The Best Restaurants In Midtown, Houston

Oporto is an impressive restaurant to take a date, visiting family member or business connection. It’s modern and elegant, with a striking intimate setting that may not require dressing up, but may inspire you to. There are not many Portuguese restaurants in Houston, so the food here will be a welcome surprise. Flavors of octopus, prosciutto, olives and freshly baked bread predominate the menu. Dishes are small and served for sharing, which is great for when you bring a group of friends and want to try everything on the menu. The bar is equally innovative, with refreshing sangria and caipirinhas, as well as mixed drinks made with Portuguese wines.

Address and telephone: 125 W Gray Ave, Ste 500, Houston, TX 77019

The Breakfast Klub is a classic Houston breakfast restaurant, so popular that you’ll have to arrive early to secure a place. The food, comprised mostly of Southern favorites, is cooked to perfection. The chicken and waffles are legendary, the potatoes are second to none, and the grits may even bring back childhood memories. They have daily lunch specials, with Fridays offering a delicious crayfish fettuccine. The space is open and simple, like a cafe. Check out their website for merchandise, their premium coffee blend and pancake mix.

Address and telephone: 3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002

Drop the supermarket ramen package and step away from the microwave, head over to JINYA instead. This ramen bar, with two Houston locations, is guaranteed to keep you coming back. With an ever-changing list of 20+ toppings, you’ll never get bored either. Pay a little extra to get a side of rice, curry or seaweed salad. The ramen broth is tasty and won’t leave you feeling heavy, while the green tea ice cream is flavorsome but not overly sweet. Their own brand of sake will make sure your visit ends on a high note.

Address and telephone: 3201 Louisiana St, Ste 105, Houston, TX 77006

Tacos a Go-Go is a quirky place to grab a quick taco before or after a few drinks. The décor is as kitschy-cool as it is traditional, with Mexican luchadores, Catrinas and virgencitas sharing space on the walls. Authentic Mexican taco, burrito and tamale recipes amaze the taste buds, while the fresh salsas will have you raving. They’re open early for the breakfast crowd, most of who go for the potato, egg and cheese or the chorizo, egg and cheese tacos. Order sangria, mimosas or bloody Marys by the pitcher for the most value, or try their Mexican hot chocolate on a cold day.

Address and telephone: 3704 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 +1 713 807 8226

This old-fashioned Italian pizzeria will have you forgetting big-brand pizza faster than you can say ‘delivery.’ They bake the best pizza in town, from scratch, using the freshest ingredients and a lot of family pride. Garlicky breadsticks, hot sandwiches, crispy calzones and traditional Italian desserts round out the menu, which is perfect for the whole family. Children will be particularly fond of the salt caramel gelato, while adults will appreciate the mascarpone desserts.

Address and telephone: 3700 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004 +1 281 793 3333

Gyu Kaku is a Japanese restaurant in the yakiniku style, which means diners grill their meat of choice. This specific restaurant is good for groups because of the casual atmosphere and dynamic dining experience. It’s also good for a quick lunch, with affordable specials all week long. The Akaushi Kobe Style Beef lunch set includes a bowl of rice, a bowl of miso soup, a salad and Texas raised beef. Happy hour happens every day from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Address and telephone: 510 Gray St, Ste A, Houston, TX 77002

Want to have elk, pheasant and turtle all in one sitting? Stop by Brennan’s on Smith St. This restaurant, which has been a Houston institution since 1967, prides itself on offering scrumptious Texas creole food and the most sincere Southern hospitality. It’s a sophisticated choice for special events and celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries and family dinners, as they have eight different spaces that can be reserved for these occasions. Brunch, which takes place Saturdays and Sundays, is great for those looking to try many of their dishes. Everything from the crab cakes to the crab stuffed flounder is delightful.

Address and telephone: 3300 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006

Artisans Restaurant is a higher end selection for romantic evenings. The kitchen is open, which allows diners to sit at a wraparound bar and see the chefs in action. Interacting with the staff is encouraged, particularly when it comes to recommendations. The beef filet and foie gras are standout dishes. Executive Chef Jacques Fox is also a Houston institution. He’s overseen the food and beverage program at the Conrad N. Hilton College for Restaurant and Hotel Management at the University of Houston, while the restaurant has donated over $45,000 to the Houston Food Bank.

Address and telephone: 3201 Louisiana St, Ste 110, Houston, TX 77006