A selection of some of GuestLife’s favorite restaurants in the Houston area, covering all cuisines and prices.

Aquarium Restaurant
• 410 Bagby Street,
Houston, Texas 77002, (713) 223-FISH
• 215 Kipp Avenue,
Kemah, Texas 77565, (877) AT-KEMAH
The Aquarium Restaurants offer delicious seafood specialties in a unique and inviting atmosphere — a true “underwater adventure.” As guests dine, they are seated around centerpiece aquariums filled with colorful fish and corals. The mouth-watering menu includes items such as Crab & Shrimp Wontons, Sixteen Spice Tuna and Rib-Eye Steak with Saga Bleu Cheese and Port Wine Reduction. Aquarium’s desserts are in a class by themselves — as delicious to the eye as they are to the palate!

Arcodoro Ristorante Italiano
5000 Westheimer Rd. at Post Oak Centre,
Houston, Texas 77056, (713) 621-6888
Chef Elfisio Farris brings the rich culinary legacy of Sardinia to this charming restaurant, located in the heart of the Galleria. Here you’ll find hundreds of happy diners, many who’ve traveled from all over the world. The cuisine draws on specialties of Italy, while including touches of Spain, North Africa and the Americas. Arcodoro’s veal medallions sautéed with a reduction of Vermentino di Gallura, one of the island’s finest white wines, and scallops honors the land, the sea and the vine. And the Costata d’Oro, an aged rib eye marinated in Sardinian wine, garlic, rosemary and balsamic vinegar, is not only a runaway favorite, but was also recently praised as “Best Steak” by the Houston Press.

Babin’s Seafood House
• 17485 Tomball Pkwy.,
Houston, Texas 77064, (281) 477-9300
• 21851 Katy Fwy.,
Katy, Texas 77450, (281) 829-9200
• 19529 I-45 S.,
The Woodlands, Texas 77385, (281) 296-8829
• #13 Kemah Boardwalk,
Kemah, Texas 77565, (281) 334-0192
Enjoy quality seafood, steaks, chicken and pasta all with New Orleans-style flair. South Louisiana customs come alive with authentic recipes, generous helpings, thick Creole gravies, spicy Cajun sauces and bon temps hospitality. View the fresh fish displayed before entering the front door and observe chefs filleting fish, cooking gumbo and preparing platters just the way you like them. Dive into specialties such as N’awlins Crab Cakes, Oysters Rockefeller, Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Etouffee, as well as fresh fish selections, perfectly complemented by one of Babin’s signature seafood toppings. Try soul-satisfying seafood today!

Bank in Hotel ICON
220 Main Street,
Houston, Texas 77002, (713) 224-ICON
World-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten treats guests to an unforgettable culinary experience at the Hotel ICON’s signature restaurant, Bank, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bank offers the choicest meats, seafood and chops with the famed Vongerichten’s twist. In addition, a “pick and choose” variety of side dishes, some classic, some unusual, will allow diners to eat what they crave. Guests may also enjoy a cocktail at the intimate restaurant bar. The overall feel of Bank is warm and elegant without being overly formal.

Benihana
• 1318 Louisiana Street,
Houston, Texas 77002, (713) 659-8231
• 9707 Westheimer Road,
Houston, Texas 77042, (713) 789-4962
• 1720 Lake Woodlands Drive,
The Woodlands, Texas 77380, (281) 292-0061
• Benihana Grill: 2579 Town Center Blvd.,
Sugar Land, Texas 77479, (281) 565-8888
Welcome to the longest running dining show in the world. Take a seat at the Teppanyaki grill and watch as your personal chef entertains you with a laughter-filled dining experience. The preparation will dazzle your eyes, tease your taste buds and leave you hungry for a mouthwatering meal you will never forget. Enjoy the freshest fish in town at Benihana’s sushi bars and then choose from such hibachi grilled favorites as prime sirloin, tender chicken and fresh seafood. At Benihana, enjoy an experience at every table! For more locations, please call (877) Benihana (236-4426).

