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A waiter showcases a large salt-crusted snapper on an oversized platter.
Tony’s salt-crusted snapper is a true feast for the eyes.
Stevens Group PR

26 Iconic Houston Dishes to Try Before You Die

Find epic roasted chicken, tacos birria, spicy barbecue nachos, and more essentials on this Space City bucket list

by Megha McSwain and Brittany Britto Garley Updated
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Tony’s salt-crusted snapper is a true feast for the eyes.
| Stevens Group PR
by Megha McSwain and Brittany Britto Garley Updated

For over 180 years, Houston has been the meeting place of so many global cuisines leading ultimately to the creation of some incredible, iconic dishes.

But what are Houston’s most iconic dishes? With so many excellent cuisines and restaurants to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down a list of the city’s definitive dishes. That said, some dishes, like rib panang curry from Khoi Barbecue, Bludorn’s lobster pot pie, Ninfa’s fajitas, and Christie’s Seafood & Steaks shrimp were rotated out to make way for the never-ending list of must-haves like Candente’s brisket nachos, Tony’s salt-crusted snapper, Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers hot chicken sandwich, Loro’s cold sesame noodles, Rado Market’s oxtail smash burger, Lucille’s chili biscuits, and Cochinita & Co.’s cochinita pibil.

Whether in need of an excellent place to start exploring Houston’s culinary culture or just need a refresher on some old favorites, these iconic dishes are worth a try.

Don’t see your favorite dish on the list? Shout it in the comments.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Los Tios

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In a city with bountiful Tex-Mex restaurants, Los Tios is a standout for its nostalgic menu of comfort plates, including the original puffy queso. The hollow tacos are hand-pressed and fried each day for premium freshness, and served with a generous helping of queso smothered on top. They’re tasty on their own, but amping them up to include fajita meat stuffed inside is not a bad idea.

5161 San Felipe St (Sage Rd), Houston, TX 77056
(281) 493-4700
(281) 493-4700

Also featured in:

Crawfish & Noodles

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Viet-Cajun crawfish is as Houston as it gets. Bringing together the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and the Cajun tradition of Louisiana boiled crawfish, the result of this unique pairing is nothing short of magical. Visit the original location in Asiatown or check out the new Heights outpost at the Houston Farmers Market.

11360 Bellaire Blvd Ste 990, Houston, TX 77072
(281) 988-8098
(281) 988-8098

Also featured in:

Mala Sichuan Bistro

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It’s a close tie, considering the epic, top-selling spicy dan dan noodles, but the mouth-tingling mapo tofu at Mala is always worth a trip to one of its five locations. Perfectly spicy, silky, and savory, this dish will create cravings you never thought possible. Pair the tofu with an order of red oil dumplings and stir-fried green beans for the full Mala experience. 

9348 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
(713) 995-1889
(713) 995-1889

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Tacos Doña Lena

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There isn’t a taco — or torta, for that matter — not worth trying at Tacos Dona Lena, but if you had to settle on one that is iconic of Houston, it would be the tacos birria. Corn tortillas are generously stuffed with beef birria, dressed with cilantro and onion, and presented with a house-made consommé.

8788 Hammerly Blvd G, Houston, TX 77080
(713) 993-6486
(713) 993-6486

Also featured in:

Caracol

Copy Link

At Hugo Ortega’s coastal Mexican restaurant in Uptown, the focus is on dishes like roasted oysters, ceviche, and whole wood-grilled fish, but its the restaurant’s one of a kind dessert, El Coco, that is not to be missed. The spherical dessert touts a shell made of chocolate coconut, and half the fun is in using a mini wooden mallet to crack it open, revealing a filling of coconut buttercream, coconut ganache, and coconut streusel.

2200 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
(713) 622-9996
(713) 622-9996

Also featured in:

Kenny & Ziggy's Deli

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Jewish deli staples have graced the Kenny & Ziggy’s menu since it opened its doors more than two decades ago, and one of the most iconic among Houston diners is the soul-warming matzo ball soup. The brothy dish is a treat year-round, despite what Houston’s unpredictable weather calls for, and is known to work miracles when you’ve got a bad case of the sniffles.

