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Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Houston

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OpenTable
Updated February 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Houston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Fratelli's Ristorante restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1050)
$30 and under
Italian
Spring Branch
About the restaurant
Fratellis is happy to say we are still open and doing take out food and wine and curbside So come in or call to help us keep are doors open, thank you for support.
For over 10 years Fratelli's has always been known for serving homemade pastas, seafood, and fine meats, that is still the same. . The chefs have over 25 years of experience. Full service bar from the 1940's; a great part of Houston history. Serving award winning martinis, cosmos, Italian Ritas
Outside seating is available on our spacious patio. We all so have a area for the dog lovers in the neighborhood Wonderful wine list, Kid friendly menus, gluten free dishes.
Elegant reception room, perfect for small parties of 20 up to 120 ppl. with a band or DJ. Birthday Corp.Meetings
Graduation- All Day Seminars- Weddings
Customized menus for all occasions.
We cater all events from 20 to 400 Fratelli's has a large garden area on site or we can come to you. Come experience the best. EAT YOUR PASTA!

Top review
Minnie
Dined 6 days ago
Wonderful dinner with our grandchildren. The children loved their pizza and our salmon entrees were delicious! Service was great!
A photo of Ginger & Fork restaurant
4.9
4.9 (957)
$30 and under
Cantonese
Heights / Washington
About the restaurant
Welcome to Ginger & Fork! We are limited in our reservation capacity, and reservations of over 4 guests must be made by calling only. If you are unable to make a reservation online, please call the restaurant directly at 713-861-8883. Reservations are required for guaranteed seating.

Ginger & Fork will offer gracious hospitality and service, high quality food, and exotic drinks in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Mary’s vision for Ginger & Fork is to create a place where she and all of her customers can reconnect with old friends, as well as form new friendships.

Top review
Neff
Dined 6 days ago
Our dinner was perfect. Service was excellent and helpful with our visit. This is by far the best quality dinner for our dollar. Thank you and best wishes for everyone involved in making our dinners memorable.
A photo of Maximo restaurant
4.9
4.9 (14)
$30 and under
Mexican
W. University / Med Center
About the restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Houston’s West University neighborhood at 6119 Edloe Street, Maximo is a progressive Mexican restaurant from the Local Foods Group team that combines authenticity and adventure. Nearly everything is done in house under Executive Chef Adrian Torres with mentorship from Local Foods Group Creative & Culinary Director Seth Siegel-Gardner. Nixtamalized tortillas are just the start; corn kernels are boiled, soaked and ground into masa, imparting maximum flavor into a dedicated masa section on the menu featuring sopes, tetelas and even cornbread, along with a list of ever-changing taco options. Shareable plates, from crudos and salads to entrees and desserts, entice guests to explore. The restaurant is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 - 9 p.m. for dinner service and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. for brunch and dinner service.
Top review
Michael
Dined 1 day ago
We love Maximo the food is delicious and portions are small and perfect. The staff is always amazing and the manager has always been to our table to discuss the food and preparation
A photo of Bacaro Kitchen & Wine Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (750)
$30 and under
Italian
Westside
About the restaurant
Bacaro Kitchen Wine Bar, often referred to as a hidden gem, is a casual fine dining restaurant and wine bar with a neighborhood feel in the Memorial/Energy Corridor of Houston. We offer Classic Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh Gulf Seafood along with daily specials.

We are open for dinner service from Tuesday-Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, and Friday-Saturday from 4:00-9:00pm. Lunch service on Thursday & Friday from 11am to 4pm. Reservations are required. Call 281-759-6300 to reserve a table, we look forward to serving you again very soon!


Top review
Donna
Dined 3 days ago
As always food and service was outstanding as always!!!
A photo of Candelari's Italiano restaurant
4.8
4.8 (26)
$31 to $50
Italian
Rice Village
About the restaurant
Candelaris is your destination for an authentic Italian restaurant experience, including woodfire pizza, fresh pasta, excellent wine, and amazing desserts.
Our Candelari’s family dishes and recipes reach back several generations. We proudly offer an exceptional selection of authentic Italian dishes, local favorites, and of course our renowned Candelari’s Sausage


Ask almost any native Houstonian about Candelari’s Italian restaurant and pizzeria in Houston, and most likely the first thing you will hear is something about our signature Italian sausage. Given that our restaurant developed almost naturally out of the renowned, Candelari’s Sausage Company, this is no surprise. And while we have grown to become one the most recognizable and best Italian restaurants and pizzerias in Houston, we are very proud of our modest roots.


