • Jūn 68

    • Funky New American Restaurant
    
    

    1. 2024 James Beard Awards
       Best New Restaurant | Semifinalist

    2. Texas Monthly
       Texas’s Best New Restaurants in 2024 | Honorable Mentions

    3. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 420 E 20th St, Unit A, Houston, TX | Central
    • Website
    • Instagram

15. • Truth Barbeque 68

    • Stylish Central Texas-Style BBQ Shop
    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Bib Gourmand

    2. Texas Monthly
       The 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas | #9

    3. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX | Central
    • Website
    • Instagram

16. • Little’s Oyster Bar 68

    • Decadent Gulf Coast Fine Seafood Restaurant
    
    

    1. Esquire
       The Best Bars in America 2024

    2. Texas Monthly
       Texas’s Best New Restaurants in 2024 | Honorable Mentions

    3. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 3001 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX | Central
    • Website
    • Instagram

17. • Baso 66

    • Live-Fire Baasque-Inspired Restaurant
    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Selected Restaurants

    2. Eater Houston
       Best Live-Fire Experience

    3. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 633A W 19th St Houston, TX | Central
    • Website
    • Instagram

18. • Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition 65

    • Traditional Gulf Coast Seafood Restaurant
    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Selected Restaurants

    2. Texas Monthly
       Texas’s Best New Restaurants in 2024 | #5

    3. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 318 Gray St, Houston, TX | Central
    • Website
    • Instagram

19. • Bandista 53

    • Intimate Latin-Inspired Speakeasy
    
    

    1. 50 Best
       North America's 50 Best Bars | #59

    2. 2025 Spirited Awards
       Best U.S. Hotel Bar – U.S. Central | Regional Top 10 Honoree

    
    

    ---

    • 1300 Lamar St, Houston, TX | Central
    • Website
    • Instagram

20. • Xochi 50

    • Creative Mexican (Oaxacan) Restaurant
    
    

    1. 2022 James Beard Awards
       Outstanding Pastry Chef, Ruben Ortega | Nominee

    2. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    3. Eater
       Best New Restaurants in America, 2017

    
    

    ---

    • 1777 Walker St, Unit A, Houston, TX | Central
    • Website
    • Instagram

21. • Bludorn 50

    • Passionate New American/French Restaurant
    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Selected Restaurants

    2. 2022 James Beard Awards
       Best Chef: Texas, Aaron Bludorn | Semifinalist

    3. 2024 James Beard Awards
       Outsdanding Hospitality | Semifinalist

    
    

    ---

    • 807 Taft St, Houston, TX | Central
    • Website
    • Instagram

22. • ChòpnBlọk 50

    • Fresh West African Fast-Casual Restaurant
    
    

    1. The New York Times
       The Restaurant List 2025

    2. 2025 James Beard Awards
       Best Chef: Texas, Ope Amosu | Semifinalist

    3. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX | Central
    • Website
    • Instagram

23. • Casaema 48

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Bib Gourmand

    2. The New York Times
       The 26 Best Dishes We Ate Across the U.S. in 2024 | Horchata Berlinesa

    3. Texas Monthly
       Texas’s Best New Restaurants in 2025 | #6

    
    

    ---

    • 5307 N Main St, Unit 100, Houston, TX | Central

24. • Refuge Coffeehouse + Bar 48

    • Sophisticated Cocktail Bar
    
    

    1. Esquire
       The Best Bars in America 2024

    2. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 1424 Westheimer Rd, Unit A, Houston, TX | Central

25. • Late August 45

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Selected Restaurants

    2. Esquire
       The Best New Restaurants in America 2024

    
    

    ---

    • 4201 Main St Unit 120 Houston, TX | Central

26. • Katami 45

    
    

    1. Texas Monthly
       Texas’s Best New Restaurants in 2024 | #1

    2. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 2701 W Dallas St, Houston, TX | Central

27. • Navy Blue 45

    
    

    1. Texas Monthly
       Texas’s Best New Restaurants in 2023 | #1

    2. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 2445 Times Blvd, Houston, TX | Central

28. • Pinkerton's Barbecue 45

    • Texas-Style BBQ Shop
    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Bib Gourmand

    2. Texas Monthly
       The 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas

    
    

    ---

    • 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX | Central

29. • nobie's 45

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Bib Gourmand

    2. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX | Central

30. • Squable 43

    
    

    1. 2024 James Beard Awards
       Best Chef: Texas, Mark Clayton | Semifinalist

    2. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 632 W 19th St, Houston, TX | Central

31. • Neo 41

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Selected Restaurants

    2. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 1711 Indiana St, Houston, TX | Central

32. • Hugo's 30

    
    

    1. 2022 James Beard Awards
       Outstanding Hospitality | Nominee

    
    

    ---

    • 1600 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX | Central

33. • Brennan's 28

    
    

    1. AAA
       Four Diamond Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 3300 Smith St, Houston, TX | Central

34. • Nickel City 28

    • Cocktail Bar
    
    

    1. 2025 Spirited Awards
       Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar | Top 10 U.S. Nominee

    
    

    ---

    • 2910 McKinney St, Ste 500, Houston, TX | Central

35. • Da Marco 28

    
    

    1. AAA
       Four Diamond Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 1520 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX | Central

36. • Christy's Donuts 28

    • Donut Shop
    
    

    1. The Infatuation
       11 Of The Best Donuts In America

    
    

    ---

    • 1103 W Gray St, Houston, TX | Central

37. • Lee's 28

    • Complex Cocktail Bar
    
    

    1. Bon Appétit
       The 9 Best New Bars of 2025

    
    

