The 17 Best Fancy Restaurants in Houston to check out
Eva Rogers
July 29, 2024A southern city known for its upscale dining options, Houston is a top culinary hotspot in Texas.
Residents and visitors can choose from various fancy restaurants, ranging from steakhouses to innovative cuisine.
Travel + Leisure Magazine named Houston the fifth best food city.
The city’s food scene includes an array of off-premise restaurants.
And since Houston is the No. 1 most diverse large city in the U.S., these restaurants offer a diverse selection of cuisines that draw inspiration from all over the world.
Houston has a fancy restaurant if you’re looking for a romantic date-night spot, a place to celebrate a birthday, or simply want to treat yourself to a high-end meal.
With stunning views and decor, innovative, chef-curated dishes, and excellent service, these 18 fancy restaurants will not disappoint.
Explore this guide to find the perfect fancy restaurant to exceed your fine dining expectations.
17 Top Fancy Restaurants in Houston
1. Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
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Founded by Tilman Feritta and Vic Fertitta, a father-son duo, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse is a classic steakhouse with an elegant ambiance.
It offers premium steaks and an extensive wine list in a sophisticated setting.
Their most popular dishes are their jumbo lump crab cakes and lamb chops.
This culinary hotspot highlights USDA prime steaks such as their prime 24 oz ribeye and 15 filet mignon.
Additionally, they serve complements such as roasted bacon and bone marrow and seafood dishes such as fried lobster mac and cheese.
They do not have a buffet or high chairs; they offer free Wi-FI.
This Houston fine dining spot has a price range of $60.50-$89.10.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Friday, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Days: Open all week
- Website: Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
- Phone: +1 (713) 228-1111
- Address: 1510 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
2. Amrina
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With flavors curated by Food Network’s “Chopped” Champion, Chef Jassi Bindra, Amrina features modern Indian cuisine with a luxurious twist.
The restaurant’s chic decor makes it great for a fine dining experience.
Their menu highlights innovative dishes that range from seafood, Indian street food, vegetarian dishes, and specialty wines.
The restaurant’s most popular dishes include Chilean sea bass, jackfruit biryani, and butter chicken.
Wi-Fi is available. A buffet is unavailable; guests choose from an a la carte menu.
This classy restaurant has a price range starting at $50.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Tuesday to Friday, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Saturday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sunday 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Days: Closed on Monday
- Website: Amrina
- Phone: +1 (936) 444-4150
- Address: 3 Waterway Square Pl #100, The Woodlands, TX 77380
3. Rainbow Lodge
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Since 1977, Rainbow Lodge has been serving Gulf Coast and wild game cuisine amid scenic views.
While inside the 100+-year-old log cabin, guests can enjoy wild game such as elk, bison, antelope, duck, quail, and seafood steaks such as jumbo lump crab and rainbow trout.
The lodge’s smoked duck gumbo and jumbo lump crab cake are favorites among guests.
Their Sunday brunch menu offers special entrees such as chicken schnitzel Holstein and pan-seared red snapper.
Guests can enjoy warm croissant bread pudding, carrot cake, affogato, chocolate truffle cake, or banana cream pie for desserts.
A buffet is unavailable; instead, guests choose from various unique dishes from the menu.
Wi-Fi is provided for guests; their price range is $50-100.
With its rustic elegance and high-quality dishes, Rainbow Lodge serves as one of the best fine dining restaurants in Houston
Dining Information:
- Timings: Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sunday, 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Days: Closed on Monday
- Website: Rainbow Lodge
- Phone: +1 (713) 861-8666
- Address: 2011 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
4. B&B Butchers & Restaurant
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B&B Butchers & Restaurant is a high-end steakhouse and butcher shop specializing in high-quality, dry-aged meats and elevated customer service.
A classic charm fills the restaurant, offering guests a rooftop bar.
Their most famous dishes are their eight-ounce filet mignon and their butcher shop burger, which comes with white cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, and mayo.
This upscale restaurant also offers several desserts, such as chocolate fondant and bread pudding, as well as a variety of cocktails for guests to indulge in.
A buffet is not offered; guests enjoy an a la carte dining experience.
Wi-Fi is not provided. Prices average $100+.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Days: Open all week
- Website: B&B Butchers & Restaurant
- Phone: +1 (713) 862-1814
- Address: 1814 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
5. Potente
Potente is an upscale Italian restaurant with a modern flair.
It serves handcrafted pasta and offers exceptional service.