2327 Post Oak Blvd (BLVD Place), Houston, TX 77056
(713) 871-8883
(713) 871-8883

Also featured in:

Tony's

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This iconic seafood dish made its first appearance when Tony Vallone started serving it back in the ‘90s, and it remains an eye-catching favorite to this day. A Gulf-caught red snapper roasted in a salt crust is set aflame and paraded through the dining room before it is fileted tableside. The dish is then finished off with a drizzle of Barolo sauce, a slow red wine reduction with butter.

3755 Richmond Ave (at Timmons Ln.), Houston, TX 77046
(713) 622-6778
(713) 622-6778

Also featured in:

Rainbow Lodge

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Rainbow Lodge's rich and hearty smoked duck gumbo features Andouille sausage and is topped with wild rice pilaf for a multi-textured off-the-charts savory indulgence. A bowl offers much comfort on a cold winter day, and the restaurant’s cozy lodge atmosphere and picturesque grounds are an added bonus.

2011 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-8666
(713) 861-8666

Also featured in:

Christians Tailgate

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Christian’s Tailgate is a reliable go-to for game day-watching fun, with comfort eats galore, but trying the classic 1/3-pound beef burger ought to be at the top of your list. Like a true backyard-style burger, the handheld is a classic, layered with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, with mayonnaise and mustard, on a freshly toasted bun. Adding a little extra oomph is also an option, with special toppings like onion rings, bacon, and Swiss cheese.

5114 Kirby Dr (Westpark), Houston, TX 77098
(832) 925-7922
(832) 925-7922

Carrabba's - The Original on Kirby

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Named after the town of Bryan, Texas, where the Carrabba family settled when they arrived from Sicily in the 1890s, Chicken Bryan Texas is one of the restaurant’s most beloved offerings. A juicy grilled chicken breast, topped with a puck of goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and covered in lemon-butter-wine sauce, is served with a side of creamy fettuccine alfredo.

3115 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-3131
(713) 522-3131

Picos Restaurant

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For this classic take on pollo en mole negro Oaxaqueño, a chicken quarter is drenched in Oaxacan-style thick, dark, rich black mole — the result of an eight- to 10-hour cooking process involving an extensive list of ingredients — that’s then sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. It’s presented with rice, refried black beans, and tortillas aplenty.

3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
(832) 831-9940
(832) 831-9940
Pico’s chicken quarter covered in mole and paired with a side of rice.
Mole negro is the way to go when dining at Picos.
Ellie Sharp

Local Foods - Rice Village

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Satisfying, fresh, flavorful, and addictive are all the words needed to accurately describe the Local Foods’ crunchy chicken sandwich. It’s so deeply ingrained in the Houston food scene that the restaurant’s April Fool’s joke announcing the retirement of the sandwich on Instagram caused a wave of worry and angst.

2424 Dunstan Rd # 100, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 521-7800
(713) 521-7800

Also featured in:

Sao Lao Thai Café

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Sao Lao is known for its cuisine that fuses Thai and Lao, and is has garnered a cult following for its traditional boat noodle soup. The concoction is made by simmering beef broth with pig’s blood for eight to 10 hours along with more than 40 different ingredients, including rice noodles, ribeye steak, and pork balls. The highly sought-after bowl sells out often, so stop by early to ensure you’ll get a taste.

5013 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018
(832) 203-5920
(832) 203-5920

Also featured in:

Nobie's

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At first glance, Nobie’s Nonno’s pasta is a seemingly simple dish of tagliatelle with bolognese and parmesan cheese. At first bite, however, hearts will melt, eyes will open in amazement, and bellies will grumble for more. Deeply flavorful and hearty, this dish will make you want to use the heart-eye emoji.

2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098
(346) 319-5919
(346) 319-5919

Also featured in:

Loro Heights

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There are plenty of worthy dishes at Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole’s Asian Smokehouse, Loro, including the herb-laden brisket and the cheeseburger, which is topped with a red onion-brisket jam, muenster cheese, and yuzu 1000 island. A sleeper hit is the side of cold sesame noodles, which are tossed in a chili vinaigrette and sprinkled with green onion and black sesame.

