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Exterior - The Original Ninfa's on Navigation, Houston, TX

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

4.7 (3549)
$30 and under
Mexican
2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003

Make a reservation

A photo of The Original Ninfa's on Navigation restaurant

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

4.7
$30 and under
Mexican
East Side

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 63 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Lively
  • Good for special occasions
The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

Located on Navigation Boulevard just minutes from the heart of downtown Houston, the Original Ninfa's was all started with Mama Ninfa Laurenzo's creative TexMex recipes. These led to the introduction of fajitas & Mexican cuisine to North America which gained immediate success.

If you're looking for a Houston Mexican restaurant, Ninfa's on Navigation is not only a local icon, having serviced politicians, celebrities & even visiting royalty, their Mexican food is unbeatable. Chef Patti Delgado uses only top quality ingredients, like Mama Ninfa herself did, & fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood like red snapper, jumbo shrimp & more.

Voted Best Margaritas, you can enjoy Ninfaritas on the outdoor deck, dine on the best Mexican dishes & fajitas around and truly enjoy the great restaurant experience.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Tex-Mex
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Patti Delgado
  • Catering
    Original Ninfa's prides itself on its tremendous quality in outside catering events. We would be delighted to put together a personal proposal for you. Our restaurant team can put you in touch with one of our catering consultants. <br /><br />Weddings<br />Corporate Events <br />Rehearsal Dinners<br />or just about any event you can imagine...<br /><br />832-658-0116
  • Private party facilities
    Ninfa’s on Navigation not only offers its famous Tex-Mex flavors but also a variety of private and semi-private dining spaces for unforgettable gatherings.
  • Private party contact
    Rosie Hernandez: (832) 658-0116
  • Neighborhood
    East Side
  • Cross street
    Delano
  • Parking details
    We have ample parking and complementary Valet parking service is available.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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Private dining

Offers

  • Happy Hour

    1 - 12 people

    Multiple dates available
    Mon - Fri - 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    It's finally here - Happy Hour has arrived at Ninfa's on Navigation | Join us Monday-Friday from 3pm-6pm for $7 Ninfaritas, Tex-Mex Cocteles, and crisp Texas draft beers | Pair your drink with savory small bites like Beef Picadillo Empanadas or Chicken Wings Al Pastor and make any afternoon feel like a fiesta | Visit our website for our full happy hour menu

    Happy Hour Photo

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Videos

Shared by creators who recently dined at this restaurant.

  • Profile image

    hollyinhouston

    New summer menu at @ninfasoriginal in Houston 👀 We tried the limited-time summer dishes and cocktails, including the kiwi margarita, blue crab esquites, cabrito tacos, and strawberry tequila tres leches... YUM!!! 📍 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003 #houstonfood #htxfoodie #houstonfood #htxeats #houston

  • Profile image

    flosaidso

    The FIFA World Cup ⚽️ is heading to Houston, and @ninfasoriginal is already giving us a reason to stop by 🙌🏼 They’re celebrating with a new mural in the Historic Second Ward, created by renowned artist José “Meenr” Arredondo and it’s the perfect photo op for your 2026 World Cup memories. And since the original Ninfa’s on Navigation is conveniently located close to FanFest, you can stop by and enjoy all of your favorites while you’re out enjoying the action! Save this one for World Cup season ⚽️🙌🏼 📍The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003 2026 FIFA World Cup, houston restaurants, Houston mural, things to do in Houston, #fifaworldcup2026 #houston #htx

Videos are powered by Seekeasy. How this content is generated

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at The Original Ninfa's on Navigation.

4.7

4.7
(3549)
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Houston

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is a "Houston institution" known for its "legendary fajitas" and vibrant atmosphere. Diners rave about the "fantastic service," with standout staff like Mateo and Cesar enhancing the experience. The "delicious margaritas" and "authentic Tex-Mex cuisine" make it a "must-visit" for both locals and visitors.
3,549 Reviews
  1. David Gold

    Houston14 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Service was slow and we were seated in the cantina, which was loud. Will request NOT to be seated there.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Brian Gold

    Houston84 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We are regulars at the original Ninfa's location on Navigation. Any time we are able to catch lunch or dinner before an Astros game or Rockets game this is where we go. Not only is the service fantastic the food is delicious. They have vegetarian options for their beans which is rare at a Mexican food restaurant! The Tejas combo is absolutely fantastic and their happy hour margaritas are awesome! Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  3. John

    Unspecified2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The staff is amazing and the food top notch… still best fajitas in town!!!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Debra

    Baton Rouge1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 31, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great restaurant and atmosphere. Staff was friendly and very attentive, they kept drinks and chips filled. Loved the food especially the tortilla chips and queso. We had the steak tacos al carbon... delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Craig Gold

    Houston41 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 30, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    As always, food, cocktails, and service were outstanding - always love our trips to Ninfa's - a Houston institution!

