The 10 Hottest Restaurants in Houston

 

The biggest city in Texas is home to some of its biggest flavors. Of course there’s barbecue, burgers and beer, but Houston’s culinary scene is actually among the most diverse in the country, with an onslaught of exciting new openings that keep locals coming back for more. There’s tasty tacos, inventive Japanese, and hidden gems in both the casual and fine dining scenes. So whatever you’re in the mood for, get ready for good eats at the 10 Hottest Restaurants in Houston.

 

From the minds behind the celebrated Uchi restaurant comes a new approach to sushi. It’s got the same creative dishes and signature seasonal omakase, with extra emphasis on stone grilling, for an added dash of smoke and char. Delight in 4x seared dry aged wagyu strip, or indulge in the full on Whiskey & Wagyu tasting. Try the wholly original experience for yourself with a reservation at Uchiko.

 

James Beard Award-winning chef Christine Ha has a new hotspot for burgers and sandos that has been making waves in Houston. Whether it’s the original belly burger with addictive stuffed sauce, the savory tuna crunch on texas toast, or the crispy sichuan chicken sandwich, the offerings are hot, juicy, and absolutely packed with flavor.

 

This unique little smokehouse lovingly combines Asian flavors with classic Texas BBQ, for a casual dining experience that just needs to be tried. Sink your teeth into an oak smoked brisket sandwich cooked low and slow, topped with papaya salad and authentic thai herbs. That is, if you can pull yourself away from your boozy smoothie served on the gorgeous outdoor patio.

 

For no-frills BBQ with an unwavering commitment to quality and flavor, Pinkerton’s has your back. Houston diners can’t get enough of the glazed pork ribs, and the hefty chopped beef sandwiches on jalapeño buns. They’re open all day, but it’s not uncommon for the menu to be sold out before closing time.

 

Pastore brings Houston a little slice of the Italian coast, with a menu highlighting the fresh ingredients and skilled preparation the region is known for. There’s certainly a seafood focus, with the signature farro verde-stuffed calamari and squid ink linguine coming to mind, but the savory sausages and salumi make sure there’s an option for everyone.

 

This storied spot for tacos and fajitas has been keeping customers satisfied for over 50 years, but the menu hasn’t aged a day. Houston locals still flock to the charming casita for sizzling skirt steak and mango-habanero margaritas that truly embody the spirit of Tex-Mex cuisine. Don’t miss out on the fajita burger topped high with peppers and avocado- it’s still the best in the state.

 

The original “unapologetically Thai” restaurant understands that flavor comes first, imbuing every dish with the spice and tang that makes Thai cuisine so special. The tight menu is full of gems, like the juicy ground pork dumplings with shiitake and green onion, or the iconic stir fried Thai basil with smoky beef, jasmine rice and a perfectly fried egg. Keep an eye out for the special six course wine dinner with personalized beverage pairings.

 

Chef Travis Mcshane hails from the famous Italian restaurant Barbuto in New York City, and he’s brought those insights to his incredible Houston restaurant, Ostia. Regulars love the roasted chicken with salsa verde, but first-timers should sink their teeth into the soft, melt-in-your-mouth brick oven pizza with just the right amount of char.

 

This contemporary bistro recently received a James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Wine Program, an honor well deserved for the thoughtful beverages offered alongside their outstanding food. Everything on the menu is exceptionally savory, like the buttery griddled Nancy Cakes, and the juicy cheeseburger on a brioche english muffin. Swing by for laidback dining and some seriously craveable cuisine.

 

With a stunning interior covered in mirrors and tile, Musaafer transports diners into a breathtaking Indian banquet hall. It’s an opulent dining experience unlike anything in town, and the food is just as beautiful. Dive into an a la carte menu of colorful curries and modern takes on Indian classics, with distinct flavors drawing from all across the country’s 29 states.