Taste the world one bite at a time!
If you ask us, the best thing about Houston isn’t the skyline or the shopping—it’s the people and the food. And lucky for us, those two things go hand in hand. In the most diverse city in the country, the dining scene tells a thousand stories: of heritage, of hustle, of home. You’ll find second-generation Nigerian immigrants still running their family kitchen in Alief, a Japanese chef in a signature pink apron plating delicate omakase, and a DACA recipient-turned-James Beard finalist proudly leading two restaurants and a market.
From tiny strip-mall gems to glittering dining rooms in five-star hotels, Houston’s international food scene is as wild, warm, and full of flavor as the city itself. Each dish—whether it’s ladled out of a clay pot or topped with caviar—carries the personality of the people behind it. This is a roundup of some of our favorite places to taste the world, without ever leaving the 713.
African
507 Westheimer Road, Houston TX 77006
401 Franklin Street., Houston, TX, 77201
West African flavors take center stage at ChòpnBlọk, a fast-casual restaurant founded by James Beard semifinalist Ope Amosu, whose Nigerian roots shape every dish. The brand’s original location at POST Houston launched in 2021, followed by the flagship Montrose outpost, which opened on October 1, 2024 — Nigerian Independence Day. At both locations, guests can enjoy dishes and a cocktail program inspired by ingredients of the African diaspora, all in vibrant spaces designed to celebrate Black culture. It’s not just dinner — it’s a vibrant, crave-worthy crash course in West African flavor.
10014 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77036
Safari is Houston’s first Nigerian restaurant, founded in 1994 by Nigerian immigrant Margaret Ukegbu and now run by her daughter, Kavachi Ukegbu, a passionate advocate for West African foodways and co-author of The Art of Fufu, a coffee table book on the staples of West African cuisine. Known for its cult following, Safari has long served as a cultural and culinary touchstone for the city’s Nigerian community. The menu highlights traditional dishes like nkwobi (cow foot in spicy palm oil sauce), isi ewu (seasoned goat head), and jollof rice, a beloved dish cooked in tomato stew.
11720 W Airport Blvd #1600, Meadows Place, TX 77477
Suya Hut is all about fire, flavor, and feeling right at home. This casual spot pays homage to Nigeria’s beloved suya culture — think tender, spice-marinated meats grilled to perfection and served with serious heat. Built on the belief that food brings people together, the restaurant is as warm and welcoming as the dishes themselves. Alongside staples like smoky jollof rice, you’ll find traditional favorites like tuwo (fufu) paired with soul-soothing soups. One visit, and you’ll understand why this food means so much to so many.
Asian
23119 Colonial Parkway Suite B-2 Katy, TX 77449
2290 Buckthorne Pl, Woodlands, TX 77380
Phat Eatery brings the craveable flavors of Malaysian street food to Katy Asian Town—and more recently, The Woodlands—serving up dishes that are equal parts comforting and adventurous. The menu is packed with flavor bombs like flaky roti canai, tender beef rendang, and the real star of the show: a soul-warming, spice-packed curry laksa that just might ruin you for all other soups. Rooted in the multicultural culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, the food here is vibrant, layered, and endlessly fun to explore. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Malaysian cuisine, Phat Eatery makes it easy to fall in love—one slurp at a time.
2241 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77098
Rim Tanon feels more like a secret Thai street tucked away in Montrose than a Houston restaurant—and that’s exactly the point. Inspired by the energy of Thailand’s roadside food stalls, Chef Nittreeya Wongsa brings her childhood memories and culinary chops to life through dishes like spicy som tum, fragrant tom yum, and comforting bowls of rice and noodles. The flavors span the country—from the bold heat of the South to the herbal depth of the North—all wrapped up in a cozy space that feels like dining inside a vintage Thai home. Add in some specialty cocktails and a few friends, and suddenly dinner feels like a mini vacation.
5407 Bellaire Blvd Suite A, Bellaire, TX 77401
Aya Sushi in Bellaire is what happens when a Tokyo-trained chef with serious skills—and a signature pink apron—decides to have some fun. Chef Yoshi Katsuyama brings decades of experience (and a devoted following) to this sleek spot, where the omakase changes with the seasons and the fish is flown in from Japan multiple times a week. The vibe is refined but never stuffy, with a sake list so extensive it just might require its own menu tour. Come hungry, stay curious, and don’t be surprised if you start planning your next visit before dessert hits the table.