1001 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 930-2326
(713) 930-2326

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Gatlin's Fins & Feathers

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Greg Gatlin has long been impressing Houston diners with grilled meats and loaded baked potatoes at his barbecue restaurant, Gatlin’s BBQ, so it’s no surprise his follow-up eatery, Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers, has grown to be just as popular. The fried chicken is among the best in the city, and the spicy H-Town hot sandwich, built with crispy chicken or fish and tossed with Viet-Cajun hot sauce is an absolute must.

302 W Crosstimbers St (Old Yale St.), Houston, TX 77018
(346) 800-4668
(346) 800-4668

Also featured in:

Ostia

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Baked chicken in itself doesn’t always sound quite iconic, but the reputation of the half-lemon roasted chicken at this Montrose restaurant certainly proceeds itself, thanks to its silky herb-loaded juices, tenderness no matter the piece, and a baked lemon waiting to be squeezed all over. Pair it with the crispy potatoes, served with a side of velvety homemade aioli, and you’ve got yourself a meal you’ll want to order again.

2032 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 324-9288
(713) 324-9288
A plate of roasted chicken topped with salsa verde with a charred lemon on a green table.
Ostia’s famous chicken with salsa verde should be on your Houston food bucket list.
Jenn Duncan

Also featured in:

La Guadalupana

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A beloved Montrose staple for everything, including breakfast tacos, tres leches, and cinnamon coffee, La Guadalupana’s hero dish is their enchiladas verdes. A favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain, a bright tomatillo sauce covers corn tortillas stuffed with chicken and comes with a side of creamy refried beans.

2109 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-2301
(713) 522-2301

Also featured in:

Coltivare Pizza & Garden

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This deceptively simple bowl of steaming noodles dressed with freshly cracked tellicherry peppercorns, parmesan, and olive oil has received national acclaim and a devoted following of locals who are happy to wait for a table just to get their hands on this cacio e pepe.

3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 637-4095
(713) 637-4095
a fork digging into a bowl of Coltivare’s pasta.
Coltivare’s signature spaghetti dish seems simple until you get a taste.
Andrea Weir

Also featured in:

Candente

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From the same owners of the Pit Room, which is located on the same street in Montrose, this Tex-Mex restaurant is lauded for its fusion of smoked meats into classic Tex-Mex dishes. The brisket nachos, made with a half-pound of chopped smoked meat, are a must-have and serve as a great starter among groups or even a worthy meal for one. Served in a single layer on a platter, as opposed to a nacho stack, the chips are layered with refried beans, cheddar cheese, chopped white onion, pickled red onion, with barbecue sauce and salsa roja. Want to experience a day of double the iconic dishes? Head to Pit Room for a taco made with its iconic brisket fat tortillas.

4306 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
(346) 867-1156
(346) 867-1156

Also featured in:

Lucille's

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James Beard Award-nominated chef Chris Williams cements his great great-great-grandmother Lucille B. Smith’s legacy at this Houston restaurant, which touts her legendary chili biscuits. The handmade biscuits are dressed up with house chili, cheddar cheese, and harissa cream, and were the stepping stone for what is deemed the first hot roll mix in the U.S.

5512 La Branch St (Binz St), Houston, TX 77004
(713) 568-2505
(713) 568-2505
Lucille’s chili biscuits on a plate.
Lucille’s chili biscuits pack flavor and Houston in history in one.
Antonio Diaz

Also featured in:

The Breakfast Klub

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Very few things are worth standing in line for, especially in Houston’s mercurial weather, but the Breakfast Klub’s wings and waffles make the cut. Crunchy and expertly seasoned wings paired with a fluffy waffle make the perfect breakfast combination at this Midtown institution. Whether that’s more iconic than the “katfish” and grits is up to you to decide.

