Best Casual Restaurants in Central Southwest

71 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse restaurant

1. The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Astrodome

Booked 455 times today

The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse, a Berg Hospitality Group concept that originally debuted in 2022, is returning to the 2024 RODEOHOUSTON® BIGGER & BETTER! Join us on Tuesday, February 27th – Sunday, March 17th and enjoy our new and improved layout featuring 2 unique dining experiences: fine dining in the Steakhouse or upscale, casual dining in the Saloon! Or saddle up at one of our 2 full bars or patio! The Saloon is a first come, first served dining experience featuring a large main bar with nightly DJs and live music on Saturdays and Sundays, along with the Porch, a covered outdoor patio with cocktail tables. The Steakhouse is the fine dining side where guests can reserve tables in advance. Guests can enjoy “The Ranch After Dark”, an elevated nightlife experience where each night, guests can reserve lounge tables by the live music stage from 10pm-close and have the option to order a la carte drinks or bottle service with a $500 minimum per table.

2. Bari Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(524)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River Oaks

Booked 34 times today

BARI THE SIMPLE JOY OF ITALIANThere is a casual, effortless style found in Italy that has us falling in love over and over. It’s an elegant simplicity that is found in legendary food, cities, art, fashion, and everyday life. A spirit the world is instinctively attracted to. A nuanced approach that crosses generations and always in style. When it comes to Italian food…a balance between classic and modernity. Along comes Bari where diners experience respect for Italian food in a setting that evokes the stylish glamour of Milan and Rome. Serving classic dishes found from the mountains to the sea.

A photo of Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks restaurant

3. Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks

4.7

Exceptional(1070)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • River Oaks

Booked 63 times today

Zanti presents authentic Italian cuisine in a high-end casual atmosphere. Contemporary décor will combine with a charming outdoor patio, bar lounge area, pizza station and lively dining room. Handmade pasta, prepared daily in our kitchen and our gleaming brick oven, in which we will bake pizza, piadinas and select main dishes, will add to the unique vibrancy of Zanti. It is a place to feel yourself among friends and enjoy the beauty of the Italian experience.

A photo of Le Colonial - Houston restaurant

4. Le Colonial - Houston

4.7

Exceptional(3782)

Price: Expensive

• Vietnamese • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 93 times today

Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Delray Beach, Lake Forest, and Naples, the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence. Celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver exquisite attention to detail in the luxurious, classic, and romantic atmosphere of the River Oaks District. For special occasions, our private dining space provides a bespoke setting for unforgettable celebrations.Business CasualNo athletic wear or athletic attire, including designer athletic line of any kind and model, beach flip flops or any beach attire, tank tops (men), cut-offs, sweatpants, exposed undergarments, and excessively revealing clothing for indoor and outdoor dining. No baseball caps indoors. Seasonal changes may apply.Gratuity will be added to parties of 6 or more. We only allow a maximum of 4 for splitting checks.

A photo of Hudson House - River Oaks restaurant

5. Hudson House - River Oaks

4.7

Exceptional(423)

Price: Moderate

• American • River Oaks

Booked 67 times today

With its East Coast-inspired “old-school casual” design and menu, Hudson House offers straightforward, timeless American dishes for lunch and dinner. Oysters are flown in daily and are best paired with their legendary “World’s Coldest Martinis."

6. Coppa Osteria

4.8

Exceptional(548)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • Rice Village

Booked 72 times today

Coppa Osteria is the perfect paring of food and lifestyle, taking its personality from the affluent, family centric West University, Southampton, Rice and Museum District neighborhoods. Its clientele is an eclectic mix of professionals, university academics and young families – who all seem to know one another. With craft cocktails and an extensive wine list, it's easy to find the perfect beverage to pair with Coppa's modern Italian cuisine. Neapolitan-inspired pizzas are some of the most popular items on the menu – the Coppa Pepperoni and Carnissima are crowd favorites. Diners also flock for the Fritto Misto, Burrata Tartufo and Spaghetti Carbonara (Coppa's signature dish). Complete with a lively bar scene and a large outdoor patio that lends itself to sipping rosé and taking in the surrounding neighborhood scenery, Coppa is the ideal setting for an intimate all-day dining with family & friends.For group or private dining for 7+ guests, please submit a private dining inquiry below.

