Texas cuisine is popularly associated with barbecued meats and not much else. Although its barbecue scene is thriving, Houston has become a trendy dining destination for fans of global flavors and fusions ― music to the ears of an ultra-wealthy foodie. Here’s where jet-setters are dining out in Houston.
B&B Butchers & Restaurant
J.J. Watt, Wilmer Valderrama and Emilia Clarke are among the celebrities who have been spotted dining at B&B Butchers & Restaurant. Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been spotted grabbing their food to go. B&B serves some of the finest cuts of meat in Houston like the Wagyu kobe NY strip for $220, or bone-in ribeye for $72. The quality of the steak is well worth the large bill. B&B also has a location in Fort Worth, and both are among few restaurants in the U.S. to be certified by the Kobe Beef Association in Japan because they offer A5 certified Kobe beef from Tajima cattle. The menu also features a raw bar and an ample amount of delicious sides (lobster whipped mash potatoes!) to complement your entrée.
Potente
Potente is a modern Italian restaurant owned by Jim Crane, owner of the Houston Astros. Food Network has previously named Potente’s homemade truffle pasta as one of the best pastas in the country. Potente also features freshly caught seafood, USDA steaks and a wine list consisting of some of the finest Italian and California labels. Executive Chef Danny Trace is known to take his staff to local farmers markets to pick up the produce they will cook at the restaurant. This emphasis on local sourcing isn’t just an eco-friendly approach ― it helps emphasize the importance of quality in their food too.
Mastro’s Steakhouse
Another one of Houston’s swanky steakhouses, Mastro’s is located in the Post Oak Hotel uptown. This upscale chain features a dress code that requires strict adherence before diners can be seated. Among the highlights: a 28 day wet-aged USDA prime steak; Japanese A5 Wagyu, like their wagyu tomahawk chops ($250); the New York 8oz ($150); and fresh seafood, like their herb roasted Branzino ($55). Every diner can enjoy live music seven days a week. Mastro’s has many locations across the United States, including Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks, Costa Mesa, Malibu, Palm Desert, Chicago, Scottsdale, New York City, Las Vegas, Newport Beach and Washington D.C.
Uchi
Uchi is a non-traditional Japanese restaurant founded by the James Beard Award‑winning Chef Tyson Cole. Its menu features signature tastings, sushi, and seasonal omakase. Some of the local favorite dishes include the hama chili ($22.50), which is yellowtail, ponzu sauce, thai chili and oranges, and from hot tastings the hot rock special ($19) is a delicious combination of wagyu beef and ponzu. The extraordinary food is paired with exceptional service to ensure an unforgettable dining experience. Uchi has locations in Houston, Austin, Dallas, Denver and Miami, with restaurants coming soon to New York and Los Angeles.
Kiran’s
Chef Kiran Verma is a 2023 James Beard semifinalist, known for being the “godmother of Indian fine dining” and the genius behind Kiran’s world-class Indian cuisine. The exquisite dinner menu is comprised of classic Indian curries like the seafood curry and scallops ($42), Kiran’s signature Vindaloo with lamb leg ($38), and traditional vegetarian dishes like the paneer makhni ($24), a house-made cheese and tomato cream sauce. The dishes are made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and all of the meats used are antibiotic and hormone-free. Kiran’s features an award-winning wine list that consists of more than 300 labels and also offers monthly wine dinners.