3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 528-8561
(713) 528-8561
The Breakfast Klub’s chicken and waffles with strawberries.
It bears repeating — The Breakfast Klub’s wings and waffles are iconic.
The Breakfast Klub

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Shipley Do-Nuts

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Since 1936, Shipley’s has been a Bayou City classic, and its kolaches are nothing short of iconic. Fluffy bread surrounds either sausage or ham with the option for cheese and jalapeno. Regardless of your flavor choice, bringing a dozen of these delights to an office break room or a tailgate will make you a very popular person.

3932 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009
(713) 862-4655
(713) 862-4655

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The Rado MKT

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The traditional smash burger gets a Southern spin at this Third Ward cafe and restaurant, combining beef and oxtail for a rich patty that’s topped with provolone, arugula, and garlic aioli, plus pickled onions and tomato jam on brioche.

2310 Elgin Street, Houston, Texas 77004
(281) 747-6445
(281) 747-6445
The Rado Market’s oxtail smash burger topped with arugula, pickled onions, and smothered cheese, served with a side of potato chips.
The Rado Market’s oxtail smash burger is one of the best burgers in Houston.
David “Odiwams” Wright

Also featured in:

Nancy's Hustle

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The Nancy Cakes are an undeniable part of the DNA at Nancy’s Hustle. These savory cakes are pillowy soft on the inside with just a hint of crispiness on the outside. Slather them with healthy heaps of the accompanying homemade cultured butter, which is topped with a salty smoked trout roe, chives, and a hint of honey for sweetness. You’ll want to lick the plate clean.

2704 Polk St A, Houston, TX 77003
(346) 571-7931
(346) 571-7931
Nancy Hustle’s Nancy Cakes, served with a side of homemade butter, topped with honey, troe, and chives.
The Nancy Cakes at Nancy’s Hustle are a must-order item.
Brittany Britto Garley

Also featured in:

Cochinita & co.

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This laidback East End cafe and restaurant easily dishes out some of the best breakfast tacos and agua frescas that the city has to offer, plus colorful grain and salad bowls like the pineapple shrimp and jicama bowl. You shouldn’t leave without trying the cochinita pibil — the tender, slow-cooked, spicy-heavy pork that inspired its name. Try it in taco form with Cochinita’s signature sauces, or as a filling entree with a side of rice, beans, queso fresco, pico de gallo, and tortillas. For an epic take-home treat, buy a jar of the salsa matcha to add a punch of flavor to nearly any dish.

5420 Lawndale St, Houston, TX 77023
(713) 203-3999
(713) 203-3999

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Los Tios

5161 San Felipe St (Sage Rd), Houston, TX 77056

In a city with bountiful Tex-Mex restaurants, Los Tios is a standout for its nostalgic menu of comfort plates, including the original puffy queso. The hollow tacos are hand-pressed and fried each day for premium freshness, and served with a generous helping of queso smothered on top. They’re tasty on their own, but amping them up to include fajita meat stuffed inside is not a bad idea.

5161 San Felipe St (Sage Rd), Houston, TX 77056
(281) 493-4700
(281) 493-4700

Crawfish & Noodles

11360 Bellaire Blvd Ste 990, Houston, TX 77072

Viet-Cajun crawfish is as Houston as it gets. Bringing together the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and the Cajun tradition of Louisiana boiled crawfish, the result of this unique pairing is nothing short of magical. Visit the original location in Asiatown or check out the new Heights outpost at the Houston Farmers Market.

11360 Bellaire Blvd Ste 990, Houston, TX 77072
(281) 988-8098
(281) 988-8098

Mala Sichuan Bistro

9348 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036

It’s a close tie, considering the epic, top-selling spicy dan dan noodles, but the mouth-tingling mapo tofu at Mala is always worth a trip to one of its five locations. Perfectly spicy, silky, and savory, this dish will create cravings you never thought possible. Pair the tofu with an order of red oil dumplings and stir-fried green beans for the full Mala experience. 

