Dining out has become the new clubbing; nowadays, people would much prefer to spend their hard-earned cash eating amazing food and enjoying a unique food experience over throwing shots down their necks and paying the price the next day.
Being a massive food lover myself, I love how food is becoming increasingly popular.
However, with its ever-growing popularity, this now means there is more competition than ever to get customers through the door. It’s all about Instagram shots, themes, and vibrancy.
You’re probably already aware of the number of eateries in Houston now. Still, during a recent visit to Montrose, when searching for somewhere to take my family, I started questioning in my mind about the top restaurants in Montrose, Houston.
So, my journey began, and my mission to find the best restaurants in Montrose had to be completed.
My Top 6 Restaurants in Montrose, Houston – An Inspiring Collection
Throughout this guide, you’ll be taken through some of the best restaurants Montrose has too often.
When it comes to dining out, everyone has their personal preferences, whether that’s a love for spicy food, something a little out-of-the-ordinary, or perhaps you’re like me and enjoy finding the most authentic cuisines from around the globe.
That’s why, in this listicle, I will show a diverse selection, from Thai and Japanese to Cajun and classic American, so you will be satisfied no matter what you’re here to find.
As well as cuisine choice, I have also included a great selection of prices. Some of these will be more suited to a special occasion, let’s say you want to treat a loved one; others are perfect for a casual mid-week dinner.
Okay, so now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s look.
1. Romano’s Italian Pizza Restaurant
| Address | 1528 W Gray Street, Central Houston, TX 77019 |
| Website | www.romanoshouston.com |
| Food | Pizza, pasta, Italian, salad, antipasti, parmigiana |
| My Recommendation | New York Style Pizza |
I keep it no secret that my favorite food is pizza. I can’t get enough of it. It’s why I had to kick off my guide to the best restaurants in Montrose with one of my favorite Italian/pizza joints in Houston, and that’s saying a lot.
Suppose you’re not too keen on the authenticity of authentic Italian-style pizza because you’ve spent many years adoring the cheesy goodness of New York style. In that case, you’ll be pleased to know this quirky Italian restaurant offers the perfect balance of both.
Using the flavors of Italy, and combining them with the abundance of toppings, and gooey cheese, here you get the perfect American-Italian pizza.
Aside from the fantastic food, the service is excellent, the prices are reasonable, and the decor and ambiance inside the restaurant make for a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
If you’re not feeling pizza, think you’ll be fine with it because they have plenty more on the menu, such as Alfredo Fettuccine, Beef Cannelloni, Calzone, and subs. They also have lovely vegetarian dishes, like Eggplant Parmigiana and Cheese Ravioli.
2. Niko Niko’s Greek Restaurant
| Address | 2520 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, TX 77006 |
| Website | www.nikonikos.com |
| Food | Sandwiches, soup, salad, breakfast, gyros, pita |
| My Recommendation | Baklava French Toast |
If you love Greek food and are looking for a fantastic restaurant in Montrose where you can sample the best of it, I might have found just what you’re looking for.
I recommend this spot for any meal, at any time of day; however, if I had to pick one, head down there for an unforgettable Greek breakfast, or breakfast as they call it on the menu. The selection is epic.
I usually prefer something savory for breakfast; however, this place has something pretty special on the menu that gets me every time. About the Baklava French Toast, all I can say is, Wow! It’s served with honey, not just any honey, homemade honey, sugar, cinnamon, orange rind, and walnuts. It’s truly a taste sensation like no other.
Other items on the menu include falafel breakfast pita, gyros with sunny-side-up eggs, and grilled onions.
If you’re heading down for lunch, I recommend ordering the stuffed grape leaves or gyros plate.
The sizes here are incredibly generous, and that’s before we even begin talking about the colossal sandwiches.
3. Traveler’s Table
| Address | 520 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006 |
| Website | www.travelerstable.com |
| Food | Oysters, brunch, noodles, soft shell crab, crispy pork belly, lamb tagine |
| My Recommendation | Tea-Smoked Duck |
Suppose you need more clarification about what cuisine you fancy for brunch, lunch, or dinner. In that case, the Traveler’s Table will undoubtedly serve more than just a purpose.
Not only does this Montrose restaurant serve up some of the best cuisines from around the world, but it also does it in a classical, fine-dining way while at the same time bringing a casual, laid-back atmosphere.
There are many dishes I could recommend here, but the primary one that springs to mind and always sticks in my memory is the Tea Smoked Duck. This perfectly cooked dish is served with a beautiful homemade plum sauce, taro foam, and baby bok choy, all served on a bed of sesame noodles. Words alone can’t describe the utter splendor of flavors this dish brings.
Suppose you’d prefer to try something along the lines of Caribbean style. In that case, I’d recommend the braised oxtails all day long, served with habanero mango chow, spices, sherry butter, and roast vegetables.
