This guide covers 11 lunch restaurant options in Houston. Guests rate them 4.5 out of 5 on average. Most of them are spread across Midtown, Westside, Downtown Houston, so those are the areas to start with.

All Lunch restaurant in Houston

Underground Hall

4.5 588 reviews

Underground Hall is a vibrant food court located in downtown Houston, Texas. It features a multi-restaurant food court with a variety of cuisines, including Asian fusion, birria tacos, hot chicken, smash burgers, and dessert. The food court offers a diverse range of options, making it an ideal spot for families, groups, and individuals looking for a unique dining experience. The food court at Underground Hall is home to six different vendors, each offering a unique selection of dishes. Some popular options include Mac & Cheese chicken fries, brisket fries, and Paloma and Bellini drinks. The atmosphere is lively, with loud music playing in the background, making it an ideal spot for comfort food after a night out or gathering with friends. Underground Hall also offers a full bar and beer garden, with a sizeable list of Texas beers and reasonably priced cocktails. Underground Hall is a great spot for those looking for a casual dining experience. With a rating of 4.5 on Google, it has been praised by reviewers for its amazing food and lively atmosphere. The food court is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. It is a must-visit destination for foodies and those looking for a unique dining experience in downtown Houston.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–11 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–11 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–11 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–11 PM
  • Friday11 AM–1 AM
  • Saturday11 AM–1 AM
  • Sunday11 AM–9 PM

The Gypsy Poet

4.8 1,748 reviews

The Gypsy Poet Studio is an artisan wood-fired pizza restaurant in Houston, Texas, with three locations in Midtown, Heights, and Rice Village. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines art, music, and good food. It was founded by a young Venezuelan couple who have traveled the world and developed a taste for fine cuisine and entertainment. The menu features eight custom-created pizzas, each served with fresh basil, freshly shaved parmesan, and chili flakes on the side. The pizzas are made with a wood-fired oven, and the restaurant also offers a selection of salads, desserts, and drinks. The Gypsy Poet Studio is a small, family-run business that prides itself on its high-quality food and excellent customer service. The restaurant has received rave reviews from customers, with many praising its delicious pizzas, cozy atmosphere, and friendly staff. One customer described it as "the best pizza in Houston," while another praised its unique ambiance and attention to detail. The restaurant has a strong social media presence and offers gift cards that can be used at all three locations. The Gypsy Poet Studio is a great place to visit for a unique dining experience that combines art, music, and good food.

Opening hours
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday5–8:45 PM
  • Wednesday5–8:45 PM
  • Thursday5–8:45 PM
  • Friday12–2 PM, 5–9:45 PM
  • Saturday12–9:45 PM
  • Sunday12–8:45 PM

Spicy Girl

4.7 3,017 reviews

Spicy Girl is a Chinese and Sichuan restaurant in Midtown Houston that serves a variety of authentic dishes, including dumplings, dim sum, fried rice, and boba tea. The restaurant offers a range of options for both dine-in and take-out, catering to individuals and corporate events with 500+ guests. From individual meals to large gatherings, Spicy Girl provides fresh, authentic Chinese food that is delivered on time, every time. Spicy Girl's menu features a range of bold Chinese and Sichuan cuisine, including 3 Flavor Pepper Chicken, Sichuan Boiled Fish, Peking Duck, and customer-favorite Orange Chicken. The restaurant also offers freshly made smoothies and boba tea, as well as a late-night menu available until 3:30 AM on Monday and Wednesday through Sunday. Additionally, Spicy Girl offers special deals, such as $12.50 weekday lunch bento boxes, 50% off General Tso's Chicken every Monday until 9:00 PM, and half-price alcoholic drinks during Happy Hour. Spicy Girl's services cater to various needs, including dine-in, pickup, delivery, late-night food, and Houston corporate catering. The restaurant is open late, making it a convenient option for those looking for a meal after hours. With a strong online presence, Spicy Girl allows customers to order their favorite food online at their convenience. The restaurant's services are available to the general public, making it a trusted partner for authentic Chinese food in Houston.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–3:30 AM
  • Tuesday11 AM–9 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–3:30 AM
  • Thursday11 AM–3:30 AM
  • Friday11 AM–3:30 AM
  • Saturday11 AM–3:30 AM
  • Sunday11 AM–3:30 AM

