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Restaurant list

Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in Houston

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated January 28, 2020

Houston has a bold Texas spirit, famous for its world-class arts scene, booming businesses and professional sports. In recent years, Houston has experienced a renaissance of Mexican cuisine. The flavors of Texas barbecue and local seafood mix add a spin twist to traditional enchiladas, tamales and, of course, tacos. From Tex-Mex classics to traditional Mexican treasures, we've got the low-down on all the best tacos in town. But where can Tex-Mex fanatics find the best tacos in Houston? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Our team of expert diners has tried every soft tortilla or crispy shell across town to create this unique list of top offerings. Book tonight for the best tacos in Houston.

La Lucha
4.8 (1464)
$30 and under
Seafood
Heights / Washington
There’s a certain buzz around this popular Houston Heights restaurant. Black leather, wood, and greenery lend an old school feel, and the menu is also full of classics, yet the overall effect is fresh and modern. A select wine list, Southern favorites, plus some of the best tacos in Houston make La Lucha a neighborhood mainstay. Crispy shrimp tacos are the dish to order, also known as the La Lucha Late Night Treat. The combo of shrimp, spicy chile and American cheese is quite something.
Top review
Zaunda
Dined 3 days ago
The food was great. I would have much rather a larger variety on the menu. That part was kind of surprising. The staff was wonderful than environment and ambience was excellent. The chicken and waffles and the honey butter chicken biscuits was absolutely the best! 
There’s a certain buzz around this popular Houston Heights restaurant. Black leather, wood, and greenery lend an old school feel, and the menu is also full of classics, yet the overall effect is fresh and modern. A select wine list, Southern favorites, plus some of the best tacos in Houston make La Lucha a neighborhood mainstay. Crispy shrimp tacos are the dish to order, also known as the La Lucha Late Night Treat. The combo of shrimp, spicy chile and American cheese is quite something.
Top review
Zaunda
Dined 3 days ago
The food was great. I would have much rather a larger variety on the menu. That part was kind of surprising. The staff was wonderful than environment and ambience was excellent. The chicken and waffles and the honey butter chicken biscuits was absolutely the best! 
State of Grace
4.6 (3481)
$31 to $50
Contemporary Southern
River Oaks
State of Grace manages to combine nostalgia and the modern in equal measure. Polished and upmarket inside, it still has a certain retro air to it, like a really cool museum. The menu takes influences from all over the world, with dishes ranging from chicken and sausage gumbo to gnocchi with lamb ragu. The taco? Ask for the Duck Carnitas. This is a sharing plate of tortillas, meat which just falls apart, and Mexican mole. Take a friend- there’s too much for just one person!
Top review
Natalie
Dined 2 days ago
One of the best meals I have had in a long time. The blue crab beignets were amazing!!!
State of Grace manages to combine nostalgia and the modern in equal measure. Polished and upmarket inside, it still has a certain retro air to it, like a really cool museum. The menu takes influences from all over the world, with dishes ranging from chicken and sausage gumbo to gnocchi with lamb ragu. The taco? Ask for the Duck Carnitas. This is a sharing plate of tortillas, meat which just falls apart, and Mexican mole. Take a friend- there’s too much for just one person!
Top review
Natalie
Dined 2 days ago
One of the best meals I have had in a long time. The blue crab beignets were amazing!!!
Nobu Houston
4.5 (1658)
$50 and over
Cocktail Bar
Galleria / Uptown
Uptown’s Nobu is a Japanese restaurant filled with traditional flavor in a sparkling contemporary space. The Nobu brand is famous worldwide, and Houston’s venue doesn’t let fans of the Matsuhisa empire down. The “Nobu Style” sashimi tacos are availble on most Nobu menus- for a very good reason. These seafood spectaculars are a massive hit. Tuna, battered white fish, and lobster all get the Nobu treatment, in tiny but tantalizing taco shells with big flavors.
Top review
Biju
Dined 4 days ago
Just a brilliant experience overall. Kierdon our server was kind and suggested items from The menu that tasted so good.
