H-Town’s Latin Food Scene
Houston’s food scene is one of the most diverse in the country, and its Hispanic restaurants are true stars of the city’s culinary story. From James Beard–winning chefs and Michelin-starred tasting menus to neighborhood taco trucks and Cuban comfort food, Houston has it all. Here’s your foodie guide to the most popular and must-try Hispanic restaurants in Houston and the surrounding areas.
Chef-Driven Destinations
Tatemó (Spring Branch)
A Michelin-starred jewel focusing on heirloom maíz and pre-Hispanic traditions. The tasting menu is intimate and inventive. What to order: masa flight and the mole course.
Xochi (Downtown)
James Beard Award–winner Hugo Ortega celebrates Oaxaca with bold flavors, tlayudas, and mezcal. What to order: barbacoa de res and a mezcal flight.
Hugo’s (Montrose)
A pioneer in authentic Mexican fine dining. What to order: lamb barbacoa and chiles rellenos.
Caracol (Galleria)
Known for coastal Mexican cuisine with Gulf freshness. What to order: wood-roasted Gulf snapper and ostiones asados.
Cuchara (Montrose)
A Mexico City–style bistro with chic vibes. What to order: huachinango a la veracruzana and mole negro.
MAD (River Oaks District)
Spanish tapas with high-energy nightlife flair. What to order: tortilla de trufa and seafood paella.
BCN Taste & Tradition (Montrose)
Refined Catalan dishes in a stylish townhouse. What to order: jamón ibérico and suquet.
Tex-Mex Icons
The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation (East End)
The birthplace of Houston’s famous fajitas. What to order: tacos al carbón.
Superica (Heights)
Upscale Tex-Mex with wood-grilled meats and bold sauces. What to order: classic cheese enchiladas.
Alicia’s Mexican Grille (Cypress/Katy/West Houston)
Family-owned Tex-Mex favorite with generous platters. What to order: parrillada for two.
Street Food & Taquerías
Tacos Tierra Caliente (Montrose food truck)
Beloved taco truck across from West Alabama Ice House. What to order: lengua and al pastor tacos.
La Calle Tacos (Downtown and more)
Street-style tacos with Mexico City authenticity. What to order: suadero tacos and esquites.
Tita’s Taco House (Humble)
The breakfast taco spot north of Houston. What to order: barbacoa and bean & cheese tacos.
URBE (Uptown Park)
Hugo Ortega’s casual street food concept. What to order: chilaquiles and Hugo Rita.
Mariscos & Coastal Mexican
La Fisheria (Downtown)
Celebrity chef Aquiles Chávez brings a festive marisquería vibe. What to order: ceviche trio and whole snapper.
Central & South American
Andes Café (East End)
A love letter to Andean and Ecuadorian food. What to order: seco de chivo and llapingachos.
Marini’s Empanada House (Katy & West Houston)
A local institution serving Argentine empanadas since the ’70s. What to order: gaucho beef and dulce de leche empanadas.
Cuban & Caribbean
Cafe Piquet (Bellaire)
A family-run Cuban gem with homestyle plates. What to order: ropa vieja and vaca frita.
Barbacoa Royalty
El Hidalguense (Spring Branch/Long Point)
A weekend pilgrimage spot for Hidalgo-style pit barbacoa, recently featured by the New York Times. What to order: lamb barbacoa by the pound.
Final Bite
From Tex-Mex pioneers to Michelin stars, Houston’s Hispanic restaurants showcase culinary traditions that span Mexico, Spain, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos from a food truck, a celebratory paella, or a soulful bowl of Ecuadorian encebollado, you’ll find it here.
Pro Tip: Map Your Foodie Tour
Cluster your stops: Montrose (Hugo’s, Cuchara, BCN), Downtown (Xochi, La Calle, La Fisheria), Galleria/Uptown (Caracol, URBE), Heights (Superica), Spring Branch/Long Point (Tatemó, El Hidalguense). Add Humble and Katy for tacos and empanadas worth the drive.
Download Houston Hispanic Restaurants Foodie Guide (Magazine Edition)