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Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown

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87 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse - Downtown restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2927)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Elegant, award-winning steakhouse serving dry-aged prime beef, seafood & exceptional wines.
A photo of Brasserie du Parc restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1353)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown
Booked 4 times today
We are an authentic French brasserie located on the ground floor of the landmark residential high-rise One Park Place overlooking Discovery Green. Come and join us for lunch or dinner to experience the French Culinary Cuisine that Chef Jose has to offer. For those of you looking where to go for after work drinks and bar bites, our Happy Hour menu is available daily at our bar area from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
A photo of Bandista restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(240)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 3 times today
Bandista is the real deal when it comes to an authentic cocktail bar experience. It's a speakeasy-style spot with a modern Latin vibe. Reviewers rave about the unique, high-end drinks and the top-notch service. One even mentioned the special treat of being escorted to the bar! It's a great place for an intimate night out or for special occasions.
A photo of Buena Vista Cuban Cafe - Downtown restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(1)
Price: Moderate
• Cuban • Downtown
Discover the vibrant heartbeat of Cuba right in Houston at Buena Vista Cuban Cafe! Immerse yourself in an unforgettable culinary journey with our authentic dishes bursting with rich flavors. Come to Buena Vista Cuban Cafe and savor the lively atmosphere that makes every visit a celebration of Cuban culture!
A photo of Guadalajara Del Centro restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(116)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 2 times today
Noted as Houston's go-to destination for Mexican fine food, Guadalajara Del Centro provides visitors with contemporary favorites that include everything from enchiladas or fajitas to campeche. The restaurant offers brunch, lunch and dinner menus and features only finest ingredients for optimal results. A visit to Guadalajara Del Centro is a popular choice with families and groups, and they even have happy hour to make it the perfect after work destination. Portions on popular menu items are adjustable, and the fajitas as a trademark dish. With medium or large portions and such unique add-ons as stuffed quail or portabella mushrooms, the Guadalajara Del Centro is sure to have something for everyone.
A photo of House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Houston restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1422)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 1 time today
The House of Blues Restaurant & Bar in Houston is a unique blend of Southern dining, live music, and service, making it a true reflection of authentic Southern culture. Reviewers rave about the 'great food', 'nice location and ambiance', 'live music night', and 'attentive and friendly staff'. The restaurant's description highlights its commitment to family-style dishes, craft cocktails, and live music, which further solidifies its authenticity.
A photo of Street To Kitchen restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(889)
Price: Expensive
• Thai • East End
Booked 13 times today
Enjoy unapologetically authentic Thai food in the East End. All food is made from scratch by native Thai chef and James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Texas Benchawan Jabthong Painter.Chef Benchawan and her husband—who also spend time in their Bangkok home each year—have painstakingly built out a restaurant that would fit into Bangkok’s hip Thong Lor neighborhood, but they have located it in Houston. Expect trendy Thai vibes, music, strong cocktails and an adventurous wine list to accompany Chef Benchawan’s acclaimed dishes.When booking your reservation, all children—regardless of age—must be included in the head count. The largest party Street to Kitchen can accommodate is 6 people. If more than 6, you can arrange a private Thai tasting menu, including a minimum spend. Please contact us via email at eatthai@streettokitchen.org.
A photo of Mamajuana Cafe Houston restaurant
4.2
Awesome(103)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
Mamajuana Cafe connects the heart of Houston’s vibrant Downtownneighborhood with the energy, flair, regional & authentic flavors of theLatino Caribbean & South American culinary traditions, bringing youmouth-watering & brilliantly innovative Latino cuisine. Mamajuanadelivers a singular blend of world-class cuisine, innovative cocktailsand one-of-a-kind experiences. Here, that immersion feels like agetaway to somewhere alluring and high-energy and, most of all,unforgettable.
A photo of Fiori restaurant
4.1
Excellent(664)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Montrose
Booked 5 times today
