Houston has endless options when it comes to restaurants! You can never run out of options here, but I have compiled a list of notable places and favorite dishes from each. Hope this helps you pick the perfect restaurant based off of your cravings!
Tiny Boxwoods
If you are looking for a brunch spot with a lovely ambiance, Tiny Boxwoods is the spot! They have both outdoor and indoor seating, and their food is lovely! Don't be surprised to see a long line, because this place is very popular! If you come here on a weekend, I would recommend arriving early right when the restaurant opens (9am) to secure a prime parking and brunch spot. If you come at a crowded time, there is extra parking available a block down from the restaurant.
Tiny Boxwoods is known for their garden-like ambiance - even if you sit outside, there is plenty of natural lighting to give you a sense of peaceful elegance. Some of my favorite items are the House Migas, Potato and Egg Pizza, and Lucky Burger. Don't forget to try their refreshing house lemonade and amazing cookies! Alternatively, after brunch here, you can check out their cookies at Tiny's Milk & Cookies, a walk-up bakery, coffee, and ice cream shop - just a few blocks away from Tiny Boxwoods. Make sure to wear your cutest outfit, because this place is such a cute photo opp!
Mifen Prince
Tucked in a small restaurant space in Chinatown, Mifen Prince is definitely worth the visit. This hole-in-the-wall is truly a treasured find of mine. One order of their Beef with Vermicelli Noodles and you will know what I mean! I always love a good beef noodle soup, but Mifen Prince does it right with cutting the beef into bite sized pieces and topping the noodles off with pickled veggies, all cooked in a delicious szechuan-style broth. If you do not like spicy, you can opt for a milder broth. The portions are huge and I can barely finish my bowl every time I come here.
In addition to noodles, Mifen Prince also makes their own yogurts, which are so creamy and delicious! The yogurts taste like the ones I had in Shanghai, creamy and so addicting! With the majority of their client base being Asian, I can see why Mifen Prince decided to add these yummy yogurts to their menu as well. All in all, you should definitely check this place out for a comforting, wholesome, and no-nonsense meal.
Ocean Palace
I just recently placed a to-go order from Ocean Palace, and WOW this place did not disappoint. For the $100 I spent here, I was able to feed myself and my family for 2-3 meals straight! The portions here are huge and they are very generous with giving you a free large box of rice to go along with the entrees. Some of my favorite dishes from here are the Peking Duck, Singapore Noodles, Salt and Pepper Lobster, and Beef with Broccoli.
Ocean Palace is also known for their delicious dim sum, so you can definitely come here on a weekend for some amazing dim sum eats! Notable mentions here are their pan-fried pork buns, salted egg custard buns (sounds kind of strange, but I promise you tastes AMAZING), Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings (so cute-looking and perfect!), and Xiu Mai (dumplings with pork and shrimp). If you never had dim sum before, this is definitely a place for you to check out!
Peli Peli South African Kitchen
I discovered this place a few years ago as I was walking around the Houston Galleria, and it was a pleasant surprise indeed! I never had South African food before and felt like a changed person after eating here! As South African has been an essential trade destination for spice merchants around the world for centuries, the flavors in South American cuisine are vibrant, fresh, and exciting! The South African sampler is the perfect way to start your experience here, as you will get to try their lamb samosas, a bobotie made with curried beef and creamy carrots, and some delicious sausages.
I don't have too many recommendations from this menu because everything here is amazing! The more experimental you feel, the better when it comes to Peli Peli!
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
When it comes to steaks and ESPECIALLY pork chops, there really is no better than Perry's Steakhouse & Grille. I come here almost every birthday because the pork chops here are divine, and what better day to feast than on your birthday??? The pork chops here are (I daresay) the best in Houston - the portions are generous and each portion comes with three different cuts of the meat seasoned to perfection. They also have an apple sauce that comes with the pork chop that pairs surprisingly well with the meat.
Definitely book a reservation before coming here, as the staff does an amazing job preparing for special occasions, such as anniversary dinners. I saw tables pre-prepared with rose petals and also got a free birthday dessert once!
Pappasito's Cantina
What is a restaurant recommendation in Houston without a Tex Mex place?? Pappasitos is one of my favorite places to eat here in Houston because their fajitas are phenomenal! They have fajita dinners here where you can choose between medium, large, and family size portions where you can build your own fajitas from a myriad of toppings including beans, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onion, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and more! For the meat, you can choose between all beef, all chicken, or a combination of the two. Their beef fajitas are so tender and seasoned to perfection. I promise you will rejoice with every single bite!
In addition, they also give you free chips and dip right when you sit down, which is honestly so hard to resist! Sometimes I get full off of the chips before my entree arrives. But I guess that means more leftovers for later!
Hope you enjoy my list of recommendations ranging from hole-in-the-wall restaurants to the classics!
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