Houston is home to one of the best collections of museums in the country—from the Museum of Fine Arts and the always free-to-visit Menil Collection to the Holocaust Museum Houston and the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. Families love the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Children’s Museum of Houston, with both being popular destinations year-round. And, with many offering special pricing or free admission on Thursdays, there is ample reason to venture in.
While best known for its impressive lot of museums, the Museum District is also home to Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, McGovern Centennial Gardens, and much more. Fountains, monuments, kid-friendly activities, and wide open spaces with manicured grounds make the area one of the city’s most sought-after destinations.
Walking through parks and museums is sure to build up an appetite, which is why familiarizing yourself with where to find sustenance around the Museum District is just as important as knowing the area’s many exhibits. Consider this list of cafes, bistros, and restaurants that can serve as a delicious start or ending to a perfect Houston day.
Le Jardinier
The Houston outpost of this modern French restaurant from the Bastion Collection received a Michelin star for its artfully plated food and dedication to seasonality. It’s conveniently located inside the Kinder building at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, with the dining room and patio offering prime views of the museum’s awe-inspiring sculpture garden. The cuisine reflects the style and expertise of culinary director, Alain Verzeroli, and executive chef, Felipe Botero, with indulgences such as royal kaluga caviar service, a wagyu New York strip for two, and branzino with almond romesco. The pastry program, created by executive pastry chef Salvatore Martone, is often inspired by the museum’s own art exhibits. 5500 Main St., Houston, lejardinier-houston.com
Dak & Bop
Jason Cho’s restaurant, Dak & Bop, was known for its Korean fried chicken long before many locals were aware of the trend. Here, chicken is butchered in-house and double-fried. Guests can order chicken wings or drumsticks sauced with choices such as sriracha honey lime, soy garlic, and Buffalo, along with dishes like spicy bulgogi, budaejiggae (army stew), and jook, a Korean rice porridge. It’s a casual, laid-back sort of place where a group of friends can share wings, kimchi fries, and spicy popcorn chicken, accompanied by a cold beer or soju cocktail. 1801 Binz St., Houston, dakandbop.com
Cafe Leonelli
From the Bastion Collection, this cafe is the sister restaurant to Le Jardinier, also located in the Kinder building at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow sunlight to flood the sleek interior. As a casual alternative, the counter-service restaurant serves up soups, sandwiches, focaccia, and pizza slices to museum-goers. A day at the museum can be tiresome for little ones, but Cafe Leonelli’s gelato offerings serve as a proper way to refuel. Happy hour often coincides with the museum’s popular Friday social gatherings. 5500 Main St., Houston, cafeleonelli.com
Fadi’s
Lebanese-born Fadi Dimassi has been serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food to Houstonians for nearly three decades, and has even expanded his footprint north to the Dallas area. Fadi’s Park Binz location opened in 2019 serving up all of its familiar favorites. Find kabobs, chicken shawarma, falafel, and lamb shank, and ample indoor and outdoor seating. Four-legged guests are allowed on the patio. 1801 Binz St., Houston, fadiscuisine.com
Sunday Press at Hermann Park
Formerly Ginger Kale, co-owners Sandy Nguyen and Cassie Ghaffer rebranded this Hermann Park hangout to a third outpost of coffee shop and all-day cafe, Sunday Press, last year. The Hermann Park location offers lovely views of McGovern Lake and a casual, all-day menu. Early risers can enjoy breakfast tacos, chia pudding, pastries, alongside a selection of coffee drinks. For lunch, there is a variety of hot and cold sandwiches and salads. Save room for a supreme croissant swirl, which has to be seen to be believed. 6104 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, sunday-press.com
Green Seed Vegan
