Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Houston

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance 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!

CASE Chocolates

4.9

4.9 (74)

$50 and over

Dessert

Southeast Houston

About the restaurant

CASE Chocolates is the world's first chocolate and cocktail speakeasy. Our tasting experiences take you through fine and unique cacaos combined with high-end spirits and cocktails. Our space is meant to spark delight and joy, and we can't wait to welcome you in soon!

Our promise is a one-of-a-kind journey through chocolates in an unforgettable atmosphere.

Please arrive on time for the best experience. Plan ahead as parking is limited to a small lot and street parking. You must enter through Sampson St., Suite E. No-shows and cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will be subject to a charge of $68 per person.

Each tasting comes with 3 cocktail and chocolate pairings. Tastings start at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays and 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 10:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays and are approximately 90 minutes per tasting.

Top review

Erin

Dined 2 days ago

One of the coolest things I have ever done in Houston!! We came here to celebrate my husband’s 40th (a big time chocolate lover) and he was extremely impressed. This says a lot because he is actually rather difficult to impress.

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Experience

Chocolate & Cocktails Tasting Experience

Fig & Olive - Houston

4.9

4.9 (691)

$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

Rusty

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

First time here, both food and service were outstanding!! Will be back for sure.

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Experience

New Year’s Day Brunch

Vargas Cut & Catch

4.9

4.9 (1285)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Galveston

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Galveston's historic downtown district, Vargas Cut and Catch is a contemporary Steak House serving USDA Prime Steaks and the Freshest Seafood available.

We look forward to serving you soon!!

Sincerely,
Paco Vargas and family

Street parking is complimentary after 6:00pm

Top review

Rene

Dined 3 days ago

The food and service were outstanding. It is the kind of place worth driving 50 miles for dinner.

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Popular dish

Lobster Bisque

Scott Gertner's Rhythm Room

4.8

4.8 (542)

$31 to $50

American

River Oaks

About the restaurant

SCOTT GERTNER "Houston's First Name in Entertainment" This venue highlights the best live entertainment from the local, regional and national scene. Enjoy a delicious full menu including our Happy Hours, Steak Nights and Live Music Showcases.. Our SGRR has a full bar including delicious signature cocktails, wine and champagne. Our award winning Scottie Hottie Chicken Wings won 1st Place in Houston! Plan ahead for your next visit. Join us inside or on our outdoor patio....and be a part of the ultimate Scott Gertner experience.

DRESS CODE : DRESSY CASUAL
NO BALL CAPS , ATHLETIC APPAREL, FLIP FLOPS, BACKLESS SANDALS, BAGGY CLOTHING, TALL TEE SHIRTS OR SHORTS.

Top review

Tarra

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Great club to chill and listen to music while enjoying good food and drinks!

Magnolia Society

5.0

5 (88)

$30 and under

American

Columbus

About the restaurant

WELCOME TO MAGNOLIA SOCIETY. Magnolia Society offers a food and wine experience like none other in Columbus, Texas. Sip on curated craft cocktails paired with chef-driven dishes or indulge in a bottle of your favorite wine. With a focus on providing hand-picked selection of premier wines paired with exceptional hospitality and crave-worthy cuisine, Magnolia Society sets the standard for an unforgettable affair where food and wine meet.

Top review

Dined on Dec 1, 2024

Always the best!! Every time one of our family is in town they want to go back. My husband loves the short ribs & my sons too. I love the Parisian pizza. My daughter adores the chicken parmesan. We all split the baked cookie with ice cream for dessert. Great drinks and wine menu. Highly recommended.

Hachi Sushi

4.9

4.9 (14)

$50 and over

Japanese

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Hachi Sushi Restaurant, specializing in Omakase while offering a full menu. Hachi is situated in the vibrant Houston Galleria area, is a premier destination for sushi aficionados and those who appreciate the art of authentic Japanese cuisine. At Hachi, the focus is on delivering the freshest fish while creating an elevated dining experience. We offer a truly unique dining experience with our signature Omakase menu, where our ingredients are flown in directly from the renowned Toyosu and Tsukiji fish markets in Japan. The word "Omakase" means "I leave the details up to you" in Japanese, and it encapsulates the essence of dining at Hachi—an experience where the chef takes you on a culinary journey, creating each dish with skill, artistry, and deep knowledge of Japanese tradition.

