The 10 Best Black-Owned Restaurants in Houston
Houston is a city that prides itself on its culinary scene and dining culture. With over 10,000 restaurants, Houston offers a variety of cuisines and flavors to suit every palate and occasion. Houstonians love to eat out frequently and enjoy upscale dining experiences that combine quality, creativity and service.
One of the factors that contributes to Houston’s diverse and vibrant food scene is its multicultural and international community. Houston is home to people from over 140 countries and 90 languages, making it one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the US. Among them are many African Americans who have made significant contributions to the city’s history, culture and economy.
In this blog post, we will highlight some of the upscale black-owned restaurants in Houston that showcase the talents and tastes of African American chefs and entrepreneurs. These restaurants offer a range of cuisines, from Southern to Caribbean to global fusion, and provide a memorable dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
The 10 Best Black-Owned Restaurants in Houston
The Warwick
The Warwick is an elevated-dining experience that boasts a remarkably diverse culinary menu filled with boldly flavored recipes and hand-crafted cocktails. The Warwick is located on the dynamic Westheimer corridor in the Galleria area, offering a chic, sleek and elegant design.
The Warwick is named after the former Houston landmark hotel that exemplified breathtaking views, opulence and dining in the 1960s. The restaurant aims to recreate that vibe with a globally influenced cuisine that features seafood and meat options, as well as vegetarian dishes.
Some of the highlights of the menu at The Warwick include snapper Orleans with crab meat and shrimp sauce, jerk lamb chops with mango salsa, spinach salad with goat cheese and candied pecans, Hawaiian ribeye with pineapple soy glaze, jambalaya risotto with chicken and sausage, lobster tails with garlic butter and charbroiled oysters with parmesan cheese. The restaurant also offers special desserts and signature cocktails.
The Warwick is located at 5888 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057. You can contact them at (713) 534-1545 or visit their website at https://www.warwickhouston.com/. Reservations are recommended.
Davis St. at Hermann Park
Located near the Museum District and the Texas Medical Center, Davis St. at Hermann Park is a restaurant that combines Gulf coast, Oaxacan, Caribbean, and Vietnamese flavors to create a unique dining experience. The restaurant is owned by Mark Holley, a renowned chef who has worked at Brennan’s of Houston and Pesce.
Some of the notable dishes at Davis St. are the ceviche with avocado mousse and plantain chips, the Caribbean mussels with coconut curry broth and grilled bread, and the Thai shrimp with rice noodles and peanut sauce. The entrees are equally impressive, such as the grilled lamb chops with mint chimichurri and roasted garlic mashed potatoes, or the thirteen-minute egg with tomato-saffron broth and grilled asparagus.
Davis St. is located at 5925 Almeda Rd A, Houston, TX 77004. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, and for brunch on Sunday. You can make a reservation online or by calling (877) 328-4778.
Trez Bistro & Wine Bar
Trez Bistro & Wine Bar is a cozy and elegant restaurant located in the Washington Corridor, near the Heights. It specializes in contemporary American cuisine with a touch of Southern flair, as well as hand-crafted cocktails and exclusive wines.
Trez Bistro & Wine Bar also has a unique focus on philanthropic and community partnerships, providing local artists with a platform to display their art and hosting cultural events. The restaurant features live music on Saturday nights, brunch on weekends, happy hour specials and wine flights.
Some of the dishes you can enjoy at Trez Bistro & Wine Bar include lamb chops with mint jelly, Cajun pasta with shrimp and sausage, crab mac and cheese, chicken tinga tacos and jerk wings. For dessert, you can indulge in bread pudding, cheesecake or chocolate cake. The restaurant also offers vegan options.
Trez Bistro & Wine Bar is located at 920 Studemont St Ste 150, Houston, TX 77007. You can contact them at (281) 501-1788 or visit their website at https://www.trezbistroandwinebar.com/. Reservations are recommended for parties of four or more.
Lucille’s
Lucille’s is a nationally acclaimed restaurant in the heart of Houston’s Museum District, named after Lucille B. Smith, an African American culinary pioneer who founded her own food corporation in 1913. Lucille’s specializes in well-refined Southern cuisine with infusions of international techniques and flavors.
