Best Authentic Restaurants in W. University / Med Center

93 restaurants available nearby

1. Street To Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(826)

Price: Expensive

• Thai • East End

Booked 54 times today

Enjoy unapologetically authentic Thai food in the East End. All food is made from scratch by native Thai chef and James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Texas Benchawan Jabthong Painter.Chef Benchawan and her husband—who also spend time in their Bangkok home each year—have painstakingly built out a restaurant that would fit into Bangkok’s hip Thong Lor neighborhood, but they have located it in Houston. Expect trendy Thai vibes, music, strong cocktails and an adventurous wine list to accompany Chef Benchawan’s acclaimed dishes.The largest party Street to Kitchen can accommodate is 6 people. If more than 6, you can arrange a private Thai tasting menu, including a minimum spend. please contact us via email at eatthai@streettokitchen.org Thai tasting menus can also be made available for smaller parties if confirmed at least one week before via the same email.

2. Fiori

4.3

Awesome(620)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Montrose

Booked 9 times today

Fiori is a charming and cosy Italian restaurant and floral boutique in the heart of Montrose, led by chef Alessio from Rome. The restaurant is located in a cute two-story building, has a nice patio with lights hanging on the outside and a terrace; massive oak trees surround the building creating an unique atmosphere. The beautifully interior, decorated with fresh flowers, plants and paintings, offers a lovely and light ambience. Fiori focuses on using authentic traditional recipes. At lunch offers salads, pasta and Italian sandwiches. At dinner, Fiori transforms to a relaxed lounge atmosphere with a full bar and refined wine selection, where you can have a classic Italian aperitive and then taste a selection of true Italian dishes. Periodically Fiori hosts local artist to delight you with paintings and live entertainments. Moreover, you can surprise your guests with a table floral arrangement or a bouquet for your partner. Fiori is available for private parties/events of many sizes.

A photo of BCN Taste & Tradition restaurant

3. BCN Taste & Tradition

4.9

Exceptional(1805)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Southeast Houston

Booked 29 times today

BCN Taste & Tradition, the name gives a nod to Barcelona and the meld of traditional and modern Spanish cuisine. Chef Luis Roger relocated from Girona, Spain - trained under Michelin Chef Ferran Adria at elBulli- and taught at the renowned culinary school Aula Gastronomica de l’Emporada. Located on a 1920’s era Victorian home in the trendy Montrose/Museum District (4210 Roseland St.). BCN Taste & Tradition will recreate an authentic Spanish style dining experience with unparalleled service. The menu will showcase all the fantastic, cutting-edge haute cuisine that put Spain on the world stage. Credit card info required for reservations larger than 5 guests. A $50/person fee will be charged if you are unable to cancel within 48 of your scheduled time or if your party decreases in size within 24 of your reservation. No fee will be assessed for transferring the reservation to a different name.

4. Coppa Osteria

4.8

Exceptional(510)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • Rice Village

Booked 54 times today

Coppa Osteria is the perfect paring of food and lifestyle, taking its personality from the affluent, family centric West University, Southampton, Rice and Museum District neighborhoods. Its clientele is an eclectic mix of professionals, university academics and young families – who all seem to know one another. With craft cocktails and an extensive wine list, it's easy to find the perfect beverage to pair with Coppa's modern Italian cuisine. Neapolitan-inspired pizzas are some of the most popular items on the menu – the Coppa Pepperoni and Carnissima are crowd favorites. Diners also flock for the Fritto Misto, Burrata Tartufo and Spaghetti Carbonara (Coppa's signature dish). Complete with a lively bar scene and a large outdoor patio that lends itself to sipping rosé and taking in the surrounding neighborhood scenery, Coppa is the ideal setting for an intimate all-day dining with family & friends.For group or private dining for 7+ guests, please submit a private dining inquiry below.

5. Hamsa

4.7

Exceptional(96)

Price: Expensive

• Middle Eastern • Rice Village

Booked 26 times today

Crafted by the visionary minds who brought you Doris Metropolitan and Badolina Bakery & Café, Hamsa emerges as a radiant gem in the culinary landscape, celebrating the vibrant flavors of Israel. Revel in the artistry of our hummus creations, succulent grilled skewers, and perfectly charred pitas. Indulge in the symphony of flavors with our salatim, a delightful array of vegetable-based delights that promise to tantalize your taste buds.