7. March

4.9

Exceptional(53)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Montrose

Booked 13 times today

In the heart of Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, MARCH Restaurant is an intimate Mediterranean restaurant from Chef Felipe Riccio. Serving both 6 and 9 course tasting menus, we study the gastronomy, history, and cultures of the region to answer the question:“What is Mediterranean cuisine?”After many years of personal and professional exploration of the Mediterranean – including extended stints at three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana and Azurmendi –Felipe has brought this spirit of exploration back to his home in Houston.The word ‘MARCH’ signifies an area of land on the border between two territories; a frontier between realms. The menu is the team’s love letter to the Mediterranean where we will explore the unique, layered evolution of its many connected cuisines, with beverage pairings/selections artfully curated by partner and Master Sommelier, June Rodil, and the acclaimed beverage team.

8. Bar Doko

4.8

Exceptional(12)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Montrose

Booked 14 times today

Bar Doko is an homage to the bar and cocktail culture in the birthplace of Japanese bartending — Ginza, Tokyo. Our experience is deeply rooted in Omotenashi, a philosophy of attentive and wholehearted hospitality. We only have 16 seats so be sure to make a reservation. Business casual dress is encouraged.Should your plans change, please call us or use the OpenTable app to cancel. A no-show fee of $25 per person may apply.

9. State of Grace

4.6

Exceptional(3387)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Southern • River Oaks

Booked 63 times today

State of Grace is a coastal, South Texas neighborhood restaurant in the refurbished Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center. Elegant but casual, its elevated comfort food by executive chef Bobby Matos is executed at the highest level in a welcoming, beautiful space. The jubilant medley of old favorites played with new spice, accent, and freshness lends itself to southern, American, Latin, Gulf Coast, German and Asian influences. Chef-owner Ford Fry’s first venture outside of Atlanta, State of Grace is located in the neighborhood where Ford grew up and nods to his childhood memories fused with Houston’s evolution into a melting pot of cultures and cuisines.

10. Marmo

4.6

Exceptional(1405)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Montrose

Booked 95 times today

Marmo, meaning “Marble” in Italian, will feature fresh hand-rolled pastas, house-made charcuterie, and hand-cut prime steaks. To complement the food menu, Marmo will boast an impressive wine list, with selections from all around the world spotlighted by wines from Italian regions. The bar and lounge will include a baby grand piano where a rotation of Houston’s best singers will perform nightly.Happy Hour is offered daily from 3pm-6pm, on a first-come first-served basis, and is available at our bar, high top tables, and patio.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

N
Nikole
Houston •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We arrived for a reservation at 5:45pm and let our server, Steph, know that we had theater tickets and she made sure we were served, not rushed, and out in time to catch our Uber to the theater. The food was delicious and Steph was so nice which made the experience that much better!
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Hudson House - River OaksPrice: Moderate• American• River Oaks
•
4.7
C
ChristyVIP
Texas Panhandle •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food, wine, and cocktails were incredible. The bartender was our waiter and he gave the best service we have probably ever had anywhere! He was very knowledgeable about the food and drink options, and gave great pairing recommendations. The ambiance was wonderful and the meal was outstanding. This was a wonderful experience and we will be back soon!
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Zanti Cucina Italiana - River OaksPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• River Oaks
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4.7
M
MatthewVIP
Denver / Colorado •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Outstanding every time! We always get seated right away when we have a reservation. The ambiance, service, vibes, drinks, food - all top tier. Definitely one of my fiancé and I’s favorite date night spots.
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Le Colonial - HoustonPrice: Expensive• Vietnamese• Galleria / Uptown
•
4.7
A
AmyVIP
Houston •156 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We always enjoy this restaurant. We brought our granddaughter who also loved it . My husband and I shared the octopus appetizer which was one of the best of this we have ever had. Then we had the pasta with clam which was outstanding. Our granddaughter had a Caesar salad and the truffle pasta made table side which she loved. She had the pistachio tiramisu which she loved as well. Service was excellent.
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Bari RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• River Oaks
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4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 13, 2024
Our server, Paris, was amazing! Food and cocktails a close second behind her service!
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The Ranch Saloon + SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Astrodome
•
4.5

Best Casual Restaurants in Central Southwest

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71 restaurants available nearby

1. The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse

2. Bari Ristorante

3. Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks

4. Le Colonial - Houston

5. Hudson House - River Oaks

6. Coppa Osteria

7. March

8. Bar Doko

9. State of Grace

10. Marmo

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