River Oaks is the neighborhood where Houston’s appetite and ambition hold hands. It’s a place where Champagne is as casual as iced tea, a Tex-Mex joint can double as a disco, and dinner can mean anything from duck confit to fried chicken Tuesdays. From polished neighborhood classics to District newcomers that gleam like jewelry boxes, River Oaks dining is as much about the scene as the food.
Consider this list of 22 standout restaurants the next time you’re in the area.
Relish
Relish is the rare neighborhood spot that can swing effortlessly between Tuesday-night fried chicken and a polished business lunch. The crisp chopped salad has its devotees, but the double-patty Relish Burger is the order that keeps locals loyal. With subway tile and a neatly manicured covered patio, the space is stylish and comfortable. It’s River Oaks without the pretense, and that’s saying something. 2810 Westheimer Rd., Houston, relishhouston.com
Armandos
Armandos has been Houston’s Tex-Mex party for nearly five decades, and the formula hasn’t changed: strong margaritas, chile-gravy enchiladas, and queso for the table. Thursday nights are legendary for disco lights and dancing, when a DJ takes over and dining tables are cleared out after dinner service. Few places embody River Oaks dining more fully. 2630 Westheimer Rd., Houston, armandoshouston.com
State of Grace
After a decade in business, Ford Fry’s State of Grace still shines as brightly as the chandelier over its raw bar. Known for its dramatic dining room and drawing in a crowd of regulars, State of Grace dishes up River Oaks polish like few others can. Newly under the direction of chef Ryan Lachaine, of now shuttered Riel, the menu pleases serious foodies, while still being playful. Oysters arrive either icy cold or wood-roasted in chili butter; a wagyu ribeye and tableside Caesar bring decadence front and center; and Lachanie’s popular caviar tots serve as a worthy complement to anything on the menu. 3258 Westheimer Rd., Houston, stateofgracetx.com
Brasserie 19
Brasserie 19 is River Oaks’ perennial stage, where Champagne flows by the case and the patio doubles as the neighborhood’s version of a fashion show front row. French classics like escargot and steak frites anchor the menu, but the seafood tower is legendary for a reason. White tile, natural light, and an enviable wine cellar keep it glamorous, but it’s the energy of the dining room that makes it iconic. 1962 W. Gray St., Houston, brasserie19.com
Izakaya Wa
Izakaya Wa is a serene escape into Japanese comfort food, and a refreshing counterpoint to River Oaks’ flashier indulgences. Nosh on agedashi tofu and yellowtail jalapeño before ordering your sushi roll and nigiri favorites. You can belly up to the bar for some sake before settling in to the main dining room or at the sushi counter. 2015 W. Gray St. Ste. J, Houston, izakayawa.com
Zanti
This Italian import lives for spectacle, whether it’s Parmesan-wheel tableside service or wood-fired pizzas with leopard-spotted crusts. The black truffle tagliolini is the house showstopper, though seafood linguine and sea-salt roasted branzino are equally worthy. Between the marble interiors and the sense of occasion, Zanti is proof that River Oaks still believes dinner should feel like a production. 1958 W. Gray St., Houston, zantihouston.com
Fielding’s River Oaks
The Woodlands sent its most fun steakhouse to the city. Fielding’s embraces big flavors and broad appeal, serving everything from wood-grilled cowboy ribeye to hamachi crudo and oysters. The lively bar hums, the dining room gleams, and the menu always surprises. It’s indulgence without the formality, which feels exactly right for River Oaks today. Visit during lunch on Fridays and partake in the $0.25 martinis. 2015 W. Gray St., fieldings.com
Pizzana
Pizzana elevates pizza night with chef Daniele Uditi’s “neo-Neapolitan” pies. The cacio e pepe pizza is a cult favorite, with pecorino and pepper cream standing in for tomato sauce. Margherita purists will find plenty to love, while gelato finishes things sweetly. It’s pizza, but dressed for River Oaks. 2323 S. Shepherd Dr.,Houston, pizzana.com
Pie Tap
Dallas pizza, but make it River Oaks. Pie Tap’s dough takes four days to ferment, the mozzarella is made in-house, and the crust emerges blistered but chewy. Stick with the simple yet elegant margherita, or dive into brunch with the sausage and egg pizza. Don’t skip the whipped ricotta starter, a fluffy and piquant cloud of perfection. Sleek interiors and a bar with craft cocktails elevate pizza night into something far more stylish. 1815 W. Gray St., Houston, pietaprestaurant.com
Steak 48
Located in River Oaks District, Steak 48 is a glamorous alternative to the city’s traditional steakhouses. Glass walls give guests ample views into the kitchen and the abundant raw bar, while a sprawling bar serves as a festive place for a pre- or post-dinner drink, Bone-in ribeyes hit the table next to king crab mac and cheese so rich it deserves its own accountant. You’ll leave $400 poorer but spiritually sated (this is Texas, so steak counts as spiritual). 4444 Westheimer Rd., Houston, steak48.com
Le Colonial