Top review

Uyen

Dined 3 days ago

Great experience! Great food and great staff! Will definitely be back

The Cafe at Brookwood

4.9

4.9 (528)

$30 and under

American

Westside

About the restaurant

Bring the family and friends and come enjoy the spectacular garden views, complimented with exceptional cuisine created by our Chef Pablo and his team. We truly believe that our food, service, and ambiance can compete with any restaurant. Please dine with us…we think you will want to come again and bring your friends.

Top review

DanielleVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Always enjoy how special Brookwood Cafe is.. especially at Christmas!

Uchiko Houston

4.9

4.9 (639)

$50 and over

Sushi

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

:: ADDITIONAL RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE ON RESTAURANT WEBSITE ::

Originated from the famed Uchi restaurant in Austin, founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole, Uchiko specializes in robust flavors infused with smoke and hints of char balanced with the fresh and clean profile that is the hallmark of its sister concept Uchi. Reservations are encouraged and can be booked online up to 1 month in advance. Walk-in bar seating is available and is subject to wait times. Patio seating is weather permitting and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Happy Hour is offered everyday from 4:00 - 6:00 and on Sunday - Wednesday from 4pm - 10pm at the bar only. We look forward to serving you, Kanpai!

Top review

Miku

Dined 5 days ago

Everything was fantastic but the service was phenomenal! Coming back this week because our waitress was just so incredible! Thank you for the unforgettable service and dinning experience! (The hostess was also lovely and made our night special)

Emilia's Havana

5.0

5 (67)

$50 and over

Cuban

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Discreetly located next to The Annie Café & Bar, Emilia’s Havana is an intimate, 50-seat lounge reminiscent of a vibrant 1950s Cuban club with a luxe Latin vibe. The latest from Berg Hospitality Group, guests will enjoy inventive interpretations of classic and contemporary Cuban-inspired cocktails by the James Beard award winning mixologist, Alba Huerta, along with an elevated wine list and bottle service. Perfect for a post-dinner snack, the light, Latin-inspired small plates by Executive Chef Brian Sutton are not to be missed.* The highlight of the evening? The live “bossa nova style” music performed at every seating by our house band along with tunes by local DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.

*PLEASE NOTE: Emilia’s Havana has lounge-style seating with Cuban-inspired small plates but does not have a full dinner menu.

Top review

Santiago

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

This speakeasy is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, the ambiance feels like stepping into another era. The music was exceptional—a perfect blend of live tunes and curated playlists that set the mood beautifully. It’s the kind of place where every beat feels intentional, adding to the charm of the experience. The service was equally impressive. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely seemed to enjoy what they were doing. They made thoughtful recommendations and ensured everything felt seamless throughout the evening. The attention to detail—from the decor to the cocktail presentation—made the night unforgettable. If you’re looking for a hidden treasure with incredible vibes, outstanding service, and music that transports you, this place is a must-visit.

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Experience

New Year's Eve

Stella's Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (110)

$31 to $50

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Tucked away in the southeast corner of the hotel, Stella’s Wine Bar is Houston’s newest and most alluring wine destination for both casual wine enthusiasts and serious oenophiles. Offering over 30 wine-producing regions through a variety of flights and close to 60 wines by the glass, Stella’s Wine Bar provides a unique journey of tastes from around the world. Guided by our unrivaled team of highly skilled yet incredibly approachable sommeliers, guests can learn and explore both the new and the familiar wines in a social convivial atmosphere with world-class wine resources to share as little or as much as you want to know. The full Cellar wine program can also be accessed within Stella’s Wine Bar, so options are near limitless.

Top review

mikeVIP

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

Fantastic selection of wine and tasty snacks. Very helpful and knowledgeable sommelier. A lovely evening.

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