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The Original Ninfa's on Navigation, Houston, TX

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

4.8
4.8
3295 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 57 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

Located on Navigation Boulevard just minutes from the heart of downtown Houston, the Original Ninfa's was all started with Mama Ninfa Laurenzo's creative TexMex recipes. These led to the introduction of fajitas & Mexican cuisine to North America which gained immediate success.

If you're looking for a Houston Mexican restaurant, Ninfa's on Navigation is not only a local icon, having serviced politicians, celebrities & even visiting royalty, their Mexican food is unbeatable. Chef Alex Padilla uses only top quality ingredients, like Mama Ninfa herself did, & fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood like red snapper, jumbo shrimp & more.

Voted Best Margaritas, you can enjoy Ninfaritas on the outdoor deck, dine on the best Mexican dishes & fajitas around and truly enjoy the great restaurant experience.

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Tex-Mex
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    We have ample parking and complementary Valet parking service is available.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Alex Padilla
Gift card

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What 3,295 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Houston

    Mexican

  • Houston

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is a beloved Houston staple, renowned for "excellent food" and "fantastic service." This Tex-Mex haven boasts "the best fajitas" and "delicious margaritas." Guests adore the lively atmosphere, making it perfect for pre-game dining. Despite some noise complaints, the "authentic experience" is consistently praised.

3,295 Reviews
  1. Darwin

    Houston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The restaurant is a bit smaller so during peek time, it gets a little crowded but the service/food definitely makes up for it. Came in a party of 8 and everyone enjoyed their meal. Our server Gabriela was very attentive and friendly. Will be coming back for sure!

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  2. JillanneC

    Houston2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    Drinks and food delicious. Disappointed in the place we were seated! I Told hostess and waiter we had guests there for the first time and to seat us somewhere warm and comfortable. They sat us at the entrance by the ramp, bathrooms and wait door. Tooo much traffic and noisy. Very surprised in this service.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Houston1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We celebrated my dad’s 80th birthday. The service was fantastic and the food was delicious.

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  4. Alexandra VIP

    New York City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great time! The food and drinks were delicious. Ernesto our server was fabulous!!!!

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  5. Renee VIP

    Fort Lauderdale3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great experience. Food is consistent every time. Definitely a place to go to for Tex-mex!

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  6. Donald VIP

    Tulsa3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and dining experience. Friendly, helpful, knowledgable staff. Excellent parking, too!

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  7. Samuel

    Houston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    slow service, had to ask for refills, dessert, etc

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  8. VinceS

    Washington DC5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service started with the valet service, priceless. Then the house staff met us, checked us in and told us that they would text me when the table is ready. It was better than that, the staff came and got our party and directed us to our table, it was an acquaint small room with three other tables. It was perfect. It was quiet enough for us to have a conversation without having to yell at each other. Our server and Antonio and the entire staff worked as a team and showed us a great time. The food was stupendous, beautifully represented and tasty. Just like I remembered it when Mama Ninfa was here. This original restaurant did not disappoint . Unlike the uptown location, this is how we’ve always Ninfa’s. A beautiful array of plates, appetizers and desserts, and the beverage menu was top-notch. We drove 55 miles to show our dear friends from Kansas City a great time. They were impressed and even my friend‘s wife who was a vegetarian enjoyed herself. And I must say the veggie platter fajitas was out of this world. Thank you for a wonderful night.

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  9. Alan

    Jacksonville77 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of a kind! The tacos Al Carbon and Fajitas are the best. The Margaritas are the real thing. I love this place and always try to go wherever I am in Houston.

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  10. Kody

    Houston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Chili con queso, fajitas, and margaritas were great! Can’t beat their tortilla chips and salsa!

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FAQs

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (713) 228-1175.

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is rated 4.8 stars by 3295 OpenTable diners.

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 57 times today
Google Map for The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Tex-Mex
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    We have ample parking and complementary Valet parking service is available.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Alex Padilla
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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