9348 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
(713) 995-1889
(713) 995-1889

Tacos Doña Lena

8788 Hammerly Blvd G, Houston, TX 77080

There isn’t a taco — or torta, for that matter — not worth trying at Tacos Dona Lena, but if you had to settle on one that is iconic of Houston, it would be the tacos birria. Corn tortillas are generously stuffed with beef birria, dressed with cilantro and onion, and presented with a house-made consommé.

8788 Hammerly Blvd G, Houston, TX 77080
(713) 993-6486
(713) 993-6486

Caracol

2200 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056

At Hugo Ortega’s coastal Mexican restaurant in Uptown, the focus is on dishes like roasted oysters, ceviche, and whole wood-grilled fish, but its the restaurant’s one of a kind dessert, El Coco, that is not to be missed. The spherical dessert touts a shell made of chocolate coconut, and half the fun is in using a mini wooden mallet to crack it open, revealing a filling of coconut buttercream, coconut ganache, and coconut streusel.

2200 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
(713) 622-9996
(713) 622-9996

Kenny & Ziggy's Deli

2327 Post Oak Blvd (BLVD Place), Houston, TX 77056

Jewish deli staples have graced the Kenny & Ziggy’s menu since it opened its doors more than two decades ago, and one of the most iconic among Houston diners is the soul-warming matzo ball soup. The brothy dish is a treat year-round, despite what Houston’s unpredictable weather calls for, and is known to work miracles when you’ve got a bad case of the sniffles.

2327 Post Oak Blvd (BLVD Place), Houston, TX 77056
(713) 871-8883
(713) 871-8883

Tony's

3755 Richmond Ave (at Timmons Ln.), Houston, TX 77046

This iconic seafood dish made its first appearance when Tony Vallone started serving it back in the ‘90s, and it remains an eye-catching favorite to this day. A Gulf-caught red snapper roasted in a salt crust is set aflame and paraded through the dining room before it is fileted tableside. The dish is then finished off with a drizzle of Barolo sauce, a slow red wine reduction with butter.

3755 Richmond Ave (at Timmons Ln.), Houston, TX 77046
(713) 622-6778
(713) 622-6778

Rainbow Lodge

2011 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008

Rainbow Lodge's rich and hearty smoked duck gumbo features Andouille sausage and is topped with wild rice pilaf for a multi-textured off-the-charts savory indulgence. A bowl offers much comfort on a cold winter day, and the restaurant’s cozy lodge atmosphere and picturesque grounds are an added bonus.

2011 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-8666
(713) 861-8666

Christians Tailgate

5114 Kirby Dr (Westpark), Houston, TX 77098

Christian’s Tailgate is a reliable go-to for game day-watching fun, with comfort eats galore, but trying the classic 1/3-pound beef burger ought to be at the top of your list. Like a true backyard-style burger, the handheld is a classic, layered with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, with mayonnaise and mustard, on a freshly toasted bun. Adding a little extra oomph is also an option, with special toppings like onion rings, bacon, and Swiss cheese.

5114 Kirby Dr (Westpark), Houston, TX 77098
(832) 925-7922
(832) 925-7922

Carrabba's - The Original on Kirby

3115 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098

Named after the town of Bryan, Texas, where the Carrabba family settled when they arrived from Sicily in the 1890s, Chicken Bryan Texas is one of the restaurant’s most beloved offerings. A juicy grilled chicken breast, topped with a puck of goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and covered in lemon-butter-wine sauce, is served with a side of creamy fettuccine alfredo.

3115 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-3131
(713) 522-3131

Picos Restaurant

3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098

For this classic take on pollo en mole negro Oaxaqueño, a chicken quarter is drenched in Oaxacan-style thick, dark, rich black mole — the result of an eight- to 10-hour cooking process involving an extensive list of ingredients — that’s then sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. It’s presented with rice, refried black beans, and tortillas aplenty.

3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
(832) 831-9940
(832) 831-9940
Pico’s chicken quarter covered in mole and paired with a side of rice.
Mole negro is the way to go when dining at Picos.
Ellie Sharp

Local Foods - Rice Village

2424 Dunstan Rd # 100, Houston, TX 77005

Satisfying, fresh, flavorful, and addictive are all the words needed to accurately describe the Local Foods’ crunchy chicken sandwich. It’s so deeply ingrained in the Houston food scene that the restaurant’s April Fool’s joke announcing the retirement of the sandwich on Instagram caused a wave of worry and angst.