    Is this helpful?

  6. fran Gold

    Austin47 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 30, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious, and the serving ample! Wait staff was friendly and accommodating. The manager stopped by to say hello, and said goodbye as we were leaving. It’s funky old school Tex Mex decor. We loved it!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Joshua Gold

    Greater Boston1 review

    1.0

    Dined on October 30, 2026

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Our appetizers and entree were both on our table with in 12 mins. No time to eat appetizer. Food was almost inedible. Shrimp was a piece of rubber. Chicken was also rubber. Steak had no flavor. Wouldn’t recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Debra Gold

    Minneapolis4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 28, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ashley was our server and did a great job! Please say thank you to all and had a great time. We had a great time!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Barbara

    Houston12 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on October 27, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    If you want authentic Tex Mex cuisine, please go to the Original Ninfa's. The wonderful aromas meet you at the door! Ask for Mateo. He's a great server!

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 27, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food, service and experience. A must visit!

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Tex-Mex
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Patti Delgado
  • Catering
    Original Ninfa's prides itself on its tremendous quality in outside catering events. We would be delighted to put together a personal proposal for you. Our restaurant team can put you in touch with one of our catering consultants. <br /><br />Weddings<br />Corporate Events <br />Rehearsal Dinners<br />or just about any event you can imagine...<br /><br />832-658-0116
  • Private party facilities
    Ninfa’s on Navigation not only offers its famous Tex-Mex flavors but also a variety of private and semi-private dining spaces for unforgettable gatherings.
  • Private party contact
    Rosie Hernandez: (832) 658-0116
  • Neighborhood
    East Side
  • Cross street
    Delano
  • Parking details
    We have ample parking and complementary Valet parking service is available.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

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FAQs

For a calmer visit to The Original Ninfa's on Navigation, try early evening on a Sunday (around 5:00 PM) and ask for a back-patio table, guests report easy seating and a noticeably quieter patio.

Yes, Ninfa's runs a few guest-noted experiences: a complimentary shuttle service for nearby games and free private parking, and the catering menu offers Ninfarita pitchers (18–20 drinks per gallon).

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation features an indoor dining room plus a lively bar, an outdoor deck/patio for al fresco dining, and several back dining rooms used for larger or private parties.

Yes, families dine here regularly: reviewers describe large family gatherings, children ordering breakfast tacos, and staff accommodating a party of ten in a back room.

Yes, The Original Ninfa's has a full drinks program: signature margaritas (including The Original Ninfarita and Navigation Margarita), a broad tequila and mezcal list, draft beers, and a curated wine selection.

Sunday is a great pick, the restaurant serves dinner and guests report smooth, pleasant Sunday visits alongside the weekend brunch service (Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am–2:00 pm).

Yes, The Original Ninfa's on Navigation welcomes private parties, and guests report using back dining rooms and the patio for larger groups and gatherings.

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation traces back to Mama Ninfa Laurenzo, she started the restaurant from her Tex‑Mex recipes and is credited as the founder of Ninfa's.

Portions tend to be generous, guests describe large, hearty plates and say items like the fajita nachos and many entrées arrive piled and filling for a meal.

Yes, The Original Ninfa's on Navigation has welcomed anniversary and celebratory dinners, pairing lively yet warm ambience with attentive service that many guests praise for special evenings.

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation fills up at peak times, guests report it being jam-packed and very busy, while the back patio and smaller back dining rooms are noticeably calmer.

Yes, The Original Ninfa's on Navigation has an outdoor deck where guests enjoy Ninfaritas and al fresco dining.

The fajitas are the standout, the menu features multiple fajita plates and many guests praise the beef and chicken fajitas as the restaurant's must-try dish.

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation feels lively and historic, a bustling, music-filled Tex‑Mex institution, with back rooms and the patio offering quieter, more relaxed options.

Casual dress, comfortable, informal clothing is appropriate; nothing formal is required.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Houston
  4. Houston
  5. East Side

Make a reservation

A photo of The Original Ninfa's on Navigation restaurant

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

4.7
$30 and under
Mexican
East Side

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 63 times today
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