Le Colonial’s lush, two-story space feels like a time capsule with wicker chairs, palm-frond wallpaper, and a terrace bar perfect for cocktails that lean tropical. The elegant French-Vietnamese menu shines with shaking beef and caramelized fish clay pot. Equal parts polished and transportive, Le Colonial makes an ordinary weeknight feel like an escape. 4444 Westheimer Rd., Houston, lecolonialhouston.com
MAD
With black squid ink paella, foie gras cotton candy, and cocktails that literally smoke, MAD is culinary chaos, and River Oaks eats it up. It’s the sister restaurant to Michelin-starred BCN in Montrose, and just like it, its name is a nod to one of Spain’s most famous airport codes. A dinner at MAD isn’t a meal, it’s performance art, and you will clap politely when your drink shows up glowing. 4444 Westheimer Rd., Houston, madhouston.com
Toulouse
Dallas’ French brasserie has a home in the heart of River Oaks District with moules frites, duck confit, and weekend brunch that sparkles with Champagne. The interiors strike the perfect note of Parisian polish, but seats on the patio, wholly immersed in the main plaza, are highly sought after on most days. 4444 Westheimer Rd., Houston, toulousecafeandbar.com
Azumi
From the Atlas Restaurant Group (Marmo, Loch Bar), Azumi brings top tier sushi, an impressive sake selection, and a meticulous omakase experience to River Oaks District. Robata-grilled wagyu, tuna on crispy rice, and hot stones for searing A5 beef are all par for the course. 4444 Westheimer Rd., Houston, azumihouston.com
Ouisie’s Table
With its sprawling rooms and garden views, Ouisie’s is equal parts restaurant and retreat. The crab cakes are iconic, the fried chicken beloved, and the shrimp and grits anchor brunch. Eclectic décor gives it charm, but it’s the sense of hospitality—grand, yet personal—that makes Ouisie’s a River Oaks institution. 3939 San Felipe St., Houston, ouisiestable.com
a’Bouzy
a’Bouzy is for people who think “bottle service” should happen before noon. Champagne flows by the case, truffle fries soak it up, and oysters fly out of the kitchen like Mardi Gras beads. The patio packs in with day drinkers on weekends, and brunch is more of a marathon than a meal. You may lose track of time and money, or both, under the glow of the bubbly-inspired light fixture in the main dining room. 2300 Westheimer Rd., Houston, abouzy.com
Romano’s
Romano’s is River Oaks’ Italian-American time capsule, sandwiched between a TJ Maxx and Marshall’s in a retail strip mall. The counter-service eatery dishes up New York-style pies, bubbling lasagna, and chicken parm topped with a gloriously gooey, stretchy blanket of cheese. While highly regarded for its pizza, Romano’s famous baked ziti is known to rival some of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Sometimes comfort is the most stylish choice of all. 1528 W. Gray St., Houston, romanospizzaitalianrestaurant.com
Bari
You may be dining in River Oaks District, but Bari feels like you’ve been teleported to the Amalfi Coast. Crudos glisten, lobster ravioli oozes cream, and branzino arrives whole. The all-white dining room screams “expensive beach house”, so kick back with an aperol spritz and savor the moment. 4444 Westheimer Rd., Houston, barirestaurants.com
Ojo de Agua
Ojo de Agua brings a taste of Mexico City to Houston at this all-day restaurant in a quiet corner of River Oaks District. Açai bowls, avocado toasts stacked like architecture, and chilaquiles verdes keep the wellness crowd buzzing. Juices get as much love as lattes, and the plant-filled space begs for selfies. It’s bright, cheerful, and refreshingly healthy—but don’t worry, you can still order cocktails. 4444 Westheimer Rd., Houston, ojo.mx
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino
Giacomo’s is River Oaks’ quintessential neighborhood trattoria, with a solid pasta line-up and an Italian-heavy wine list that won’t break the bank. Start with the housemade focaccia or a soul-warming bowl of pasta e fagioli. The pappardelle with duck ragu is the dish you’ll come back for again and again. 3215 Westheimer Rd., Houston, giacomosciboevino.com
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina
A modern update on a Houston tradition, Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina boasts Tex-Mex comforts with Goode family polish. Start with the campechana seafood cocktail—a Goode Co. classic—before digging into fajitas that arrive sizzling to the table. Venture over to Bar Buena, Goode Co.’s moody new mezcal focused-bar next door. Together, they’re proof that you don’t need chandeliers or foie gras to win over this neighborhood—just smoke, spice, and tequila. 5015 Kirby Dr., Houston, goodecompany.com
Hudson House
This Dallas import neighbors Brasserie 19 in the River Oaks Shopping Center, and draws an equally buzzy crowd on weekdays and weekends alike. Oysters and icy martinis headline, lobster rolls deliver luxury in a bun, and the Hudson Burger has its own cult following. The dining room is compact with brass accents, whitewashed brick, and comfy banquettes. Bar seats here are coveted. 1964 W. Gray St., Houston, hudsonhousehp.com