2424 Dunstan Rd # 100, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 521-7800
(713) 521-7800

Sao Lao Thai Café

5013 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018

Sao Lao is known for its cuisine that fuses Thai and Lao, and is has garnered a cult following for its traditional boat noodle soup. The concoction is made by simmering beef broth with pig’s blood for eight to 10 hours along with more than 40 different ingredients, including rice noodles, ribeye steak, and pork balls. The highly sought-after bowl sells out often, so stop by early to ensure you’ll get a taste.

5013 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018
(832) 203-5920
(832) 203-5920

Nobie's

2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098

At first glance, Nobie’s Nonno’s pasta is a seemingly simple dish of tagliatelle with bolognese and parmesan cheese. At first bite, however, hearts will melt, eyes will open in amazement, and bellies will grumble for more. Deeply flavorful and hearty, this dish will make you want to use the heart-eye emoji.

2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098
(346) 319-5919
(346) 319-5919

Loro Heights

1001 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008

There are plenty of worthy dishes at Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole’s Asian Smokehouse, Loro, including the herb-laden brisket and the cheeseburger, which is topped with a red onion-brisket jam, muenster cheese, and yuzu 1000 island. A sleeper hit is the side of cold sesame noodles, which are tossed in a chili vinaigrette and sprinkled with green onion and black sesame.

1001 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 930-2326
(713) 930-2326

Related Maps

Gatlin's Fins & Feathers

302 W Crosstimbers St (Old Yale St.), Houston, TX 77018

Greg Gatlin has long been impressing Houston diners with grilled meats and loaded baked potatoes at his barbecue restaurant, Gatlin’s BBQ, so it’s no surprise his follow-up eatery, Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers, has grown to be just as popular. The fried chicken is among the best in the city, and the spicy H-Town hot sandwich, built with crispy chicken or fish and tossed with Viet-Cajun hot sauce is an absolute must.

302 W Crosstimbers St (Old Yale St.), Houston, TX 77018
(346) 800-4668
(346) 800-4668

Ostia

2032 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006

Baked chicken in itself doesn’t always sound quite iconic, but the reputation of the half-lemon roasted chicken at this Montrose restaurant certainly proceeds itself, thanks to its silky herb-loaded juices, tenderness no matter the piece, and a baked lemon waiting to be squeezed all over. Pair it with the crispy potatoes, served with a side of velvety homemade aioli, and you’ve got yourself a meal you’ll want to order again.

2032 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 324-9288
(713) 324-9288
A plate of roasted chicken topped with salsa verde with a charred lemon on a green table.
Ostia’s famous chicken with salsa verde should be on your Houston food bucket list.
Jenn Duncan

La Guadalupana

2109 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006

A beloved Montrose staple for everything, including breakfast tacos, tres leches, and cinnamon coffee, La Guadalupana’s hero dish is their enchiladas verdes. A favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain, a bright tomatillo sauce covers corn tortillas stuffed with chicken and comes with a side of creamy refried beans.

2109 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-2301
(713) 522-2301

Coltivare Pizza & Garden

3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

This deceptively simple bowl of steaming noodles dressed with freshly cracked tellicherry peppercorns, parmesan, and olive oil has received national acclaim and a devoted following of locals who are happy to wait for a table just to get their hands on this cacio e pepe.

3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 637-4095
(713) 637-4095
a fork digging into a bowl of Coltivare’s pasta.
Coltivare’s signature spaghetti dish seems simple until you get a taste.
Andrea Weir

Candente

4306 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX 77006

From the same owners of the Pit Room, which is located on the same street in Montrose, this Tex-Mex restaurant is lauded for its fusion of smoked meats into classic Tex-Mex dishes. The brisket nachos, made with a half-pound of chopped smoked meat, are a must-have and serve as a great starter among groups or even a worthy meal for one. Served in a single layer on a platter, as opposed to a nacho stack, the chips are layered with refried beans, cheddar cheese, chopped white onion, pickled red onion, with barbecue sauce and salsa roja. Want to experience a day of double the iconic dishes? Head to Pit Room for a taco made with its iconic brisket fat tortillas.