Brenner’s Steakhouse
10911 Katy Fwy.,
Houston, Texas 77079, (713) 465-2901
A Houston Tradition since 1936, Brenner’s Steakhouse is known for its exceptional steaks, warm atmosphere and personalized service. We have collaborated with the original owner to re-create such favorite dishes as German Potatoes, Homemade Roquefort salad dressing and the incomparable Apple Strudel, while adding an Australian Rock Lobster Tail and a Jumbo Lump Crab Cake to the menu. Brenner’s also features outside dining in their exquisite garden area, surrounded by waterfalls and a gazebo. Recipient of Best Vintage Steak House 2005 award, Houston Press and Wine Spectator’s 2004 and 2005 Awards of Excellence.

Cadillac Bar
• 1802 Shepherd,
Houston, Texas 77007, (713) 862-2020
• #7 Kemah Boardwalk,
Kemah, Texas 77565, (281) 334-9049
For more than 25 years, Cadillac Bar has been the destination that many have counted on for fun, festivity and, of course, authentic Mexican food. In a world of trendy restaurants, Cadillac Bar has not only survived, but continues to be a local legend. A lively mixture of tradition and Mexican flair, Cadillac is where you want to be for an unbeatable meal or an unforgettable party.

Grotto
• 4715 Westheimer Rd. (at Loop 610),
Houston, Texas 77027 (713) 622-3663
• 9595 Six Pines (Market Square),
The Woodlands, Texas 77380, (281) 419-4252
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, entertaining atmosphere that will transport you to the cozy setting of a trattoria in the Old Country. From the vivid antipasti display to a variety of spectacular entrées and made-from-scratch pastas, Grotto’s soulful Neapolitan-influenced menu is sure to please friends, clients and business associates alike. With its winning combination of impeccable service, superb cuisine and unsurpassed passion for detail, Grotto is the perfect dining destination.

Guadalajara Hacienda
• 27885 I-45 N.,
The Woodlands, Texas 77386, (281) 362-0774
• 9799 Katy Fwy.,
Houston, Texas 77024, (713) 461-5300
• Guadalajara Mexican Grille & Bar: 2925 Southwest Fwy.,
Houston, Texas 77005, (713) 942-0772
Part of the reason for Guadalajara’s popularity is its atmosphere. Colored lights lend a festive air, ceiling fans give a rustic charm and scores of tropical plants create the feeling of a cool oasis. The same attention to detail is found in the kitchen, which creates the Tex-Mex standards that Houstonians demand, but with a quality and an innovative touch that stand out among others. Special dishes including the Roasted Cream of Poblano Soup or the Piernitas, a dish of charbroiled quail legs stuffed and wrapped in bacon, build on the basics and surpass them.

Harlow’s — Houston
3839 Weslayan (Adjacent to Edwards Greenway Palace Cinema),
Houston, Texas 77027, (713) 850-8555
Conveniently located in the Greenway Plaza area, Harlow’s is the perfect destination for breakfast, lunch or dinner before or after the movie! Our terrific combination of great eats, treats and arcade games is sure to please everyone. Enjoy a vast menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and even breakfast served all day! Indulge your sweet tooth in our Dessert and Coffee Bar, relax in our billiards lounge or play in our game room. Harlow’s is the ideal destination for food and entertainment!

Jimmy G’s Cajun Seafood Restaurant
307 Sam Houston Pkwy.,
Houston, Texas 77060, (281) 931-7654
Located near Bush Intercontinental Airport, Jimmy G’s specializes in expertly prepared Cajun fare, such as oysters on the half shell, boiled shrimp and crab fingers. Named one of the top 50 restaurants in America by Esquire magazine, it offers authentic Cajun cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Indulge your craving for gumbo, jambalaya or stuffed red snapper fillet at Jimmy G’s.

