When you think of all the best restaurants in Houston, your mind probably immediately thinks of the city center; however, did you know that there are tons of delightful restaurants in Memorial Houston?
Memorial is a trendy neighborhood in Houston with a growing population and an increasing number of attractions, museums, and restaurants. It’s now known to be one of Houston’s most expensive and fashionable areas, making it popular with the city’s white-collar workers and the rich and famous.
So with its popularity and reputation, many people are now heading to Memorial in search of things to see and do, and more importantly, places to eat, which begs the question, where are the best restaurants in Memorial?
Most Desirable And Popular Restaurants in Memorial Houston
My knowledge of the district is vast as someone who spends much of my time in Houston, whether visiting friends and family or stopping for work. Being the food fanatic that I am, I also know a lot about some of the best restaurants in Houston, including Memorial.
So, I’ve put together this handy guide so you’ve got a great selection of places to dine in Memorial next time you’re looking to eat out in one of the most sought-after locations in the city.
I’ve included everything from the juiciest burgers to decadent seafood and everything in between.
Although Memorial is known for its wealthy appeal, don’t worry; plenty of affordable restaurants will still blow your socks off.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. State Fare Kitchen And Bar
| Address | 947 Gessner Road, Suites B-190, Houston, TX 77024 |
| Website | www.statefaretx.com |
| Food | Tacos, crab bisque, chili, nachos, sharing boards, poke, spaghetti |
| My Recommendation | Turtle Creek Filet Mignon |
As soon as I glanced at the menu post-visit, I knew this place would be special. I also knew I would be spoilt for choice as the menu was so unique, packed with dishes I’d never seen or even heard of, and the flavor combinations sounded phenomenal.
This contemporary restaurant attracts people from far and wide. It seems particularly popular with those who love anything artsy and new worldly. You know, the kind that wants to post everything they eat straight to the gram.
If that’s something that tickles your pickle, then you’re going to get some great shots of the food here. It’s vibrant and well presented, and the portion sizes are great, too, while remaining almost fine-dining style.
There’s such a mix of food and flavor here that you’ll be left wanting to go back the next day to order different dishes; I know I felt that way.
During this visit, I was drawn to the Turtle Creek Filet Mignon, which might be one of the most costly dishes on the menu at $42.50. But the description alone just had my mouth watering.
It comes drenched in blue cheese and peppercorn butter. It is served with mashed potatoes and tobacco onions. They were onion rings with a slightly smoked/spiced flavor. I never asked what this meant, but whatever it was, they were delicious.
Other dishes on the menu include vegetarian spaghetti, fried Gulf shrimp, and hot fried chicken, which comes with cheesy potatoes.
I’d recommend sharing the San Luis Seafood Platter if you want to keep the cost down or aren’t overly hungry, presuming you like seafood. It’s $33.50 and includes Gulf shrimp, crawfish tails, catfish, homemade slaw, fries, and their famous jalapeno hushpuppies (which are insane by the way, made with corn, cheese, jalapenos, green onions and fried in buttermilk batter).
Oh, and before I forget, they also have some amazing deals on offer during Happy Hour; I’d recommend the devilled eggs and pomegranate punch.
2. True Craft Market And Catering
| Address | 1024 Campbell Road, Houston, TX 77055 |
| Website | www.truecraftmarket.com |
| Food | Burgers, breakfast, market goods, fresh meat, tacos, rotisserie chicken |
| My Recommendation | Habanero Burger |
True Craft Market is one of my favorite places in Memorial, mainly because I’m drawn to any market-style destination.
This place was established in 2018 and had been drawing in diners and shoppers ever since with its juicy burgers, market-fresh meats, and outstanding ready meals, which you can purchase to cook at home.
The first time I visited here, I was advised by a friend to try out the brisket enchiladas; apparently, it’s what first made them so popular and put them on the map, and don’t get me wrong, I can see why, and they’re amazing.