Piola

4.6 1,300 reviews

Piola is an Italian food restaurant specializing in thin-crust Italian pizzas and authentic Italian cuisine. The business combines traditional Italian food with a modern and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular destination for customers from all walks of life. Piola offers a wide range of menu options, including classic pizzas, pasta dishes, and other Italian favorites, as well as gluten-free and vegan options for customers with dietary restrictions. Piola's menu is designed to provide a truly Italian dining experience, with dishes made from the finest ingredients and cooked to perfection. The business also offers a variety of creative pizzas that are perfect for adventurous eaters. In addition to its food offerings, Piola also hosts various events and activities, such as film premieres, book and magazine events, art exhibitions, and more, making it a hub for social and artistic activity. Piola is a franchise with locations in South Florida and Texas, and the business is committed to providing a pleasant dining experience for its customers. With a focus on serving delicious and authentic Italian food, Piola is a great option for anyone looking for a tasty and memorable meal. Whether you're in the mood for a classic pizza or a hearty plate of pasta, Piola has something for everyone.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–10 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–10 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–10 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–10 PM
  • Friday11 AM–11 PM
  • Saturday12–11 PM
  • Sunday12–10 PM

North Italia

4.5 4,699 reviews

North Italia is an Italian restaurant chain that offers a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine. The company specializes in handcrafted Italian dishes, including handmade pasta, artisanal pizza, and seasonal ingredients, showcasing a scratch-made menu that prioritizes culinary transparency and guest engagement through its open-kitchen concept. North Italia's operational footprint includes 46 locations across North America, with a workforce of 500-1,000 employees dedicated to maintaining high standards of service and hospitality. The company's strategic growth model focuses on scaling its signature handmade dining experience while ensuring consistent quality and operational excellence across all regional outlets. By emphasizing a bright and inviting atmosphere and a menu centered on authentic Italian flavors, North Italia differentiates itself in both B2B and B2C hospitality markets. North Italia is a hospitality company that brings people together through its Italian dining experiences. Every day, the company's chefs create new and delicious favorites from scratch, using a variety of ingredients and techniques to craft a unique and authentic taste of Italy. With a focus on taking care of its people, North Italia strives to create a welcoming environment for its guests, offering a range of menu options and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every meal feel special.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–10 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–10 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–11 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–11 PM
  • Friday11 AM–11 PM
  • Saturday10 AM–11 PM
  • Sunday10 AM–10 PM

Maggiano’s Little Italy

4.5 4,668 reviews

Maggiano's Little Italy is a chain of Italian-American restaurants serving classic Italian dishes in a family-style setting. The company operates 48 locations across the US, offering dine-in, banquets, catering, carryout, and delivery services. Maggiano's is known for its generous portions, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for families, couples, and food enthusiasts. Maggiano's menu features a range of traditional Italian dishes, including pasta, seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. The restaurants offer a variety of specials and promotions, including family-style meals, wine pairings, and seasonal menus. Maggiano's also caters to special occasions, such as weddings, birthday parties, and corporate events, with customizable menus and event spaces. With its commitment to using fresh, authentic ingredients and its attention to detail, Maggiano's aims to provide a genuine Italian dining experience. Maggiano's has received mixed reviews from customers, with some praising its food, service, and atmosphere, while others have criticized its high prices, long wait times, and inconsistent service. Despite this, the company has maintained an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars across various review platforms, including Yelp, Trustpilot, and TripAdvisor. Maggiano's has also been recognized for its community involvement and charitable initiatives, which aim to support local organizations and promote culinary education.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–10 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–10 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–10 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–10 PM
  • Friday11 AM–11 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–11 PM
  • Sunday11 AM–9 PM

