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While Houston may not be the most outdoorsy city, it’s definitely one of the tastiest! My boyfriend and I are big proponents of taking date nights out to explore all of Houston’s best restaurants. It’s a really nice time to catch up without distractions.

From incredible Mexican food on Washington, sushi in The Heights, or just a hole-in-the-wall pizza joint downtown, there are so many options.

I have definitely enjoyed trying each spot on this list as we continue discovering hidden gems right here at home. Below are our favorite restaurants and bars in Houston!

Best Restaurants

Ume

Cuisine: Japanese

Location: Heights / 2802 White Oak Dr, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77007

From first dates to 1-year anniversaries, this sushi spot has been a constant for my boyfriend and I. The amazing food is worth every penny. It’s our go-to place for celebrating special events.

Uchi

Cuisine: Japanese

Location: Montrose / 904 Westheimer Road, Suite A, Houston, TX 77006

Uchi is one of the best restaurants in Houston for happy hour! You can get amazing food and drinks at half the normal price. Make sure you book ahead of time though, reservations fill up fast for happy hour.

Handies Douzo

Cuisine: Japanese

Location: Heights / 3510 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX, 77007

This Japanese restaurant is very small and centered around the chefs preparing your meals. You also won’t be overwhelmed by choices here. The menu is very simple and focused on what most people go for, their hand rolls.

Degust

Cuisine: Spanish & Mexican

Location: 7202 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055

If you’re looking for a place to celebrate with someone special or try something new with friends, this is a unique spot. I went with my boyfriend for his birthday and ended up splurging $500. However, this hefty price tag was due to the restaurant serving very well-thought-out dishes including high-end ingredients, such as gold and caviar. The dishes were also sourced from their on-site garden.

The atmosphere was also lovely, but one thing that was lacking was the service. The sommelier walked us through each bottle of wine served, but the head chef left before everyone was finished with their meal. He was very obvious about it too. For a small, intimate dinner such as this, it came off pretty tacky.

5Kinokawa

Cuisine: Japanese

Location: Heights / 3119 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

5Kinokawa provided a fantastic dining experience that was even more intimate than Degust, and with prices that weren’t quite as bad. We were extremely impressed by both the food AND the service.

Bludorn

Cuisine: French-Inspired, New American

Location: Montrose / 807 Taft St, Houston, TX 77019

At Bluedorn, you can expect top-notch food and service to accompany the perfect atmosphere.

MF Sushi

Cuisine: Japanese

Location: Museum District / 1401 Binz St #100, Houston, TX 77004

MF Sushi offers an amazing sushi experience, but it can get expensive fast! If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of delicious alternatives like Ume or Uchi at happy hour.

Kokoro

Cuisine: Japanese

Location: Downtown Houston / 409 Travis St #66, Houston, TX 77002 (Bravery Chef Hall) 

If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, try Kokoro before or after visiting some of the bars in Downtown Houston. This Japanese restaurant is conveniently located inside a food hall in the middle of all the action.

Ostia

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Location: River Oaks / 2302 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006

If you go to Ostia, you need to ensure you reserve a table outside on their patio. You’ll be surrounded by greenery while indulging in some delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

Doris Metropolitan

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Location: River Oaks / 2815 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77098

Every now and then, my boyfriend and I like to treat ourselves to a romantic dinner at an upscale steakhouse. And oh is it upscale! Although pricey, Doris is still our go-to for a fancy steak night in Houston.

Toulouse

Cuisine: French

Location: River Oaks / 4444 Westheimer Rd Ste E 100, Houston, TX 77007

For a fun Sunday brunch, Toulouse is the perfect place. Toulouse offers half-priced bottles of rosé on Sundays while you sit back and enjoy some live music.

Musaafer

Cuisine: Indian

Location: Galleria / 5115 Westheimer Rd Suite C-3500, Houston, TX 77056

My boyfriend and I celebrated the day I quit my Corporate job with a date night at Musaafer. We even went back again that New Years Eve. We both agree Musaafer’s fine Indian cuisine is one of the best high-end, Indian restaurants in Houston.

If there was ever any doubt that we were sushi fanatics, this list should make it pretty obvious!

Best Bars

After dinner, sometimes we like to end the night with a few cocktails. Depending on what we’re feeling that evening, some extra time together or a fun gathering with friends, there are plenty of great options in Houston.

Permission Whiskey

2920 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

Permission is my favorite bar in Houston. The ambiance gives it somewhat of a speakeasy feel and it is so classy. It’s absolutely perfect if you’re trying to keep a date night going. I’d recommend eating at Ume beforehand as Permission is right next door.

For how I eat well while traveling, read How to Eat Healthy on Vacation.