I lived in Houston for a bit. It is a great food city. Even though people call Chicago one of America's best food cities, I think Houston gives Chicago a run for its money. A few classics that I make sure always to go back to:  Coltivare, Kata Robata, Local Foods, and Brasserie 19. Coltivare has a beautiful patio. They do not take reservations. A line begins to form at 5 pm outside the door. No worries if you have a long wait. You can sit in the backyard garden and enjoy a few cocktails. The gin and tonic is a great choice. If you are gluten-free, try the gluten-free crust pizzas; they are delicious. Another go-to dish is cauliflower. It's something I always try to remake at home they flash fry it with golden raisins.
 
Another must go to a restaurant, kata robata. The interiors aren't entirely on an Uchi level, but the sushi is some of the best I have ever had. The rising sun roll is fantastic if you like the taste of truffle.
 
Houston has an excellent sushi scene, some runner ups to Kata: Uchi or MF Sushi. Uchi has a bomb happy hour that runs from 5-7. Everything on the list is fire, but I recommend the hamachi cure & the walu walu for sure. Throw in a zero sen roll of the regular menu if you want to try a great sushi roll.
 
Let's talk about Mexican food. Texas has the best Mexican food. For high-end head to Armandos. Consider going on a Thursday. After 10, they clear out the tables and bring a dance floor. The margaritas are strong so clear your Friday! Another option, El Tiempo is a classic. There are tons of locations around Houston and the price point is lower than Armandos. If you are looking for a more authentic Oaxacan experience, check out: Xochi in downtown or Hugos in Montrose.
 
Breakfast: Guadalupana, Common Bond, Backstreet Café,
My favorite lunch spots include local foods, We are Vibrant, Paulies, & Pondicheri
Honorable Mention restaurants: Bludorn, Rosie Cannonball, Ostia, 1/5, MAD, BCN, Kirans, brasserie 19, Poscol, Le Colonial, Roost, Nancy's Hustle, Turners, March, Navy Blue (same owners as Bluedorn)
Bars: tongue cut sparrow, Anvil, Julep, Night Heron, Cammerata, Pastry War, Okra, 8 row flint, better luck tomorrow, lei low, Emilias Havana (speakeasy in Cafe Annie)

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Tinys Milk and Cookies:
a cute spot attached to Tinys No. 5 in West U. This spot is fun to walk to if you are taking a stroll around West University. They have coffees, lemonade, hot chocolate and of course cookies. They even have gluten free options. I walked my nephew here one afternoon for some treats- it was so fun!
Craft Creamery: not a cookie fan? check out craft creamery in Montrose. the flavors are super rich and unique. They had crazy stuff like cacio e pepe, miso carmel and brisket. Evan and I had a brown sugar cinnamon that was super rich (maybe a little too much). 
Bludorn

Emilias Havana: book via Resy. Emilias is a fun speakeasy tucked away in the kitchen of Cafe Annie. The entrance is super cool. The drinks are all rum based and there is even a fountain in the center of the bar that is filled with bacardi. Guests are given small copper shot glasses they can fill up at their leisure. The food at emilias is fantastic too- all small bites. Evan ordered these baby cuban sandwhiches that were adorable and he said super tasty (not gf). Be warned that just booking this place there is a $100 cover charge that doesnt go towards the bill.
Flora: a spot located in off Allen Parkway. This was formally called the Dunlavy. Flora is a fun mexican spot great for brunch. Its the same ownership as Gratify which is a spot in West University. I recommend any of the ceviches, fish tacos and the quinoa salad is great too! 
MFA: For something fun to do in Houston check out the MFA, its close to West U and Montrose. It has an awesome tasting menu restaurant that also has an a la carte option, the brunch is out of this world and has some of the best fresh squeezed mimosas. The art exhibit is great. My friend has a wedding here so we were able to check out all the great exhibits. A must if you are visiting Houston.
Navy Blue 

we are vibrant.

brasserie 19.

mf sushi.                                        coltivare.

bcn.

bistro menil.                          tiny boxwood. 
The Menil Campus: Another fun activity centered around art is the Menil. The campus is located in Montrose. Bistro Menil is on the property which i wrote about above. There are smaller exhibits in the Menil which are free and always great. Located around the Menil there are about 3 other buildings on the property as well like the Cy Tombly with larger abstract paintings and the Dan Flavin is a fun exhibit of lights. 
Montrose Wine and Cheese: fun wine shop owned by the same family that started biscuit home, march and a few other spots in Houston. Great for wine, cheese and charcuterie shopping but also for stopping for a glass (or bottle of wine). 
March: tasting menu in Montrose with a rotating concept. I went during the Greek menu. The dinner starts in the lounge with small bites and cocktails then moves into the dining room. Option to choose between 6 and 9 courses. March is very great at allergies. 
Turners: a steak house in the galleria area. Small cute resturant that has Ralph Lauren vibes. Known for great steak and hot dog service. I took Evan and I here after we had fun at Emilias Havana. We had butter martinis (you heard me- butter infused vodka), lots of red wine, steaks, burgers, hot dogs - it was all delicious! And a great time. The wine list is a 10/10 and has the prices to prove it! make sure to double check price is you talk to the somm for a rec.  
Betsy's: A cute lunch and breakfast spot owned by the Adair family (adair kitchen and skeeters). Great spot for kids that also serves wine, coffee and healthy lunch options. 
Bludorn