Uptown’s Nobu is a Japanese restaurant filled with traditional flavor in a sparkling contemporary space. The Nobu brand is famous worldwide, and Houston’s venue doesn’t let fans of the Matsuhisa empire down. The “Nobu Style” sashimi tacos are availble on most Nobu menus- for a very good reason. These seafood spectaculars are a massive hit. Tuna, battered white fish, and lobster all get the Nobu treatment, in tiny but tantalizing taco shells with big flavors.
Top review
Biju
Dined 4 days ago
Just a brilliant experience overall. Kierdon our server was kind and suggested items from The menu that tasted so good.
ARMANDOS
4.7 (1105)
$31 to $50
Mexican
River Oaks
Westheimer Road is full of top eateries, yet some continue to stand out from the rest, year after year. Armandos has been a Houston favorite since 1978, and has the feel and flavor of old-school Mexico City. There’s a range of tacos on the menu, from tacos al carbon to crispy ground beef. For something truly different, order the tuna tartare tacos on the appetizer menu. Delicate, raw tuna with creamy avocado and a hit of sriracha- not the average taco.
Top review
MeredithVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Top notch! 10/10 evening enjoying great ambiance and delicious food
Westheimer Road is full of top eateries, yet some continue to stand out from the rest, year after year. Armandos has been a Houston favorite since 1978, and has the feel and flavor of old-school Mexico City. There’s a range of tacos on the menu, from tacos al carbon to crispy ground beef. For something truly different, order the tuna tartare tacos on the appetizer menu. Delicate, raw tuna with creamy avocado and a hit of sriracha- not the average taco.
Top review
MeredithVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Top notch! 10/10 evening enjoying great ambiance and delicious food
Eloise Nichols Grill + Liquors
4.5 (1137)
$30 and under
American
Galleria / Uptown
Head Uptown and just a little north of the main stretch of Westheimer and discover the vintage-styled delights of Eloise Nichols. Family run, the name is for their grandmother- allegedly a “no-nonsense” woman. That’s the ethos of the menu here: thoughtful, simple and flavorful, with no pretentions. Grilled fish tacos are one offering, made with whatever the catch of the day is. Plus, early risers can choose from not one but two types of breakfast taco- chorizo, or onions and red bell peppers. Always full of flavor.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Apr 27, 2025
Excellent brunch - great food, fabulous service, really nice space, great value. Highly recommend!
Head Uptown and just a little north of the main stretch of Westheimer and discover the vintage-styled delights of Eloise Nichols. Family run, the name is for their grandmother- allegedly a “no-nonsense” woman. That’s the ethos of the menu here: thoughtful, simple and flavorful, with no pretentions. Grilled fish tacos are one offering, made with whatever the catch of the day is. Plus, early risers can choose from not one but two types of breakfast taco- chorizo, or onions and red bell peppers. Always full of flavor.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Apr 27, 2025
Excellent brunch - great food, fabulous service, really nice space, great value. Highly recommend!
True Food Kitchen - Houston
4.7 (1450)
$30 and under
American
Galleria / Uptown
Eco-chic is definitely becoming cool. Seasonal eating, sustainable eating; these aren’t just buzzwords anymore and True Food Kitchen has taken that to heart. Their menu is all about food positivity, supporting local producers and healthy living. This includes tacos made from grass-fed steak, with corn and coconut, or their grilled fish tacos with a creamy yet sharp avocado tomatillo salsa. Good food with a clear conscience.
Top review
Pam
Dined 3 days ago
The atmosphere, service and food were all wonderful! The food came quick and was soo good! Our waiter Riley helped recommend a few things and even let us know what wasn’t on the menu yet. He was very attentive and could not have done better, we were very impressed! We ordered a little of everything.. guac, hummus, roasted brussel sprouts, turkey burger, ancient grain bowl, Korean noodle bowl, Hangover tea, Iced Horchata Matcha, Matcha latte, and the dark chocolate peanut butter tart. Needless to say we were happy and stuffed. We will definitely be back!
Eco-chic is definitely becoming cool. Seasonal eating, sustainable eating; these aren’t just buzzwords anymore and True Food Kitchen has taken that to heart. Their menu is all about food positivity, supporting local producers and healthy living. This includes tacos made from grass-fed steak, with corn and coconut, or their grilled fish tacos with a creamy yet sharp avocado tomatillo salsa. Good food with a clear conscience.
