Thai - Khun Kay Thai Cafe
This charming little Thai cottage offers great food at affordable prices without a lot of fuss. Start with the cold chicken-and-vegetable spring rolls or the fried pork-and-egg-noodle spring rolls served with sweet-and-sour sauce. Follow with one of their tasty curries prepared at your chosen level of heat.
Mexican - La Mexicana
This family owned restaurant on the corner of Montrose and Fairview has been in Montrose since 1982, serving Tex Mex classics in a warm and unassuming atmosphere. Whether you’re hungry for breakfast, – the breakfast tacos are a must – want a hearty lunch, or want to have a drink with friends, La Mexicana won’t disappoint. Try the fajitas or a bowl of menudo, a traditional honeycomb tripe soup.
Italian - Pronto Cucinino
At this convenient counter-service eatery you’ll enjoy a great mix of Italian fare in a relaxed, homey atmosphere. A favorite is Pronto’s lemon garlic rotisserie chicken with garlic mashed potatoes. Other items on the menu are classics like chicken marsala, cannelloni, and a pizza bite appetizer.
Vietnamese - Les Noo’dle
In 2018, the cozy Vietnamese cafe Les Ba’get became Les Noo’dle, a pho-centric restaurant by the same owners. The noodle shop serves its signature beef broth, which diners can eat with filet mignon, beef shank, beef tendon, or brisket. Chicken pho is served with dark meat, white meat, chicken heart, liver, or gizzards. And Les Noo’dle’s owners have also created a vegan pho broth made from vegetables and aromatics. Pho noodles are sourced locally and bowls are made to order.
Greek - Niko Niko's
Gyros don’t get much better than the ones served at this Niko Niko’s: moist, aromatic lamb slices are blanketed by a warm, plushy pita with sweet onions and creamy cucumber-garlic tzatziki sauce. Make sure to try the addictive honey-drizzled baklava. No room? Take it to go; you won’t regret it. Take-out is popular here, as is the spacious patio.
Cajun - BB's Café
For a taste of Gulf Coast cuisine and New Orleans-inspired fare with a Texan twist, head to BB’s Cafe. Dig into one of 15 different po’boy varieties, Mama B’s shrimp and grits, or wallet-friendly Cajun favorites like Bubba Lump salad, boudin balls, and gumbo. BB’s also offers a great selection of frozen daiquiris that you can even take “to geaux” by the gallon or in a 24-ounce container.
Japanese - Uchi
In winter 2012, James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole’s signature restaurant opened in a historic restaurant spot on Lower Westheimer. Intimate and sophisticated, the entire space revolves around the open kitchen and sushi bar. You won’t go wrong ordering from the rotating daily specials or try the chef’s ten-course daily tasting menu if you really want to live large.
French - La Villa
Go to this French restaurant for a taste of Top Chef France alum Kevin D’Andréa’s modern take on the food and wine of Southern and Southwestern France. You’ll enjoy dishes like D’Andréa’s burgundy black truffle risotto, escargot ravioli and spice rubbed roasted duck breast served with creamy polenta. The beautiful white-and-blue restaurant also has a thoughtful menu of cocktails, beer and wine.
Brazilian - Tourão Brazilian Churrasqueria
Enjoy an ongoing rotation of cuts of meat at this churrascaria, which offers pleasant views of Montrose from an enclosed patio. If you’re hungry, go for the dinner rodizio, which includes all the beef, pork, lamb and chicken you wish to eat, sliced onto your plate directly from the skewers the servers bring it out on, as well as a generous salad bar with a variety of items. Don’t forget to add a caipirinha, Brazil’s national drink.
Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine
Beef shawarma and leg of lamb, hummus two ways, and falafel are among Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine’s plentiful offerings. Have your pick of any entree – from fresh gyros to chicken kabobs – plus several different types of salads and sides including pomegranate eggplant, stuffed grape leaves, and kibbie, just to name a few. The atmosphere is sparse but cozy, with Mediterranean touches and artwork depicting the Greek isles on the walls.
Japanese - Nippon
Owned and operated by a Japanese family, Nippon Japanese Restaurant is as close to authentic Japanese food and atmosphere as you’ll get in Houston. Try their renowned pork ramen, mixed with bamboo, seaweed, egg, bean sprouts, miso broth, perfectly cooked al dente noodles, and melt-in-your-mouth pork. For dessert, order the red bean ice cream.
Chinese - Kam's Fine Chinese Kam’s Fine Chinese Restaurant
Opened by Kam Cheung in 1988, Kam’s Fine Chinese Cuisine is known for successfully balancing American and Chinese flavors that will satisfy taste buds looking for an authentically inauthentic Asian food experience. Especially popular are the Wonton soup and the homemade dumplings which are served with a spicy ginger soy sauce.