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Top picks in the CBD

Lunch and dinner spots

A place that works for a casual lunch but still feels appropriate for a proper dinner.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Zaranda image 1
Zaranda image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Space combines stylish interior with inviting patios and a lively u-shaped bar. Atmosphere blends luxury Baja feel with Boho chic vibes, creating a cool and elegant setting. Crowd includes groups and couples, with amenities like high chairs and private event spaces enhancing accessibility.

Lunch features delicious Octopus and suits both business meals and casual dining. The spot offers a wonderful holiday lunch atmosphere.

Dinner here offers a wonderful and consistently amazing experience with well-prepared dishes and attentive service.

People are saying

"The fresh seafood, especially the oysters, was my favorite."

"Carlos's cocktails are like works of art."

"You have to try the Zarandeado fish at these dinner spots; it's incredible."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers after work.

2

Valet parking costs $12 and can be paid at your table.

3

Zaranda has two private event spaces available for booking.

02
Bayou & Bottle image 1

Upscale hotel bar with an elegant, cozy atmosphere and prominent bar area alongside intimate booths. Guests enjoy top-notch bourbon selection and creative cocktails in a stunningly beautiful setting. A Top Golf simulator adds a unique entertainment option beyond typical bar offerings.

Lunch here takes time, so plan for a long meal. The food offers a pleasant variety that suits a relaxed midday break.

Dinner offers a delightful experience with attentive service ensuring guests are well cared for. The spot suits occasions like birthday dinners and casual nights out.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great cocktails and food here."

"The service at this dinner spot is always top notch."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is always superb and friendly."

Good to know

1

Bayou & Bottle is located inside the Four Seasons Hotel.

2

The restaurant offers a Wednesday special that is the best deal available.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during Astros weekend.

03
China Garden Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Rosewood tables and hand-painted dividers create a dated 1980s decor with a family atmosphere that feels like visiting home. The space includes a full bar with a welcoming bartender and offers large group seating with lazy Susans. The environment is cozy but can feel stuffy due to lack of windows.

Lunch offers big portions and delicious specials. It suits those working nearby looking for a consistent meal option.

Dinner offers generous servings with affordable prices. Courteous Chinese staff provide a warm greeting and consistent quality.

People are saying

"I found the egg rolls here to be amazing and fried perfectly."

"This lunch spot's portions are generous and the food is delicious."

"The dinner spots here are delicious, with tasty chicken and egg rolls."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has its own parking lot, which is convenient for downtown visitors.

2

There is a good amount of street parking available nearby.

3

Sunday brunch is a popular time to visit, offering a unique experience.

04
Brasserie Du Parc image 1
French restaurant

Glass walls offer quiet people-watching with views of a green park outside. The space feels cozy and elegant with tasteful decor and a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Seating near the bar can be lively with foot traffic and music, while other areas remain peaceful.

Lunch offers flexible menu options with the ability to substitute dishes like mushroom ravioli for a small upcharge. Meals come out fabulous and fit well between meetings or casual weekends.

Offers excellent dinner options suitable for both intimate dates and large groups. Located opposite a park, it allows for a convenient after-dinner stroll.

People are saying

"The French food here, especially the steak frites, is perfectly cooked."

"The dinner rolls and shrimp cocktail were highlights of my meal."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Happy hour specials are available only in the bar area.

3

The restaurant participates in Houston Restaurant Week with a special menu.

05
Toro Toro image 1
Steak house

Open-concept dining space with floor-to-ceiling windows offers stunning city views and a classy yet chill vibe. Festive decor and live music create an elegant atmosphere complemented by well-crafted cocktails and a comfortable layout.

Wide and reasonably priced lunch menu offers variety. Welcoming energy from staff adds to the experience. Some dishes like Peruvian ceviche are not available at lunch.

Intimate dinners work well here with quiet weekday nights and valet service. The spot suits celebrations like anniversaries and birthdays with a smooth flow from bar to dessert.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the empanadas and desserts."

"The dinner spots here have so much flavor and perfectly cooked meats."

"The lunch spot's ambiance is stellar."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy events like restaurant week.

2

Valet parking is available but can be expensive; check for validation options.

3

An automatic tip is added to the bill, which may lead to double tipping.

06
Cellar7 image 1
American restaurant

Eclectic mid-century style restaurant with cozy vibe and bubbly decor offers both indoor and nice outdoor seating. Atmosphere is stylish and lively, though loud music can make conversation difficult. Frequented for tasty food and a great bar with well-crafted cocktails.

Lunch offers excellent food with well-sized portions suited for business meals. Service can be slow, especially for appetizers, and a persistent smell lingers during the meal.

