As the largest city in Texas, Houston's population topped 2.3 million people in 2009. The city is home to numerous research facilities, including the Johnson Space Center and Texas Medical Center, and ranks second only to New York City for its number of Fortune 500 companies. For foodies, it also offers more than 8,000 restaurants featuring a wide range of cuisines, including many five-star restaurants for fine dining.
For Italian lovers, Da Marco is located in midtown Houston, not far from the Station Museum of Contemporary Art. The restaurant's customers frequently remark about Da Marco's exceptional service. Gourmet magazine agrees. The publication listed Da Marco as the 29th best restaurant in the country in 2006. Da Marco's features baroque decor and an intimate ambiance. Menu selections include sea bass flown in fresh from Italy, risotto with truffles, fried artichoke hearts and rustic sweet potatoes with smoked marshmallows for dessert. The restaurant also offers a wide range of wine options to pair with your meal.
Just down the street from the Contemporary Art Museum of Houston on Montrose Blvd., Nelore Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse creates a blend of Brazilian and South American dishes with intense flavor signatures. The restaurant's name comes from Nelore cattle, famous in Brazil for quality meat. The gourmet salad bar is extensive, but don't fill up there. Leave room for the cheesy bread, chicken stroganoff, Brazilian rice and beans, or your choice of slow-roasted meats, freshly carved at your table. For dessert, try the papaya cream or tres leches.
Located a few miles from the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Zagat ranked Mark's American Cuisine No. 1 in Houston in 2009. The restaurant's low lighting, vaulted ceilings and elegant staircase makes Mark's an ideal romantic dining experience. The restaurant features four menus, including a seasonal menu as well as one that changes throughout the day, reflecting the ongoing arrival of fresh ingredients. Entrees often include duck, seafood and lamb paired with wine flights. There's also a tasting room available for parties of up to eight people.
Nationally known for elegant dining, the Houston Capital Grille is located two blocks from the Galleria. The restaurant recently received the American Culinary Federation's Achievement of Excellence Award. The venue's decor features art deco chandeliers and mahogany paneling as the backdrop for a menu that includes dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood. In addition, Capital Grille offers more than 5,000 bottles of wine. Private dining is also available for up to 45 guests.
Zula Restaurant, located on the ground floor of The St. Germain building near Houston's theater district, offers New American fusion cuisine. The restaurant received Zagat's America's Top Restaurants distinction in 2008. Along with great service and live music, Zula offers a diverse menu, complete with Creole-style shrimp, smoked pork with onion marmalade, sauteed river trout, truffled french fries and lush chocolate brownie cake.
