Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Houston

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

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!

Ginger & Fork

5.0

5 (952)

$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

Aaron

Dined 4 days ago

Absolutely amazing! This is a truly family owned and family run joint. The food was mind blowing, the atmosphere was amazing, and the staff (family) are refreshing to talk with. What a wonderful date night we couldn't have been happier! 10/10 I'll be back.

Bacaro Kitchen & Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (748)

$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

Tammy

Dined 7 days ago

Bacaro is a family favorite that never disappoints! The service and quality are always excellent. Whether you want a romantic dinner or a family celebration…they will exceed your expectations!! Thank you Bacaro!!

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Popular dish

Pappardelle Bolognese

Popular dish

Italian

Popular dish

Pappardelle al Fresco

Del Vista Bar and Grill

4.9

4.9 (301)

$31 to $50

American

Westside

About the restaurant

A great neighborhood restaurant featuring a spacious bar, patio seating, and an outdoor lounge

Top review

Kerry

Dined 5 days ago

The food was outstanding! Everything we got was incredible. Great service too!

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4.9

4.9 (83)

$31 to $50

Sushi

University of Houston

About the restaurant

Aburi refers to the technique of torching fish, enhancing its flavor by lightly searing it. This process not only brings out the fish's taste but also benefits from the use of premium Japanese white oak charcoal, imparting a subtle smokiness & effectively filtering out torch-related gases. Aburi involves a gentle searing, leaving the fish partially cooked.

Hailing from Houston, a city renowned for its cultural diversity, our restaurant draws inspiration from this multicultural hub. Despite our Japanese name, our culinary concept transcends borders, aiming to showcase a medley of global cuisines, mirroring the diverse food scene of Houston.

Fresh fish is flown in directly from Tsukiji Market, Japan.

ATTENTION:
We recommend arriving early to experience our specialty cocktail menu before dining!

Top review

JenniferVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Our new go to sushi! We love this place. Great sushi, rolls, appetizers Even cocktails

The Fish

4.8

4.8 (242)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Montrose

About the restaurant

Proudly serving Houston since 2002, The Fish stands as Midtown's top destination for Japanese cuisine and sushi, boasting a vibrant social atmosphere. With an extensive menu featuring mouthwatering dishes such as Yuzu Shrimp & Noodles, Thai Chili Yellowtail, and Blue Crab Fried Rice, our dedicated and welcoming staff are here to exceed your expectations and ensure a memorable dining experience.

Top review

Jessica

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

Food is delish! Staff did a wonderful job of taking care of us and making sure everything is on point.

Candelari's Italiano

4.8

4.8 (23)

$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

Steven

Dined 6 days ago

Second time dining here. Order something different. Food was great both times.

Superica Houston Heights

4.8

4.8 (75)

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

Northside

About the restaurant

Superica
– “where sunshine spends the winter” – also known as Tex-Mex cuisine served in an Old-West-inspired atmosphere alongside music inspired by Austin.

The cuisine is a combination of 1950s Tex-Mex and the wood grill that has taken the food to another level by way of fajitas and more. An “evolved Tex-Mex menu,” includes the classics: tacos, nachos, tamales and enchiladas plus more intricate dishes such as wood-grilled fajitas and shrimp tacos always served with just-made flour tortillas, all while paying homage to the traditions and recipes that have been a part of the Texas culture for decades.

Top review

JonVIP

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

Great food and service, music a bit too loud when arrived but level reduced on our request.

Pacha Nikkei

4.8

4.8 (69)

$31 to $50

Peruvian

Westchase

About the restaurant

"Pacha Nikkei will introduce the unique flavors, philosophy and techniques of Nikkei cuisine to Houston. In doing so, it pays tribute to a successful integration of cultures that goes back 124 years in Peru, and that has significantly contributed to the gastronomic wealth of the country. Pacha in the Quechua language of Peru means “world” and Nikkei is a Japanese word, widely used in Peru to refer to Japanese-Peruvian people. The encounter between these rich cultures has given rise to a delicious culinary expression that we would like to share with the world."

Top review

CarlVIP

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

Delicious food. The ceviche dishes are superb. Black rice with seafood was one of the best dish I have eaten this year.

TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar - Houston

4.8

4.8 (338)

$31 to $50

Sushi

River Oaks

About the restaurant

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC NOVEMBER 17
During the day TEN is ideal for business lunches, both formal and casual; and at night transitions to a sexy, chic dining experience with unique sushi creations and takes on traditional Asian dishes. The decor features large, indoor cherry blossom images, high ceilings, recessed pink lighting and street art throughout. Thoughtful, delicate details are strewn about the gorgeous space. Grab a seat in the dining room, sushi bar or full service bar.

Top review

TelisaVIP

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

Great experience! Service was prompt. Chelsea was very knowledgeable and made great suggestions. Love this spot.

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Experience

Ten Style Omakase

Amedeo's Italian Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (441)

$30 and under

Italian

Kingwood / Humble / Atascocita

About the restaurant

Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant shows that you can get great Italian food in the Kingwood suburb of Houston so you don’t have to fight traffic to go downtown. With the same feel and excellent food and service, you won’t miss out on a thing. For more than two decades, Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant has served up pasta prepared to perfection, top quality meat and seafood and homemade desserts for lunch and dinner, as well as for banquets and catered events. Notable menu items at Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant include a grilled brie appetizer with a delicate rosemary blackberry sauce and caramelized onions, secret Raffa family recipe lasagna, grilled redfish filet with crabmeat and shrimp and the to-go family packs that feed four complete with salad, dressing and a loaf of uncooked garlic bread.

Top review

Christina

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Always a favorite goto! The lasagna is amazing ans they usually have great seafood specials !

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