7 Best Restaurants in Southampton, Houston: The Local Dining

Southampton in Houston is one of my favorite places to go sightseeing. I love the beautiful architecture and the fact that it carries so much history, dating back to the early 1900s.

Not only is this historic neighborhood known for its stunning buildings and structures, but it’s also famous for its breathtaking green lands and tree-studded streets, streets which I have been pacing recently on the hunt for the best restaurants in Southampton.

There are tons of restaurants in Southampton that cater to people with every taste imaginable, which is brilliant, but it’s also why picking the right spot can feel like a slog.

So whether you’re looking for Mexican, pizza, Chinese, or sushi, you can rest assured that by the time you’ve finished reading this guide, you’ll have every meal planned during your visit to Southampton, Houston.

Best Restaurants in Southampton, Houston, TX

I have put together a list of the restaurants I deem to be the best in Southampton, Houston.

Using my own personal experiences, and hearing about the experiences of others, means I’ve managed to bring together some fantastic eateries for you to dine out when visiting the lovely neighborhood of Southampton.

I have included a pretty wide variety of cuisines, so whether you’re a lover of classic American food or like something a little more diverse, you’ll be sure to find something that strikes your fancy.

Regarding prices, I’ve also tried to include a mixed bag, so whether you’re in the market for a budget lunch or want to splash out on something a little more lavish, you’ll find it all right here. Just call me your personal restaurant guru, if you will.

So, without further ado, let’s examine further and delve into the best restaurants in Southampton, Houston.

1. Warren’s Inn

I was pretty confused when I first came across Warren’s Inn. I think I had already judged it on the name and appearance of the outside of the restaurant. However, this wasn’t a bad thing, as it meant I was even more blown away by everything that followed.

I was expecting a traditional American diner-type joint, but to my surprise, it was a bar.

However, I soon realized that they did indeed serve food, so I wasn’t deterred, and actually, the fact it was a bar really added to the vibes and gave it a fabulous, lively atmosphere without being too loud.

The menu was limited, but what they have is done to perfection. In fact, I didn’t think you could get tacos this good from this type of venue. I opted for the chicken fried one, which was divine, but there’s also the option of brisket beef and Jamaican pork.

I think my absolute favorite thing about this quirky little bar is the aura and ambiance. It felt so historical and traditional and made a delightful change from the modern, contemporary bars that we’re seeing pop up on every corner.

One thing I will say, however, is to give them a call or check their Facebook page before visiting, as the meals were provided by what appeared to be a street food vendor, and I was unsure if this was a regular thing or just on certain days.

However, Warren’s Inn does also allow you to bring your own food if you just want to stop by and check out the whimsical characters of this timeless bar.

2. Frank’s Pizza

Frank’s Pizza restaurant is a staple within the community, and somewhere people flock to get their hands on some of the best pizzas in the area.

And that is exactly what I did too.

I had already heard enough about how great Frank’s Pizza was, so my hopes were high before I’d even arrived, and they did not disappoint.

The great thing about this pizza joint is the fact you can have four different sizes of pizza, so no matter your budget or hunger levels, there’ll be a pizza to suit.

You don’t have to order one of the pizzas off the main menu, either. Get creative and toss all your favorite toppings together to craft your perfect pizza. Topping options include hamburger, chicken, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, olives, pineapple, and spinach, to name just a few.

I do consider myself a bit of a pizza connoisseur in some respect, and I have to say, this pizza was probably up there with one of the best I’ve ever had. It was spilling over with an abundance of tasty toppings and gooey cheese, and the bread was perfectly proven and cooked.

There are tons of choices for vegetarians, and the fact you can create your own means you can assemble it to whatever dietary requirements you have.

As far as prices go, I think they’re incredibly reasonable. A large pizza, which is a whopping 18 inches, is just $23.00. This claims to feed four people, but I am not at all ashamed to say that we polished one off between just two.

If you’re not quite in the mood for pizza, there’s plenty more to choose from, such as chicken, beef, or vegetarian lasagne, which are all $9.00 each.

If you’re with a huge group, you can order an enormous lasagne to serve 4 or 12 people for $34.00 or $65.00. I saw one of these being bought out during my visit, and let me tell you; they look totally epic.

3. El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant

El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant has been serving the diners of Houston for many years, and it’s easy to see why they still remain so popular because the food is fancy.

Now don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing fancy about this restaurant, and it certainly isn’t much to look at from the outside, but what there is, is impressive, authentic Mexican food and a vibrant atmosphere.

As they’ve become so popular, this is actually their second location. The original one is on Crocker Street. However, I was glad to discover that this one is as good as the OG.

It’s clear to see that the food is all made using high-quality ingredients and is cooked with great care and a passion for Mexican cuisine. The flavors are divine, and the dishes jump off the plate in presentation.

