We do a lot of food articles, but I don’t think we’ve ever compiled a list of THE best of the best restaurants in Texas. That changes today – I mean, y’all deserve to know where your first choice should be for whatever kind of food you’re craving. We may have left off a few types of cuisine, but I think we hit all the main ones. This is the ultimate list of the best restaurant in the entire state for ten different kinds of food. Bon appetite, y’all!
Southern: Mary’s Cafe (Strawn)
Yelp/Glenn S.
Yelp/Craig M. Everyone who’s anyone knows that Mary’s is where it’s at for a down-home meal. First of all, the portions are Texas-sized, and secondly, the food (especially the chicken-fried steak) is the best tasting of its kind in the state. Not to mention the charming waitstaff that dishes out Southern hospitality as much as they do food itself.
Mexican: The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation (Houston)
Yelp/Devon A.
Yelp/Michael S. Ninfa’s has been around since 1973 serving up authentic Mexican food - the Houston restaurant even takes credit for popularizing the fajita nationwide. Whether you want Tex-Mex or the real stuff, simple or gourmet, you won’t find it better anywhere else.
Barbecue: Black’s (Lockhart)
Yelp/Susan P.
Yelp/Gene L. It’s the most iconic barbecue joint in Texas for a reason: the quality of the food here is unmatched by any competitor. Succulent ribs, sausage, brisket, and more just bursting with flavor and juiciness. Black’s has been practicing the art of barbecue since the 1800s, so they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their craft.
Indian: Maharaja Bhog (Houston)
Yelp/John L.
Yelp/Abhishek S. You won’t find a more authentic Indian cuisine experience than this. Maharaja serves its meals Thali-style, meaning you get to try a little bit of everything on one platter. It is vegetarian which isn’t ideal for most of us Texans, but I think we can sacrifice our beloved meat for one meal - especially when it’s this good.
Dessert: Blue Bonnet Cafe (Marble Falls)
Yelp/Shayda T.
Yelp/Cande Rosemary D. It makes sense that Texans would favor a little Southern cafe for dessert over a fancy restaurant - nothing quite compares to a homemade pie using a secret family recipe. Blue Bonnet Cafe has been doing exactly that for decades and will continue to do so as long as it remains in business.
Deli: Kenny & Ziggy’s (Houston)
Yelp/Ken H.
Yelp/Chris P. Jewish food might not be at the top of our list, but if you ever get a craving for a potato latke and brisket or Monte Cristo sandwich the size of your head, Kenny & Ziggy’s is the place to go. They certainly don’t skimp on portions, so it’s perfect for Texas-sized appetites!
Thai: Titaya’s (Austin)
Yelp/Errol M.
Yelp/Jim S. Restaurants that specialize in one type of Asian cuisine are usually the best, and that’s just what Titaya’s does. Their Thai dishes are fresh, authentic, and extremely tasty - although the portion sizes are a little on the smaller side, so consider ordering a few appetizers as well if you want to leave the table full.
Steak: Cattleman’s (Fabens)
Yelp/Nelson P.
Yelp/Jamie C. Cattleman’s has it all - a beautiful view, Old West atmosphere, and, of course, the best steak in the entire state. Enjoy your tender, juicy, flavorful cut of meat prepared to your liking as you gaze out at the picturesque ranch and get mentally transported back to the good old days. Who knows, you might even see a horse galloping across the fields with a cowboy on its back!
Fine Dining: Tony’s (Houston)
Yelp/Annie B.
Yelp/Annie B. Tony’s has been Houstonians’ top fine-dining choice for years, but even more so now that a new chef has been hired. You might have to save up to eat a meal here, but it’s worth it to show your special someone how much you care. With its romantic atmosphere and food of impeccable quality, there’s no better place for a special date night than Tony’s.
Sushi: Japaneiro’s (Sugar Land)
Yelp/L R.
Yelp/Kelly N. The fact that Japaneiro’s managed to perfect such a bizarre concept as Mexican-Japanese fusion easily earns it the top spot as far as sushi goes. From mango and chili powder to cilantro and pico de gallo as well as traditional Japanese ingredients, this gem serves up some of the most interesting flavor combinations I’ve ever heard in sushi - but it all works so well.
Do you agree with this list? If not, what would you change? What types of cuisine did we leave off, and what’s your favorite place to go for them?
Yelp/Glenn S.
Yelp/Craig M.
Everyone who’s anyone knows that Mary’s is where it’s at for a down-home meal. First of all, the portions are Texas-sized, and secondly, the food (especially the chicken-fried steak) is the best tasting of its kind in the state. Not to mention the charming waitstaff that dishes out Southern hospitality as much as they do food itself.
Yelp/Devon A.
Yelp/Michael S.
Ninfa’s has been around since 1973 serving up authentic Mexican food - the Houston restaurant even takes credit for popularizing the fajita nationwide. Whether you want Tex-Mex or the real stuff, simple or gourmet, you won’t find it better anywhere else.
Yelp/Susan P.
Yelp/Gene L.
It’s the most iconic barbecue joint in Texas for a reason: the quality of the food here is unmatched by any competitor. Succulent ribs, sausage, brisket, and more just bursting with flavor and juiciness. Black’s has been practicing the art of barbecue since the 1800s, so they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their craft.
Yelp/John L.
Yelp/Abhishek S.
You won’t find a more authentic Indian cuisine experience than this. Maharaja serves its meals Thali-style, meaning you get to try a little bit of everything on one platter. It is vegetarian which isn’t ideal for most of us Texans, but I think we can sacrifice our beloved meat for one meal - especially when it’s this good.
Yelp/Shayda T.
Yelp/Cande Rosemary D.
It makes sense that Texans would favor a little Southern cafe for dessert over a fancy restaurant - nothing quite compares to a homemade pie using a secret family recipe. Blue Bonnet Cafe has been doing exactly that for decades and will continue to do so as long as it remains in business.
Yelp/Ken H.
Yelp/Chris P.
Jewish food might not be at the top of our list, but if you ever get a craving for a potato latke and brisket or Monte Cristo sandwich the size of your head, Kenny & Ziggy’s is the place to go. They certainly don’t skimp on portions, so it’s perfect for Texas-sized appetites!
Yelp/Errol M.
Yelp/Jim S.
Restaurants that specialize in one type of Asian cuisine are usually the best, and that’s just what Titaya’s does. Their Thai dishes are fresh, authentic, and extremely tasty - although the portion sizes are a little on the smaller side, so consider ordering a few appetizers as well if you want to leave the table full.
Yelp/Nelson P.
Yelp/Jamie C.
Cattleman’s has it all - a beautiful view, Old West atmosphere, and, of course, the best steak in the entire state. Enjoy your tender, juicy, flavorful cut of meat prepared to your liking as you gaze out at the picturesque ranch and get mentally transported back to the good old days. Who knows, you might even see a horse galloping across the fields with a cowboy on its back!
Yelp/Annie B.
Tony’s has been Houstonians’ top fine-dining choice for years, but even more so now that a new chef has been hired. You might have to save up to eat a meal here, but it’s worth it to show your special someone how much you care. With its romantic atmosphere and food of impeccable quality, there’s no better place for a special date night than Tony’s.
Yelp/L R.
Yelp/Kelly N.
The fact that Japaneiro’s managed to perfect such a bizarre concept as Mexican-Japanese fusion easily earns it the top spot as far as sushi goes. From mango and chili powder to cilantro and pico de gallo as well as traditional Japanese ingredients, this gem serves up some of the most interesting flavor combinations I’ve ever heard in sushi - but it all works so well.
For more restaurant goodness, check out our list of Texas restaurants you have to try at least once before you die.
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