Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in W. University / Med Center

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanLatin American

Regions

Houston

Neighborhoods

DowntownGalleria / UptownHeights / WashingtonMidtownMontroseRiver Oaks

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

13 restaurants available nearby

1. Rosie Cannonball

4.8

Exceptional(83)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Montrose

Booked 44 times today

At Rosie Cannonball, we’re serving European comfort food in a lively atmosphere. The restaurant celebrates the origins of cooking through open, live fire and is centered around a wood-burning oven and grill. The menu draws inspiration from individual ingredients: local vegetables, pastas and pizzas, simple seafood and locally-sourced meat cooked over live fire. Master Sommelier June Rodil curated an expansive list of delicious wines with a strong Italian, Spanish and French focus from their favorite producers new and old, along with options from progressive New World producers. The cocktail menu has strong Italian influences, mirroring the focus of the food. Chef de Cuisine: Matt Hamilton Sous Chef: Karla MorenoExecutive Pastry Chef: Samantha MendozaGeneral Manager: Brandi KinneyFront of House Managers: Lauren AllenGoodnight Hospitality Partners: Bailey & Peter McCarthy, Felipe Riccio, June Rodil

A photo of Jordyn’s Soul Cafe - Houston restaurant

2. Jordyn’s Soul Cafe - Houston

new

3.5

Very Good(24)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Soul food • Montrose

Booked 43 times today

Jordyn’s Soul Café is a premier soul food restaurant in Houston, Texas; expanding on our two thriving locations in Chicago to bring our home-cooked dishes and fresh ingredients down to Texas. Owner Angel McDonald opened up this business in honor of her late daughter, Jordyn. Angel has been working in the restaurant industry for many years and has always had a passion for cooking. The recipes she serves at Jordyn's Soul Café are close to her heart and have been passed down by her mother. Angel is dedicated to providing her customers with delicious food that is made from scratch daily, using only the freshest ingredients. She takes pride in providing customers with quality service and ensuring that all dishes served are prepared with care and love. Angel created a space that is second to none in its ambiance, and our food is beautifully presented with artistic attention to detail. We are committed to providing you with the best possible experience while dining with us!

A photo of Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina - River Oaks restaurant

3. Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina - River Oaks

new

4.9

Exceptional(26)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Tex-Mex • River Oaks

Booked 68 times today

Bienvenidos, y'all! With James Beard-nominated chef and restauranteur Levi Goode at the helm, our fourth Kitchen & Cantina from Goode Company Restaurants showcases the rich foods and traditions we grew up with on both sides of the border. Find us located across from the historic River Oaks Theatre where you'll find an experience inspired by long days on the Gulf, late nights on the ranch, and the colorful creations of our abuela. Try wood-fired redfish on the half shell swaddled in homemade tortillas, made-to-order guacamole, and family-style parrilladas - huge mixed platters of wild game and fresh vegetables, topped with pico de gallo and queso fresco. A few margaritas on our patio and you've found your new casa sweet casa. Top off the experience by wandering over to our agave sanctuary Bar Buena nestled around the corner.

A photo of George's Bistro & Bar restaurant

4. George's Bistro & Bar

4.5

Awesome(321)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • W. University / Med Center

Booked 11 times today

George's Bistro and Bar, located in the heart of West University in Houston, TX, pushes the envelope of elevated continental cuisine. Taking its influences from our team members’ culinary roots, George's Bistro and Bar blends traditional and innovative techniques to create unique offerings using local ingredients in all of its dishes. We are grounded in hospitality with our staff’s commitment to providing you with a memorable experience each time you walk through our door.We’re excited to bring something new to our community and can’t wait to share our unique recipes. We can't wait to serve you!

5. Main Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(238)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

Main Kitchen Restaurant and 806 Lounge indulge guests with a variety of classic cocktails and lively American fare in an intimate atmosphere where the downtown vibe is palpable. Newly appointed Executive Chef Rafael Gonzalez has developed locally infused, seasonal menus, founded on the freshest ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour.

