Sokor Space/Shutterstock Add Tasting Table on Google: Preferred Source Google Discover Whether you're a seasoned local or just passing through the city, Houston is a great place to get your Tex-Mex fix. The city is home to countless restaurants serving classic Tex-Mex dishes, from sizzling fajitas and cheesy enchiladas to hearty chilis and fully loaded nachos. But, with so much choice, it's hard to know which spots are really worth visiting.
Tex-Mex food can be hit-and-miss, and while some eateries have been dubbed bang average or even disappointing by diners, there are plenty of gems scattered across the city. So, we set out to find some of the very best. By sifting through customer reviews, we've singled out the top-rated Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston. Each has earned an impressive number of glowing reviews for its excellent food and service, with diners often highlighting standout dishes, making repeat trips, and wholeheartedly recommending a visit. Here are our top 10 picks for any Tex-Mex fans looking to experience the best food on offer in the largest city in Texas.
Cadente True to its "Tex-Mex done right" slogan, Candente has received hundreds of rave reviews for its fresh, flavorful food. This Michelin-recommended restaurant offers a whole host of elegantly plated Tex-Mex classics, plus a vibrant selection of cocktails. There's an expansive dining space with indoor and outdoor areas, where you can enjoy hearty Tex-Mex dishes with a decidedly upscale vibe.
Diners are incredibly complimentary about Candente, and amidst the glowing feedback, a few particularly enthusiastic reviews caught our eye. "I had an amazing experience at Candente! The patio seating, service, and food were all amazing," wrote one happy customer in a Yelp review. Others note the reasonable pricing of the dishes and attentiveness of the staff, and one diner even dubbed Candente "hands down the best Tex-Mex spot in Houston."
Many of the restaurant's signature dishes have been highlighted in reviews, too. One diner described the experience as outstanding, and recommended beef fajitas, cheese enchiladas, and queso, while another took to Yelp to share, "Their Tampiquena ribeye was so flavorful I couldn't stop eating it." And, the margaritas, which come in a variety of fruity and tangy flavors, are also a big hit.
Ninfa's Ninfa's is another star of Houston's Tex-Mex scene. With two locations in the city, this restaurant is a reliable choice for those in search of flavor-packed food and some fun, casual dining experience. It was founded in 1973, when Mama Ninfa Laurenzo began serving tacos al carbon (aka fajitas) from her family's tortilla factory. Her legacy is still evident, and the restaurant describes its approach as combining a "commitment to comfort and tradition with a sense of culinary adventure." Clearly, it's working, because customers are consistently impressed by Ninfa's offerings.
A Tripadvisor reviewer summed things up perfectly, writing, "the menu is expansive and the food is top notch." Customer recommendations include mole enchiladas, seafood platter, and chicken tacos. One satisfied diner also confirmed that the steak fajitas were the best in America. And, it's not just the food that delivers. Another enthusiastic visitor commended the experience as a whole, sharing their thoughts in a detailed five-star review. "Whether you're dining inside the cozy, history-filled dining room or on the lively patio, the atmosphere is just as comforting as the food," they wrote, describing the experience as akin to "sitting down at your family's dinner table."
Teotihuacan Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner at four Houston locations, Teotihuacan (aka Teo) Mexican Cafe is a go-to for quality Tex-Mex cuisine. The menu includes vibrant soups and salads, zesty carne asadas and meaty parrillada plates. There are plenty of decadent desserts to choose from — think creamy tres leches cake or crispy fried sopapillas. Food can be ordered online for collection or delivery, but opting for a sit-down meal is the best way to get the full Teo experience. Plus, if you time it right, you can take advantage of the restaurant's daily happy hour specials.
