Strolling through picturesque Uptown Park, you’ll encounter a collection of upscale boutiques and designer brands, but this open-air shopping center is also home to some of the finest restaurants in Houston. The sizable development, flanked by luxury boutique hotel Granduca, is rich in culinary offerings that reflect Houson’s diversity and range, and many have lively patios with prime views of the area.
Uptown Park’s central location near the Galleria makes it accessible to locals from all corners of the city, and it’s just as much a draw for out of town visitors looking for a one-stop shop to eat, drink, and spend. From sidewalk cafes to more exclusive fine dining destinations, there is something to satisfy every palate at Uptown Park.
Dine
Uptown Sushi
Since opening in Uptown Park two decades ago, Uptown Sushi has firmly established itself as one of the city’s top Japanese restaurants. It’s known for its chic and modern dining space, fresh nigiri offerings, and indulgent appetizers like Kobe cubes ($17), built with ground Kobe and quail eggs atop a crispy rice cake, and truffle tuna ($18). 1131-14 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, uptown-sushi.com
Duchess
Duchess is among Uptown Park’s newest openings, and with a vast all-day menu inspired by the coastal flavors of the Mediterranean, Asia, and South America, it is a worthy addition. Settle into a plush, jewel-toned booth, and kick back with a gin and tonic garnished with flowers, before savoring dishes like bucatini pasta with mussels ($29) and tandoori-style lamb lollipops ($23). Give dishes cooked in the restaurant’s wood-fired grill a go, like the grilled octopus ($35) or tiger prawn skewers ($28). 1131 Uptown Park Blvd. Ste. 1, Houston, duchess-houston.com
Urbe
James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortego serves up Mexican street food at Urbe, one of Uptown Park’s more casual dining options. The counter service eatery draws inspiration for its menu from various parts of Mexico, including Oaxaca, Mexico City, Jalisco, and Puebla, and features a full bread and pastry program. Try gorditas stuffed with pork carnitas, and save room for churros or conchas. In lieu of a traditional steak night, consider Urbe’s Arrachera Night on Wednesdays, where guests can dine on Urbe’s wood-grilled black angus skirt steak with papas bravas, Brussels sprouts, and a glass of wine ($28). 1101 Uptown Park Blvd. Ste. 12, Houston, urbehouston.com
Étoile
Chef Philippe Verpiand brings romance and French flair to Uptown Park with lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch at Etoile. Expect classically prepared dishes like beef tartare ($16), sole amandine ($28), and coq au vin ($28) in a rustic French farmhouse-inspired space with stacked limestone and white-washed wood plank walls. On pretty weather days, take to the front patio where tables shaded by giant umbrellas offer views of the main plaza. 1101-11 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, etoilecuisine.com
Lombardi Cucina
The vibey ambiance at newly opened Lombardi Cucina is just as much a reason to visit as the food. The spacious dining area, with white table cloth-clad tables and oversized white banquettes, is anchored by two towering trees, while a large window offers a peek into the kitchen where signature seafood plates and house-made pastas get their final touches. The vibes don’t end there. Segreto, an exclusive lounge offering caviar, cocktails, and live music, is an extension of Lombardi Cucina, located right next door. 1101 Uptown Park Blvd. #18, Houston, lombardicucina.com
Drink
The Rustic
The Rustic focuses on the essentials–kitchen, bar, patio, and live music–but it’s far from being basic. Along with cocktails, frozens, and, there is a robust beer tap list with selections from Texas breweries like Saint Arnold and Eureka Heights. The menu of comfort eats is equally vast, with items like wild boar chili, steak Laredo, and banana pudding. Grab a seat in the backyard to hear free live music from Wednesday to Sunday. 1121 Uptown Park Blvd. Ste. 4, Houston, therustic.com/houston-post-oak
Postino
If you find yourself thirsty or looking for sustenance while shopping, pop into Postino for a glass of wine or a snack. The wine bar’s happy hour is generous, available between 11 am and 5 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends, during which all glasses of wine are $6. 1151 Uptown Park Blvd. Ste. 12, Houston, postinowinecafe.com
Dessert
Rocambolesc
The first U.S. outpost of this Spain-based gelateria opened in Houston, and its whimsical shop is tucked amidst the restaurants at Uptown Park. Find gelato in creative flavors like oven-baked apple and strawberry sorbet, and ice pops formed into playful shapes like fingers and noses. 1101 Uptown Park Blvd. #10, Houston, rocambolesc.com/usa/en/