Lucille’s is co-founded by brothers Chris and Ben Williams, who pay homage to their great-grandmother by replicating some of her famous recipes while embellishing others to create innovative takes on Southern classics. Chef Chris Williams is also a James Beard Award Finalist and the founder of Lucille’s 1913, a non-profit that provides meals to Houston’s vulnerable communities.
Some of the dishes you can savor at Lucille’s include croissant French toast with fried chicken wings, oxtail omelette with cheese grits, watermelon salad with feta cheese and mint, chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, braised oxtails with rice pilaf and spinach stuffed salmon with roasted potatoes. The restaurant also emphasizes soul-satisfying experience and hospitality.
Lucille’s is located at 5512 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004. You can contact them at (713) 568-2505 or visit their website at https://lucilleshouston.com/. Reservations are recommended.
Taste Kitchen + Bar
Taste Kitchen + Bar is a restaurant that fuses Southern comfort foods with ethnic flavors to create dishes that are satisfying and flavorful. The restaurant is owned by chef Don Bowie, who has worked at Brennan’s of Houston, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse.
One of the signature dishes at Taste Kitchen + Bar is the chicken and waffles menu, which offers various flavor options, such as lemon pepper, honey butter, jerk, or Nashville hot. You can also choose from different waffle flavors, such as red velvet, cornbread, or sweet potato. Other dishes include the shrimp and grits with Cajun cream sauce, or the fried catfish with hush puppies and coleslaw.
The restaurant also has a full bar with specialty drinks, such as the Taste mojito with rum, mint, lime juice, simple syrup, and club soda, or the Taste margarita with tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, and salt rim.
Taste Kitchen + Bar is located at 420 Main St, Houston, TX 77002. It is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. You can make a reservation online or by calling (713) 485-5803.
Kulture Houston
Located in downtown Houston, Kulture Houston is a modern restaurant that celebrates the African diaspora through food and art. The owner, Marcus Davis, is also behind the popular Breakfast Klub and Reggae Hut. At Kulture Houston, he collaborates with chef Dawn Burrell to create innovative dishes that fuse African, Caribbean, Creole, and Southern flavors.
One of the dining concepts that Kulture Houston offers is the Black Chef Table, a monthly event that showcases the talents of black chefs from different backgrounds and regions. Each chef prepares a four-course menu that reflects their personal style and influences, paired with wine or cocktails. The Black Chef Table is a great way to experience the diversity and creativity of black cuisine in Houston.
Some of the dishes that you can find on the regular menu at Kulture Houston include jerk chicken and waffles, oxtail empanadas, gumbo rice balls, and plantain beignets. The restaurant also features local artists and musicians, creating a vibrant and cultural atmosphere.
- Address: 701 Avenida De Las Americas Suite A, Houston, TX 77010, United States
- Phone: +1 713-357-9697
The Honey Hole
The Honey Hole is a charming bistro and brunch place near the Galleria area of Houston. The owner and chef, Shannen Tune, is a former Chopped champion who has worked at several upscale hotels and restaurants around the world. At The Honey Hole, he brings his expertise and flair to create dishes that are simple yet satisfying.
The Honey Hole’s menu features toasts, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees that are made with fresh and quality ingredients. Some of the highlights include the avocado toast with smoked salmon and poached eggs, the roasted tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons, the kale Caesar salad with grilled chicken or shrimp, and the honey hole burger with bacon jam and smoked gouda.
If you’re looking for something more indulgent, you can try some of the notable dishes that showcase Tune’s creativity and skill. For example, the chicken pot pie toast is a deconstructed version of the classic comfort food that comes with flaky puff pastry, creamy chicken filling, peas, carrots, and gravy. The shrimp and grits toast is another twist on a Southern staple that features creamy grits topped with sauteed shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce.
To check out The Honey Hole’s menu and hours of operation, visit their website at https://www.thehoneyholehtx.com/ or call them at (832) 234-4260.
