Latin Restaurants
Houston’s culinary scene is consistently one of the best in the nation. It’s no surprise why – the city is one of the most diverse cities in America. A whopping 44.5% of Houstonians tie their heritage to Mexico, Central America, or South America! During Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate all the contributions the Hispanic community makes in our city, including their flavorful cuisines. From tacos to empanadas to pupusas, you’ll have no trouble finding them in Houston. Here’s our guide to Latin American Cuisine in Houston.
DOWNTOWN/EADO/EAST END
Visit award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega’s Xochi (photo) to experience delectable indigenous dishes from Oaxaca like housemade masas, moles, tlayudas and more. Pair your meal with their mezcals, tequilas and Mexican craft beers from the Oaxacan region for the perfect dinner.
Get a taste of Mexico right in downtown Houston. La Fisheria offers tasty Mexican coastal cuisine, with a variety of large seafood dishes and soups like Tacos de Pescado, Vuelve a la Vida (“hangover soup”), Mojarra Frita, grilled octopus, and ceviches.
While you’re downtown, check out Space City Birria for Jalisco-inspired Mexican flavors. Order the “Orbit Duo”, a Quesabirria special, and see what locals are raving about. Ever had birria ramen - now’s your chance!
Get a taste of Latin Caribbean flavors right in the East End. Flor y Miel brings the exquisite flavors of the Dominican Republic, like Chicharron de Pollo, tostones, pica pollo, and more.
Don't miss The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation Boulevard in Houston’s East End (photo), known for great Tex-Mex cuisine. It is where “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo first created the ‘fajitas’ in 1973! Be sure to try their wide selection of fajitas, queso, margaritas, and homemade tortillas (they have an Uptown location, too!).
Just a little further into the East End, you’ll find Antojitos Salvadorenos (1011 Telephone Rd.), a Salvadoran spot with pupusas and panes de pollo rich with flavor. Be sure to make room for dessert with an order of authentic nuegados.
MONTROSE/MIDTOWN
Grab some friends or make it a date night at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine (photo), a Salvadoran restaurant in Midtown with a variety of Latin-inspired dishes like pupusas and yuca salvadorena. After dinner, dance the night away with live local Latin bands and DJs until 2:00 a.m.!
In the mood for arepas? Try Gusto Gourmet, a Venezuelan restaurant offering authentic dishes like Pabellón Criollo, cachapas, and quesillo.
NORTH HOUSTON/HEIGHTS
Visit Houston’s oldest and largest farmers’ market, the Houston Farmers Market, for the freshest produce, like chiles and tropical fruit from Mexico, Central, and South America. Locals have been enjoying shopping and cooking with these ingredients since 1942! The market is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Close by, you’ll see El Bolillo Bakery, a city staple known for its freshly baked small French baguette-like bolillos, perfect tres leches cakes, Mexican sweet bread, churros, and more. For irresistible carnitas and flautas, check out Teotihuacan (photo), or stop by El Taconazo, a cash-only food truck serving late-night tacos that are always worth the wait (there’s always a line!).
MEMORIAL/WASHINGTON AVE
Need something quick and delicious? Stop by Tio Trompo (photo), a casual spot serving up shawarma-style marinated pork tacos. Or get there early and grab a breakfast taco to go.
Another fast yet satisfying place to try is El Rey Taqueria, a fast-food chain that’s been serving up Mexican and Cuban favorites on the go for 25 years. Do yourself a favor and get the Vieja Ropa taco and the Taco Al Pastor; you won’t regret it.
GALLERIA/UPTOWN
Try modern Peruvian at Latin Bites (photo), offering elegant dishes inspired by the coast, the Andes, and the Amazon. With classics like Lomo Saltado and Peruvian-style ceviche, you’ll want to add this Uptown favorite to your list.
Indulge in a traditional Brazilian steakhouse experience at the beautiful Casa do Brasil. Praised for the fresh selection and top-notch service, it’s the perfect place for date night or group celebrations.
Go on a culinary tour along the Mexican coasts at Caracol. Dishes like Ceviche de Langosta, Ostiones Asados, and Pescado Zarandeado are inspired by cuisine from 16 Mexican coastal states. We also recommend tasting their amazing brunch menu.
WEST HOUSTON/WESTCHASE/SOUTHWEST
How many empanadas are too many? The limit does not exist! Head over to The Original Marini's Empanada House (photo) in Westchase Houston for some of the best Argentinian-style empanadas with traditional ingredients like ground beef, hard-boiled egg, olives, onions and spices. This spot is so good, it’s been featured on multiple national cooking shows!
Discover the authentic Colombian gem, La Fogata, located at 11630 Southwest Fwy. They’ve been serving the community for over 35 years! Go big on flavor with the Bandeja Paisa; you won’t regret it.
Experience more of South America at Saldivia’s South American Grill, an Argentinean and Uruguayan restaurant in West Houston. This family-owned restaurant offers authentic favorites like parrillada de bifes (steak), chivito, and mollejas.
Or check out authentic Cuban classics at Rincon Criollo Cuban Cuisine, or more Peruvian flavors at Lemon Tree.