Houston is a culinary powerhouse, offering everything from world-class barbecue to authentic global cuisines. Whether you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex, Gulf Coast seafood, or a fine-dining experience, Houston has it all. Here are some top food destinations you shouldn’t miss!
1. Truth BBQ (Washington Corridor)
If you’re looking for some of the best barbecue in Texas, Truth BBQ is a must-visit. Originally from Brenham, TX, this barbecue joint opened its Houston location in 2019 and quickly earned a spot on Texas Monthly’s “Top 50 BBQ Joints” list. Their brisket is legendary, with a perfect bark and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The pork ribs are smoky and juicy, and the sausage has just the right amount of snap. Unlike many BBQ joints, Truth BBQ also excels in side dishes, with standouts like corn pudding, tater tot casserole, and jalapeño cheddar mac & cheese. And don’t skip dessert—their house-made cakes (like the famous chocolate cake) are the perfect sweet finish to your meal. Be sure to arrive early because they sell out fast!
What to Try:
- Brisket – The crown jewel of Texas BBQ, this brisket is smoked to perfection with a deep, flavorful bark.
- Jalapeño Cheddar Mac & Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of kick, this side is a fan favorite.
- Chocolate Cake – You might not expect a BBQ joint to have amazing desserts, but this rich, decadent cake proves otherwise.
📍 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
📞 (832) 835-0001
🔗 Visit Truth BBQ
2. Xochi (Downtown)
James Beard Award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega brings Oaxacan cuisine to Houston with Xochi, a restaurant that celebrates the rich flavors of Mexico’s southern region. The mole negro is a must-try, featuring over 30 ingredients, slow-cooked to perfection. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the tlayuda, an Oaxacan-style Mexican pizza topped with chorizo and stringy quesillo cheese. Their barbacoa de res (braised short rib) is incredibly tender and flavorful, and they even serve chapulines (grasshoppers) for those who want an authentic taste of Oaxaca. The restaurant’s chic, modern design makes it a great place for a date night or a celebration. Pair your meal with a mezcal flight, and don’t leave without ordering the chocolate tamal for dessert.
What to Try:
- Mole Negro – Deep, rich, and complex, this Oaxacan specialty is like nothing else you’ll taste.
- Tlayuda – A crispy, shareable Mexican pizza loaded with savory toppings.
- Chocolate Tamal – A sweet, velvety tamale with Oaxacan chocolate that melts in your mouth.
📍 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
📞 (713) 400-3330
🔗 Visit Xochi
3. Crawfish & Noodles (Asiatown)
Houston is home to the Viet-Cajun crawfish movement, and Crawfish & Noodles is one of the best places to experience it. Owned by Chef Trong Nguyen, a James Beard Award finalist, this restaurant fuses Vietnamese flavors with traditional Louisiana crawfish boils. Their signature butter-garlic sauce with Cajun seasoning coats every crawfish, creating an addictive balance of heat, spice, and umami. Beyond crawfish, their menu includes crispy salt-and-pepper blue crabs, shaking beef, and pho. The restaurant is located in Houston’s Asiatown, making it the perfect stop after exploring the city’s vibrant international food scene. Pro tip: Come hungry and be prepared to get messy!
What to Try:
- Viet-Cajun Crawfish – A garlicky, buttery, spicy flavor bomb that will keep you licking your fingers.
- Salt & Pepper Blue Crabs – Crispy, savory, and packed with flavor, these crabs are a must-order.
- Shaking Beef – Tender, juicy cubes of beef stir-fried to perfection with onions and garlic.
📍 11360 Bellaire Blvd, Ste 990, Houston, TX 77072
📞 (281) 988-8098
🔗 Visit Crawfish & Noodles
4. Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers (Independence Heights)
If you’re looking for phenomenal Gulf Coast seafood with a Southern twist, Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers is a must-visit. This casual yet flavor-packed restaurant comes from the team behind Gatlin’s BBQ, one of Houston’s best barbecue spots. The menu is filled with Southern-style seafood classics like fried catfish, shrimp & grits, and blackened redfish, but the real showstopper is their Nashville-style hot chicken. The seafood gumbo is packed with shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage, making it one of the best in the city. Their signature fish & grits is another must-try—crispy fried fish on top of creamy cheese grits with a buttery Creole sauce.
What to Try:
- Shrimp & Grits – Perfectly cooked shrimp on a bed of creamy, cheesy grits.
- Nashville Hot Chicken – Crispy, spicy, and absolutely mouthwatering.
- Seafood Gumbo – A rich, comforting bowl packed with fresh Gulf seafood.
📍 302 W Crosstimbers St, Houston, TX 77018
📞 (346) 226-5736
🔗 Visit Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers
5. Nancy’s Hustle (East End)
Tucked away in Houston’s East End, Nancy’s Hustle is a chic yet laid-back neighborhood bistro serving up modern American comfort food with a creative twist. Their sourdough naan with labneh and spiced butter is one of the most raved-about appetizers in town. The Nancy Cakes (savory corn pancakes with crème fraîche and trout roe) are a must-try, blending sweet and salty flavors in perfect harmony. For the main course, the lamb dumplings in a spicy tomato sauce and burgers topped with American cheese and pickled onions are local favorites.
What to Try:
- Nancy Cakes – Sweet, savory, and absolutely unforgettable.
- Lamb Dumplings – Tender, flavorful dumplings in a rich tomato sauce.
- Sourdough Naan with Labneh – A pillowy soft delight with tangy labneh and aromatic spices.
📍 2704 Polk St A, Houston, TX 77003
📞 (346) 571-7931
🔗 Visit Nancy’s Hustle
Houston’s food scene is diverse, exciting, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for bold global flavors or classic Texas comfort food, there’s something in H-Town for every foodie. I still remember my first trip to Houston when a friend insisted I try Viet-Cajun crawfish—one bite, and I was hooked. From slurping down buttery, spice-coated crawfish to indulging in slow-smoked brisket that melts in your mouth, Houston’s dining scene is an adventure worth taking. So bring your appetite, explore the city’s incredible flavors, and prepare for some unforgettable meals. Time to dig in!
Voyagers Digest 