4306 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
(346) 867-1156
(346) 867-1156

Lucille's

5512 La Branch St (Binz St), Houston, TX 77004

James Beard Award-nominated chef Chris Williams cements his great great-great-grandmother Lucille B. Smith’s legacy at this Houston restaurant, which touts her legendary chili biscuits. The handmade biscuits are dressed up with house chili, cheddar cheese, and harissa cream, and were the stepping stone for what is deemed the first hot roll mix in the U.S.

5512 La Branch St (Binz St), Houston, TX 77004
(713) 568-2505
(713) 568-2505
Lucille’s chili biscuits on a plate.
Lucille’s chili biscuits pack flavor and Houston in history in one.
Antonio Diaz

The Breakfast Klub

3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002

Very few things are worth standing in line for, especially in Houston’s mercurial weather, but the Breakfast Klub’s wings and waffles make the cut. Crunchy and expertly seasoned wings paired with a fluffy waffle make the perfect breakfast combination at this Midtown institution. Whether that’s more iconic than the “katfish” and grits is up to you to decide.

3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 528-8561
(713) 528-8561
The Breakfast Klub’s chicken and waffles with strawberries.
It bears repeating — The Breakfast Klub’s wings and waffles are iconic.
The Breakfast Klub

Shipley Do-Nuts

3932 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009

Since 1936, Shipley’s has been a Bayou City classic, and its kolaches are nothing short of iconic. Fluffy bread surrounds either sausage or ham with the option for cheese and jalapeno. Regardless of your flavor choice, bringing a dozen of these delights to an office break room or a tailgate will make you a very popular person.

3932 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009
(713) 862-4655
(713) 862-4655

The Rado MKT

2310 Elgin Street, Houston, Texas 77004

The traditional smash burger gets a Southern spin at this Third Ward cafe and restaurant, combining beef and oxtail for a rich patty that’s topped with provolone, arugula, and garlic aioli, plus pickled onions and tomato jam on brioche.

2310 Elgin Street, Houston, Texas 77004
(281) 747-6445
(281) 747-6445
The Rado Market’s oxtail smash burger topped with arugula, pickled onions, and smothered cheese, served with a side of potato chips.
The Rado Market’s oxtail smash burger is one of the best burgers in Houston.
David “Odiwams” Wright

Nancy's Hustle

2704 Polk St A, Houston, TX 77003

The Nancy Cakes are an undeniable part of the DNA at Nancy’s Hustle. These savory cakes are pillowy soft on the inside with just a hint of crispiness on the outside. Slather them with healthy heaps of the accompanying homemade cultured butter, which is topped with a salty smoked trout roe, chives, and a hint of honey for sweetness. You’ll want to lick the plate clean.

2704 Polk St A, Houston, TX 77003
(346) 571-7931
(346) 571-7931
Nancy Hustle’s Nancy Cakes, served with a side of homemade butter, topped with honey, troe, and chives.
The Nancy Cakes at Nancy’s Hustle are a must-order item.
Brittany Britto Garley

Cochinita & co.

5420 Lawndale St, Houston, TX 77023

This laidback East End cafe and restaurant easily dishes out some of the best breakfast tacos and agua frescas that the city has to offer, plus colorful grain and salad bowls like the pineapple shrimp and jicama bowl. You shouldn’t leave without trying the cochinita pibil — the tender, slow-cooked, spicy-heavy pork that inspired its name. Try it in taco form with Cochinita’s signature sauces, or as a filling entree with a side of rice, beans, queso fresco, pico de gallo, and tortillas. For an epic take-home treat, buy a jar of the salsa matcha to add a punch of flavor to nearly any dish.

5420 Lawndale St, Houston, TX 77023
(713) 203-3999
(713) 203-3999

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