Top review
Pam
Dined 3 days ago
The atmosphere, service and food were all wonderful! The food came quick and was soo good! Our waiter Riley helped recommend a few things and even let us know what wasn’t on the menu yet. He was very attentive and could not have done better, we were very impressed! We ordered a little of everything.. guac, hummus, roasted brussel sprouts, turkey burger, ancient grain bowl, Korean noodle bowl, Hangover tea, Iced Horchata Matcha, Matcha latte, and the dark chocolate peanut butter tart. Needless to say we were happy and stuffed. We will definitely be back!
Arnaldo Richards' Picos
4.6 (1317)
$31 to $50
Regional Mexican
Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
Tex-Mex is great, but when the soul calls for some real authentic Mexican food, that’s when it’s time to head to Arnaldo Richards’ Picos. A third-generation restaurateur, Richards was learning his grandmother’s Mexican recipes by the tender age of 14. At this Southwest Houston restaurant, he aims to teach Texans all about real Mexican food, including some of the best tacos in town. Ask for the famous Chilorios: slow roasted pulled pork, avocado and pico de gallo. Don’t leave without trying a house margarita.
Top review
Alicia
Dined 1 day ago
We enjoyed the food and the tequila tasting the bartender put together for us.
Tex-Mex is great, but when the soul calls for some real authentic Mexican food, that’s when it’s time to head to Arnaldo Richards’ Picos. A third-generation restaurateur, Richards was learning his grandmother’s Mexican recipes by the tender age of 14. At this Southwest Houston restaurant, he aims to teach Texans all about real Mexican food, including some of the best tacos in town. Ask for the famous Chilorios: slow roasted pulled pork, avocado and pico de gallo. Don’t leave without trying a house margarita.
Top review
Alicia
Dined 1 day ago
We enjoyed the food and the tequila tasting the bartender put together for us.
Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston
4.4 (525)
$30 and under
Mexican
Galleria / Uptown
It’s all in the name: This is where to come for the finest tequila and best tacos in Houston. Guests can indulge in flights of tequila to taste them all, plus a menu of food that blends the best of Mexican and Texan influences. The taco menu is out of this world: grilled fish or shrimp, pork or carne asada, plus grilled avocado with a fresh and spicy yogurt drizzle. There truly is something for everyone here.
Top review
Dr. DemiVIP
Dined 7 days ago
As always the food was great and the server was amazing. The host was so kind and the place was clean.
It’s all in the name: This is where to come for the finest tequila and best tacos in Houston. Guests can indulge in flights of tequila to taste them all, plus a menu of food that blends the best of Mexican and Texan influences. The taco menu is out of this world: grilled fish or shrimp, pork or carne asada, plus grilled avocado with a fresh and spicy yogurt drizzle. There truly is something for everyone here.
Top review
Dr. DemiVIP
Dined 7 days ago
As always the food was great and the server was amazing. The host was so kind and the place was clean.
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina - Memorial
4.8 (1344)
$30 and under
Tex-Mex
Westside
Goode Company has a few restaurants across the region, but this Kitchen and Cantina close to memorial is all about the blend of influences the family has come across over the years. There are dishes that speak of traditional taquerias, Tex-Mex classics, plus a range of Texan seafood. Tuck into some of the best tacos in Houston, including marinated redfish, carbon beef, and crispy beef, all served with a range of other Mexican favorites.
Top review
JohnVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Our lunch was great! Food was delicious and the service staff was excellent! Great restaurant!!
Goode Company has a few restaurants across the region, but this Kitchen and Cantina close to memorial is all about the blend of influences the family has come across over the years. There are dishes that speak of traditional taquerias, Tex-Mex classics, plus a range of Texan seafood. Tuck into some of the best tacos in Houston, including marinated redfish, carbon beef, and crispy beef, all served with a range of other Mexican favorites.
Top review
JohnVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Our lunch was great! Food was delicious and the service staff was excellent! Great restaurant!!
Ouisie's Table
4.8 (4845)
$30 and under
American
Galleria / Uptown
River Oaks locals know that Ousie’s is the place to go for traditional Southern food. Since 1973 the restaurant has been serving up shrimp and grits and fried chicken made with passion and style. Today, the only thing that’s changed is that Ousie’s is even more popular, with offerings to suit everyone. This includes a diverse breakfast menu with some of the best breakfast tacos in Houston. The blend of soft eggs, caramelized onion and melting cheese is the perfect way to start any day.