With elegant decor and a cozy ambiance, Potente is perfect for those wanting a romantic restaurant experience.
Their truffle pasta is a favorite, and their spaghetti al tartufo nero, which comes with cacio pepe, Parmigiano Reggiano, and black truffle, is also popular.
Their menu focuses on pasta, but they also offer starters such as wild shrimp and jumbo lump crab tart, wine, and desserts such as lemon pavlova and Sfera dolce.
Guests choose from an a la carte menu, but a buffet is not offered. Wi-Fi is available, and their price range is $100+.
In addition to its upscale Italian dishes and beautiful decor, Potente is located in the heart of downtown, making it one of the best downtown Houston restaurants to try.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM,
- Days: Closed on Sunday
- Website: Potente
- Phone: +1 (713) 237-1515
- Address: Potente, 1515 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
6. Flora
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Flora is a beautiful, contemporary Mexican restaurant in Houston focusing on fresh ingredients.
Its stylish interior and farm-to-table concept allow guests to indulge in quality meals surrounded by a beautiful setting.
The best item on their menu is their churros, which come with Mexican cinnamon, cajeta, and house-made vanilla ice cream.
Other popular items include their charred octopus, carnitas, and shrimp tacos.
Their seasonal menu includes dishes that emphasize Mexican flavors.
Flora does not offer a buffet; guests choose from its menu.
Prices per person range from $50 to $100.
High chairs are provided for children, making Flora a great family option.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday, 11:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Days: Open all week
- Website: Flora
- Phone: +1 (713) 360-6477
- Address: Flora, 3422 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019
7. Andiron
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Andiron is a stylish eater focusing on wood-fired cuisine, making it a unique restaurant in Houston.
With a mission to perfect the essentials: flavor, sear, and service, Andiron offers wood-grilled meats in a vibrant setting for guests to enjoy.
Fan favorites include pommes Anna, wagyu toast, and steak tartar.
The restaurant’s menu showcases wood-fired cuisine with meats and seafood.
Additionally, it offers artisanal cocktails and specialty desserts such as brownies a la mode and banana pudding.
A buffet is not offered. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and seating are available, and their price range per person is $100+.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Days: Closed on Sunday
- Website: Andiron
- Phone: +1 (281) 964-1513
- Address: 3201 Allen Pkwy Suite e100, Houston, TX 77019
8. Mastro’s Steakhouse
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Mastro’s Steakhouse is a luxurious steakhouse known for its top-tier service.
Its menu features 28 days of wet-aged USDA Prime steaks cooked in a 1,500-degree broiler, world-class wine, and fresh seafood.
Their lobster mac is their most popular dish, and their butter cake is their most popular dessert item.
Their seafood tower, which features an array of seafood stacked on a two-tier tray, is one of their trending items.
The steakhouse provides an opulent ambiance with live entertainment, making it one of the fanciest restaurants in Houston.
A buffet is not provided; guests choose from an a la carte menu.
Wi-Fi is available, and the price range per person is $100+.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Days: Open all week
- Website: Mastro’s
- Phone: +1 (713) 993-2500
- Address: 1650 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027
9. Annabelle Brasserie
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Annabelle Brasserie is an elegant brasserie that focuses on classic dishes.
Situated in Autry Park, this cute restaurant in Houston serves modern French cuisine amidst picturesque views.
French onion soup is one of their most popular dishes, alongside baguette with raclette, which is a nod to authentic French cuisine.
In addition to baguettes and soups, their menu features pastry baskets, entrees such as croque madame and charred Spanish octopus, and desserts such as creme brulee and profiterole.
A buffet is not offered, and Wi-Fi is available for guests.
The price range is $50-100 per person.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Sunday, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Days: Open all week
- Website: Annabelle Brasserie
- Phone: +1 (713) 844-8111
- Address: 811 Buffalo Pk Dr #100, Houston, TX 77019
10. Guard and Grace
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Guard and Grace is a modern steakhouse with a contemporary twist.
Showcasing fresh seafood, an extensive wine list, and a sleek design, this restaurant is a great spot for fine dining in Houston.
One of their most popular dishes is Alaskan Black Cod, served with charred broccolini and sweet soy butter.
Guests are also fans of the filet mignon, which comes in 4 or 8 oz.
Alongside their seafood and meat dishes, menu items include chicken katsu, fried rice, mushroom ragu, and white cheddar mac and cheese.
