We’ve rounded up some of the most stunning restaurants, bars, and cafes that offer an aesthetic experience. From cozy bistros with picturesque outdoor seating to chic rooftop terraces offering sweeping views of downtown, there’s something for everyone in America’s fourth-largest city. So if you’re searching for a unique dining or drinking spot with aesthetic charm, take a look at our list of must-visit locations!
(Kids in tow? Check out our Lodgeur Guide to the most adorable kid-friendly restaurants.)
Little Hen is a lavishly aesthetic restaurant and bar that offers a uniquely floral dining experience. With its layers of floral design, warm atmosphere, and innovative menu items (rose petal pancakes), this chic eatery has quickly become one of the most sought-after places to eat and drink in Houston. Experiencing Little Hen is like indulging in a grown-up version of a tea party in an English garden. Reservations open up 30 days in advance for a 90-120 minute seating. The dress code is “glamorous”.
Looking for more places like Little Hen? Try Bloom & Bee, Annabelle Brasserie or A’Bouzy. Pair it with a visit to one of the Houston museums.
Housed inside the boutique hotel The Post Oak, Bloom and Bee is a luxurious dining experience that brings together tradition, elegance, and culinary expertise. If you dressed up to see the Barbie movie, Bloom and Bee is for you. The restaurant boasts majestic chandeliers, plush velvet seating, and elegant floral arrangements throughout the space.
Helmed by executive chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Bloom and Bee presents an eclectic menu that features flavors from around the world. Menu highlights include caviar pizza, saffron risotto with gold leaf and filet mignon with a truffle butter crust. Sunday brunch at Bloom and Bee is a true feast for the senses, featuring dishes like lobster benedict, smoked salmon flatbread, and their famous croissant French toast. With an ambiance that is full of sophistication and culinary delights that are simply unmatched, Bloom and Bee is among the top restaurants in Houston for a reason.
A’Bouzy is a lively and sophisticated dining spot in Houston that, like Little Hen, offers a unique experience for food and wine lovers. The restaurant is renowned for its vast selection of champagne and sparkling wines, with over 250 varieties from around the world, making it the perfect place to celebrate or enjoy a special evening out. The menu is equally impressive, featuring fresh seafood, hearty steaks, and seasonal produce prepared in a simple yet elegant style. The ambiance, with its rustic-chic decor, comfortable seating, and a beautiful patio, adds to the overall charm of A’Bouzy. Whether you’re after a memorable meal or simply want to unwind with a glass of bubbly, A’Bouzy serves as a fantastic alternative to Little Hen, offering a similar high-end culinary experience in the heart of Houston.
Annabelle Brasserie, a lavish new addition to Houston’s aesthetic dining scene, has recently opened its doors, enchanting patrons with its delightful French-inspired cuisine. Nestled in the heart of the city, this elegantly designed restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a special gathering with friends. The menu at Annabelle Brasserie is as upscale as the decor, with caviar, lobster and ingredients imported from France.
Start off with French classics like steak tartare, escargot with tiny puff pastries, and even baguettes with melted raclette cheese poured on tableside. For the main course, the beef short rib bourguignon or the lobster cocktail are favorite choices. Cap off your meal with a decadent dessert, like the indulgent gateau au chocolate.
This exquisite restaurant, curated by the renowned chef David Cordua, evokes the enchanting atmosphere of the beloved children’s book Where the Wild Things Are. Picture yourself surrounded by plush red sofas, fish scale tiles, and lush hanging plants that adorn the lavishly decorated space. The Lymbar is celebrated for its Latin-Mediterranean cuisine, highlighting delightful dishes like the beef kofta empanada. Regulars swear by the mouthwatering beef tenderloin tacos arepas and foie doughnut holes.
P.S. The Lymbar is located on the ground floor of The Ion, at the heart of Houston’s Innovation District. This is also a great stop for happy hour.
Flora Kitchen is one of the most gorgeously aesthetic places to eat and drink in Houston. It offers an indulgent dining experience with its luxe decor, chandeliers, and lush greenery outside the floor to ceiling windows. The restaurant exudes an aesthetic charm inside its rustic brick walls, featuring statement furniture pieces like oversized armchairs and vibrant artwork. Although its lavish beauty is tailor made for weddings, Flora’s website insists the restaurant is not available for events. Flora is in the former Dunlavy site.