A photo of il Bracco - Post Oak restaurant

6. il Bracco - Post Oak

4.8

Exceptional(154)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 70 times today

il Bracco is an upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of Uptown, Houston, located in Post Oak Plaza. Our menu features handmade pastas, fresh salads, hand-cut steaks & seafood, and an extensive yet approachable wine list. Breads, pasta and dessert are made from scratch, in house daily.Our dining room is made of intimate booths with a full service bar and cocktail lounge, as well as a quiet patio with an outdoor fire place.

7. Late August

4.7

Exceptional(121)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown

Booked 15 times today

The Late August name derives from the joyful time of year when the Sears catalog would arrive at your doorstep, bringing a deep desire and wonderment to all who would receive it and begin feverishly circling the items that would hopefully arrive for Christmas.Our restaurant, set in the previous Historic Downtown Sears building, seeks to bring that same wonder to guests through its atmosphere, service, and cuisine. Echoing the mission of Lucille's Hospitality, which is committed to “Serving the Past, Feeding the Future,” Late August’s menu explores the culinary heritages of Chef Chris Williams and Chef Sergio Hidalgo by bringing the dishes and flavors from both their youths and the experiences to date creating a culturally culinary celebration.

8. The Nash

4.4

Awesome(116)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 6 times today

The Nash, a Modern American restaurant and bar, offers diners a dynamic yet laid-back style, serving lunch, happy hour and dinner in the heart of downtown. Led by General Manager Timothy Contreras & James Beard Awarded Chef Tom Cunanan, the handsome space is located in the historic Star formerly known as the Texaco Building, that features an impressive floor to ceiling bar and open kitchen. This inviting ambience makes for the ideal spot for happy hour, late afternoon cocktails or dinner.

9. The Lymbar

new

4.6

Exceptional(187)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Montrose

Booked 6 times today

Our family's story in Texas begins on Lymbar Drive where Robert and Dora Cordua moved from Managua, Nicaragua. There, multiple generations and parties with wine, whiskey, rich food, music and chimichurri perfumed the walls. We invite you to experience our heritage, our hospitality and our roots in the city of Houston. We are an all day neighborhood craft cocktail bar and open theatre kitchen specializing in latin and mediterranean small plates and shareables. No rules. Good greenergy. Buenas vibras.

10. Prime 131

4.6

Exceptional(261)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Heights / Washington

Booked 34 times today

A Berg Hospitality Group original concept, Prime 131 is a live-fire steakhouse and sushi bar within a revamped industrial space at The Docks at Timbergrove. Evoking the electric ambiance of New York’s chic yet edgy Meatpacking District in the early 90s, Prime 131 ignites a fresh dining experience in Houston where the artistry of grilling takes center stage. A protein-forward concept with Korean and Japanese influence, Prime 131 creates a completely unique meat experience where diners watch their meal be prepared on four central wood fire grills and two Josper charcoal ovens. In addition, a full sushi bar and four Korean barbeque style tables offer curated experiences featuring some of the most exclusive cuts in the world.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Wonderful yummy Tex Mex!!! Perla our server was exceptional! Loved the margaritas’s, fajitas and redfish!
More info
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina - River OaksPrice: Expensive• Tex-Mex• River Oaks
•
4.9
M
medicinewomanVIP
New York City •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I love this restaurant, it’s cozy and always buzzing. The staff are attentive and helpful. The food is delicious and there’s a good selection of drinks. It tends to be cold in there so I always bring a jacket or shawl.
More info
Rosie CannonballPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Montrose
•
4.8
CA
CharlotteA
Houston •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great patio, attentive service, tasty — with lots of tempting choices. Brought a friend for her first visit, and George’s won her over.
More info
George's Bistro & BarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• W. University / Med Center
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Virginia •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Food and service was amazing 10/10 Will definitely going back
More info
Jordyn’s Soul Cafe - HoustonPrice: Moderate• Soul food• Montrose
•
3.5
J
Jonathan
Las Vegas •3 reviews
4.0
Dined on Feb 15, 2025
Tarsha was an excellent server (though very busy, so we rarely saw her). The management team was stellar in delivering food and checking in. Everyone there was really great. The food was not worth the price point, in my opinion, even on Valentine's Day. The venue itself is gorgeous.
More info
Main KitchenPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.7

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W. University / Med Center

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