Joe’s Crab Shack, just off highway 59. Amazing shrimp!

Feast has gotten very good reviews. it is known for its unusual cuts of meat and offbeat seafood offerings.

Reef is a top-notch seafood restaurant.

Kata Robata is a noteworthy Japanese/sushi restaurant.

If you like Mexican food, you’ll like Las Alamedas.

This place rocks.. Great food, nice atmosphere, we go there every chance we get.

Hmm, excluding the two chain restaurants, I’ve lived in Houston and never been to any of those places. If you give us a few more detail as far as “best” for what, or what you’re into, I can tell you my favorites, but I could never just give one “best” restaurant.

Sambuca, downtown – not cheap, but totally worth the money!

pfffffft, another chain, big deal.

I didn’t know it was a chain. Even if I had known that, it wouldn’t have changed my perception – I loved the food and the atmosphere.

@melanie81: Yup, there are 5 locations all over the Southern US.

I went to The Grand Lux Cafe for my birthday; it was very nice, and great food. I understand it was developed by the guy that did the Cheesecake Factory, but tht did not matter to me. I would gladly go back there anytime.

@BluRhino agreed! Grand Lux always has great food.

Houston’s

Quatro at The Four Seasons

Another idea:

Monument Inn which is just outside of Houston