Tintos

2015 W. Gray @ Shepherd, (713) 522-1330; www.tintosrestaurant.com
Enjoy this Spanish restaurant and wine bar. Buy wines from all over the world at retail price. Sunday brunch is a stand out with crepes, paella, tapas and live music. Happy hour Monday thru Friday. $

Nelore

4412 Montrose, (713) 395-1050; www.nelorechurrascaria.com
Named after Brazil’s most famous breed of cattle, Nelore serves 11 different meats in an upscale atmosphere. The churrascaria boasts a salad bar chock full of fresh vegetables and first-rate service from skewer-toting gouchos. Open Tues.-Sun. $$$$

Mi Luna

2441 University, (713) 520-5025; www.mi-luna.com
Joining the ranks of tapas bars is Mi Luna, offering paella, vegetarian options and a weekend brunch on their covered patio. The sangria is made fresh daily – order a pitcher!
Open late. $$

America’s

1800 Post Oak, (713) 961-1492; www.cordua.com
The ambiance and food are equally outstanding. Sides of sauted garlic shrimp compliment flavorful South American dishes like pork tenderloin. The bread pudding with coconut ice cream is sublime. $$$

Voice

220 Main, (832) 667-4470; www.hotelicon.com
Receiving rave reviews state-wide; Voice stets a new dining standard. The decadent mushroom soup is a showstopper. $$$

Textile

611 West 22nd St., (832) 209-7177; www.textilerestaurant.com
You must have a reservation to dine here. The very small dining room’s highlight is the multi-course tasting menu by Scott Tycer. $$$$$

The Rockwood Room

5709 Woodway Dr. Ste J, (832) 251-FOOD; www.therockwoodroom.com
From a fabulous prime rib to broiled lobster tails and fondue, chef Michael Dei Maggi brings his own personal style to this kitchen. Reminiscent of the opulent post World War II era, but updated, the menu focuses on flavor, quality and local ingredients. $$$

Ruggles Green

2311 W. Alabama & 800A West Sam Houston Parkway North, (713) 533-0777; www.rugglesgreen.com
Houston’s first GRA-certified restaurant has gluten-free beer and quinoa pasta for green lovers everywhere. This revolution takes green to gourmet levels. $$

Raven Grill

1916 Bissonnet, (713) 521-2027; www.theravengrill.com
Diners flock here for comfort food in a casual ambiance. The brunch menu features traditional fare: French toast, eggs benedict and cheese grits. $$

Monarch @ Hotel ZAZA

5701 Main St., (713) 527-1800; www.hotelzazahouston.com
Looking swankier than ever after a recent renovation, Hotel ZaZa’s Monarch restaurant is sharpening its kitchen cutlery. Diners can nosh on Monarch’s fine cuisine in the formal dining room, vibrant lounge, or recently renovated terrace. Chef Aaron Neeley recently amped-up the menu with a fusion of classic American and Mediterranean flavors. $$$

Mockingbird Bistro Wine Bar

1985 Welch, (713) 533-0200; www.mockingbirdbistro.com
The Mockingbird Bistro offers upscale dining in a neighborhood atmosphere. The award-winning menu is made largely from local ingredients by local favorite chef John Sheely. $$$

Mark’s American Cuisine

1658 Westheimer, (713) 523-3800; www.marks1658.com

Houston’s most romantic restaurant is located in a 1920’s renovated church. Perfect for special occasions and banquet dinners, chef Mark Cox delivers an epicurean adventure like the succulent lamb perfumed with fresh basil sauce followed by the warm raspberry tart. $$$$

Little Big’s

2703 Montrose Blvd., (713) 521-2447; www.littlebigshouston.com

One of Houston’s best patios keeps Houstonians coming back again and again for the simple menu: sliders.  Or you can order sliders with fries. $

Lankford Grocery & Market

88 Dennis, (713) 522-9555

The burgers are amazing. The staff makes you feel like you’ve finally come home—a home with better burgers. Savor a cheeseburger and sip an ice-cold beer. It’s no mystery why this neighborhood eatery has been around for decades. Open Mon. – Sat. $

Julia’s Bistro

3722 Main, (713) 807-0090; www.juliasbistro.com

In the middle of all the action of midtown, this is the perfect spot for a lunch with the girls or a dinner date with your sweetie. A casually hip atmosphere lends nicely to the upscale cafe treats.
L, D, $$$

Ibiza

2450 Louisiana, (713) 524-0004; www.ibizafoodandwinebar.com

Steamed mussels and mushroom risotto are among the delectable dishes here. The Lounge Next Door is a hip after-hours party place. $$$

Hungry’s Café & Bistro

2356 Rice, (713) 523-8652; www.hungryscafe.com

Fresh food and a cozy atmosphere compliment the art deco design at Hungry’s. Great for lunch while you shop in Rice Village, this eatery offers health conscious fare, as well as burgers, salads, sandwiches, and Mediterranean. $$

Haven

2502 Algerian Way  (713) 581-6101; www.havenhouston.com

Built from the ground up with sustainability in mind, chef Randy Evans (formerly of Brennans) has created one of Houston’s most anticipated restaurants.  The menu changes often as this chef utilizes only the freshest ingredients.  We were blown away on our first visit by the Chateau Brion and foie gras.  The décor is comfortable and the wine list extensive. Closed Sunday. $$$

Glass Wall

933 Studewood, (713) 868-7930; www.theglasswallrestaurant.com

Working chef and co-owner Lance Fegen serves up a fresh perspective on cuisine at his Heights’ bistro. The menu changes to incorporate seasonal ingredients and the wine cellar is unparalleled. Chris the bartender makes sure each drink is sublime. Open Tues.-Sat. $$$

Feast

219 Westheimer, (713) 529-7788; www.feasthouston.com.com

Feast stands out with unusual cuts of meat (veal tongue, cow testicles, pig’s feet), and unusual seafood (mother-in-law, sting rays). The kitchen in this old Montrose bungalow pumps out treats night after night. $$$$

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