Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Houston

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies 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 (105)

$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

Curvy4life

Dined 5 days ago

Was a unique fun experience. Chocolates were well paired with our drinks. Will come back in the future

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Experience

Chocolate & Cocktails Tasting Experience

Soto - Houston

4.8

4.8 (587)

$50 and over

Sushi

Montrose

About the restaurant

Soto offers sushi dressed to taste giving you a unique experience you won't forget. Chef Andy and team curated an award winning menu that also features two different Omakase'. Our bar carries an extensive Japanese whiskey and sake menu guaranteed to have something you will love. Stop in today for an upscale Japanese dining experience!

Top review

JamesM

Dined 1 day ago

Loved it! Great service, fantastic food, intimate atmosphere. Sat at the sushi counter and got the omakase, every bite was delicious and overall great value.

Pacha Nikkei

4.8

4.8 (79)

$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

Louise

Dined on Feb 21, 2025

GO HEFE. ORDER EVERYTHING. THANK ME LATER. SO SO SO FRESH

JŪN

4.8

4.8 (696)

$50 and over

American

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

Restaurant by Top Chef Alum, Chef Evelyn Garcia and Chef/Partner Henry Lu. New Asian American restaurant in the Heights serving chef inspired small to large dishes all meant to be shared. JŪN also has a full selection of craft beer from local brewers as well as an exciting wine list.

If you are interested in booking party size 6 and more please email: booking@junbykin.com with your inquires.

Top review

ShirleyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful food. Very creative. Will definitely go back.

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Experience

Mother's Day Brunch

March

4.8

4.8 (72)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Montrose

About the restaurant

In the heart of Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, MARCH Restaurant is an intimate Mediterranean restaurant from Chef Felipe Riccio. Serving both 6 and 9 course tasting menus, we study the gastronomy, history, and cultures of the region to answer the question:

“What is Mediterranean cuisine?”

After many years of personal and professional exploration of the Mediterranean – including extended stints at three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana and Azurmendi –Felipe has brought this spirit of exploration back to his home in Houston.

The word ‘MARCH’ signifies an area of land on the border between two territories; a frontier between realms. The menu is the team’s love letter to the Mediterranean where we will explore the unique, layered evolution of its many connected cuisines, with beverage pairings/selections artfully curated by partner and Master Sommelier, June Rodil, and the acclaimed beverage team.

Top review

SevC

Dined on Mar 14, 2025

An amazing experience from the moment you walk in the door. The exploration 9 course menu was exquisite. Highly recommend.

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Experience

Exquisite Lounge Soirée

Aburi Sushi

4.8

4.8 (96)

$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

ShawnVIP

Dined on Feb 16, 2025

Excellent food. Excellent service. Highly recommend.

Doko

4.7

4.7 (35)

$50 and over

Japanese

Montrose

About the restaurant

A Japanese-centric approach to food: blending the core flavors and ingredients of various cuisines with Japanese culinary techniques, presentation, and sensibilities. This fusion could manifest in several ways, including ingredient selection, preparation methods, and aesthetic considerations.

Top review

AngelaVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Our dinner at Doko was fantastic, loved the sushi bar seating, it was perfect and cozy for me and my husband. The Yakatori chicken thighs and pork belly wrapped mushrooms were absolutely delicious! The chicken fat fried rice with the egg on top was sooo good! We finished with lots of nigiri, the ocean trout was my favorite. After dinner we headed over to Bar Doko and had a night cap, great little bar with fantastic ambiance, really enjoyed our night and can’t wait to go back.

Aya Sushi

4.6

4.6 (196)

$50 and over

Japanese

Bellaire

About the restaurant

A fresh, modern sushi experience in the Bellaire Triangle featuring innovative Japanese cuisine from reknowned chef Yoshi Katsuyama.

Guests can expect to enjoy fresh fish daily in a vairety of nigiri, maki, and sashimi preparations alongside traditional Japanese favorites from the kitchen. Aya features an innovative cocktail program, as well as an extensive selection of wine, sake, and Japanese whisky.

For the full Aya experience, enjoy chef's multi-course omakase option alongside hand-selected pairings including sake and wine.

With limited seating capacity, we reserve the sushi bar exclusively for omakase at this time. To book your sushi bar experience, please inquire via email: info@ayasushi.com

Top review

Julie

Dined on Mar 13, 2025

Food is delicious. Ambiance is relaxing. Service is AMAZING! Highly recommend!

Jingle Bell Bar

4.5

4.5 (21)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

River Oaks

About the restaurant

Step into a winter wonderland at Jingle Bell Bar! Our cozy holiday pop-up bar is the perfect place to enjoy festive drinks and snacks with friends and family. Featuring three themed rooms with two bars - let us transport you to a world of holiday magic and merriment. Open Wednesday 11/27 - Saturday 12/28

Top review

Michelle

Dined on Dec 18, 2024

So cute! Beautifully decorated, staff was wonderful and super attentive, and of course the drinks were amazing! Food was great too!

Barbacana Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (20)

$50 and over

Bistro

Downtown

About the restaurant

An upscale casual restaurant serving "Houston-Inspired" tasting menu. Located in Downtown Houston and helmed by Chef Christian Hernandez, whose career has taken him through some of the best restaurants from Houston, New York, and Mexico City. The gorgeous historic building boasts huge fifteen-foot ceilings with custom artwork from Austin-based artist Xander Rudd and local graffiti legend Daniel Anguilu.

Top review

BraxtonKVIP

Dined 2 days ago

If you’re looking for a fantastic dining experience in Houston, Barbacana is an absolute must-visit! From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for an unforgettable meal. The service is top-notch—attentive, friendly, and genuinely eager to ensure your dining experience is perfect. The staff goes above and beyond, offering insightful recommendations and making you feel right at home. The food is incredible—everything from their expertly crafted barbacoa to the flavorful sides and refreshing cocktails is a true standout. Each dish is packed with rich, authentic flavors that showcase the passion and expertise of the kitchen. And if you’re looking for a fun little surprise, don’t forget to check out the bathroom—there’s a quirky, fun wallpaper that adds a playful touch to the experience. It’s just one of those little details that make Barbacana such a memorable place to visit. Overall, Barbacana is a delightful gem in Houston that combines excellent food, amazing service, and an inviting, fun atmosphere. Highly recommended!!

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Experience

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