Houston

They’ve been serving thoughtful regional Mexican cuisine before that was a thing in upscale American dining. — Tasting Table

This is the original Mama Ninfa’s Tex-Mex eatery that generations have frequented. — Gayot

Kata Robata in Upper Kirby serves sushi made with fish caught right off the coast, and they’ve been at it for a decade. — The Infatuation

Upscale steakhouse & cocktail lounge. — Zagat

Inside a charming '30s-era house in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood is the Backstreet Café. — Travel + Leisure

"Menus? we don't need no stinkin' menus" is the m.o. at this funky Downtown Mexican where "Irma herself" "tells you what they've got each day". — Zagat

If a restaurant has been around for more than 50 years, it must be doing something right, and that's the case at this beloved Houston fine-dining establishment. — Condé Nast Traveler

This authentic Texas steakhouse serves only certified Angus beef, steaks and prime rib. — Where

Kenny & Ziggy's Restaurant Review: If you’re looking for an authentic deli, head to Kenny & Ziggy’s. Ziggy Gruber is a third-generation deli man from New York. — Gayot

Expect a “hip, modern take” on Indian street food at this Upper Kirby outpost that serves “fresh, flavorful” breakfasts, lunches and dinners and “doesn’t scrimp on the spices". — Zagat

A Montrose institution that has outlasted hippies, disco and grunge, and was classic before classic was cool. — Lonely Planet

An offshoot of what is arguably the most popular restaurant in Austin, Houston's Uchi is a place where, like the original, diners come to worship at the altar of sushi and rarely leave disappointed. — Travel + Leisure

In a hip, industrial setting, a simple counter-serve setup doles out the kind of sandwiches you've probably never dreamt of making at home. — Frommer's

This trendy restaurant in Uptown Park caters to the chic and wealthy with its fusion sushi rolls. Nonetheless, we prefer the nigiri with toppings. — Gayot

The "awesome" beef fajitas are the standouts on the otherwise "solid, but not out-of-this-world" Tex-Mex menu at these "rambunctious" chain cantinas set in expansive "Disney-esque" digs. — Zagat

If you’ve got the money, honey, head to the best restaurant in Houston, which plates innovative Southwestern cuisine. — Rough Guide

True and fine Italian cuisine is served at Da Marco -- sorry, no lasagna or pasta bolognese here. — BlackBook

A longtime "tradition" for beef, this steakhouse duo from the Landry's chain boasts "impressive" cuts and a staff that "waits on you hand and foot". — Zagat

The dim sum carts here introduce diners to the tried-and-true basics—dumplings, noodles, sticky rice. — Where

Located in a century-old lodge on an acre of gardens, this mainstay of Houston dining offers professional service, cozy rooms with fireplaces, and a menu featuring wild game. — Gayot