There's plenty of variety in Houston's food : the large immigrant population has left its mark. Look out for Mexican, Vietnamese and even Indian restaurants, and the many good delis such as the sixteen outlets of Antone's Deli serving huge salads and sandwiches with an international flavor.
Benjy's 2424 Dunstan Rd, off Kirby Rd tel 713/522-7602. Modern American food with an ethnic bent and inventive desserts in California-style decor near Rice University.
Black Labrador 4100 Montrose Ave tel 713/529-1199. Open fireplaces, oak beams and superb English comfort food (bangers, shepherd's pie and the like) with great black-and-tans and imported Yorkshire bitter.
Goode Company 5109 Kirby Rd tel 713/522-2530. Fabulous barbecue on the road to the Astrodome, with creative menu, outdoor seating and C&W atmosphere.
Kim Son 2001 Jefferson St tel 713/222-2461 or 300 Milam St tel 713/222-2790. Massive Vietnamese restaurant with a long menu. Best at lunch for the good-value buffet.
La Strada 322 Westheimer Rd tel 713/523-1014. Very tasty Italian dishes with an innovative and spicy Texan twist, near downtown.
Ruggles Grill 903 Westheimer Rd tel 713/524-3839. One of the best places for a big night out in Montrose, with eclectic regional food at around $18 per entree. Reservations are advisable.
Saba Blue 416 Main St tel 713/228-7222. Fusion-based cuisine (think calamari, wasabi, sesame-crusted tuna) in a hip atmosphere smack in the middle of the revitalized downtown strip.
La Tapatia 1749 Richmond Ave tel 713/521-3144. This Mexican diner looks uninviting but its big, low-cost portions are a hit with Montrose residents.
This Is It 207 W Gray St tel 713/659-1608. Heaps of soul food at budget prices in this downtown favorite.
Treebeard's 1117 Texas St tel 713/229-8248. Cheap and tasty Cajun food; good for a downtown lunch (stick to the vegetable plates rather than the stews), and don't miss the simple, delicious butter bread.