A photo of AMORE Italian Restaurant restaurant

6. AMORE Italian Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(667)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

Booked 15 times today

Amore Italian Restaurant is a charming family-owned establishment in Houston, celebrated for exceptional dishes featuring the finest seafood and prime steaks served in an inviting atmosphere. Located in the heart of our vibrant community, we pride ourselves on sourcing the freshest ingredients and a commitment to top quality. Our diverse menu includes everything from handmade pizzas to sumptuous truffle pasta, with highlights like Chef Alfredo Mojica’s spaghetti all'astice and perfectly seared filet mignon with peppercorn brandy sauce.Amore has become a favorite destination for notable patrons who appreciate elevated culinary dining, often praising us as the most authentic Italian restaurant. In a city filled with restaurants, Amore stands out as a local gem, promising unforgettable meals, 5 star service and a dedication to Italian traditions.2024: Houston Chronicle Top 19 Italian RestaurantsHouston Chronicle Top 20 Pizza SpotsEater Houston 24 Essential Italian Restaurants

A photo of Rumi's Kitchen - Houston restaurant

7. Rumi's Kitchen - Houston

4.8

Exceptional(677)

Price: Expensive

• Persian • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 109 times today

The premier destination for Persian Cuisine in Uptown Houston.

8. Cafe Rabelais

4.8

Exceptional(961)

Price: Expensive

• French • Rice Village

Booked 8 times today

Houston’s Café Rabelais serves sumptuous French cuisine in its classic, European-inspired eatery. Fantastic starter options include the mouth-watering smoked salmon plate, the white bean and vegetable soup, as well as a variety of decadent cheese plates. Café Rabelais’s specialty dinner entrées include the seared duck breast with Szechuan demi-glace, the seared snapper in rich beurre blanc, the vegetarian orzo pasta with purple cauliflower and feta cheese and the red wine marinated ribeye with eggplant. Top off your Café Rabelais French feast with an unforgettable dessert, like the mixed nut and chocolate silk pie “fondant au chocolate sur croute de noix” or the fruity “sorbet du jour” and wash it down with a fresh, hot espresso.

A photo of Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston restaurant

9. Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston

4.6

Exceptional(709)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Westside

Booked 69 times today

*Please note- reservations are only accepted via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant directly*Lombardi Cucina Italiana is a celebration of authentic Italian cuisine with a modern touch. The menu features a large selection "fatto a Mano" pastas as well as an extensive array of fresh fish, meats and produce. The curated beverage program has a vast selection of worldly wines and handcrafted signature cocktails. Our forward thinking cocktail menu uses innovative ingredients from the kitchen, such as prosciutto, rosemary and amarene. The wine list will represent all main wine regions of the world, with a primary focus on the Italian Peninsula, Lombardi Cucina Italiana's atmosphere will remind you of an open air villa in Italy, surrounded by olive trees, Italian marble and Venetian Chandeliers. Their luxurious bar and cocktail lounge is the perfect setting for an evening of relaxation, while listening to live entertainment.

10. MF Sushi

4.9

Exceptional(1662)

Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • Museum District

Booked 19 times today

We are now offering Omakase reservations Tuesday-Wednesday at 7:00 pm, Friday at 7:30 pm. Please contact us directly at (713) 637-4587 for Omakase reservations and large party reservations.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Penneyvip
Houston •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This is our go to place when family comes in from out of town. In fact, I did not feel like cooking tonight, so we ate lunch here and ordered food to go for dinner!
More info
Street To KitchenPrice: Expensive• Thai• East End
•
4.7
S
Suzannevip
Washington, D.C. Area •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food was delicious, and the outdoor dining area was so beautifully decorated with lush vegetation. Our server was very nice and helpful. We appreciated the way they honored our anniversary celebration with a champagne toast. Very thoughtful!
More info
HamsaPrice: Expensive• Middle Eastern• Rice Village
•
4.7
Z
Ziad
Houston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
What a fantastic experience…..I have no idea why I did not go there before. It was the prefect date paired with the perfect food and place to eat at. Definitely a place that I will recommend.
More info
FioriPrice: Expensive• Italian• Montrose
•
4.3
G
Gaston
Houston •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our waiter provided superb service and allowed us ample time to enjoy our meal. The food was amazing and reminded me of my trip to Florence. The wine selection can’t be beat and all at a great price point. Great restaurant!!
More info
Coppa OsteriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Rice Village
•
4.8
M
Michellevip
Houston •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We loved everything we ordered. The drinks were amazing, the food was delicious and flavorful. Everything served was impeccable. The service was excellent and was made even more special by Edgar. We’re happy we chose to celebrate our 7th anniversary here. The establishment is truly deserving of its michelin star.
More info
BCN Taste & TraditionPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• Southeast Houston
•
4.9

Best Authentic Restaurants in W. University / Med Center

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

93 restaurants available nearby

1. Street To Kitchen

2. Fiori

3. BCN Taste & Tradition

4. Coppa Osteria

5. Hamsa

6. AMORE Italian Restaurant

7. Rumi's Kitchen - Houston

8. Cafe Rabelais

9. Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston

10. MF Sushi

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable