DINING Down House Enjoy a Prohibition-style cocktail while lounging in this eclectic-toned neighborhood spot. Known best for its award-winning cocktails, Down House serves New American cuisine with a Southern influence and features classics such as chicken and waffles, fish and chips, and shrimp and grits. Desserts are so delicious, they should be illegal. 1801 Yale St. (The Heights) 713.864.3696 treadsack.com/downhouse
El Big Bad This feisty gastrocantina specializes in infused tequila, fresh-juice margaritas and fresh Mexican fare. The bar features 50 handcrafted tequila infusions that change to reflect the season. The menu created by Chef Randy Rucker and executed by Chef Ben Rabbani features scrumptious dishes such as roast duck empanadas, blue crab tostadas, and mushroom tacos.
Grotto Ristorante
Ibiza
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, entertaining atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy trattoria in the old country. With a winning combination of impeccable service, superb cuisine and unsurpassed passion for detail, Grotto is the perfect place for friends and family to enjoy a fabulous meal.
Like its namesake off the coast of Spain, this restaurant pulses with a confluence of sophisticated style setters, exciting environs and fabulous fare. Awash in cool blues and grays, the restaurant evokes a modern Mediterranean mecca. Here, Houstonians dine around Grant Cooper and Chef Charles Clark’s bustling open kitchen.
4715 Westheimer Road (Galleria/Uptown) 713.622.3663
2450 Louisiana St. (Midtown) 713.524.0004
grottorestaurants.com
ibizafoodandwinebar.com
The Grove
Indika
Situated on the beautiful south end of Discovery Green, Houston’s newest urban park, this culinary hot spot has redefined dining in the downtown core. Ahi tuna sashimi, house corned beef salad, Gulf shrimp and grits, rib-eye steak with roasted onions, and truffle parmesan fries are but a few of the savory choices at The Grove. 1611 Lamar St. (Downtown) 713.337.7321
516 Westheimer Road (Montrose) 713.524.2170
thegrovehouston.com
indikausa.com
Hearsay Gastro Lounge
Kata Robata Sushi and Grill From its inception in 2010, this Asian restaurant has served a modern and creative array of Japanese fare with French fusion undertones. The ever-changing menu centers on the freshest local and international ingredients and an Omakase offering sure to pique the palate.
419 Travis St. (Downtown) 713.229.8181 elbigbad.com
Federal Grill Dress up or down at this restaurant, which provides a contemporary American menu featuring local organic meat and produce, locally-sourced fish and seafood, and an extensive cured meat and charcuterie program, all served with genuine old-school service. At the Federal Grill, the answer is always, “Yes!” 510 Shepherd Drive (The Heights) 713.863.7777 thefederalgrill.com
Frank’s American Revival This acclaimed River Oaks restaurant boasts awards by Zagat and the Houston Press. The ever-consistent menu features a balance of classic regional favorites and dishes influenced by modern American cuisine, with a bit of culinary soul. Open for lunch and dinner. 3736 Westheimer Road (River Oaks) 713.572.8600 frankshouston.com
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino The casual, neighborhood Italian cafe and wine bar specializes in small plates of hot and cold antipasti for grazing, sharing, mixing and matching. Located in River Oaks, the restaurant features scrumptious fare prepared from scratch using the best local, imported and all-natural ingredients available. 3215 Westheimer Road (River Oaks) 713.522.1934 giacomosciboevino.com
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Located in the middle of Montrose’s bustling culinary scene, this local favorite is known for its innovative Indian dishes and handcrafted cocktails, served in an airy, colorful, contemporary environment. Founder Anita Jaisinghani, the creative force behind Indika’s unique menu, brings personal influences to the flavorful menu.
Located in Houston’s second-oldest building (built in 1860, rebuilt in 1889 after a fire), this restaurant offers a unique, chic dining experience. Hearsay offers fine craft cocktails, small and large appetizers and New American dishes, and it’s a great place for a late-night cocktail and bites. 218 Travis St. (Downtown) 713.225.8079 hearsayhouston.com
Houston’s Restaurant This dependable menu features diverse American classics in which exceptional ingredients take center stage, as area growers and purveyors provide the premium produce, meat, fish and chicken. A long-standing interest by the owner in art and architecture enhances the ambiance and overall dining experience. 5888 Westheimer Road (Galleria) 713.975.1947 4848 Kirby Grott Drive (Upper Kirby) 713.529.2385 hillstone.com
Hugo’s Located in the heart of Houston’s Montrose area, Hugo’s brings the exciting, earthy flavors of central Mexico across the border. Executive Chef Hugo Ortega describes his food as “full of light, fresh tastes; deep, complex flavors; and earthy notes, all combined to create a cuisine like no other.”
3600 Kirby Drive (Upper Kirby) 713.802.0533 katarobata.com
Kiran’s Kiran Verma, considered the godmother of Indian fine dining, has created world-class Indian cuisine at her eponymous restaurant. Here, diners enjoy Indian hospitality with French sophistication and American informality. Kiran’s house specialties include sea bass, lobster, lamb and an array of the chef’s own fresh-fruit chutneys and light, flavorful sauces. 4100 Westheimer Road (Highland Village) 713.960.8472 kiranshouston.com
La Griglia In a lively, festive atmosphere reminiscent of a neighborhood trattoria, diners enjoy a delicious display of authentic Italian cuisine in the presence of colorful Italian murals. Relax and savor the aromas of Sicily, Roma and Tuscany while choosing from the broad array of specialties, including fresh fish, creative pastas, chicken, beef, fresh vegetables and more. 2002 W. Gray St. (River Oaks) 713.526.4700 lagrigliarestaurant.com
Liberty Kitchen
This restaurant is home to one of the few Houston oyster bars that features varieties from the East, West and Gulf coasts. The Kitchen is committed to serving fresh, quality local products, including fish delivered daily from a local boat. Specialties also include steaks, spare ribs, chicken and burgers prepared on the charcoal and applewood grill. 1050 Studewood St. (The Heights) 713.622.1010 libertykitchenoysterbar.com
Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette
This open-space showplace redefines what an oyster bar should be. With more than 90 menu items, Liberty Kitchen features a wide variety of local and regional seafood dishes and local beef from Kenney and Cameron, Texas. Its broad range of pricing ensures something for everyone. 4224 San Felipe St. (Highland Village) 713.622.1010 libertykitchenoysterette.com
Line and Lariat Savor mouthwatering dishes reflecting the bounty of Texas’ coast, waterways, farms and ranches at this restaurant located in the Hotel Icon in downtown Houston. Saddle up to the L & L Bar for a unique blend of mixology that includes both iconic and contemporary craft cocktails. 220 Main St. (Downtown) 832.667.4470 hotelicon.com
Local Foods The menu showcases seasonal bounties from farms throughout Texas and is best described as fresh, local and inventive. Local Foods celebrates Texas with artisan sandwiches crafted of locally handmade bread, farmer’s market sides, homemade soups and an all-Texas beer and wine list. 2555 Westheimer Road (Upper Kirby) 713.255.4440
1600 Westheimer Road (Montrose) 713.524.7744
2424 Dunstan Road (West University) 713.521.7800
hugosrestaurant.net
houstonlocalfoods.com