Top review
KerryVIP
Dined on Jan 26, 2025
We love this place and come here almost every time we come to Houston. We try to sit outside in the patio when we can.
A photo of Fig & Olive - Houston restaurant
4.8
4.8 (696)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
Galleria / Uptown
About the restaurant
In Uptown Houston's Galleria, FIG & OLIVE Tasting Kitchen & Bar is an escape to the French Riviera for weary shoppers and residents. F&O Houston gives guests an accessible way to indulge with an elegant lunch or a late-night rendezvous. The buzzy bar scene makes for an evening that is effortlessly entertaining. And the Rosé Terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of sparkling rosé or a signature cocktail. On weekends, we offer brunch twists on our menu for a South of France style Saturday or Sunday.
Top review
AngelaVIP
Dined on Jan 19, 2025
The food was excellent, flavors that are worth trying! We had a great time and for sure will be coming back!!
A photo of Astor's Table restaurant
4.8
4.8 (325)
$30 and under
Steakhouse
Katy
About the restaurant
Astor's Table offers a culinary adventure through South Africa's bold flavors, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. From melt-in-your-mouth halal oxtail to sizzling exotic steaks, delectable seafood, and brunch options, alongside familiar favorites. The menu caters to diverse palates and unique flavors. An extensive S. Africa and global wine list complement the globally inspired cuisine, creating a memorable dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Top review
Yolanda
Dined on Jan 18, 2025
Great food, great service, lovely ambience. Definitely recommend
A photo of Porta'Vino - The Woodlands restaurant
4.8
4.8 (605)
$30 and under
Italian
The Woodlands
About the restaurant
Discover delicious modern Italian & incredible wine prices at Porta'Vino in The Woodlands!

Porta'Vino offers an impressive wine list at prices competitive with local discount wine stores! In fact, many guests purchase cases of wine to go, so we consider Porta'Vino part wine store. You are also welcome to BYOB for a corkage fee.

Signature dishes include Calabrese Crispy Shrimp, Balloon Bread, Wild Boar Bolognese, Barramundi Sea Bass & our Double-Cut Smoked Pork Chop! Make sure to save room for our Coconut Cream Pie, Medium Rare Brownie, or Apple Crisp. You can't go wrong with our menu selections.

The restaurant has a welcoming dining room, a spacious patio, and private dining rooms for events. A free parking garage is located behind the restaurant. Park, Dine, then walk to the nearby Woodlands Pavilion.

Porta'Vino also hosts a Winemaker Dinner Series. To receive invitations to these special events, please email events@portavino.com.

Top review
Dan
Dined 1 day ago
Tremendous food and service. A very interesting menu which makes it a challenge to select only 1 item.
A photo of Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Houston restaurant
4.8
4.8 (304)
$30 and under
Sushi
Heights / Washington
About the restaurant
Blue Sushi Sake Grill unites creative ingredients with energetic vibes, premium cold sake with happy moments to give you a fresh and fun new way to experience sushi. Our sushi and grill menus allow you to explore your sushi favorites in new and unexpected ways. We like to say that sushi is for sharing, and our menu encourages it. Order a spread of all your maki, nigiri and sashimi favs from the sushi bar, and throw in a few orders of starters from the grill. We'll stagger your plates so you can savor it all bite-by-bite, and maximize the sushi experience you've been craving all week. If you're not sure where to start, tour the menu during Happy Hour, where all our guest favorites — from our sushi, grill and drink menus — are available at an amazing value. We offer Happy Hour every day of the week at Blue Sushi Sake Grill!
Top review
robertVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Good food, but their portion sizes have gone down since we started going. My complaint is that my wife and I always make a reservation and we still have to wait every time we go. There’s really no point in reservations here.
A photo of Himari restaurant
4.7
4.7 (81)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Heights / Washington
About the restaurant
Himari is a vibrant and modern sushi bar in Houston, Texas. Known for its friendly service and inviting atmosphere, Himari offers a diverse menu featuring high-quality sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese delights. With a focus on fresh ingredients and skillful preparation, Himari promises a memorable dining experience for sushi lovers and those new to Japanese cuisine.
Top review
JuliaVIP
Dined 7 days ago
I had a great experience at Himari celebrating my birthday. Service started a little slow but the staff and management more than made up for it. The shishito peppers and edamame were grilled with the perfect char. And all the fish was very fresh. Highly recommend the Himari Kanpachi, Tuna Tostada and Crispy Tuna. Looking forward to trying the Surf & Turf on my next visit.
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