Joe’s Crab Shack
• 3825 I-10 South,
Beaumont, Texas 77705, (409) 842-4433
• 3502 Seawall Blvd.,
Galveston, Texas 77550, (409) 766-1515
• 20th & Harborside,
Galveston, Texas 77550, (409) 763-7087
• 11900 I-10 East,
Houston, Texas 77029, (713) 453-2100
• 12400 Gulf Fwy.,
Houston, Texas 77034, (713) 910-3232
• 12910 Northwest Fwy.,
Houston, Texas 77040, (713) 690-8835
• 2621 S. Loop West,
Houston, Texas 77054, (713) 666-2150
• 6218 Richmond,
Houston, Texas 77057, (713) 952-5400
• 17111 Tomball Pkwy.,
Houston, Texas 77064, (832) 912-1094
• 2120 S. Hwy. 6,
Houston, Texas 77077, (281) 558-7111
• 14901 N. Fwy. I-45,
Houston, Texas 77090, (281) 875-5400
• 20100 U.S. Hwy. 59,
Humble, Texas 77338, (281) 540-7509
• #5 Kemah Boardwalk,
Kemah, Texas 77565, (281) 334-2881
• 3239 Silverlake Village Drive,
Pearland, Texas 77584, (713) 436-8880
• 19740 Southwest Fwy.,
Sugar Land, Texas 77479, (281) 344-2100
Terrific food blended with a fun atmosphere creates the recipe for success at Joe’s Crab Shack! This combination of great food and quick, upbeat service works magic for guests of all ages. Joe’s serves more than half a dozen different crabs year round. If you’re not a crabber, Joe’s offers other tasty selections, including a variety of appetizers, seafood platters, colorful salads, pasta, fresh fish, steaks and chicken. With every meal you will enjoy Joe’s Big Bowl of salad served with their famous Italian dressing and fresh baked bread. Choose from our 15 Houston area locations, including Kemah Boardwalk, Galveston and Beaumont. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Kona Grill
• 16535 Southwest Fwy., Ste. 2001,
Sugar Land, Texas 77479, (281) 242-7000
• Houston Galleria: 5075 Westheimer Rd.,
Houston, Texas 77056
The signature dish is Macadamia Nut Chicken with shoyu cream sauce served with white cheddar mashed potatoes. The menu offers a range of other specialties, from Big Island Meat Loaf to Five-Spice Baby Back Ribs. Another impressive item is Kona’s special pizza. Try the Five-Spice Barbecue Chicken pizza, or the Shiitake Goat Cheese specialty pizza made with asparagus, shiitake mushrooms and tomatoes. For dessert, Kona Grill offers a special dish, The Ultimate Fudge Brownie. This feast includes a decadent fudge brownie served with vanilla bean ice cream, luscious chocolate sauce, a delectable caramel sauce and topped off with vanilla ice cream. Other desserts include Key Lime Pie and the Old Fashioned Root Beer Float.

La Griglia
2002 W. Gray St.,
Houston, Texas 77019, (713) 526-4700
With a lively, festive atmosphere, La Griglia offers guests a delicious display of Italian dining. Colorful Italian murals and busy mosaics provide a playful ambience, while fresh fish, creative pastas, chicken, beef and fresh vegetables tempt guests with an array of fabulous choices. A great people-watching spot, La Griglia has a wonderful outdoor patio and a beautiful, well-appointed dining room. With inventive cuisine, attentive service and a casual, energetic atmosphere, La Griglia is one of the most popular restaurants in Houston.

Landry’s Seafood House
• 22215 Katy Freeway,
Katy, Texas 77450, (281) 392-0452
• 8816 Westheimer Road,
Houston, Texas 77063, (713) 975-7873
• #1 Kemah Boardwalk,
Kemah, Texas 77565, (281) 334-2513
• 5310 Seawall Blvd.,
Galveston, Texas 77551, (409) 744-1010
• 1212 Lake Robbins Drive,
The Woodlands, Texas 77380, (281) 362-9696
Classic seafood with fresh fare from the sea and spectacular scenery, Landry’s Seafood House echoes the sights and sounds of a 1940s seafood house. Its mouth-watering menu has the best of everything from irresistible appetizers such as Oyster Bar Trash, a combination of blackened shrimp and crabmeat, to fresh salads and its world-famous seafood specialties, such as freshly prepared Gulf snapper, stuffed flounder or Shrimp Fresca. For those who desire non-sea fare, Landry’s offers tempting steaks and chicken delicacies. Come often, dress comfortably and enjoy the atmosphere. You’re always welcome at Landry’s Seafood House!

Magic Island
2215 Southwest Fwy.,
Houston, Texas 77098, (713) 526-2442
Houston’s Magic Island offers an evening of sumptuous gourmet cuisine, world-class magic and comedy shows featuring international stars of illusion. From chicken saltimbocca to poblano salmon, diners enjoy an extensive choice of entrées as well as enticing appetizers and tempting desserts.