French
2531 Kuester St, Houston, TX 77006
The Marigold Club isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a full-on experience. Under the guidance of Chef Austin Waiter, the menu plays with classic French favorites—caviar tea sandwiches, towering seafood platters, and a luxe riff on Beef Wellington that’s anything but stuffy. Master Sommelier June Rodil (one of only 27 female Master Soms in the country!) leads the drink program with a mix of Old World gems, seasonal martinis, and a high tea that feels just the right amount of fancy. Add in velvet walls, hand-painted murals, and glowy Italian chandeliers, and you’ve got a space that feels like a love letter to Paris.
1962 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019
Brasserie 19 — or B19 as the locals call it — has been a fixture of Houston’s French dining scene since 2011. It is known as the place to see and be seen in River Oaks. With its chic, buzzy atmosphere and stylish crowd, the brasserie regularly hosts themed parties, live DJs, and one of the city’s most popular brunch scenes. The menu offers timeless French favorites like steak frites, escargot, duck confit, and bouillabaisse, paired with an impressive Champagne list. Sophisticated yet lively, Brasserie 19 blends classic French fare with a vibrant social energy that keeps it at the center of Houston’s dining culture. And, yes, the B19 ballcap they sell at the bar is a necessity!
3410 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
Tucked inside the historic La Colombe d’Or Mansion, Tonight & Tomorrow offers an elegant take on French bistro dining in one of Houston’s most charming garden settings. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients and refined classics like steak tartare, steamed red snapper, and the rich, house-made ‘Lyon’ burger. An extensive international wine list and creative cocktails elevate the experience, blending timeless French flavors with modern Houston flair. After dinner, sneak away to the hotel’s cozy Bar No. 3. — serving cocktails and small plates late into the evening amid fine art and century-old architecture. Cheers!
1711 Allen Pkwy Suite 101, Houston, TX 77019
Inside another chic hotel, The Thompson, chef EJ Miller—known for his work at Muse, Riel, and Coppa Osteria—brings French cuisine to life. The menu blends classic technique with regional twists, like crawfish-studded vol-au-vent and cornbread madeleines served with caviar. Dishes like Wagyu beef cheek Bourguignon showcase the kitchen’s refined, slow-cooked approach, while a roaming cheese cart adds a touch of old-world charm.
Middle Eastern
5555 Morningside Dr #100, Houston, TX 77005
Located in Rice Village, Hamsa offers a vibrant and elevated take on Middle Eastern dining. Inspired by the flavors and energy of modern Israeli cuisine, the menu is built around shareable dishes like creamy hummus, smoky eggplant balady, grilled skewers, and colorful salatim — small, cold Middle Eastern salads and dips. Set in a stylish, Moroccan-accented space, the restaurant features a chef’s table overlooking the brick oven, a charcoal grill for skewers, and a champagne wall for a touch of flair. With a globally curated wine list and desserts like Basboosa Malabi Cake and grilled pears, Hamsa delivers Middle Eastern flavor in a setting that’s as lively as it is refined.
5555 Morningside Dr #110, Houston, TX 77005
Right next to Hamsa, Badolina Bakery & Cafe is where Middle Eastern flavors meet serious pastry magic. From gooey babka to golden croissants and craveable sourdough, everything is made fresh daily—and yes, it smells as good as it sounds. With a cozy counter-service setup and a verdant patio, Badolina has quickly become a destination for pastry lovers across the city.
2815 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77098
Doris Metropolitan is a modern Middle Eastern steakhouse that blends the flavors of Israeli cuisine with the precision of high-end butchery. Originally inspired by a butcher shop in Israel, it’s become a River Oaks favorite for adventurous diners. Alongside its in-house dry-aged steaks, the menu showcases vibrant, vegetable-forward dishes that reflect the region’s rich culinary traditions. Doris is where you go when you want your steak with a side of spice—and maybe a little Tel Aviv swagger.
Mexican
917 E. Southmore Ave, Pasadena, TX 77502
2421 South Wayside Dr, Houston, TX 77023
6704 S. Texas 6, Houston, TX 77083
3507 Fountain View Dr, Houston, TX 77057
2517 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
El Bolillo Bakery has been a cornerstone of Houston’s Mexican culinary scene since 1998, when it opened as a small neighborhood panadería on Airline Drive. Today, with five locations across the city, it’s one of Texas’s most beloved bakeries, offering over 150 varieties of handmade pan dulce every day. Favorites include buttery empanadas, soft conchas, savory bolillos, and a dazzling selection of tres leches cakes — there’s even Oreo tres leches! El Bolillo delivers the comfort and joy of a true Mexican bakery experience.