Cleo Lounge
Cleo Lounge is a tapas and music venue that offers an upscale and lively atmosphere in the Midtown area of Houston. The owner, Cleo Tarver, is a former model and actress who has a passion for hospitality and entertainment. At Cleo Lounge, she creates a space where guests can enjoy delicious food, drinks, and music in a chic and sophisticated setting.
Cleo Lounge’s menu features a variety of tapas dishes that are perfect for sharing and pairing with cocktails or wine. Some of the signature dishes include the lamb lollipops with mint chimichurri, the crab cakes with remoulade sauce, the bacon-wrapped dates with blue cheese, and the fried calamari with lemon aioli.
Cleo Lounge also offers dinner, brunch, and drink options that cater to different preferences and occasions. You can enjoy a three-course dinner with wine pairings on Fridays and Saturdays, a bottomless mimosa brunch on Sundays, or a happy hour with discounted drinks and bites on weekdays.
Cleo Lounge is also known for its live music events that feature local and national artists from various genres such as jazz, soul, R&B, and hip hop. You can catch some of the best performances in town at Cleo Lounge’s stage or patio, while enjoying the ambiance and service.
To find out more about Cleo Lounge’s events and specials, visit their website at https://www.cleolounge.com/ or call them at +1 832-288-2326.
Upper Kirby Bistro
Upper Kirby Bistro is a cozy and elegant restaurant in the Upper Kirby district of Houston. The owner and chef, Kevin Kelley, has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, working at renowned establishments such as Brennan’s of Houston and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. At Upper Kirby Bistro, he showcases his skills and creativity with dishes that are inspired by French, Italian, and American cuisines.
Upper Kirby Bistro is a versatile place that can accommodate different occasions and group sizes. You can enjoy a romantic dinner for two in the intimate dining room, a casual lunch with friends on the patio, or a private event in the wine room. The restaurant also offers catering services for weddings, corporate events, and parties.
Some of the dishes that you can try at Upper Kirby Bistro include lobster bisque, crab cakes, lamb chops, salmon en croute, and beef tenderloin. The restaurant also has a full bar with specialty cocktails such as the Upper Kirby Martini, the French 75, and the Old Fashioned.
One of the most popular dishes at Upper Kirby Bistro is the fried chicken dish that comes with mashed potatoes, collard greens, cornbread muffins, and honey butter. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk and herbs for 24 hours before being fried to perfection. The result is a crispy and juicy dish that will make you lick your fingers.
To make a reservation at Upper Kirby Bistro, visit their website at https://www.upperkirbybistro.com/ or call them at (832) 353-2336.
Astor Farm to Table
Astor Farm to Table is a restaurant that offers adventurous cuisine from Latin America and South Africa. The owner and chef, John Sheely, is a veteran of the Houston restaurant scene who has won several awards and accolades for his previous ventures such as Mockingbird Bistro and Lowbrow. At Astor Farm to Table, he combines his culinary expertise with his love for travel and exploration to create dishes that are bold and flavorful.
Astor Farm to Table’s menu caters to different dietary preferences and restrictions, offering options that are gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, paleo, or keto-friendly. Some of the dishes that you can sample at Astor Farm to Table include the ceviche trio with shrimp, scallops, and tuna, the empanadas with beef or chicken, the peri peri chicken with roasted potatoes and vegetables, and the feijoada with black beans and pork.
Astor Farm to Table also follows a farm-to-table approach that uses seasonal and local ingredients whenever possible. The restaurant works with several farms and suppliers in Texas to source fresh produce, meat, cheese, eggs, honey, and more. The restaurant also grows some of its own herbs and vegetables in its garden.
To book a table at Astor Farm to Table, visit their website at https://www.astorrestaurant.com/ or call them at +1 832-913-6465.
Conclusion
As you can see, Houston has an abundance of black-owned restaurants that offer amazing food and service. These restaurants are not only great places to eat, but also great places to support and celebrate the black community in Houston. Whether you’re looking for a cozy bistro, a lively tapas bar, or an adventurous farm-to-table restaurant, you’ll find something to suit your taste and mood at these black-owned restaurants in Houston.
So what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to a unique dining experience at one of these black-owned restaurants in Houston today! You won’t regret it!