Magnolia Bar & Grill
6000 Richmond,
Houston, Texas 77057, (713) 781-6207
Rated one of the top 10 restaurants by Houston Chronicle readers and one of America’s top 50 by GQ magazine, the Magnolia Bar & Grill is devoted to the preservation of good Southern Louisiana Cajun-Creole cooking. Ceiling fans, plantation shutters, fresh greenery and a 40-foot mahogany bar lend a genteel ambience. Tangy raw oysters on the half shell, cornmeal-fried catfish, seafood gumbo and crawfish étouffée are just some of the specialties, as is the live entertainment offered on the patio in good weather.

Mockingbird Bistro
1985 Welch @ McDuffie,
Houston, Texas 77019, (713) 533-0200
Award-winning chef and owner John Sheely returns to his hometown and gives back to the community, as a gastronomical artist. His menu includes an elegant list of dinner entrées including salmon, duck, leg of lamb and prime steak, an economic lunch menu, a list of 120 wines and an extensive dessert menu including crème brûlée, dessert wines and cheese tasting. The wait staff is courteous and efficient, and Sheely has hired an expert wine director and a terrific manager, all of which combine to give his establishment a touch of class.

Molina’s Cantina
• 7901 Westheimer Rd.,
Houston, Texas 77063, (713) 782-0861
• 5227 Buffalo Speedway,
Houston, Texas 77005, (713) 432-1626
• 3601 Hwy. 6 S.,
Houston, Texas 77082, (281) 497-1800
• Coming soon: 4720 Washington Ave. @ Shepherd
Molina’s Cantina in business since the Molina family opened its first restaurant in 1941, is today entering its seventh decade and its third generation of restaurateurs. “Some of our most popular dishes are made from exactly the same recipes my grandfather brought from Mexico and started using in his first restaurant,” says Roberto Molina II. Now the family has three restaurants, all identical in serving consistently delicious Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. From tacos to fajitas to chile rellenos, flavorful, straightforward specialties continue to delight the palates of Molina’s Cantina guests.

Nino’s Italian Restaurant
2817 W. Dallas St.,
Houston, Texas 77019, (713) 522-5120
Nino’s has offered family hospitality, as well as family traditions, since 1977. Though it has witnessed changes in culinary trends, the grand, but still charming, restaurant has become more creative in the kitchen. Specialties include Veal Vincent, topped with artichoke hearts and lemon butter; Bistecca Pepe Nero, black pepper-crusted New York strip; and Linguini alla Marinara, with sautéed shrimp, artichoke hearts, olives, mushrooms and tomatoes. Nino’s pioneer spirit launched two other venues, Vincent’s, a casual bistro next door, and Grappino di Nino’s, a grappa bar and special event venue for private parties.

Pesce
3029 Kirby at W. Alabama,
Houston, Texas 77098, (713) 522-4858
From the tasteful design and elegantly appointed dining room to the unparalleled cuisine, Pesce is truly a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Renowned Chef Mark Holley has created a carefully crafted seafood menu featuring a melting pot of flavors. Fresh fish selections, crab cakes, Maine lobster and filet mignon tempt guests to journey on a culinary adventure. Pesce is the perfect place to hold your next social event in our private banquet room. Reservations are recommended.

Rainforest Café
• 5310 Seawall Blvd.,
Galveston, Texas 77551, (409) 744-6000
• 5000 Katy Mills Circle,
Katy, Texas 77494, (281) 644-6200
“It’s a Jungle in Here — a truly Wild Place to Shop and Eat!” Rainforest Café offers entertainment as well as exotic beverage and menu items served in an authentic rainforest environment. Visitors will be treated to a feast for all the senses: lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls, simulated rainstorms and animatronics. Rainforest Café’s menu includes a variety of specialty items from seafood, beef and chicken to pastas and pizza. If you’re interested in a lighter fare, try a unique salad or sandwich. There’s an award-winning kids’ menu for younger guests. Don’t forget dessert! The house specialty Sparkling Volcano lights up any meal and can be shared by two or more!