Top review
Michelle
Dined 1 day ago
Great ambience, food, and service! We came here with a small group after our courthouse wedding and had the best food and experience!
River Oaks locals know that Ousie’s is the place to go for traditional Southern food. Since 1973 the restaurant has been serving up shrimp and grits and fried chicken made with passion and style. Today, the only thing that’s changed is that Ousie’s is even more popular, with offerings to suit everyone. This includes a diverse breakfast menu with some of the best breakfast tacos in Houston. The blend of soft eggs, caramelized onion and melting cheese is the perfect way to start any day.
Top review
Michelle
Dined 1 day ago
Great ambience, food, and service! We came here with a small group after our courthouse wedding and had the best food and experience!
Willie G's
4.6 (3888)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Galleria / Uptown
Willie G’s is West Loop South premier seafood destination. For nearly four decades, they’ve been the place to go for fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail, plus a range of fresh fish broiled, roasted and seared. Willie G’s is always worth a visit but it makes it onto our list thanks to the supreme blackened fish tacos. Guests just can’t get enough of the combo of fish, crisp radish and creamy aioli. Sublime.
Top review
BillVIP
Dined 7 days ago
We had a wonderful time there last night. The food was terrific, and the service was great.
Willie G’s is West Loop South premier seafood destination. For nearly four decades, they’ve been the place to go for fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail, plus a range of fresh fish broiled, roasted and seared. Willie G’s is always worth a visit but it makes it onto our list thanks to the supreme blackened fish tacos. Guests just can’t get enough of the combo of fish, crisp radish and creamy aioli. Sublime.
Top review
BillVIP
Dined 7 days ago
We had a wonderful time there last night. The food was terrific, and the service was great.
Irma's Southwest
4.9 (711)
$31 to $50
Mexican / Southwestern
Downtown
Irma’s promises Texas cuisine with Mexican Spirit, the ethos of original Irma’s founder Irma Galvan. This combined with stellar service, a neighborly feel, and a comfortable and casual dining area make Irma’s Southwest a firm favorite with locals and visitors alike. Keep an eye out for the barbocoa style tacos with their soft meat, plus the shrimp tacos are always a big hit too.
Top review
MaryVIP
Dined on Apr 24, 2025
perfect place for a lunch meeting, service is always top notch. Food and drinks were fantastic.
Irma’s promises Texas cuisine with Mexican Spirit, the ethos of original Irma’s founder Irma Galvan. This combined with stellar service, a neighborly feel, and a comfortable and casual dining area make Irma’s Southwest a firm favorite with locals and visitors alike. Keep an eye out for the barbocoa style tacos with their soft meat, plus the shrimp tacos are always a big hit too.
Top review
MaryVIP
Dined on Apr 24, 2025
perfect place for a lunch meeting, service is always top notch. Food and drinks were fantastic.
Cyclone Anaya's - Rice Village
4.3 (360)
$30 and under
Tex-Mex
Rice Village
Started by a former famous professional Mexican wrestler, Cyclone Anaya’s is definitely a heavyweight when it comes to Tex-Mex cuisine. Lobster enchiladas with chardonnay cream sauce, peppers stuffed with chicken and Mexican cheese, and house tamales are just some of the favorites on this exciting menu. Tacos include the ever-popular Tacos al Carbon with charcoal cooked meat, and the crispy beef- a hit with taco fans of all ages.
Top review
JonathanVIP
Dined on Apr 20, 2025
Osorio was amazing! He made sure all our food came out on time and our mimosas stayed filled
Started by a former famous professional Mexican wrestler, Cyclone Anaya’s is definitely a heavyweight when it comes to Tex-Mex cuisine. Lobster enchiladas with chardonnay cream sauce, peppers stuffed with chicken and Mexican cheese, and house tamales are just some of the favorites on this exciting menu. Tacos include the ever-popular Tacos al Carbon with charcoal cooked meat, and the crispy beef- a hit with taco fans of all ages.
Top review
JonathanVIP
Dined on Apr 20, 2025
Osorio was amazing! He made sure all our food came out on time and our mimosas stayed filled

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