    ---

    • 5117 Kelvin Dr, Houston, TX | Central

38. • Light Years 26

    • Natural Wine Bar
    
    

    1. Esquire
       The Best Bars in America 2024

    
    

    ---

    • 1304 W Alabama St, Houston, TX | Central

39. • The Pit Room 25

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Bib Gourmand

    
    

    ---

    • 1201 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX | Central

40. • Rosie Canonball 25

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Bib Gourmand

    
    

    ---

    • 1620 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX | Central

41. • Poison Girl Bar 25

    
    

    1. Huckberry
       The 50 Best Dive Bars in America

    
    

    ---

    • 1641 Westheimer Rd, Unit B, Houston, TX | Central

42. • Killen's 25

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Bib Gourmand

    
    

    ---

    • 101 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX | Central

43. • Da Gama Canteen 25

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Bib Gourmand

    
    

    ---

    • 600 N Shepherd, Unit 520, Houston, TX | Central

44. • Papalo Taqueria 25

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Bib Gourmand

    
    

    ---

    • 712 Main St, Houston, TX | Central

45. • Reserve 101 25

    • Cocktail Bar
    
    

    1. 2025 Spirited Awards
       Best U.S. Cocktail Bar – U.S. Central | Regional Top 10 Honoree

    
    

    ---

    • 1201 Caroline St, Houston, TX | Central

46. • Annam 25

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Bib Gourmand

    
    

    ---

    • 811 Buffalo Park Dr, Unit 120, Houston, TX | Central

47. • Elro 23

    
    

    1. Texas Monthly
       Texas’s Best New Restaurants in 2024 | #9

    
    

    ---

    • 2405 Genesee St, Houston, TX | Central

48. • Hamsa 23

    
    

    1. Texas Monthly
       Texas’s Best New Restaurants in 2023 | #3

    
    

    ---

    • 5555 Morningside Dr, Unit 100, Houston, TX | Central

49. • Maven Coffee and Cocktails 21

    • Coffee Shop Coffee Shop/Cocktail Bar
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 1717 Allen Pkwy Fl 1, Houston, TX | Central

50. • J-Bar-M 21

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Selected Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 2201 Leeland St, Houston, TX | Central

51. • Bludorn Restaurant 21

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Selected Restaurants

    2. 2022 James Beard Awards
       Best Chef: Texas, Aaron Bludorn | Semifinalist

    3. 2024 James Beard Awards
       Outsdanding Hospitality | Semifinalist

    
    

    ---

    • 807 Taft St, Houston, TX | Central

52. • Slow Drip TX 21

    • Coffee Shop
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 1625 Main St, Unit A-1, Houston, TX | Central

53. • Third Place 21

    • Collaborative Coffee Shop
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 420 E 20th St, Ste A, Houston, TX | Central

54. • Kefita Coffee 21

    • Cozy Ethiopian Coffee Shop
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 2506 La Branch St, Houston, TX | Central

55. • Campesino Coffee House 21

    • Charming Latin Coffee Shop/Cafe
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 2602 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX | Central

56. • Cariño Coffee 21

    • Mexican Coffee Shop
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 708 Hogan St, Houston, TX | Central

57. • Fifth Vessel Coffee 21

    • Bright Coffee Shop Coffee Shop
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 104 N Main St, Houston, TX | Central

58. • Candente 21

    
    

    1. Michelin Guide
       Selected Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 4306 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX | Central

59. • Brass Tacks 21

    • Coffee Shop Coffee Shop/Cocktail Bar
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 612 Live Oak St, Houston, TX | Central

60. • Retrospect Coffee Bar 21

    • Teensy Coffee Shop Coffee Shop/Cafe
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 3709 La Branch St, Houston, TX | Central

61. • Eden Plant Co. 21

    • Oasis-Like Coffee Shop Coffee Shop/Plant Shop
    
    

    1. The New York Times
       The Restaurant List 2025

    2. 2025 James Beard Awards
       Best Chef: Texas, Ope Amosu | Semifinalist

    3. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX | Central

62. • The Coffee House at West End 21

    • Bustling Coffee Shop Coffee Shop
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 802 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX | Central

63. • Agora 21

    • European Coffee Shop
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 1712 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX | Central

64. • JŪN 21

    
    

    1. 2024 James Beard Awards
       Best New Restaurant | Semifinalist

    2. Texas Monthly
       Texas’s Best New Restaurants in 2024 | Honorable Mentions

    3. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 420 E 20th St, Unit A, Houston, TX | Central

65. • Catalina Coffee 21

    • Cozy Coffee Shop Coffee Shop
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 2201 Washington Ave, Houston, TX | Central

66. • Un Caffe 21

    • Coffee Shop Coffee Shop
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 3217 Milam St, Houston, TX | Central

67. • Boomtown Coffee 21

    • Craft Coffee Shop Coffee Shop
    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The Best Coffee Shops in Houston

    
    

    ---

    • 242 W 19th St, Houston, TX | Central

68. • Milton's American Trattoria 21

    
    

    1. Texas Monthly
       Texas’s Best New Restaurants in 2025 | Honorable Mentions

    
    

    ---

    • 5117 Kelvin Dr, Unit 200, Houston, TX | Central

69. • The Rado Market 20

    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX | Central

70. • Tiny Champions 20

    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 2617 McKinney St, Houston, TX | Central

71. • The Breakfast Klub 20

    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 3711 Travis St, Houston, TX | Central

72. • Riel 20

    
    

    1. Eater Houston
       The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

    
    

    ---

    • 1927 Fairview St, Houston, TX | Central