However, on every visit since, I’ve found a love for their outstanding burgers, and one, in particular, blows my mind. No matter how often I order this burger, it never gets boring. The Habanero Burger! Of course, you’ll have to be partial to a bit of heat to enjoy this as much as I do. But, wow! It’s incredible and one of the best I’ve ever tasted.
However, if you’re not in the mood for a burger, there’s plenty more to choose from. The rotisserie chicken fajita bowl, as are the chicken tacos, is a fabulous choice.
There’s a small kids menu with meals around $6.00, and be sure to ask about the daily specials, as they often have some great dishes that aren’t on the standard menu.
Also, if you head down for breakfast, try the House Breakfast Sausage Tacos, priced at only $3.50.
3. ReikiNa
| Address | 799 Town and Country Boulevard, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77024 |
| Website | www.reikina.xyz |
| Food | Fine dining, scallops, wagyu, smoked cod, oyster tata |
| My Recommendation | Coriander Buttermilk Pie with Curried Ice Cream |
Suppose you want to experience something extra special during your trip to Memorial. In that case, nothing says elegance and class more than a chef-driven, eight-course journey through some of the most wondrous flavors ever to be seen on a plate together.
As you can see from my recommendation, the Coriander Buttermilk Pue with Curried Ice Cream. The food here is like nothing you’ll have ever seen or tasted before, making it one of the most delightful restaurants in Memorial.
Of course, what’s on the menu will vary depending on when you go; the chef changes the menu every month, so there’s little point in me rattling on about what dishes to order. You’ll get the element of surprise on the day. I think this makes the whole experience even more exclusive.
The price you pay, as you’ve probably guessed, is on the higher end, but at the moment, it ranges between $60.00 and $120.00. One to save for someone’s upcoming special birthday.
4. DaddyO’s Pizza
| Address | 861 Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, TX 77079 |
| Website | www.daddyospizza.com |
| Food | Pizza, Greek salad, garlic bread, hot wings, calzone, sub rolls, pasta |
| My Recommendation | Bronx Bomber Pizza |
If you’ve ever read any of my other restaurant recommendation guides, you would know my fondness for Italian food, specifically pizza. I have very high standards when it comes to what I expect out of a good-quality pizza. I can be hard to please.
However, DaddyO’s Pizza Memorial always hits the spot.
The food here is great value for money, but for me, this place is all about the pizza; it’s their specialty.
I always look for and appreciate the cheese on a good-quality pizza. Good cheese is always the staple of pizza.
I have a personal favorite when it comes to pizza; I always create my own and get the same four toppings; however, on this occasion, I decided to get one of their specialty pizzas, the Bronx Bomber, which consisted of Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, jalapenos, fresh garlic and their famous mozzarella cheese and homemade pizza sauce. Of course, I got the biggest one on the menu, and it only set me back $20.00, a bargain.
Additional items on the menu include dishes such as Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and a great choice of hot subs like Philly Cheese Steak.
They also have some roll options, in which you can pick up to three fillings to be rolled into their homemade pizza dough with pizza sauce, garlic butter, and cheese. These also come with a side of marinara sauce to dip in. They’re just $12.99 and perfect if you want a slight change from the standard pizza.
Be sure to end your meal with authentic Mama’s Baklava.
5. Black Walnut Cafe Memorial
| Address | 5512 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77007 |
| Website | www.blackwalnutcafe.com |
| Food | Tacos, prime cuts of steak, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, breakfast, roast dinner |
| My Recommendation | Chicken Croissant Club |
Whether you’re looking to dine out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a sandwich to grab on the go, The Black Walnut Cafe in Memorial will provide you with a stunning feast at any time of day.
The cafe is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Breakfast is available earlier in the day. You can choose from eggs benedict, breakfast tacos, or an epic breakfast plate loaded with bacon, sausage, potatoes, pancakes, eggs, and French toast, all for $16.00.
