Houstons Finest Restaurants:
We’re officially in summer and the ever-growing urge to go outside and bask in the sultry heat grows by the day, especially since most of us have been confined to our homes with the thought of warm summer evenings being a glint in the distance. Most of our dreams in this moment have encompassed dining at some of our favorite restaurants. In keeping with the spirit of community, love, and support, we have decided to highlight a few of our favorite restaurants here in Houston. We are a wonderfully resilient community and we will
definitely come out of this stronger than ever. Happy Dining!
MUSAAFER (INDIAN)
A quest for authentic recipes and their ingredients from the vast & multi-cultural subcontinent of India led to the inception of an idea by the owners to plan a culinary journey across the country. The food is bold with intricate flavors, while the food presentation is simply mind blowing. Every aspect of the interior was sourced from India, with colonial and precolonial Indian motifs were recreated, along with floral wallpapers from Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukheriee.
51 FIFTEEN CUISINE AND COKTAILS (CONTINENTAL)
Located on the second floor in the stylish new Saks Fifth Avenue in The Galleria, land designed by our firm] 51 fifteen offers globally inspired, locally minded cuisine created by Executive Chef lulzim “Luigi” Shimaj, with a chef-driven menu focused on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. This project holds a special place in our hearts as we had the opportunity to design the restaurant which includes a modern dining room, bar semi-private lounge and private dining space, along with Bar 12 located in the center on the first floor of Saks Fifth Avenue.
CARACOL (MEXICAN COASTAL)
Caracol meaning “snail” in Spanish, was chosen as the restaurant’s name because of Chef Hugo’s fond memories of making ceviche de caracol (conch ceviche) in his brother Jose Luis’ kitchen at a resort in Playa del Carmen (see Hugo’s personal essay below). Their menu is a culinary tour along the Mexican coasts, which are shared by 16 of the country’s states. They are committed to responsible sourcing and feel strongly that we must be good stewards of our waters and the life that comes from it.
MAD HOUSTON (SPANISH TAPAS AND MAINS)
An innovative experience that blends Madrid’s famous nightlife and the very best of Spanish gastronomy. Creative tapas and small bites, wood fire cooked rice, fish and meats, terrific gin & tonic, craft cocktails and a wine cellar with a selection of the best the world has to offer
GUARD AND GRACE (STEAK HOUSE)
Named after the chef’s daughter, Guard and Grace is a take on the big, fancy, modern steakhouse – with its first venture outside of Denver, Guard and Grace Houston is situated in a 15,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed structure on the ground-level of the newly renovated One Allen Center. Prime, certified Angus and local grass-fed and Wagyu cuts of beef in 4 to 22 oz. portions appeal to multiple appetites, from a light bite to ravenous; and fresh seafood, charcuterie, artisanal cheeses as well as vegetarian selections offer something for everyone.
GEORGIA JAMES (STEAKHOUSE)
Named for his parents, Georgia James serves the food Chris Shepherd cooks at home-cast-iron seared steaks, lots of cold seafood and seasonal sides. Chris opened Georgia James to be the steakhouse that cares-about sourcing quality product, technique, execution and the highest level of service.
UCHI SUSHI (JAPANESE)
Bringing its hallmark level of quality and service to an urban location, Uchi Houston made its debut in 2012 in the former historic Felix space on Westheimer. Melding culinary innovation with an approachable vibe, the menu features items culled from both Uchi and Uchiko in Austin, along with signature seasonal items created by Chef de Cuisine Chris Davies.
LOCH BAR (NEW ENGLAND CUISINE AND RAW BAR)
Located in Houston’s exclusive River Oaks District, Loch Bar is a classic seafood tavern featuring one of the area’s largest raw bar and seafood menus. The food menu is complemented by a wide selection of local craft beer, handcrafted cocktails and one of Texas’ most substantial whiskey lists.
LE COLONIAL (FRENCH VIETNAMESE)
Executive Chef Team Nicole Routhier and Hassan Obaye have reimagined culinary traditions from the region and added contemporary touches to create a menu that deftly balances classic Vietnamese comfort foods and delicate fusions of French-Asian cuisine.
Casual Fare
YUM CHA HOUSTON (TEAHOUSE)
This delightful teahouse and bakery located in the Bellaire area of Houston is particularly dear to our hearts. They serve fresh fruit teas, boba teas, green teas and an assortment of baked treats from their bakery. What also makes this teahouse stand out apart from its delicious menu is its delectable interior that is clean, chic and sophisticated, which is reflective of the overall aesthetic of the café.
COPPA OSTERIA (RUSTIC ITALIAN)
Coppa Osteria is the perfect paring of food and lifestyle, taking its personality from the affluent, family centric West University, Southampton, Rice and Museum District neighborhoods. Its clientele is an eclectic mix of professionals, university academics and young families – who all seem to know one another. The Dough Room takes center stage – and is where all the energy starts for the handmade pastas and dough for pizza made daily. Neapolitan inspired pizzas are some of the most popular items on the menu
VIBRANT HOUSTON (HEALTHY)
Vibrant creates delicious foods that are gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, corn free, peanut free and non GMO. Eggs and meat are always pasture raised and we source local, organic, and as regenerative as possible. They make sure to only use avocado, coconut, and extra virgin olive oil. Their nutritious breads and pastries created by Karen Man are made from scratch in-house, as are their crackers, cheeses, nut milks, and yogurt. They also only use wine and spirits that are produced naturally, with minimal intervention, with ethical farming practices. You know what you are eating because their whole menu is transparent.