Fiori is a charming and cosy Italian restaurant and floral boutique in the heart of Montrose, led by chef Alessio from Rome. The restaurant is located in a cute two-story building, has a nice patio with lights hanging on the outside and a terrace; massive oak trees surround the building creating an unique atmosphere. The beautifully interior, decorated with fresh flowers, plants and paintings, offers a lovely and light ambience. Fiori focuses on using authentic traditional recipes. At lunch offers salads, pasta and Italian sandwiches. At dinner, Fiori transforms to a relaxed lounge atmosphere with a full bar and refined wine selection, where you can have a classic Italian aperitive and then taste a selection of true Italian dishes. Periodically Fiori hosts local artist to delight you with paintings and live entertainments. Moreover, you can surprise your guests with a table floral arrangement or a bouquet for your partner. Fiori is available for private parties/events of many sizes.
A photo of BCN Taste & Tradition restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1897)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • Montrose
Booked 27 times today
BCN Taste & Tradition, the name gives a nod to Barcelona and the meld of traditional and modern Spanish cuisine. Chef Luis Roger relocated from Girona, Spain - trained under Michelin Chef Ferran Adria at elBulli- and taught at the renowned culinary school Aula Gastronomica de l’Emporada. Located on a 1920’s era Victorian home in the trendy Montrose/Museum District (4210 Roseland St.). BCN Taste & Tradition will recreate an authentic Spanish style dining experience with unparalleled service. The menu will showcase all the fantastic, cutting-edge haute cuisine that put Spain on the world stage. Credit card info required for reservations larger than 5 guests. A $50/person fee will be charged if you are unable to cancel within 48 of your scheduled time or if your party decreases in size within 24 of your reservation. No fee will be assessed for transferring the reservation to a different name.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Christian
    Houston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This was our first time at the restaurant. We were headed to the Alley Theatre for a 8 p.m. show. The service was excellent. We ordered the Crab Cake, wine, mushroom risotto and the Duck Confit. It was all excellent. I highly recommend.
    More info
    Brasserie du ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown
    4.5
  • Kimbery
    Houston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    It was smooth and easy getting seated with our reservations. This was our 2nd visit. We went for my husband’s birthday/before concert fun! Their free birthday, Churro/ice cream dessert was yummy! All of our tables food was excellent! We ate and drank: Lime Fajitas , Enchilada Stack, Beef Tacos (big shells), burrito (big), Blood Orange Margarita, Jumbo Margarita, and Pink Sour Drop Martini.
    More info
    Guadalajara Del CentroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    Houston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great cocktails, fun service, and awesome vibes for a date night.
    More info
    BandistaPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    Houston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we walked in, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the stage for what would become one of the most memorable nights of our lives. The service was impeccable—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making our evening special. The food? Absolutely phenomenal. The steaks were perfectly cooked and rich with flavor. Every dish, from the appetizers to the decadent desserts, showcased top-tier ingredients and masterful preparation. What truly sets Pappas Bros. apart, though, is the experience they create. This was the place where I proposed, and the staff went above and beyond to make the moment unforgettable. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence made an already special night even more magical. If you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate a milestone, impress someone special, or simply enjoy an outstanding meal, Pappas Bros. is the place to be. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
    More info
    Pappas Bros. Steakhouse - DowntownPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.6
  • RobinVIP
    Houston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 8, 2025
    Wonderful Cuban cuisine and service. This is a must go to restaurant for anyone coming to the downtown entertainment venues or who work near them. Can’t wait to get back.
    More info
    Buena Vista Cuban Cafe - DowntownPrice: Moderate• Cuban• Downtown
    5

Discover best authentic restaurants in Downtown

Embark on a culinary journey through Downtown Houston, where authenticity is the hallmark of its vibrant dining scene. This bustling urban area is home to a diverse array of restaurants that pride themselves on delivering genuine flavors and experiences. From the rich, hearty delights of Southern cuisine to the intricate tastes of Japanese cooking, each establishment offers a unique glimpse into the cultures they represent. Patrons seeking an authentic dining experience will find meticulously crafted dishes prepared with traditional methods and ingredients. The atmosphere in these restaurants often mirrors the authenticity of their menus, providing diners with a truly immersive experience. Whether it's the lively ambiance of a Mexican eatery or the intimate setting of a speakeasy-style cocktail bar, Downtown Houston's restaurant scene is a testament to the city's rich culinary heritage and its dedication to genuine hospitality. This area not only satisfies your taste buds but also envelops you in the true spirit of each cuisine, making every dining outing memorable.

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