Houston’s top 10 restaurants
Each fall, longtime Chronicle food critic Alison Cook releases her list of the Top 100 Houston Restaurants. In a city with more than 5,000 restaurants, the competition to make the cut is fierce. Visitors are unlikely to have the time to eat their way thro
The Pass & Provisions
Seth Siegel-Gardner and Terrence Gallivan’s dynamic-duo eateries are splurge-worthy and a must for anyone who self-identifies as a foodie. There’s the theatrical Pass with its adventurous tasting menu and the more casual Provisions, where you can’t go wrong ordering pizza.
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Entree price: $$$$
Where: 807 Taft
Phone: 713-628-9020 Website: passandprovisions.com
Don’t miss: Bread service at Provisions
Oxheart
Justin Yu has coaxed meat-loving Houstonians to embrace vegetables. Offering only six-course tasting menus that may or may not include meat, Oxheart is tiny, quirky and unfussy, especially for a restaurant considered by many critics to be among the best in the country.
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Entree price: $$$$
Where: 1302 Nance
Phone: 832-830-8592
Website: oxhearthouston. com
Don’t miss: Wine and beer pairings, which are moderately priced and on point
Pax Americana
An all-American wine list and chef Adam Dorris’ modestly priced, seasonal menu are served in a warm romantic dining room in the heart of Montrose.
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Entree price: $$
Where: 4319 Montrose
Phone: 713-239-0228
Website: paxamericanahtx.com
Don’t miss: Goat ricotta
Killen’s Barbecue
Go early, and don’t be discouraged by the line, it moves fairly quick. Get a corner table so you can watch the room. Chef Ronnie Killen’s fame extends far beyond Texas, and his barbecue joint has become a favorite stop for pro athletes and famous foodies. Cuisine: Barbecue
Entree price: $-$$$
Where: 3613 E. Broadway, Pearland Phone: 281-485-2272
Website: killensbarbecue.com
Don’t miss: Beef rib and creamed corn
Tony’s
Dining is theater at this Houston institution, warmly overseen by namesake Tony Vallone. If you’re not wowed with what’s on the plate (and we bet you will be), you’re sure to be dazzled by glitterati in the dining room.
Cuisine: Italian
Entree price: $$$$
Where: 3755 Richmond
Phone: 713-622-6778 Website: tonyshouston.com
Don’t miss: House-made pastas
Hugo’s
This is no enchilada joint. The upscale regional Mexican dishes — and the zippy cocktails — are carefully crafted and generally unseen on other Houston menus. Sunday brunch is a spectacle.
Cuisine: Mexican/Tex-Mex Entree price: $$-$$$
Where: 1600 Westheimer
Phone: 713-524-7744
Website: hugosrestaurant.net
Don’t miss: Pulpo al Carbón
Pondicheri
Indian street food and homestyle dishes from Indika’s Anita Jaisinghani are the focus of this River Oaks restaurant. Counter service for breakfast and lunch.
Cuisine: Indian Entree price: $-$$ Where: 2800 Kirby, Suite B132
Phone: 713-522-2022
Website: pondichericafe.com
Don’t miss: Thali sampler platters
Coltivare
Ryan Pera and Morgan Weber’s casual dining room is loud and crowded, but the good service and seasonal fare trump all. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but leave your phone number with the hostess and then go explore the Heights’ bar scene. You’ll get a text when your table is ready.
Cuisine: Italian
Entree price: $$
Where: 3320 White Oak
Phone: 713-637-4095
Website: coltivarehouston.com
Don’t miss: Spaghetti with black pepper
BCN Taste & Tradition
If you’re looking for Old World service, a stylish dining room and superior people-watching, then visiting this proudly Spanish restaurant is a priority. Just know that tables can be hard to nab on the weekends.
Cuisine: Spanish
Entree price: $$$$
Where: 4210 Roseland
Phone: 832-834-3411
Website: bcnhouston.com
Don’t miss: Grilled boneless pig’s foot
Caracol
Hugo Ortega’s other top 10 restaurant is a stunner. The seafood-centric menu leans heavily on the wood-burning oven. An exceptional happy hour only fans the flame of our love of this Galleria-area dining room.
Cuisine: Seafood
Entree price: $$$$
Where: 2200 Post Oak Blvd., No. 160
Phone: 713-622-9996
Website: caracol.net
Don’t miss: Wood-roasted oysters and ceviches