The most appealing thing about this restaurant is that you can enjoy an entirely new concept each time you visit, keeping things fresh and invigorating. This fact is significant when there’s such a vast selection.
4. Backstreet Cafe
| Address | 1103 S Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX 77019 |
| Website | www.backstreetcafe.net |
| Food | International, fresh gulf oysters, carpaccio, gumbo, tacos, lobster, mac and cheese |
| My Recommendation | Pear Salad |
From the name of this place, I never expected the kind of food I was greeted with during my first visit. You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the name Backstreet Cafe doesn’t precisely scream fine dining, now does it?
However, this clever play on words is brilliant because it only increases the element of surprise tenfold.
Now, you’ll rarely find me recommending a salad as my top pick, especially when fewer other delectable dishes are on the menu. Still, the Pear Salad here was to die for. It was served with lettuce, blue cheese, pomegranate, cherries, and walnuts. It was dressed with balsamic, surrounded by a beautiful poached pear. Okay, so I may have ordered a side of mac and cheese to go with it, but don’t judge me.
Suppose you want to splash out and try something new. In that case, I recommend the Bucatini and Spicy Crab, which comes with wild mushrooms, spiced gremolata, and roasted garlic.
I also recently learned that this “cafe” has been serving this type of amazing food since 1983, and from what I can see, they’ll be going nowhere anytime soon.
5. Wild
| Address | 1609 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006 |
| Website | www.wildconcepts.com |
| Food | Special coffee, pho, breakfast, tacos, cured meats, sharing platters, desserts |
| My Recommendation | Barcelona Nights and White Chocolate Bread Pudding |
It may be just me, but it can be underwhelming when my friends and I head out for an afternoon of cocktails and try to get food at the bar. You’re usually offered a plate of meats straight from the packet or a basic caesar salad. Of course, we always end up sharing something like a portion of fries, which could be better.
So, when a friend told me about this cocktail bar come eatery in Montrose, Houston, I couldn’t wait to check it out.
Then, I saw the menu and design of the restaurant itself and was even more thrilled to be trying it out.
We were satisfied.
The menu here is exceptional and clever. The food titles alone draw you in; they’re fun, quirky, and imaginative, making you want to pick one of everything you read about.
So far, after a few visits, I’ve tried my fair share of dishes off their menu. Still, a few stand out significantly, such as the Barcelona Night’s sharing platter, which includes jamon iberico, crispy potatoes, roast garlic, homemade aioli, and crusty bread, all topped with shavings of cheese. It only cost us $17.00, and as we were sharing, it was total value for money.
I know we’re mainly here for the food, but I could only talk about this by letting you know about some of the cocktails you need to try. My favorite is the Chai Times, made with cognac, vermouth, allspice dram, and homemade chai. You can’t imagine how good this tastes.
Another favorite of mine is Kiss Me; I’m Japanese, made with matcha, gin, yuzu, lemon, plum, and egg whites. This one pairs perfectly with the Whole Crispy Thai Style Fish sharer.
6. Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
| Address | 5865 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77057 |
| Website | www.chamagaucha.com |
| Food | Steak, lamb, chicken, sausage |
| My Recommendation | Filet Mignon e Frango |
When you combine dining with high-quality steaks, well, the result is just exquisite, and this is especially the case with the Montrose restaurant Chama Gaucha.
Get ready to be wowed by the standard of food in this kitchen.
When I planned to go out for a bit of steak, I was not prepared to have my socks blown off the way I did here; the artistic way this food is prepared is seriously next level.
You’ll note I’ve recommended the Filet Mignon. But rest assured; I only left it there because otherwise, I could have written a list as long as my arm. No matter what you choose off the menu, the fact of the matter is you have to try this restaurant. It’s so, so much more than a steakhouse.
The menu works by charging a set price for lunch or dinner service. For example, the price for dinner is $66.00, and the price for lunch is $58.00. From here, you choose whatever dish you like off the menu. And, don’t worry, if you’re a vegetarian, they’ve got you covered there, too, with an extensive salad bar offering over thirty delectable dishes. The vegetarian options cost $33.00 for lunch and $39.00 for dinner.
So, as you can see, this might be somewhere you save for that special occasion you’ve been planning, I mean, it’s hardly a casual lunch for most of us, but whatever you’re the reason for visiting here, you’re going to enjoy an experience like no other, that will stay with you for a long time.
Summary
So, there we have it; I bet you’re hungry after reading that; I know I am after reliving all these delicious experiences. So where will you head next for a fantastic meal in Montrose? Will you choose classic Italian or splash out on an opulent steak dinner for a romantic evening with your better half?
The choice is in your hands now, but whatever you choose, you can be guaranteed a memorable dining experience. If you thought this was an informative read, and want to find out about what else goes on in Houston, or want to plan your vacation down the tee, then check out these guides to the Top 6 Old-School Arcade And Gaming Bars in Houston, TX, or 160+ Best Things to do in Houston.