Saltgrass Steak House
• 8943 Katy Freeway,
Houston, Texas 77024, (713) 461-6111
• 17275 Tomball Parkway,
Houston, Texas 77064, (281) 477-0952
• 9110 Southwest Freeway,
Houston, Texas 77074, (713) 771-1777
• 14909 I-45 North,
Houston, Texas 77090, (281) 872-4545
• 520 Meyerland Plaza,
Houston, Texas 77096, (713) 665-2226
• 21855 Katy Freeway,
Katy, Texas 77450, (281) 647-9400
• 19533 I-45 South,
Shenandoah, Texas 77385, (281) 298-7527
• 20241 Gulf Freeway,
Webster, Texas 77598, (281) 338-9778
• 215 Kipp Ave.,
Kemah, Texas 77565, (281) 538-5441
• 20090 Hwy. 59,
Humble, Texas 77338, (281) 540-5116
• 1502 Seawall Blvd.,
Galveston, Texas 77550, (409) 762-4261
• 19720 Southwest Freeway,
Sugar Land, Texas 77479, (281) 232-3502
• 3251 Silverlake Village Drive,
Pearland, Texas 77584, (713) 436-0799
For campfire-style Texas fare, head to Saltgrass Steak House — famous for their Certified Angus Beef® steaks. A sampling from the Lone Starters™ appetizer menu includes Range Rattlers™ (jumbo jalapeños stuffed with shrimp) and Buffalo Tenders (fried chicken tenderloins). Entrées include Pat’s Ribeye, Maudeen’s Center Cut Filet and Cattleman’s Prime Rib, as well as barbecue Baby Back Ribs and Chicken-Fried Steak. There are plenty of chicken and combo dishes, and if you can, leave room for Two-Fork Cheesecake or Margarita Pie. Thirteen Houston area locations. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Call ahead seating available.

Simposio Ristorante Italiano
5591 Richmond Ave. @ Chimney Rock,
Houston, Texas 77053, (713) 532-0550
Simposio’s Northern Italian style of grilling meats and vegetables rubbed with a variety of herbs and spices offers health-conscious diners simple, nutritious foods, without heavy sauces and coatings. Simposio offers freshly made hand-rolled pastas, succulent veal and lamb chops, a wide array of fresh seafood and assorted specialty meats, including venison, rabbit, ostrich and pheasant.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse
4608 Westheimer Rd.,
Houston, Texas 77027, (713) 961-0333
Sullivan’s specializes in steak, but proudly serves a range of other dishes. Favorites include fish and lobster, with a prime rib special on Sundays and an “All You Can Eat” stone crab claw feast on Mondays. In addition to the restaurant, Sullivan’s has a crowded piano bar that stays open through the night and a “Ringside” bar with live local bands Wednesday through Saturday nights into the wee hours.

Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
1510 Texas Ave.,
Houston, Texas 77002, (713) 228-1111
With its prime location downtown, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse features a blend of high-quality food in an intimate atmosphere. The menu offers USDA Prime grain-fed beef, including rib eye, New York strip, porterhouse and filet mignon. For those with a taste for something other than beef, Vic & Anthony’s offers lamb and veal chops, live Maine lobster, Australian rock lobster, red snapper, tuna and chicken. In addition to the breathtaking main dining room, Vic & Anthony’s offers three private rooms as well as its Piano Lounge & Bar. For a memorable meal, a sophisticated event or cocktails with class, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse is sure to please.

Willie G’s Seafood & Steak House
• 1605 Post Oak Blvd.,
Houston, Texas 77056, (713) 840-7190
• 2100 Harborside Dr.,
Galveston, Texas 77550, (409) 762-3030
Willie G’s, in Houston’s Galleria area, has established itself as America’s premier seafood house for more than 21 years. The extensive menu boasts the freshest Gulf Coast seafood with a New Orleans flair. In addition to making the top 10 list in the seafood house category, Willie G’s is celebrated for perfectly prepared, tender and juicy Certified Angus steaks served in a unique style. Willie G’s offers guests a distinguished yet comfortable dining experience — a handsome atmosphere with rich, dark wood and granite interiors adorned with beautiful artwork and wall coverings. Enjoy Willie G’s international wine list. Banquet facilities available.

Yao Restaurant & Bar
9755 Westheimer Rd. @ South Gessner,
Houston, Texas 77042, (832) 251-2588
Yao Restaurant & Bar is an upscale Chinese American Restaurant with an exquisitely decorated fine dining area on one side and a casual yet trendy bar on the other. Authentic Chinese cuisine is available upon request (pre-ordered one day in advance) and our menu serves succulent items such as our delicious Peking Duck. We have four elegant private dining areas that are perfect for special parties, events and mini banquets.