Dinner offers Basil Chicken Club with truffle fries and a garlic lemon vinaigrette salad. Attentive service creates a relaxing atmosphere before shows.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and of excellent quality."

"The dinner spots here are tasty, fresh, and served hot."

"I found the lunch food here to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with special drink prices.

2

Cellar7 offers a variety of finger foods during happy hour.

3

Parking is free at the nearby 601 Travis St parking garage.

07
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks image 1

Private booths with curtains offer quiet privacy in a gorgeous, upscale setting. A huge shaded patio invites larger groups for outdoor dining. The atmosphere ranges from comfortable and beautiful to occasionally loud with blaring music.

Strong focus on business lunches with an environment that supports good conversation without loud background noise. Service is consistently good, making it suitable for professional meals.

Dinner here features excellent seafood and steaks with consistently delicious flavors. The setting suits special occasions and group dinners well.

People are saying

"The seafood here is great, and the servers are genuinely one of the best."

"The food here is fantastic, cooked to perfection."

"The food at this lunch spot is consistently good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6:30 pm with great drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday offers excellent deals on tacos during happy hour.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially during busy times.

08
The Nash image 1
New American restaurant

Space combines scored concrete floors with simple table setups, creating a quiet, calm ambience that suits private dining well. The atmosphere feels pleasant and peaceful, with a gorgeous interior that contrasts with a generally low activity level.

Strong choice for business lunches with a setting that suits work meetings and celebrations. Lunch options satisfy a variety of tastes and keep the meal enjoyable.

Dinner options focus mainly on the bar with a limited selection during happy hour. The Margherita pizza tastes like a frozen supermarket product and the dinner salad falls below typical cafeteria standards.

People are saying

"The food during Happy Hour is exceptionally good, like a magazine photo."

"The Lunch Spot food is solid and tasty."

"The steaks were perfect for dinner."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with $12 cocktails and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for private dining for groups of 22-28 people.

3

Valentine's Day features a special set menu with appetizer, entree, and dessert.

09
The Palm - Downtown Houston image 1

Upscale steakhouse with Italian flair and old-school dining style offers private themed rooms and live piano and vocal performances. Ambiance ranges from quiet and cozy in private spaces to lively with music in main areas. Booth seating and a comfy bar create relaxed spots for dining or drinks.

Lunch features a 3-course menu with options like prime New York steak and sides such as hashbrowns. Specials and group lunches are common, with service sometimes noting item availability.

Birthday dinners include a complimentary full dinner option. The atmosphere suits special occasions with attentive service.

People are saying

"The food and ambiance at these dinner spots are exceptional."

"The specialty drinks, especially the Mrs. Claus cocktail, were so good I ordered two."

"The lobster sandwich at this Lunch Spot was the spiciest I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available, which is helpful in downtown Houston.

2

The restaurant offers a July promotion of 50% off all wines over $100.

3

An 8 oz fillet costs $56, and a side of mushrooms is $16.

10
Rosalie Italian Soul image 1
Italian restaurant

Maximalist interior with bright pink walls and embroidered pillows creates an elegant, vibey atmosphere. Multiple seating areas offer different vibes, including a glass kitchen where cooks are visible. Attention to detail shows in decor, plating, and flavor profiles.

Lunch offers a three-course $30 special and sandwiches like the chicken parm. Meals run on the pricey side for casual dining.

Multiple dinners here feature accommodating service and a setting suited for celebrations like birthdays and bachelorette parties. The atmosphere supports group gatherings and repeat visits.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, thanks to Tannis's great recommendations."

"The service at dinner spots was attentive and made the experience five stars."

"This Lunch Spot is pricey for the quality of food."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $8 if validated by the restaurant.

2

Valet parking at the Baldwin hotel costs $35, which is quite high.

3

The menu at Rosalie Italian Soul is limited compared to what is posted online.

11
Kulture image 1
Restaurant

Live band with R&B vibe sets a whole vibe atmosphere, balancing energy and sound perfectly. Spacious layout with round tables encourages conversation, complemented by a classy professional design and soothing city views. Cocktails and food, including exceptional fried chicken and best-ever biscuits, enhance the dining experience.

Limited menu offers very tasty options. It works well as a local lunch spot during busy times.

Dinner features delicious food and a lively late night vibe with music. It suits celebrations and casual visits downtown.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and soulful, truly finger-lickin' good."

"The oxtail at this dinner spot is amazing and kept me coming back."

"You have to try the shrimp and grits; they're life-changing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for live music events on weekends.

2

Parking is validated in the attached garage for up to two hours.

3

Expect large portion sizes that exceed typical restaurant servings.

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Central Business District, Houston

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