The prices are very reasonable, and you can easily get yourself a large entree and a side for under $15.00.

4. Conservatory Underground Beer Garden & Food Hall

This is an absolute stand-out, one-of-a-kind eatery in Houston where every occasion is new and exciting, and you’re guaranteed to remember for a long time.

All the food here that I’ve tried is out of this world, so it might be surprising that my recommendation is a simple sandwich. However, this is no ordinary sandwich.

The Jersey Boy Sandwich is filled with smoked turkey, manchego cheese, chimichurri, bell peppers, honey and lemon, and avocado mayonnaise.

The best thing about this food hall is that there are multiple selections regarding cuisine, so even the fussiest of eaters will be able to find something to suit their pallets.

There’s an excellent selection of beer, ale, and cocktails too. So, even if you’re not feeling hungry, it’s worth heading down to soak up the vibrant ambiance, lively atmosphere.

There are some great deals to be had if you head down for Happy Hour between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and they quite often host special events such as steak night or have deals on tacos and drinks.

You can sample over 60 different craft ales here (not that I’m suggesting you do this all in one sitting, of course); however, you’ll be blown away by the choice.

Overall this is an exciting venue for eating and drinking, the garden setting makes it feel unusual, and you’ll definitely want to be back for another visit.

5. Ballpark Cafe

Ballpark Cafe is situated inside the Westin Hotel by the Marriott Group.

However, it’s open to the public for casual dining, so don’t think you need to book a room here to get a good meal unless you’re celebrating something special or want to make the most of your experience. Then go for it. It’s an excellent hotel from personal experience.

There’s a great vibe here, it feels welcoming, and you don’t feel as though you’re eating at a hotel. It’s very casual while still feeling stylish and contemporary.

The Shrimp Quesadillas are to die for, and so long as you enjoy seafood, I would highly recommend them. The portion size was plentiful too.

All the food was fresh, and I could tell it had all been made with good-quality ingredients. The shrimp tasted incredibly fresh, and the whole dish was delightful.

A friend of mine also had tomato soup to start with, which I sampled and was one of the best tomato and basil soups I had ever tasted.

There are also some great-sounding pizzas on the menu, which I didn’t try, but I did see a few coming out, and they looked and smelled fantastic.

6. Nippon Japanese Restaurant

As anyone who’s ever read my guides knows, I absolutely love sushi. It’s my second favorite thing to eat, next to pizza. I just can’t get enough.

So, no matter where I am in the world, I am always on the lookout for new sushi spots to add to my list of places I’ve been.

When I first spotted Nippon, I was already impressed and intrigued by the outside of the building, which screams authentic Japanese cuisine, so I couldn’t wait to get inside and order some sushi.

I was just as captivated when I set foot inside and was greeted with the sight, sounds, and smells of Japan. Perfect, I knew this was going to be great, and I wasn’t wrong.

I think I could go as far as to say this could be some of the best sushi I’ve eaten, and not just in Houston.

The seafood and sushi selection is massive, the dragon rolls are out of this world, and everything is so packed with fresh flavor it will blow your mind, and you’ll want to order a second.

I always think it can be quite tricky to find authentic sushi. A lot of them are very samey, especially chain-type restaurants. However, here you’ll find all kinds of weird and wonderful items on the menu that you’ve probably never come across in your average sushi spot.

This place is one-of-a-kind, and you simply must try it next time you’re in Southampton, Houston.

7. The Grove

I actually came across this place by mistake, but boy, oh boy, was I glad I did.

This farm-to-table restaurant serves up some amazingly fresh dishes cooked using the finest local ingredients.

The interior of the restaurant is innovative, stylish, and beautifully designed, and the dishes are presented to match. Everything is colorful and vibrant, and even the flavors are radiant.

On my last visit, I decided to go for something simple and classical, yet it tasted far from elementary. It was made with slow-braised beef, perfectly slow-cooked beef in a rich homemade marinara sauce, the pasta was al dente as it should be, and it was beautifully seasoned and well presented.

There are some great sharing plates for the table, such as flatbread and avocado, cheese boards, and blue crab corn fritters. These are all plentiful for sharing and cost under $20.00.

The main courses average at around $30.00, and while some might find this a little on the pricey side, for the quality you receive, you can see and taste where your money is being spent, and you won’t regret it for a second.

They are open for lunch and dinner and have a great choice of desserts and children’s meals if you are dining out with the family. Each kids’ meal has a choice of two sides, costing $16.00.

The restaurant is close to the ever-popular Discovery Green, so why not make a day of it and finish an excellent dining experience, which is guaranteed at The Grove?

To Conclude

So, those are my favorite restaurants in Southampton, Houston. Which one do you think you’ll be dining at for your next meal out in the neighborhood? Hopefully, you’re sorted for dining options now, so why not start planning the rest of your trip to Houston with this great list of fun things to do?