A buffet is not offered; guests can choose from a carefully curated menu. Wi-Fi is available, and the price range is $100+ per person.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Friday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Days: Closed on Sunday
- Website: Guard and Grace
- Phone: +1 (346) 326-0789
- Address: 500 Dallas St, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77002
11. Bloom & Bee
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A stylish restaurant with a floral theme, Bloom & Bee focuses on fresh, locally inspired cuisine while seating guests in an environment reminiscent of a lush garden.
They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktail menus for guests.
Additionally, Bloom & Bee offers a monthly chef dinner series featuring dishes prepared by award-winning chefs, making it one of the nicest restaurants in Houston.
Their most popular dish, the post-oak beef burger, is served with aged white cheddar, maple bacon jam, house pickles, and a house brioche roll.
They serve other American classics such as roasted chicken, honey chicken salad, and turkey club sandwiches.
For desserts, dishes such as koji, a dark chocolate mousse paired with a pear compote, and hukambi, a flourless brownie topped with tahini caramel, are served.
A buffet is not offered; guests choose from their menu, providing seasonal dishes.
Wi-Fi is available. The price range per person is $50-100.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Days: Open all week
- Website: Bloom & Bee
- Phone: +1 (346) 227-5139
- Address: Bloom & Bee, 1600 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027
12. Uchi
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This five-star Japanese restaurant in Houston is known for its innovative, fresh sushi and modern ambiance.
Uchi specializes in non-traditional Japanese cuisine with signature tastings, sushi, and a seasonal omakase.
Their walu walu, which includes oak-grilled escolar, candied citrus, ponzu, and myoga, is a fan-favorite.
For desserts, guests enjoy the fried milk dish with vanilla custard, salted fudge, and a toasted blondie.
Caviar to you, nigiri+sashimi, bluefin, and Miyazaki selections, sake, and cocktails are also offered.
A buffet is not offered, and Wi-Fi is not provided. The price per person is $100+.
Dining Information:
- Type: Sushi Bars, Japanese
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Days: Open all week
- Website: Uchi
- Phone: +1 (713) 522-4808
- Address: 904 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
13. Da Marco Cucina E Vino
Since opening in 2000, Da Marco Cucine E Vino has served authentic Italian dining with a focus on quality ingredients.
This expensive restaurant in Houston features handcrafted pasta, an extensive wine list, and an intimate setting.
Their menu is a classic Italian four-course style with additions of daily seasonal blackboard specials.
Dishes such as grilled octopus, raviolo with ricotta, egg and reggiono, margherita pizza, and Italian wedding cake, are served.
Their most popular dish is their chianti braised short rib with burrata risotto.
A buffet is not available, and Wi-F is not offered. The price range per person is $100+.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Days: Closed on Monday and Sunday
- Website: Da Marco Cucina E Vino
- Phone: +1 (713) 807-8857
- Address: 1520 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
14. Turner’s
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Established in 1978, Turner’s has served classic American cuisine with a luxurious twist for several decades.
Turner’s is a Houston fancy restaurant staple known for its prime steaks, refined decor, and exceptional service.
Guests can choose from their raw bar, caviar, club selections, and desserts.
Their wood-grilled octopus and fried quail are among guest’s favorites.
Coconut cake is a popular dessert choice.
In addition to a variety of dishes, several wines are available.
A buffet is not provided. Wi-Fi and high chairs are available, and the price range per person is $100+.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Tuesday and Wednesday, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Thursday and Saturday, 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (next day), Friday 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (next day)
- Days: Closed on Sunday and Monday
- Website: Turner’s
- Phone: +1 (713) 804-1212
- Address: 1800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
15. MAD
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Since 2014, Mad has served as a Modern Spanish restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere.
Their tapas, innovative cocktails, and energetic vibe set them apart from other top restaurants in Houston, allowing guests to indulge in a unique, high-quality dining experience.
Their menu showcases a variety of tapas, wood-fired features such as pan-seared branzino and black cod arroz, sides such as patatas fritas and smoked beets, and desserts like coolant de manchego and gran bonbon rocambole.
Guests like the huevos voladores, a passionfruit mousse paired with vanilla mascarpone cream and white chocolate aerated rocks.
Their bravas tomas are also popular.
A buffet is not provided, but guests can choose from the menu and build their own wood-fired paella.
Wi-Fi and high chairs are available, and the price range per person is $100+.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Monday to Wednesday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Thursday, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (next day); Sunday, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Days: Open all week
- Website: MAD
- Phone: +1 (281) 888-2770
- Address: 4444 Westheimer Rd Suite C180, Houston, TX 77027
16. State of Grace
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State of Grace is a restaurant focused on southern-inspired dining with a contemporary flair.
