Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Houston

Located in the Memorial City neighborhood, Perry's Steakhouse & Grille is known for its scrumptious seafood and steaks. This sophisticated restaurant oozes elegance and class in every way possible- the ambiance is plush and features swanky lighting fixtures, attractively laid out tables, beautiful paintings on the walls, a piano bar and a well stocked cocktail lounge. Executive chef Roland Rosales showcases his culinary brilliance on the restaurant's extensive menu that offers an interesting mix of light bites, soups, salads, steaks, seafood preparations and desserts. Their signature specialty, Perry's Famous Pork Chop, Pecan-Crusted Gulf Red Snapper and Cilantro Tequila Lime Salad cannot be missed out on. Save some space for dessert and indulge in their rich Rocky Road Bread Pudding. The wine menu is well curated as well- try one of their two private labels Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon stored in a 20-foot (6.096 meters) tall climate controlled wine tower. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille also arranges for business luncheons and private parties.

Da Marco Cucina E Vino is named after the owner and Chef Marco Wiles, who received his training from his Italian mother, as well as from his cooking experiences in other Houston Italian restaurants. The originality of his dishes makes this a great dining experience for any Italian food lover. This place prides itself for offering authentic Italian cuisine. The décor is bright and comfortable with tones of yellow in the walls and wood floors. The pasta is made in-house from imported ingredients. Specialties include octopus salad, venison fettuccine and lamb chops. An all-Italian wine list is offered to add flavor to any entrée. The Zuppa Inglese, a brandy-soaked cake, is a must for dessert.

Caracol is the awe-inspiring restaurant which is famous for blending the fresh taste of sea food, with complex Mexican flavors. Located in uptown Houston, this lively little restaurant seems to be catching up with foodies of this city. Chef Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught put their culinary expertise on offer, to create an eclectic menu, that will please everyone's taste buds. Petalos de Huachinango, which is the red snapper with tangerine and Coctel de Pulpo Almendrado, which is the Spanish octopus with almond, green olive and caper; are some of the delicacies that are absolutely do justice to Mexican flavors and seafood. Reserve a table, to have a quiet meal with family or friends.

Make a reservation and take a trip down Westheimer to the pleasantly international Westchase District for a pleasing taste of Persia. If you still haven't given Middle Eastern food a try, you are sorely missing out. Kasra Persian Grill is the perfect place to start with their warm and inviting atmosphere and crave-worthy food. Despite this being Texas, lamb is indeed the new beef, and Kasra's Lamb Shank is simply other-worldly. Not sure which spiced meat you're in the mood for? Get a combo, featuring hot skewers of either red meat or poultry. Even try the marinated Salmon Kebab. And you'll love the fluffy Basmati rice and spiced grilled veggies. -Adam Rosen

Though specializing in oyster delicacies, Liberty Kitchen and Oysterette has a wide menu of Gulf Coast seafood, Texan beef and more to satisfy almost any palate. From thee Hawaiian poke to shared plates, grilled delights, specialties and burgers, their dishes are beautifully presented and are packed with flavour. Don't miss their happy hours as they are considered to be among the best in town. Private events like parties or formal dinners can also be hosted at the restaurant, while catering to outdoor events also remains available.

Rudy's is old school Texas BBQ, which is definitely a place you take out-of-towners (provided they are not vegetarians). Study your scrumptious options while zig-zaggin in the fast moving line, where you can also sample the juicy smoked meats before deciding. The best way to go is to create your own sampler. Get a half-pound of sausage, a half-pound of 2 kinds of ribs, and then you must try the Moist Brisket (a Texas BBQ staple). Also, try some fresh creamed corn on the side. Spread out your Texas-size feast on their provided butcher paper since there are no plates at Rudy's. Wrap up your excess and take it home for later. - Adam Rosen