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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of South Central Houston

Authentic seafood

Seafood that tastes like it came from the water rather than a shipping container.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
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Updated May 2026
01
Chalong Thai Eatery image 1
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Thai restaurant

Small, well-designed Thai eatery offers an intimate and cozy setting with chill vibes and a family-run atmosphere. Warm and welcoming energy creates a relaxed space ideal for quiet dining or romantic dates. Unique dishes and authentic flavors set it apart from typical Thai restaurants.

Food delivers authentic Thai flavor that can be adjusted for spice preference. Dishes like Tom Kha Soup showcase traditional taste and atmosphere, making the cuisine feel truly genuine.

Sassy Shrimp stands out as a unique off-menu seafood dish. The Po Takk seafood basil soup offers fresh flavors and perfect balance, while the crispy shrimp is a solid choice for seafood fans.

People are saying

"I found the food to be phenomenal and truly authentic Thai."

"You have to try their Thai Tea, it's amazing."

"The seafood here is amazing, bursting with fresh, authentic flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

Chalong Thai Eatery has a small seating capacity of only 24 seats.

3

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

02
Spicy Girl image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Small space filled with traditional Chinese vibes and multiple TVs creates a homey atmosphere with smooth jazz and 2000s classics playing. The place feels welcoming and comfortable, offering a late-night vibe that invites lingering.

Bold, authentic Szechuan and Chinese dishes deliver strong, spicy flavors. Bubble tea adds a unique touch alongside the authentic cuisine and friendly service.

Spicy fish dishes stand out with the "Fish jump out of water" and Amazing Spicy Fish offering bold flavors. Dry hot pot and fried fish also feature prominently, alongside pepper fish with cucumber salad that pairs well with hot mango tea.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, thanks to Ms. Kim's kindness."

"The seafood here is amazing, and the server Kim is hilarious."

"The food here is authentic, rich, savory, and perfectly spicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 11 AM to 5 PM every day, offering 50% off all alcohol.

2

During happy hour, beers are available for $2.

3

Spicy Girl has a parking garage available for customers.

03
Mimo image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with soft lighting and tasteful design creates a romantic, intimate atmosphere suitable for dates, business lunches, or family gatherings. Spacious interior and patio offer generous seating with a welcoming vibe and calm environment for conversation. Wine selection and authentic aromas enhance the overall dining experience.

The restaurant serves authentic Italian food with traditional flavors and uses fresh Italian herbs that create a genuine Italian dining atmosphere.

Grilled Rainbow Trout stands out as the fish of the day. The menu also features tiger shrimp pasta and other fresh fish dishes like the one served with the Lamb Pappardelle.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are creative and true to Italian roots."

"I found the authentic Italian food here to be incredible."

"The baked bread here is a definite highlight."

Good to know

1

Mimo offers a happy hour every day from 5 to 6 pm.

2

Happy hour features solid deals on food and drinks.

3

GastroChurch events are hosted at Mimo regularly.

04
Cali Sandwich & Pho image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Simple, home-style Vietnamese restaurant with a casual atmosphere and friendly staff. The space feels authentic and inviting, often busy but comfortable despite some wear. Known for excellent bรกnh mรฌ and pho, it offers a relaxed spot for a midday break.

Food stays true to homemade recipes and uses good ingredients. The bahn mi and Vietnamese noodle bowl keep a classic taste unchanged for 20 years.

Salt and pepper shrimp stands out with a fantastic flavor. The fish banh mi offers a unique and delicious twist. Shrimp fried rice also features as a favorite dish.

People are saying

"The banh mi here is the highlight, with crispy bread and flavorful pork."

"I found the authentic banh mi here to be the best in town."

"The shrimp fried rice was excellent and super delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking in the Midtown area is decent, with space for about 10 cars.

2

They accept tap to pay and credit cards.

3

Banh Xeo is available on Tuesday and Saturday.

05
Merida image 1
Mexican restaurant

Building shows original 1972 condition with a beautiful mural featuring hidden religious imagery. Atmosphere shifts from relaxing weekdays to livelier weekends, accompanied by excellent Mexican music. Spacious interior offers a cozy, authentic vibe distinct from Americanized Tex-Mex spots.

Food offers authentic homemade Mexican cuisine with a fresh and delicious taste. The atmosphere feels real and not like big chains, matching the genuine vibe of the dishes.

Shrimp dishes like grilled shrimp Cameron a la Plancha and shrimp quesadillas stand out. Fish tacos come with thick, in-house made flour tortillas, and the Mango Fish Tacos offer a distinct flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the homemade flour tortillas; they were huge!"

