Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in W. University / Med Center

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

Houston

Neighborhoods

BellaireDowntownEast EndGalleria / UptownHeights / WashingtonMidtown

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

44 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Drake's Hollywood - Houston restaurant

1. Drake's Hollywood - Houston

4.5

Awesome(244)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Montrose

Booked 66 times today

An Old Hollywood party - dry-aged steaks & cold martinis *Drake's Hollywood accepts reservations for parties of 7 or less. For parties of 8+ please contact houston@drakeshollywood.com. Happy Hour is available weekdays 4pm to 6pm and 9pm-C in the bar. Children under the age of 6 years of old are not permitted

A photo of BCN Taste & Tradition restaurant

2. BCN Taste & Tradition

4.8

Exceptional(1929)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Montrose

Booked 37 times today

BCN Taste & Tradition, the name gives a nod to Barcelona and the meld of traditional and modern Spanish cuisine. Chef Luis Roger relocated from Girona, Spain - trained under Michelin Chef Ferran Adria at elBulli- and taught at the renowned culinary school Aula Gastronomica de l’Emporada. Located on a 1920’s era Victorian home in the trendy Montrose/Museum District (4210 Roseland St.). BCN Taste & Tradition will recreate an authentic Spanish style dining experience with unparalleled service. The menu will showcase all the fantastic, cutting-edge haute cuisine that put Spain on the world stage. Credit card info required for reservations larger than 5 guests. A $50/person fee will be charged if you are unable to cancel within 48 of your scheduled time or if your party decreases in size within 24 of your reservation. No fee will be assessed for transferring the reservation to a different name.

3. Coppa Osteria

4.7

Exceptional(597)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • Rice Village

Booked 68 times today

Coppa Osteria is the perfect paring of food and lifestyle, taking its personality from the affluent, family centric West University, Southampton, Rice and Museum District neighborhoods. Its clientele is an eclectic mix of professionals, university academics and young families – who all seem to know one another. With craft cocktails and an extensive wine list, it's easy to find the perfect beverage to pair with Coppa's modern Italian cuisine. Neapolitan-inspired pizzas are some of the most popular items on the menu – the Coppa Pepperoni and Carnissima are crowd favorites. Diners also flock for the Fritto Misto, Burrata Tartufo and Spaghetti Carbonara (Coppa's signature dish). Complete with a lively bar scene and a large outdoor patio that lends itself to sipping rosé and taking in the surrounding neighborhood scenery, Coppa is the ideal setting for an intimate all-day dining with family & friends.For group or private dining for 7+ guests, please submit a private dining inquiry below.

4. Leo's River Oaks

4.4

Awesome(140)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • River Oaks

Booked 12 times today

Welcome to Leo's River Oaks. We looking forward to seeing you.

5. Uchi Houston

4.8

Exceptional(4517)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • Montrose

Booked 65 times today

Bringing its hallmark level of quality and service to an urban location, Uchi Houston made its debut in 2012 in the former historic Felix space on Westheimer. Melding culinary innovation with an approachable vibe, the menu features items culled from both Uchi and Uchiko in Austin, along with signature seasonal items created by our Chef team. Reservations are encouraged and can be booked online up to 1 month in advance. Walk-in bar seating is available and is subject to wait times. We look forward to serving you, Kanpai!

6. State of Grace

4.6

Exceptional(3447)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Southern • River Oaks

Booked 44 times today

State of Grace in Houston is a must-visit for its unique blend of Southern, American, Latin, Gulf Coast, German and Asian flavors. With an ambiance that reviewers describe as 'beautiful', 'great' and 'terrific', it's not just about the food. It's the thoughtful service, the 'careful intent' in every dish, and the 'quality thought out' that sets it apart. It's a place that 'arouses' and 'impresses' with its 'excellent and eclectic' food. While it may be 'a bit expensive', reviews consistently show that it's 'worth it'.

7. Maximo

4.9

Exceptional(41)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • W. University / Med Center

Booked 20 times today

Nestled in the heart of Houston’s West University neighborhood at 6119 Edloe Street, Maximo is a progressive Mexican restaurant from the Local Foods Group team that combines authenticity and adventure. Nearly everything is done in house under Executive Chef Adrian Torres with mentorship from Local Foods Group Creative & Culinary Director Seth Siegel-Gardner. Nixtamalized tortillas are just the start; corn kernels are boiled, soaked and ground into masa, imparting maximum flavor into a dedicated masa section on the menu featuring sopes, tetelas and even cornbread, along with a list of ever-changing taco options. Shareable plates, from crudos and salads to entrees and desserts, entice guests to explore. The restaurant is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 - 9 p.m. for dinner service and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. for brunch and dinner service.

A photo of AMORE Italian Restaurant restaurant

8. AMORE Italian Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(720)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

Booked 27 times today

Amore Italian Restaurant is a charming family-owned establishment in Houston, celebrated for exceptional dishes featuring the finest seafood and prime steaks served in an inviting atmosphere. Located in the heart of our vibrant community, we pride ourselves on sourcing the freshest ingredients and a commitment to top quality. Our diverse menu includes everything from handmade pizzas to sumptuous truffle pasta, with highlights like Chef Alfredo Mojica’s spaghetti all'astice and perfectly seared filet mignon with peppercorn brandy sauce.Amore has become a favorite destination for notable patrons who appreciate elevated culinary dining, often praising us as the most authentic Italian restaurant. In a city filled with restaurants, Amore stands out as a local gem, promising unforgettable meals, 5 star service and a dedication to Italian traditions.2024: Houston Chronicle Top 19 Italian RestaurantsHouston Chronicle Top 20 Pizza SpotsEater Houston 24 Essential Italian Restaurants

9. MaKiin

4.6

Exceptional(370)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Thai • Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

Booked 42 times today

The ultimate culinary journey at our award-winning Thai fine dining restaurant, where our masterful chef's innovative and unparalleled creations are sure to impress. With numerous accolades and awards, our chef uses only the finest and freshest ingredients to create culinary experiences like no other.

A photo of Hearsay at Levy Park restaurant

10. Hearsay at Levy Park

4.4

Awesome(80)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

Booked 15 times today

Levy Park is a vibrant urban space in the heart of the Upper Kirby District of Houston. Hearsay at Levy Park offers more than just exquisite cuisine; it provides a unique experience. Imagine a chic antique atmosphere blending exclusive historic architectural elements with a stylish modern edge. Surrounded by the serene beauty of nature, our establishment is a haven for culinary delights and leisurely strolls. Plus, we have a pet-friendly patio, so your furry friends are welcome too.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Laurence
Houston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was a lovely experience. The staff were professional.
More info
State of GracePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Southern• River Oaks
•
4.6
T
TraceyVIP
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We have been back and forth between Detroit and Houston several times over the past year and have had lots of great meals but this was by far one of the best. Our time here moving forward will be less and less but I will make it a priority to eat at Amore every time we are in town.
More info
AMORE Italian RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston •60 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent filet … best baked oysters and wine and prices.
More info
a'BouzyPrice: Moderate• Contemporary French / American• River Oaks
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Fort Lauderdale •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Had such a lovely evening at MaKiin. Not only was this the best Thai food I have EVER had in my life, but the service was incredible (I wish I remembered their names, the two servers were perfect), the ambience was amazing and the whole experience was magical.
More info
MaKiinPrice: Very Expensive• Thai• Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
•
4.6
P
Patrick
Fort Lauderdale •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 16, 2025
Great & Food was amazing I 100 percent think everyone will love this
More info
Upper Kirby BistroPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
•
4

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