215 Fairview Street, Houston, TX 77006
Cuchara brings the spirit of Mexico City to life in Montrose, offering a vibrant take on traditional bistro dining rooted in the heart of Mexican culture. The restaurant is known for its authentic flavors, colorful tableware, and playful murals by Mexico City artist Cecilia Beaven. The menu and design celebrate the charm of the capital, from market-fresh ingredients to handcrafted cocktails. Set in a restored 1940s building, Cuchara blends modern style with deep Mexican roots, creating a dining experience that’s as artistic as it is authentic.
2031 Westcreek Ln N1, River Oaks, Houston, TX 77027
photo by Angelique Cook-Cavazos, courtesy of Botonica
Just-opened Botonica in River Oaks pays homage to the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Latin America, with a special emphasis on Mexican roots and ancestral tradition. Founded by Houston bartender Alexis Mijares, the concept blends storytelling and mixology, with a menu that traces the evolution of Latin cocktails—from the Margarita’s debated origins to centuries-old spirits and ingredients. The food menu mirrors this cultural reverence with dishes like rajas con crema, masa blinis with caviar and chicharrones, and mini Sonoran dogs, all designed to celebrate pan-Latin food. It’s the kind of place where your mezcal comes with a history lesson—and maybe a little dancing by the end of the night.
5420 Lawndale St. #500 Houston, TX 77023
Cochinita & Co. is led by Chef Victoria Elizondo, a DACA recipient whose culinary journey began in Nuevo León. What started as a humble food truck in Houston’s East End has evolved into a celebrated eatery known for its scratch-made dishes. The menu honors regional Mexican flavors—from cochinita pibil, a citrus-marinated pulled pork with habanero-pickled onions, to tamales, mole negro, and elote dusted with chile-limón. Elizondo’s commitment to heritage and craft has earned her national recognition, including a James Beard semifinalist nod and acclaim from local media. Don’t miss the small market while dining, offerings include Mexican staples such as totopos, salsas, frozen tamales, aguas frescas and salsa macha.
3709 Eastside Drive, Houston, TX 77098
Gaspachos Heavenly Flavors brings the vibrant street food of Michoacán to life at its colorful kiosk in Houston’s Levy Park. Founded by Jennifer Perez, a Mexican immigrant who launched her business from a humble fruit trailer in 2015, the concept has grown into a destination for authentic antojitos. The menu features crave-worthy park snacks like mangonadas, elotes, and tortas, along with fun twists like boozy raspas and aguas frescas spiked with tequila or rum. Rooted in Mexican tradition and community spirit, Gaspachos offers a joyful taste of home with every bite.
Can’t Decide?
411 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002
Can’t decide on just one cuisine? Head to Lyric Market in Downtown Houston, where an entire world of flavors comes together under one stylish roof. Sample Indian street food at Kati Roll Wala, dig into rich, soulful Japanese ramen at Samurai Noodle, or cool off with Szechuan stir-fries from Shun Kitchen. Craving something sweet or indulgent? Try hand-pressed Belgian waffles at Press Waffle Co. or flavorful, comforting Caribbean fare from Peppaz. With options ranging from Mexican homestyle plates to fresh sushi, Indian street food, and more, Lyric Market offers a global dining adventure that celebrates Houston’s international heartbeat—no plane ticket required.
520 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
Or, head to Traveler’s Table in Montrose for a curated menu of globally inspired dishes and cocktails drawing from the travels of owners Thy and Matthew Mitchell. The kitchen brings together a diverse team of chefs to craft thoughtful reinterpretations of international classics—think soft-shell crab pad Thai, Mexican street corn soup, West African jollof risotto, Moroccan lamb tagine, and Vietnamese-inspired cauliflower wings. The bar program mirrors the menu’s global reach with cocktails like the Shogun, made with Japanese whiskey, and Our Man in Havana, a Cuban rum creation. Designed for communal dining with large tables and shareable plates, Traveler’s Table is a vibrant celebration of cultures, flavors, and culinary storytelling from around the world without ever leaving Montrose.
Photos: Courtesy of the restaurants presented in this post. Header photo: Brasserie 19. Opening photo: by Kristen Gilliam, courtesy of Doris Metropolitan.