Houston’s culinary credentials shine in the dynamic dining of the Museum District and Montrose neighborhoods, where an eclectic epicurean scene caters to diverse tastes. Bound by indie spirit and inventive eateries, these vibrant neighborhoods serve up a menu of global cuisine from banh mi tacos with Vietnamese flair to perfect pasta platters plated with Italian love. Join us as we dish out the inside scoop on mouthwatering menus spanning casual quick bites to fine dining celebrations complete with champagne and caviar. Our guide has you covered from first course to last call at the most crave-worthy establishments found in Houston’s cultural cornerstone.
Just steps from the Menil Collection, Colombe D’Or is set within a stately two-story mansion, offering a refined yet welcoming bistro setting fit for a special occasion dinner. Sip vino in their enclosed, charming courtyard surrounded by leafy trees or book a table on the elegant second floor for an intimate meal. Alongside their 400+ wines, Colombe D’Or offers steak frites and seafood dishes that make an ideal date night choice thanks to superb preparation and presentation. This gorgeous restaurant is the perfect stop for a lavish brunch or a classy happy hour cocktail in the intimate Bar No. 3.
Pro tip: indulge in the profiteroles with vanilla gelato for dessert.
For celebrating over sparkling wine and chop house fare in upscale environs, head to A’bouzy. White tablecloth adorned tables plus dim lighting and pops of pink create a swanky, romantic ambiance setting the scene to mark milestones or special events. Enjoy bites like caviar service, charcuterie boards and 32 oz tomahawk ribeyes meant for sharing. A’bouzy pours over 30 champagnes and champagne cocktails to toast the moment, served with a playful flourish. This champagne-focused venue is a favorite stop for a girls’ brunch or celebratory breakfast. (For more of Houston’s prettiest restaurants, check out our post here.)
Makiin Thai in Montrose is definitely a vibe. It goes beyond your typical pad thai joint (although theirs with wagyu beef is unreal). They’re serving up seriously creative takes on Thai classics, like roasted duck in red curry with lychee or panang-glazed Chilean sea bass that’ll melt in your mouth. But it’s not just the food – the whole place is gorgeous.
With sleek decor echoing Japan’s clean aesthetic, Uchi Houston brings upscale sushi and Japanese plates to Texas, ideal for a special date or group dinner. Diners can expect beautifully plated fresh sea bream sashimi with truffle ponzu, pork belly buns, curry rice cakes, fried milk, and other ornate bites to match the modern interior and elevate the epicurean experience. Uchi is a Houston icon owned by James Beard Award winning executive chef Tyson Cole.
Pro tip: Loro, Uchi’s sister restaurant serves up delicious barbeque with a Southeast Asian flair.
The Pit Room, situated in a converted retro Montrose warehouse, embraces a casual, neighborhood vibe perfect for a delicious weekend lunch or dinner with friends while smoking prime brisket, house-made sausage, pork ribs, and more Texas style. Picnic tables foster a laidback environment for enjoying their menu of loaded baked potatoes, juicy sandwiches, and classic sides like cheesy corn. No matter your preference, The Pit Room brings serious barbecue flavor to classic barbeque and pulled pork tacos and house made salsa. Comfort food for Texans, the Pit Room is an excellent choice for entertaining out-of-town guests.
In Montrose’s trendy nightlife corridor on Westheimer lies Toasted Coconut, a kitschy tiki lounge known for boozy slushies making it a lively happy hour or late night hangout. Their patio strung with festive lights enhances the laidback island atmosphere. Signature drinks like the Toasted Coconut combine rum, Kahlua, coconut and cream to deliver a beachy buzz. Beyond the tiki cocktails, they serve playful Pacific-inspired eats like poke nachos, shrimp bao buns, and spam fried rice. A Lodgeur favorite for happy hour and appetizers on the patio.
Next door to the Children’s Museum in Montrose, Mala Sichuan turns up the heat on authentic Sichuan dishes and modern twists, dished in contemporary digs. Under moody crimson lighting, favorites like mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, and sizzling rice shrimp excite spice-seeking diners craving fiery flavor any night of the week. Mala operates a handful of restaurants in the city, each with a different vibe; the Montrose restaurant serves wine and beer.
After admiring art at Rice University, head to Common Bond Bakery in Montrose, extending their friendly cafe culture through warm decor touches ideal for lingering with laptops over pastries and coffee or enjoying a light lunch. Display cases brim with sweets like layer cakes and macarons while the savory menu spotlights hearty yet homey picks like quiche or chicken pot pie.
Pro tip: Try the delightful green and white striped pistachio croissant the Nutella muffin.
Craving tacos with an Asian twist? Velvet Taco in Montrose serves up menu items like fried chicken tikka tacos and banh mi tacos loaded with flavors like sriracha aioli and cucumber kimchi slaw, perfect for a casual dinner or late night bite. Expect Tex-Mex fusion. With a relaxed, come-as-you-are environment and funky interior with brightly colored chairs and graffiti murals exuding youthful energy, Velvet Taco offers a laidback dining experience.
Wash it all down with their funky boozy shakes or local craft beers on tap. With its vibrant ambiance and one-of-a-kind taco recipes, Velvet Taco kicks the Tex-Mex experience up a notch.
Rice Box gives the food court an upgrade with Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean build-your-own bowls, mixed and matched for an affordable quick bite between museum hopping in Montrose or patio dining with neighbors. Crispy cauliflower is a favorite! Their efficient cafeteria-style layout lets you customize bowls filled-to-order.
Family-friendly Postino plates up modern, casual Italian food like panini, salads and soups. Postino’s menu will keep vegetarians and carnivores happy. Don’t miss the bruschetta boards or housemade donut holes!
Make it a whole day. Check out our posts on visiting Houston’s museums for free and where to stay and park for museum visits.