Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Houston

Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Downtown

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

43 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Main Kitchen restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(238)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 17 times today
Main Kitchen Restaurant and 806 Lounge indulge guests with a variety of classic cocktails and lively American fare in an intimate atmosphere where the downtown vibe is palpable. Newly appointed Executive Chef Rafael Gonzalez has developed locally infused, seasonal menus, founded on the freshest ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour.
A photo of Bayou & Bottle restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(139)
Price: Expensive
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Downtown
Booked 3 times today
Conceptualized by Chef Richard Sandoval, Bayou & Bottle brings a chic bourbon bar to downtown Houston, serving flavourful cuisine inspired by Houston’s melting pot of cultures. Featuring over 200 whiskies, Bayou & Bottle is a bar destination complete with vintage barware, exquisite whiskey flights, large TVs to catch the game and even personalized bourbon lockers where the most discerning bourbon connoisseurs can store their favourite bottles. Each bartender is a Certified Bourbon Steward, masterfully knowledgeable in spirit, and happy to share – be it whiskey, wine, beer or craft cocktail. In between signature dishes, guests can enjoy the Topgolf Swing Suites, the first game simulator of their kind in the world.For large groups of 10 or more, please contact Clairesse.Harmon@fourseasons.com
A photo of Drake's Hollywood - Houston restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(278)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Montrose
Booked 49 times today
An Old Hollywood party - dry-aged steaks & cold martinis *Drake's Hollywood accepts reservations for parties of 7 or less. For parties of 8+ please contact houston@drakeshollywood.com. Happy Hour is available weekdays 4pm to 6pm and 9pm-C in the bar. Children under the age of 6 years of old are not permitted
A photo of Weights and Measures restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(432)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Midtown
Booked 6 times today
All of our dishes are crafted from scratch, including our handmade pastas and pizzas. We offer a selection of wood fired pizzas, including our famous Roasted Carrot Pizza (so good that it was feature in the Food Network). Our Lunch is great for Business Lunches and our Dinner is the best place to enjoy a relaxed & fair experience. Don’t miss Brunch, as some consider it the best in Houston.We have also partner up with Love Croissants, to offer the best croissants in H-Town. You can smell the baking of the croissants before opening our doors. Don't miss the almond one! They are available, starting daily at 7am, along with locally roasted coffee and fresh juices in our bake shop. Our bar stands ready to bring you the most delicious libations in the city. We offer a full array of spirits, beers and wines selected from the US and abroad.Our ultimate goal is to create a comfortable, sincere and welcoming place for everyone to dine, relax, socialize and share great experiences.
A photo of Hudson House - River Oaks restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(504)
Price: Moderate
• American • River Oaks
Booked 96 times today
With its East Coast-inspired “old-school casual” design and menu, Hudson House offers straightforward, timeless American dishes for lunch and dinner. Oysters are flown in daily and are best paired with their legendary “World’s Coldest Martinis."
A photo of Mamajuana Cafe Houston restaurant
4.2
Awesome(123)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Downtown
Booked 9 times today
Mamajuana Cafe connects the heart of Houston’s vibrant Downtownneighborhood with the energy, flair, regional & authentic flavors of theLatino Caribbean & South American culinary traditions, bringing youmouth-watering & brilliantly innovative Latino cuisine. Mamajuanadelivers a singular blend of world-class cuisine, innovative cocktailsand one-of-a-kind experiences. Here, that immersion feels like agetaway to somewhere alluring and high-energy and, most of all,unforgettable.
A photo of Doves Restaurant restaurant
4.3
Awesome(204)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Westside
Booked 16 times today
Doves Restaurant, nestled in the vibrant Midtown district of Houston, offers the ultimate boutique dining experience, blending high-end glamour, surrealist décor, and opulent Southern cuisine with an Asian twist, crafted by the award-winning Chef Javani King. Open from midday until late night, Doves Restaurant invites guests to enjoy remarkable food, drink, and entertainment. Our exquisite interiors, crafted by Nicki Dooms of NHI Design, provide a captivating and luxurious ambiance for our guests.
A photo of Prime 131 restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(287)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Heights / Washington
Booked 27 times today
A Berg Hospitality Group original concept, Prime 131 is a live-fire steakhouse and sushi bar within a revamped industrial space at The Docks at Timbergrove. Evoking the electric ambiance of New York’s chic yet edgy Meatpacking District in the early 90s, Prime 131 ignites a fresh dining experience in Houston where the artistry of grilling takes center stage. A protein-forward concept with Korean and Japanese influence, Prime 131 creates a completely unique meat experience where diners watch their meal be prepared on four central wood fire grills and two Josper charcoal ovens. In addition, a full sushi bar and four Korean barbeque style tables offer curated experiences featuring some of the most exclusive cuts in the world.
A photo of State of Grace restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3479)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Southern • River Oaks
Booked 43 times today
State of Grace in Houston is a must-visit for its unique blend of Southern, American, Latin, Gulf Coast, German and Asian flavors. With an ambiance that reviewers describe as 'beautiful', 'great' and 'terrific', it's not just about the food. It's the thoughtful service, the 'careful intent' in every dish, and the 'quality thought out' that sets it apart. It's a place that 'arouses' and 'impresses' with its 'excellent and eclectic' food. While it may be 'a bit expensive', reviews consistently show that it's 'worth it'.
A photo of Coppa Osteria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(631)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Rice Village
Booked 57 times today
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. With craft cocktails and an extensive wine list, it's easy to find the perfect beverage to pair with Coppa's modern Italian cuisine. Neapolitan-inspired pizzas are some of the most popular items on the menu – the Coppa Pepperoni and Carnissima are crowd favorites. Diners also flock for the Fritto Misto, Burrata Tartufo and Spaghetti Carbonara (Coppa's signature dish). Complete with a lively bar scene and a large outdoor patio that lends itself to sipping rosé and taking in the surrounding neighborhood scenery, Coppa is the ideal setting for an intimate all-day dining with family & friends.For group or private dining for 7+ guests, please submit a private dining inquiry below.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Downtown

Discover the culinary delights of Downtown Houston where the dining scene truly catifies to every taste, making each restaurant "worth the drive." In this vibrant area, you'll find a diverse array of dining experiences that are perfect for any occasion, from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments. Each restaurant offers unique flavors and exceptional service, ensuring a memorable meal whether you’re a local or just visiting. Enjoy a mix of cuisines that reflect Houston's multicultural community, including Creole, Cajun, Southern, Pan-Latin, and classic American, all prepared with a commitment to quality and creativity. Patrons consistently praise the excellent food, outstanding service, and inviting atmospheres, highlighting these restaurants as destinations that are indeed worth the journey. Whether you're looking for a lively spot with live music, a romantic date night location, or a family-friendly environment, Downtown Houston meets all these needs with aplomb. Prepare to be impressed by the culinary excellence and vibrant dining culture that make each of these restaurants a must-visit destination in Downtown Houston.

OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo