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1. Quattro
1300 Lamar St, Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Houston, TX 77010 · 713-276-4700
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DOWNTOWN. Stylish and elegant with a contemporary edge, Quattro couples spectacular Italian cuisine with unpretentious surroundings and service. Famous for its antipasti bar, fantastic wines, and sumptuous seafood tower, Quattro lays out quite a feast. Savory pastas and risottos get a punch from truffles and parmesan cheese while grilled meats and vegetables boast a smoky, earthy flavor. Other menu considerations: free-range duckling, veal chop, red snapper with preserved lemons and capers, and a wonderful cioppino Genovese. Quattro also features a busy bar.
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HUMBLE. "Humble" may be its location, but this elegant French eatery is anything but. Housed in what was once a Pentecostal church, Chez Nous offers authentic French countryside dining in the heart of Texas. Charming decor, first-class service, and a wine list that boasts fine French vintages further the superb dining experience. House specialties include escargot in garlic butter sauce, mesquite-grilled veal chop, tournedos Rossini, shrimp Provençal, and roast rack of young lamb. Well worth the drive to suburban Houston.
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MONTROSE. Owner/chef Mark Cox originally honed his craft at chic Tony's and now makes a name for himself at this eponymous restaurant. Occupying a former church, Mark's boasts striking architecture, golden hues, and palpable elegance. Dishes offer an innovative twist on classics, as evidenced by bourbon-glazed pork tenderloin, five pepper-crusted Scottish salmon, lamb loin with basil sauce, and grilled ahi tuna medallions. Great wines and an appealing bar add to the wonderful experience.
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DOWNTOWN. At Brennan's, you can expect wonderful Creole fare tinged with Texas touches. The atmosphere is upscale and romantic, and the courtyard is especially engaging. The creative menu never fails to satisfy, and delightful dining comes in the way of lamb chops, pecan-crusted amberjack, lump crab cakes, and veal chops. With advance notice, guests can dine at the chef's table, which offers views of all the culinary goings-on in the kitchen, along with a specially planned meal.
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5. Cafe Annie
1728 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056 · 713-840-1111
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GALLERIA. Cafe Annie serves innovative regional cuisine amid polished woods, white tablecloths, and exquisite floral arrangements. The elegant, perennially popular restaurant has won many culinary awards, including ones from James Beard, the Fine Dining Hall of Fame, DiRoNA, and Gourmet magazine. Specializing in what has come to be known as Southwestern Cuisine, the establishment serves tempting fare like wood-grilled shellfish, cinnamon-roasted pheasant, and coffee-roasted filet of beef. Bar Annie is the restaurant's less formal, less pricey venue.
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6. Churrascos
9705 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77042 · 713-527-8300
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HOUSTON. Add a dose of spice to standard steakhouse dining at this gem, whose South American-influenced decor features lush greenery and tropical flowers. Try something out-of-the-ordinary, like South American-style ceviche with hearts of palm, black bean-stuffed empanadas, sliced roasted duck breast with green peppercorn sauce, and churrasco beef marinated in chimichurri sauce (olive oil, garlic, spices). Pork, chicken, and seafood can also be had.
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GALLERIA. An Art Deco interior sets this intimate steakhouse apart from the pretenders, and brass accents, dark woods, and cozy leather chairs give the place a men's-club ambience. Featured entrees include an 18-oz. NY strip, fresh lobster, marinated veal chop, prime rib, and 6-oz. filet mignon, all cooked to order and served with fresh seasonal vegetables. After dinner, it's not uncommon for business folks to make their way to the smoker's lounge for a scotch and a premium cigar.
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8. Indika
516 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77006 · 713-524-2170
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MONTROSE. Recipient of many rave reviews and much well-earned praise, Indika has taken Houston by storm. The airy, clean-lined restaurant, enlivened with sunny hues, attracts a wide range of folks entranced by a menu that combines Texas ingredients and Indian spices and preparations. Kudos go to salmon tikka, duck tandoori, roasted eggplant with paneer, and foie gras with fig chutney. The nan is also a revelation, and you absolutely can't miss the desserts. Chef-owner Anita Jaisinghani was formerly a pastry chef, and she still has a sure, innovative hand with sweets.
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WEST UNIVERSITY. Eat inside or outside at this rustic BBQ shack, where brisket sandwiches, smoked duck and smoked chicken draw lunch crowds from all around the West University area. Be sure to have your game plan set as you make your way through the cafeteria-style line, because you'll have far too many choices to make once you get to the front. And be sure to save room for their world famous pecan pie – there are few better ways to reward yourself for cleaning your plate. One of Houston's best.
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10. Kubo's
2414 University Blvd, Rice Village Arcade, Houston, TX 77005 · 713-528-7878
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RICE VILLAGE. Although sushi is readily available nowadays (even at the supermarket), authenticity is often elusive. Not so at Kubo's. They create Japanese sushi, not an Americanized version. As a result, quality and preparation are more stringent, and nigiri, maki, and sashimi are practically without parallel. Even basics like yellowtail and tuna are sublime, and the more unusual and inventive options really sing. Cooked dishes and rice bowls can also be had, but you might as well go with what they do best. Incredible sakes are also a restaurant standard. Make sure you check out the specials!
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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