Couple Matti Merrell and Rodney Perry launched their vegan concept as a food truck before opening a brick-and-mortar in 2012. Their approach to vegan cuisine is all-natural with a focus on using whole foods. The panini sandwiches combine vegetables and greens, along with garbanzo tempeh, an alternative to soy tofu. For handhelds, there are options of whole wheat bread or gluten-free wraps. Raw vegans can enjoy dishes like nori rolls or the Solburger, made with a raw hemp nut patty. There is an extensive array of smoothies, juices, and elixirs for a nutrition boost or just a refresher. The decor is as green as the menu, and so is the exterior. 4320 Almeda Rd., Houston, greenseedvegan.com
Lucille’s
Chef Chris Williams and his brother, Ben, opened this Southern-style restaurant more than a decade ago to pay homage to their great-grandmother, Lucille B. Smith. With an eye on both culinary excellence and philanthropy in the community, Williams continues Lucille’s legacy with guests reaping the benefits. The chili biscuits are a must-have starter to warm up the appetite for catfish and grits, or the oxtail Philly sandwich. Regulars love the Yardbird, a buttermilk-brined, slow-fried chicken breast, which can be ordered with braised collard greens or a sweet potato waffle. The rustic wood-filled interior and family photos create a welcoming homestyle ambiance. 5512 La Branch St., Houston, lucilleshouston.com
Granger’s
For upscale dining or late night sipping, Granger’s is situated perfectly within reach of the Museum District’s sights and entertainment. The menu leans toward fresh seafood and prime steaks, and there’s a global wine list for pairings. Meals can be as simple as a Cowboy burger or French dip, or something more luxe like the Texas redfish Pontchartrain and Alaskan king crab truffle mac and cheese. If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the covered patio and enjoy the district’s serene environs. 1200 Binz St., Houston, grangershouston.com
Monarch at Hotel ZaZa
Located on the lobby level of Hotel ZaZa, Monarch has a dark and moody interior with a glamorous covered terrace that offers views of the Museum of Fine Arts on one side and the Mecom Fountain on the other. Monarch is open to the public for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus weekend brunch, with a global-inspired menu including Peruvian ceviche, lamb lollipops, and a number of steaks. The restaurant stays open late for nightcaps like the Filthy Martini or Spicy Sunset Mule, and there is always the option to extend your visit and stay overnight. 5701 Main St., Houston, hotelzaza.com
MF Sushi
For those willing to splurge on omakase, chef Chris Kinjo is one of the city’s best sushi chefs and letting him run the culinary show is a pleasure indeed. The chef’s tasting bonanza is only available on certain days, with reservations required, but dining a la carte is not a bad back up plan. Start with the ancho cocktail made with Japanese whiskey—MF’s most popular cocktail—along with tuna tataki and kanpachi before moving on to luxurious dishes like A5 wagyu beef toban yaki and lobster tempura. The minimalism of the restaurant’s dining room is a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable meal. 1401 Binz, Houston, mfsushi.com
Barnaby’s Cafe
There are eight locations of this all-day, LGBTQ-friendly concept, best recognized for its smiling sheepdog mascot. With all of the nearby parks and outdoor areas of the Museum District, Barnaby’s Binz Park location allows dogs on its patio, and there is even a puppy menu with dog ice cream. Kids have plenty of options as well, including pasta, sliders, and mini corn dogs. The menu features nearly a dozen entree-sized salads that can be ordered in smaller portions, and on the comfort food side of things, the chicken fried steak is a fantastic choice. Visit on the weekend, and enjoy breakfast service. 1801 Binz St., Houston, barnabyscafe.com
Mo’ Brunch and Brews
Chasitie and Courtney Lindsay opened this Black-owned vegan cafe and coffee shop in 2021, offering a community gathering spot for those interested in the vinyl music scene. There’s a small bar and a bustling indoor dining area, but the large patio, with its lush greenery and fans, is the place to enjoy an acai bowl or chik’n fried shrooms and grits. The vegan menu showcases plant-based meat and cheese products, so the offerings can get pretty creative. Try the dilla donut sandwich or the Motown Monte, a meatless version of a Monte Cristo. In addition to coffee drinks, there are beers on tap, wine, and cocktails. 1201 Southmore Blvd., Houston, mobrunchandbrews.com