My favorite, which I only tried recently for the first time, was the Chicken Croissant Club Sandwich. I love anything served on a croissant; it enhances any sandwich tenfold. This one consisted of sliced chicken, swiss cheese, smokey bacon, salad, and pesto mayonnaise, all wedged between a hot fresh croissant. It’s to die for, and well, the $14.50 they’re charging. It also comes with a side of fries or potato salad.
They’ve got an excellent burger menu, a nice veggie option, and some great taco offerings, such as the new lobster tacos with lettuce, pickles, hollandaise, and some great taco offerings, Caesar salad. The coconut shrimp tacos are my favorite.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat with the kids, there’s a great choice of food for them, too, even the fussiest of eaters. They can eat pasta, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, or burgers. However, if your child has a more refined palate, check out the starters menu, the portions are big enough for a kids’ meal, and there are a few more options like chicken wraps, devilled eggs, and queso.
6. Liberty Kitchen and Oysterette Memorial
| Address | 963 Bunker Hill Road, Houston, 77024 |
| Website | www.libertykitchenoysterette.com |
| Food | Sushi, Gulf oysters, truffle hamachi, wagyu beef, sharing plates caviar |
| My Recommendation | Avocado and Crab Cocktail |
It’s a popular spot for seafood and prime meat in Memorial, where you can enjoy a fine-dining-style meal for an extremely reasonable price.
Of course, they’re most well-known for the fresh Gulf oysters, but if you’re not a fan, make sure to put this on track, as there are many other dishes to choose from and enjoy.
This place is great if you want to try a bit of everything. You can order a few sharing plates and pick your way through various exciting ingredients like devilled eggs, lobster bits, jumbo shrimp, and steamed mussels.
However, my favorite dish here, which is meant to be shared but I point blank refuse to go halves on, is the avocado and crab cocktail, served with shaved onions, a delicious remoulade, and warm tortilla chips.
If you’re feeling flush and want to make this a truly special occasion, then go ahead and order the caviar, which comes with all the expected accompaniments. You can choose from domestic or imported caviar, which will cost you either $65.00 or $125.00 an OZ.
Don’t worry though, the rest of the dishes are very reasonable regarding cost. The sharers are priced between $14.00 and $20.00, and the main course starts at $21.00.
7. Dish Society
| Address | 12525 Memorial Drive, #145, Houston, TX 77024 |
| Website | www.dishsociety.com |
| Food | Brunch, pretzels, wraps, brisket, taco, pasta, chicken pot pie |
| My Recommendation | Texas Pecan Pesto Pasta |
Suppose you like to eat clean when dining out. In that case, you’re in luck because the Dish Society offers low-fat, healthy meals. You can keep an eye on those calories and, at the same time, enjoy a delectable meal.
The menu here is simplistic and classy but still has a lot on offer; for example, on the main course dinner menu, there’s an option for tacos stuffed with chicken, steak, or shrimp.
My favorite dish here is the Texan Pecan Pesto Pasta, served with fresh creme for a much lighter version of the usually heavy dish. It also comes with spinach and grape tomatoes.
They’ve also got some delightful breakfast options, such as the smoked salmon and avocado salad or the Southern breakfast skillet, which comes with homemade sausage, fried potatoes, jalapenos, onions, cheese, eggs, and gravy. It’s a colossal breakfast but costs only $16.00.
The restaurant is welcoming and homely, and the staff are friendly and helpful; however, one thing to bear is that these places can get incredibly busy on the weekend; I usually aim to go mid-week to avoid the queues and crowds.
The overall atmosphere is lovely, relaxed, and laid back while remaining to hold up a classy feel that fits other Memorial restaurants.
A Final Observation
I could carry on about the fantastic restaurants in Memorial Houston. But I would be here all day as there are so many. So, hopefully, the ones I’ve managed to narrow down to offer a substantial enough selection for you to find a great place to eat next time you visit the area. Once you’re done in Memorial, why not check out some other great parts of the city and what they offer in terms of dining? Here are some helpful guides to get you on your way; 7 Exquisite Spots Serving the Best Soul & Southern Food in Downtown Houston and 7 Amazing Restaurants in Midtown.