Known for its comfort food, elegant interior, and welcoming ambiance, State of Grace offers the perfect combination for an elevated dining experience.
Their menus include dinner, lunch, brunch, drinks, dessert, and the “oyster room,” which features various oyster dishes.
Guests enjoy their scallops, Texas blue crab fingers, and sticky, smoky beef ribs.
A buffet is not provided; guests choose from an a la carte menu.
Wi-Fi is unavailable, and the price range per person is $50-100.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Monday and Tuesday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sunday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Days: Open all week
- Website: State of Grace
- Phone: +1 (832) 942-5080
- Address: 3258 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
17. Brenner’s on the Bayou
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Since 2007, Brenner’s Bayou, a scenic steakhouse with beautiful bayou views, has delighted guests with its prime steaks, serene setting, and classic dishes.
Situated near lush foliage and cascading waterfalls, Brenner’s Bayou offers a view of nature while you indulge in its high-quality dishes.
Their main and brunch menus feature appetizers, soups and salads, steaks, seafood, and desserts.
The jumbo lump crab cake, lobster bisque, bacon-wrapped stuffed quail, and Gulf Red Snapper are fan favorites.
A buffet is not offered, but Wi-Fi is available. Their price range is $100+.
Dining Information:
- Timings: Monday to Wednesday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Thursday, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM Friday and Saturday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sunday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Days: Open all week
- Website: Brenner’s on the Bayou
- Phone: +1 (713) 868-4444
- Address: 1 Birdsall St, Houston, TX 77007
Best fancy restaurants in Houston, according to Reddit
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Houston, this reddit thread in r/houston offers a variety of recommendations from locals.
What’s your favorite nice restaurant to celebrate at?
byu/peter-chung inhouston
Uchi is recommended for its omakase experience and a la carte option; however, reservations can be difficult if not made far in advance.
Le Jardiner is a fan favorite for French cuisine, and March is popular for its six—or nine-course tasting menu.
Brennan is recommended for those looking for excellent service, and the State of Grace received mentions for those wanting southern comfort food.
Rainbow Lodge is noted for its great interior and food, which is rich in flavor.
Whether you’re looking for sushi, steak, or decadent desserts, Houston’s fine dining scene has something perfect for you.
With its diverse range of cuisines, flavors from all over the globe are available.
Best Fancy Restaurants in Houston – FAQs
Where do famous people go to eat in Houston?
Famous people frequent restaurants in Houston, such as Fuegos, Magic Island, and Sambuca. Z on 23 Rooftop is also a popular destination among celebrities.
Does Houston have a Michelin star?
Houston does not have a Michelin star because Michelin has not published a guide to Houston or Texas. However, Michelin is planning to expand its guides.
Is Houston’s considered fine dining?
Houston is considered fine dining because of the city’s plethora of luxury restaurants.
What food is Houston best known for?
Houston is known for tamales. Pho, kolaches, Cajun crawfish, and breakfast tacos.
What is Houston’s signature dish?
A unique and signature dish from Houston is Viet-Cajun crawfish, made of mudbugs in a spicy butter sauce with garlic, onion, cayenne, and lemon pepper.
Conclusion
There is no shortage of diverse and luxurious dining experiences available in Houston.
Already famous for its thriving food scene, Houston excels in fine dining.
Guests can choose from a selection of fancy, must-visit seafood restaurants, such as Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse, Rainbow Lodge, and Flora, all of which serve the freshest, highest-quality seafood.
For meat lovers, B&B Butchers & Restaurant, Andiron, and Guard and Grace feature USDA prime steaks packed with flavor.
Fancy restaurants are known for their food and ambiance, and Houston’s luxury restaurant scene offers several dining spots that exude elegance.
Brenner’s on the Bayou offers rustic decor amidst a serene backdrop, and Da Marco Cucina E Vino creates an intimate setting with its cozy decor, resulting in a diverse experience for guests.
Houston offers many restaurants that fit this criteria.
For those looking for an upscale dining experience that will leave them in awe of their surroundings and satisfy their taste buds, reserve a table at any of these luxury eateries and indulge in memorable dining.
A Texan through and through, her passion for the Lone Star State is evident in every word she writes.Hailing from the vast plains of West Texas, Eva has a deep appreciation for the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines the Texan spirit. Eva crafts articles that celebrate the diverse tapestry of Texas, from its bustling urban centers to its serene rural landscapes.