Maggiano’s Little Italy

4.4 3,210 reviews

Maggiano's Little Italy is a popular Italian-American restaurant chain that operates in various locations across the United States. The company is known for its family-style dining experience, where guests can enjoy a variety of traditional Italian dishes in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Maggiano's offers a wide range of menu options, including pasta, seafood, chicken, and meat dishes, as well as a variety of appetizers, salads, and desserts. The restaurant is famous for its generous portions, with dishes often served family-style, meaning they are meant to be shared with others at the table. Maggiano's also offers a variety of specialty cocktails and an extensive wine list. The company has received mixed reviews, with some customers praising the food and service, while others have criticized the high prices and inconsistent quality. Maggiano's has a strong presence in various online review platforms, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, 4.1 out of 5 stars on Knoji, and 4.4 out of 5 stars on Yelp. The company has also received positive reviews from employees on Glassdoor, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–9 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–10 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–10 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–10 PM
  • Friday11 AM–11 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–11 PM
  • Sunday11 AM–9 PM

Flip ‘n Patties

4.6 353 reviews

Flip 'n Patties is a restaurant that serves Filipino-inspired gourmet burgers and street food. It offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional Filipino flavors with American-style burgers. The restaurant has multiple locations in Houston, including the Energy Corridor, Sugar Land, and Downtown. Flip 'n Patties serves a variety of dishes, including burgers, rice meals, and Filipino street food. Their menu features popular items such as the Chicken PuPu Plate, Amboy Burger, Flipanadas, and Loko-Loko Plate. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan options, including the Bedgee Sammich. Customers can dine in or take out their orders, and the restaurant also offers catering services. Flip 'n Patties is known for its exceptional customer service and commitment to the community. The restaurant has received glowing reviews from customers, who praise its friendly staff, quick service, and delicious food. The restaurant also gives back to the community by supporting local initiatives and fundraisers, making it a beloved and respected business in the Houston area.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–8 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–8 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–8 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–8 PM
  • Friday11 AM–8 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–8 PM
  • Sunday11 AM–6 PM

Coastline Pizzeria

4.7 482 reviews

Coastline Pizzeria is a pizza restaurant that serves Neapolitan pizza, Houston's only Texas-style grilled pizza, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, and full bar service. Coastline Pizzeria was developed by Owner, operator, and Pizzaiolo Armando DiMeo, who was born and raised in Houston and grew up in his family's Italian restaurant, Antonio's Pizza & More. He and his family have expanded their restaurants to the Texas Hill Country, but this venture brought Armando back to his hometown to further establish his roots and passion for Neapolitan pizza. The restaurant offers a variety of mouthwatering pizzas, including Texas-style grilled pizza, as well as delectable appetizers such as meatballs and shishito peppers. At Coastline Pizzeria, the focus is clear: pizza reigns supreme. The restaurant's dedication to culinary excellence extends to using only the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking methods, such as baking pizzas in a wood-fired oven. With a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, Coastline Pizzeria is a great choice for casual nights, dates, or family outings.

Opening hours
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday11 AM–10 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–10 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–10 PM
  • Friday11 AM–10 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–10 PM
  • SundayClosed

Auntie Chang’s Dumpling House

4.3 946 reviews

Auntie Chang's Dumpling House is a Chinese restaurant that serves authentic and delicious cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of specialty dishes, including dumplings, which have been well-crafted to create a delightful culinary experience. Their menu features a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and subtle spices, with a perfect balance of crispy and tender textures in every bite. Auntie Chang's Dumpling House serves the Houston area with delicious Chinese cuisine, providing a convenient option for pickup or delivery through their partnership with Beyond Menu. Their dishes have been well-received by customers, with many praising the juiciness of their pork dumplings and the rich flavor of their soup dumplings. The restaurant also offers a variety of other Chinese dishes, including shrimp and chicken with cashews, and has a great reputation for serving fresh and delicious food. The restaurant is known for its welcoming atmosphere and dedication to quality, making it a community hotspot for good food and great moments. Auntie Chang's Dumpling House has gained popularity for its delectable selection of dumplings, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic tastes in the heart of Texas. The restaurant offers a range of dumplings, including steamed pork, chicken, beef, and vegetable options, as well as assorted dumplings and other Chinese items.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–9:30 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–9:30 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–9:30 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–9:30 PM
  • Friday11 AM–10 PM
  • Saturday11:30 AM–10 PM
  • Sunday11:30 AM–9:30 PM