Mexican Tasting Menu · Spring Branch · Michelin 1 Star, James Beard Finalist
Chef Aldo Espinosa tasting menu hidden in a Spring Branch strip mall that fuses Mexican tradition with avant-garde technique. The 10+ course menu changes constantly, with dishes like huitlacoche in co...
98
2
Hugo's
Regional Mexican · Montrose · James Beard Award Winner (Best Chef: Southwest 2017)
Hugo Ortega flagship Montrose Mexican that introduced Houston to the depth and sophistication of regional Mexican cooking. The moles take days to prepare, the cochinita pibil is wrapped in banana leav...
95
3
Xochi
Oaxacan Mexican · Downtown · James Beard Semifinalist
Hugo Ortega love letter to Oaxacan cuisine inside the Marriott Marquis that is one of the most important Mexican restaurants in America. The mole negro takes days to make and tastes like it. The choco...
94
4
Caracol
Coastal Mexican Seafood · Galleria · James Beard Semifinalist
Hugo Ortega coastal Mexican seafood in the Galleria area with Gulf shrimp, whole grilled fish, and ceviches that transport you to a Mexican beach town. The octopus is perfectly tender, the guacamole i...
93
5
Belly of the Beast
Modern Mexican-American · Spring · Michelin Bib Gourmand, JBF Best Chef: Texas Winner 2025
Chef Thomas Bille's Mexican-American fine dining in Spring earned him the 2025 James Beard Best Chef: Texas award. New American cuisine through a Mexican-American lens — think mole-braised short ribs,...
92
6
Ninfa's on Navigation
Tex-Mex · East End
The original Ninfa -- where fajitas were literally invented in 1973. Mama Ninfa started grilling skirt steak and serving it on tortillas, and changed American food forever. The green sauce is legendar...
90
7
Zaranda
Mexican / Las Californias · Downtown · Texas Monthly Best New Restaurants 2026
The newest jewel in Chef Hugo Ortega's crown, Zaranda brings wood-fired Las Californias cuisine to downtown Houston steps from Discovery Green. Inspired by the traditions of Alta and Baja California, ...
90
8
El Tiempo Cantina
Tex-Mex · Washington Corridor
The Laurenzo family Tex-Mex dynasty -- descended from the original Ninfa who invented fajitas in Houston. The beef fajitas sizzle louder than anywhere in town, the margaritas are potent, and the green...
89
9
Tacos Tierra Caliente
Mexican / Street Tacos · East End
The bright orange taco truck on Navigation Boulevard that has been serving some of Houston best street tacos for years. The al pastor is properly marinated and carved from the trompo, the barbacoa is ...
Stephanie Velasquez's Heights bakery and cafe where berlinesas, canela panqués, and conchas fly off the shelves. The James Beard-nominated pastry program honors Mexican baking traditions with modern f...