This district is a top destination for both shopping and dining, which is why it’s one of my favorites. While it’s known for its high-end stores and restaurants, the area also has many great, affordable dining options. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, offering a mix of great food and a stylish atmosphere, so check out the best River Oaks restaurants today.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Also, a few links in this article may help HoustonOnTheCheap earn a small commission if you buy something using those links.
Also, check out our articles on Best Frozen Yogurt in Houston, Boba Tea Houston, and Best Desserts in Houston!
River Oaks Restaurants for Date Night & Upscale Dining
A Houston institution for over 40 years, Armandos is celebrated for its sophisticated take on Tex-Mex cuisine in an art-adorned, lively setting. Like other Mexican restaurants in Houston, this one offers a festive dining experience with generous portions, a wide variety of dishes, and attentive service that has made it a favorite among locals and tourists.
Where: 2630 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098 Operating Hours: Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Monday – Wednesday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Thursday 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
MAD Houston isn’t your average tapas joint. As one of the restaurants in River Oaks, it’s a culinary spectacle where traditional Spanish dishes are reinvented with innovative, creative twists. Get ready for an explosion of bold flavors and a vibrant atmosphere that makes for a truly unique dining experience.
Where: 4444 Westheimer Rd Suite C180, Houston, TX 77027 Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday 4:30 pm – 12:00 am | Saturday 12:00 pm – 12:00 am | Sunday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
For a premier dining experience, look no further than Steak 48. This restaurant is a standout for its exceptional menu, including a must-try pork belly dish. Whether for a special occasion in a private room or a drink at the bar, it’s the perfect spot for any event.
Where: 4444 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027 Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
With a perfect blend of casual charm and elegant sophistication, Zanti Cucina Italiana brings a taste of Italy to River Oaks. This restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for those seeking a true trattoria experience.
Where: 1958 West Gray Street, Suite 101, Houston, Texas 77019 Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Wednesday – Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tucked away in River Oaks, Relish Restaurant & Bar is a neighborhood gem celebrated for its classic American fare. With a philosophy that simple food can also be great food, this restaurant consistently delivers an outstanding dining experience that locals like me have come to love.
Where: 2810 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Looking for other Vietnamese restaurants in Houston? Transport yourself to 1920s Saigon at Le Colonial Houston, a stunning restaurant that stands out in the River Oaks dining scene. Unlike its more modern and casual neighbors, this Vietnamese eatery offers a truly unique and luxurious experience with its exquisite French colonial decor.
Where: 4444 Westheimer Rd Suite G-140, Houston, TX 77027 Operating Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm | Thursday – Saturday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
For a taste of a Houston classic, look no further than the River Oaks restaurants Houston has: State of Grace. This warm and inviting restaurant is celebrated for its version of a beloved Tex-Mex staple: the “cheese enchilada a la Felix.” It’s a dish so superb that it’s become a favorite of myself and many Houston locals.
Where: 3258 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098 Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Wednesday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
With a focus on classic seafood and an impressive raw bar, Loch Bar is a top destination in River Oaks for fresh ocean fare. The restaurant also boasts an extensive collection of whiskeys from around the globe, making it a favorite for both seafood lovers and spirit connoisseurs.
Where: 4444 Westheimer Rd Suite G110, Houston, TX 77027 Operating Hours: Sunday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Nestled away in a cozy, intimate setting, The Tuck Room is a speakeasy-style restaurant and bar. Its menu features an eclectic mix of American dishes that I think are perfect for sharing. Paired with a list of inventive cocktails, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed and creative dining experience.
Where: 4444 Westheimer Rd Ste C-220, Houston, TX 77027 Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Best Casual & Brunch River Oaks Restaurants
For an ideal breakfast or brunch spot, Le Peep offers a perfect mix of location and ambiance. The menu is packed with a wide variety of recipes to suit any taste, from classic favorites to unique creations.
Where: 4340 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027 Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 1:30 pm | Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
For a fresh and healthy meal, Local Foods is a standout counter-service deli in the River Oaks area. This restaurant prides itself on using local, seasonal ingredients to craft delicious, made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and soups, offering a refreshing and wholesome alternative to other eateries.
Where: 1709 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056 Operating Hours: Daily 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
If you’re in the mood for an exceptional burger, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is a must-visit in River Oaks. Pair one of their signature burgers with a side of crispy sweet potato fries, and don’t forget to top it all off with one of their indulgent milkshakes—it’s worth every single calorie.
Where: 4444 Westheimer Rd, Suite H100, Houston, TX 77027 Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
A throwback to a simpler time, Cliff’s Hamburger Grill is a beloved classic for anyone craving a straightforward, delicious burger. This casual American joint offers a timeless menu and friendly service, making it a perfect choice for an affordable and satisfying meal among the many cheap restaurants in Houston!
Where: 1822 Fountain View Dr. Houston, TX 77057Operating Hours: Sunday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Monday – Friday 10:30 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
River Oaks Restaurants with a Twist
For the ultimate brunch in River Oaks, look no further than my go-to, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations. With its casual, rustic-industrial ambiance and surprisingly varied food menu, it’s a perfect spot for a weekend meal. The amazing service and private whiskey room also make it a standout bar. Where: 4310 Westheimer Rd #150, Houston, TX 77027 Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Saturday 10:00 am – 2:30 pm & 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 2:30 pm & 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
If fresh seafood is what you’re after, Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette is the perfect River Oaks destination. This spot offers an excellent and diverse selection of dishes, from oysters and mussels to shrimp, sushi, and sashimi, ensuring you get your fill of the best the sea has to offer.
Where: 4224 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77027 Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Come with me and step into Paris at Toulouse Café and Bar, a lively French brasserie that brings a taste of classic French cuisine to River Oaks. With a more relaxed ambiance than many of its neighbors, it’s perfect for a delightful and unique dining experience.
Where: 4444 Westheimer, Ste E 100, Houston, TX 77027 Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
River Oaks District & Shopping Center Dining
For a unique dining experience in the heart of River Oaks, Café Ginger offers an elegant atmosphere and a delightful menu that fuses Japanese and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant provides a sophisticated setting to enjoy classic dishes and modern interpretations alike.
Where: River Oaks Shopping Center, 1574 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019 Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Transport yourself to Italy at Grotto Ristorante in River Oaks, where fresh ingredients and classic flavors are always on the menu. The restaurant’s signature dishes, from Neapolitan thin-crust pizzas and house-made pastas to the Veal Kickerillo and Pollo Francese, are sure to entice your palate.
Where: 4715 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027 Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Located in the heart of the River Oaks District, RA Sushi Bar & Restaurant is the perfect spot for a modern Japanese meal. With a stylish atmosphere and a menu of innovative sushi rolls and creative cocktails, it’s a convenient and popular choice for a lively night out.
Where: 3908 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027 Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 12:00 am
There are always lots of fun events going on in Houston. Check out our weekly updates to Things to Do in Houston this Weekend.