Stepping into Fig & Olive in the Galleria is the closes you can get to the French Riviera in Houston. This upscale, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Whether you’re grabbing an elegant lunch, enjoying a late-night rendezvous, or sipping a cocktail on the Rosé Terrace, Fig & Olive delivers on ambiance and flavor. The restaurant’s stylish decor and relaxed, chic vibe make it perfect for an effortlessly entertaining evening. On weekends, brunch enthusiasts can indulge in unique twists on Mediterranean classics, offering a South of France experience without leaving Houston.
Makiin is like stepping into a fancy Thai dream. The menu is as extra as the vibe. Think roasted duck swimming in red curry with lychee, or melt-in-your-mouth Chilean sea bass in a panang sauce – seriously delicious. Local tip: book the Thai High Tea for a unique experience with Thai herb tea, beautifully dainty bites, and handmade antique tea sets from Thailand.
Musaafer is a sprawling, opulent restaurant in the Galleria Mall serving up high-end Indian food in a lavish setting, designed to resemble an Indian mansion with a central courtyard. The owners traveled all of India’s 29 states before building the restaurant, and the menu reflects influences from each state. Fan favorites on the menu include Mithu’s coriander prawns, butter chicken experience and palak paneer with housemade cheese. For dessert, the most popular choice is the show-stopper mishti doi with “mushrooms” made from yogurt on top of housemate frozen yogurt. Expect impeccable service and a 20% service charge – there is no line on your receipt for additional tips. Note: Musaafer is one of the first restaurants in Texas to earn a Michelin Star.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Houston, Soho Garden offers craft cocktails in a striking, modern greenhouse setting. As soon as you step through the doors, you’ll be transported from the busy streets to a lush indoor garden filled with greenery, twinkling lights, and intimate seating areas. The menu features expertly crafted cocktails like the refreshing Passion Fruit Mojito, smooth Soho Espresso Martini, classic Old Fashioned, and signature French Garden cocktail with floral notes. These Instagram-worthy drinks are as delicious as they are beautiful! The perfect trendy spot for happy hour with friends or the start of a romantic date night, Soho Garden’s lush atmosphere, botanical-infused cocktails, and central downtown location make it a can’t-miss nightlife destination in Houston.
Honey Art Cafe is a cute cafe in Houston that offers an interactive and creative experience for foodies. Located in the heart of the city, this charming cafe combines art and food with its unique concept – guests can purchase art projects to enjoy at the cafe, along with a deliciously pretty coffee and pastry.
d’Alba offers two beautiful Houston dining experiences. Located near the city’s vibrant downtown, this bougie restaurant features an elegant and sophisticated decor with high ceilings and lush greenery in Midtown and Montrose. The menu serves up classic New American dishes like handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas as well as creative takes on seafood such as grilled octopus and salmon tartare.
MAD Houston has a moody, sexy aesthetic, with Spanish cuisine direct from Madrid. The red and blue decor of this modern hotspot is breathtakingly gorgeous. Inside you’ll find a sophisticated aesthetic design with plush velvet seating, stylish furniture, and eclectic artworks. The menu serves up classic Spanish-inspired tapas dishes and full-sized entrees. Stop by for happy hour to try all the delicious dishes and Spanish wines.
Nestled in a historic log cabin on the banks of White Oak Bayou, Rainbow Lodge is a Houston restaurant your party won’t soon forget. The 100+ year old cabin is massive, with extensive indoor and outdoor seating. The Rainbow Lodge has room after room of dining, so your group won’t have to compete to be heard. Expect to see a lot of mounted deer heads.
The restaurant specializes in wild game and seafood, with dishes such as buffalo short ribs, venison chili, and pecan-crusted trout, all sourced from sustainable and organic farms. Rainbow Lodge also boasts an extensive wine list, craft beers, and creative cocktails such as the “Bourbon Peach Tea” and “Bayou City Buzz.”
The Rice Box, is inspired by vibrant Asian night markets, with a futuristic neon-lit decor that sets it apart in the Houston dining scene. The menu offers a reimagination of Chinese-American classics, including Kung Pao Chicken, General Tso’s, Sesame Chicken, and a variety of vegetarian options like the popular Salt & Pepper Tofu. Street food lovers will also appreciate their tasty Sticky Sesame Balls and refreshing Thai Tea. With four locations in Houston, The Rice Box offers a fun and family-friendly experience with its unique ambiance and tantalizing food, bringing a taste of the future to the city. There are 4 locations, including Rice Village and Montrose.
Space Cowboy is a bit different. It’s a playful restaurant, patio and live music venue with a pool and cabanas. The food is standard burgers and finger foods, but there also healthy options like the Asian spinach shrimp salad. The cocktails and the vibe are reason enough to check it out.