"I found the food to be authentic, fresh, and delicious."

"The fish tacos and cochinita pibil were simply amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect a 10-15 minute wait for a table after 11:30am.

2

Tacos are priced at $9 each, which may be considered high.

3

Parking is available, but the lot has many potholes.

06
Wanna Bao image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers a beautifully and elegantly designed interior that feels larger inside than outside. Atmosphere ranges from welcoming and comfortable to occasionally crowded and lively, with a clean and modern vibe. It attracts diners seeking authentic soup dumplings and a variety of flavorful dishes.

Xiao long baos feature delicate skin and plenty of broth inside, capturing authentic flavors. The menu balances authentic, modern, and American-adapted Chinese food with fresh, well-made dishes.

Shrimp dishes stand out with spicy shrimp wontons and flavorful shrimp xlb broth. The Braised Fish Filet features a starchy, mildly spicy sauce and soft, perfectly cooked fish.

People are saying

"I thought the soup dumplings were especially yummy."

"The shrimp dumplings have a super yummy crispy bottom."

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

During peak times, expect delays in food service due to high customer volume.

2

Parking is available on-site, making it convenient for visitors.

3

Prices are considered high for the portion sizes offered.

07
Simply Pho image 1
Pho restaurant

Spacious dining area with natural lighting and polite staff creates a calm, friendly atmosphere. The place offers authentic Vietnamese pho with generous portions at reasonable prices. It suits casual meals and relaxed gatherings downtown.

Pho features a rich and flavorful broth with authentic Vietnamese spices. The menu offers a good variety of traditional dishes at reasonable prices.

Shrimp spring rolls stand out with their delicious flavor. The combination of pho and shrimp spring rolls offers a satisfying seafood pairing.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho broth, is rich and flavorful."

"The shrimp spring rolls here are simply delicious."

"I found the pho here to be incredibly authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The prices at Simply Pho are very affordable for the quality of food.

2

There are many vegan and vegetarian options available on the menu.

3

Parking is free and usually available nearby.

08
Thien An Sandwiches image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Big dining area with tables spaced far apart creates a roomy and calm atmosphere. Lighting is somewhat dim, and the decor feels warm but basic. Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi attract steady crowds, especially around midday, offering an authentic experience outside Chinatown.

Vietnamese dishes like Banh Xeo come in large portions with very authentic ingredients. Pho and Banh Mi offer a quick, authentic taste, though some items like the peanut sauce with shrimp rolls lack traditional flavor.

Shrimp Spring Rolls come with a tasty peanut sauce. The Vietnamese-style pancake features fresh seafood and stands out as a popular choice.

People are saying

"The banh xeo here is huge and really tasty."

"I found the Vietnamese food here to be authentic and wonderful."

"The Vietnamese-style pancake with seafood was an absolute delight."

Good to know

1

They only take dine-in orders until 5:30 PM; after that, it's takeout only.

2

Peak hours are from 12:00 to 1:30 PM, expect longer wait times.

3

Free and secured parking is available for customers.

09
Dough Zone Dumpling House image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Spacious, modern interior with soft music creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere suited for relaxed dining or dates. Self-ordering machines add a tech-friendly touch while the environment stays quiet and clean despite occasional heat issues.

Menu offers authentic flavors that reflect true Chinese culinary craftsmanship. Xiao Long Bao tastes almost as authentic as Shanghai's, making it a solid spot for authentic soup dumplings.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and flavorful."

"The shrimp and zucchini dish was quite good."

"I found the dumplings here to be quite authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, and finding a spot can be difficult.

2

The restaurant has late hours, closing at 9 PM.

3

The women's restroom door has been broken for several months.

10
Mai's Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant with bright overhead lighting and exotic fish tanks creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that suits family gatherings and lively nights. The space feels authentic and inviting, buzzing with a diverse crowd and open late on weekends. It balances a fine dining look without feeling oppressive, though it can get loud as the night progresses.

Food delivers authentic Vietnamese flavors with fresh ingredients and a delicious, unpretentious taste. The atmosphere feels inviting and genuine, matching the quality of the dishes.

Shrimp dishes stand out with shrimp fried rice and a pork and shrimp plate. Fresh shrimp spring rolls come with more noodles than shrimp and pair better with fish sauce than peanut sauce. A fish dish also impresses with its flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and authentic."

"The shrimp spring rolls were okay, some were delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Mai's Restaurant is open until 3am on Friday and Saturday.

2

There is plenty of parking available behind the restaurant in two lots.

3

I recommend locking your vehicle and watching your surroundings when entering and exiting the parking lot.

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