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Best Fun Restaurants in Downtown

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6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Downtown Aquarium restaurant
1. Downtown Aquarium
4.7
Exceptional(3064)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 75 times today
The Aquarium Restaurant offers guests an exciting and unique dining experience in an extraordinary setting. Your underwater adventure begins as you are seated around the 150,000 gallon aquarium with excellent views of giant groupers, reticulated rays, majestic sawfish, and other fascinating creatures as they swim right by your table. The Aquarium is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the palate. Make a splash with deliciously fresh seafood, steak, chicken and decadent desserts all served in an unbelievable underwater setting.
A photo of La Lucha restaurant
2. La Lucha
4.8
Exceptional(1434)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Heights / Washington
Booked 56 times today
An homage to the San Jacinto Inn, La Lucha offers a unique and indulgent menu complete with the freshest Gulf Coast-only oysters, shrimp, crab, warm biscuits and satisfying fried chicken dinners. Meaning “the Fight,” in reference to the Battle of San Jacinto, La Lucha embraces it’s rebellious side with its beverage selections, surprising guests with a variety of bubbly wines, outstanding craft beers and the essential stellar tequila and mezcal offerings. La Lucha’s comfortable atmosphere pays tribute to chef-owner Ford Fry’s childhood memories, meshes timeless and industrial with a few nods to the 70s.
A photo of CIEL restaurant
3. CIEL
4.0
Excellent(587)
Price: Very Expensive
• French / Japanese • River Oaks
Booked 13 times today
CIEL is a vibrant spot where food, drinks, and entertainment come together for an unforgettable experience. Reviews rave about the exciting atmosphere and live performances, calling it a unique concept in Houston. The French and Japanese cuisines get high praise as well, with many reviewers saying the food is delicious and unique.
A photo of The Melting Pot - Houston restaurant
4. The Melting Pot - Houston
4.6
Exceptional(2321)
Price: Expensive
• Fondue • Galleria / Uptown
Booked 27 times today
The Melting Pot Restaurant is where fun is cooked up fondue style. Our locally owned and operated restaurant is located 1.5 miles West of the Galleria on Westheimer. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, long overdue date night or celebrating with a group, Melting Pot is always a hit.We are the premier fondue restaurant, providing a casually elegant dining experience and an intimate atmosphere. The relaxing four-course experience begins with a cheese fondue prepared table side and fresh salads while your entrée pot heats up. You’ll simmer a variety of meats, seafood and vegetables in the cooking style of your choice. Each bite is hot, fresh and delicious and all entrées are accompanied by an array of dipping sauces. Chocolate fondue a curated wine selection, crafty cocktails, local and popular beers. Reservations are recommended but not required. Special events will sell out well in advance. Join Club Fondue for advanced notice and restaurant features and offers.
A photo of Emilia's Havana restaurant
5. Emilia's Havana
4.5
Awesome(75)
Price: Very Expensive
• Cuban • Galleria / Uptown
Booked 1 time today
Discreetly located next to The Annie Café & Bar, Emilia’s Havana is an intimate, 50-seat lounge reminiscent of a vibrant 1950s Cuban club with a luxe Latin vibe. The latest from Berg Hospitality Group, guests will enjoy inventive interpretations of classic and contemporary Cuban-inspired cocktails by the James Beard award winning mixologist, Alba Huerta, along with an elevated wine list and bottle service. Perfect for a post-dinner snack, the light, Latin-inspired small plates by Executive Chef Brian Sutton are not to be missed.* The highlight of the evening? The live “bossa nova style” music performed at every seating by our house band along with tunes by local DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. *PLEASE NOTE: Emilia’s Havana has lounge-style seating with Cuban-inspired small plates but does not have a full dinner menu.
A photo of Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage - Oak Forest restaurant
6. Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage - Oak Forest
4.6
Exceptional(167)
Price: Moderate
• Tex-Mex • Northwest
A bright modern Tex-Mex spot serving made from scratch recipes, Penny Mimosas & giant margaritas

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kristin
    Denver / Colorado •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The Aquarium is beautiful. There are no bad dining seats. We thoroughly enjoyed watching God's beautiful creatures during our meal. The entrees were beautifully plated. And delicious. I have food allergies and our waiter, Rashun (ruh-shawn) was so helpful, attentive, kind. A great server. The chef, Jackson, and Jameel the manager both made sure my order was safe for my needs. We definitely will go back. Thank you all for a lovely meal in beautiful surroundings!
    More info
    Downtown AquariumPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • RheaM
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    From now on when friends or family come to visit I will be taking them here!!! Every thing from top to bottom was GOOD!!
    More info
    La LuchaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Heights / Washington
    •
    4.8
  • PaneshaEGVIP
    Houston •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Celebrated my birthday Saturday night with 14 of my amazing friends. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful, the staff is friendly and the ambiance was beautiful. Tiffany who’s in charge of group reservations was amazing to work with, she was very detailed and communicated well in helping set up my party of 15. We had a variety of the appetizers, sushi rolls and the entrees were a great portion. I will definitely be back.
    More info
    CIELPrice: Very Expensive• French / Japanese• River Oaks
    •
    4
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    St. Louis •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 4 Mar 2025
    Our server Paul was outstanding and we enjoyed the evening.
    More info
    The Melting Pot - HoustonPrice: Expensive• Fondue• Galleria / Uptown
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    Houston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 2 Mar 2025
    For date night this was an amazing experience. Live music Cuban style. The menu was great. The drinks were very tasty but very pricey minimum of $30 per drink no matter what you ordered. The cloak and dagger speakeasy feel was amazing.  it reminded me of the continental hotel from the movie John Wick highly recommend recommended.
    More info
    Emilia's HavanaPrice: Very Expensive• Cuban• Galleria / Uptown
    •
    4.5

Discover best fun restaurants in Downtown

Discover the essence of fun dining in Downtown Houston with our curated selection of restaurants that promise an engaging and enjoyable dining experience. From vibrant speakeasy settings to boisterous kitchens where chefs entertain as they cook, each establishment is designed to offer more than just a meal, but a memorable outing in the heart of the city. The dining scene in Downtown Houston is characterized by its eclectic mix of venues that cater to those looking for both culinary excellence and a dynamic atmosphere. These restaurants are renowned for their creative cocktails, exceptional service, and atmospheres that range from intimate and sophisticated to lively and festive. Whether you're planning a special date night, a casual outing with friends, or a family dinner, you'll find a place that fits the mood and elevates your dining experience. Each location has been selected for its ability to merge great food with fun, ensuring every visit is uniquely enjoyable. Join us in exploring Downtown Houston's most fun dining spots, where each meal is served with a side of excitement.

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