Rainbow Lodge may have moved from its Buffalo Bayou location to a log cabin in the Heights, but it still maintains its rustic charm. The trophy room matches the restaurant's mission of serving wild game in various preparations. Photo Credit: Gary Wise
Underbelly's clean, understated appearance leaves the food as the star of every meal. The space is warm and welcoming, much like chef Chris Shepherd's personality. The open kitchen provides plenty of entertainment. Photo Credit: Gary Wise
Triniti's no-expenses-spared appearance reflects that lengths to which the dining room is a showcase for chef Ryan Hildebrand's food. The space itself is clean, elegant and comfortable. Photo Credit: Debora Smail
The Grove is situated in Discovery Green, and the decor reflects the setting. Diners feel like they're in a forest. Photo credit: Debora Smail
RDG + Bar Annie is another seminal Houston restaurant that changed locations. The expansive dining room and luxurious interior reflect the restaurant's history as a gathering place for Houston's elite. Photo Credit: Julie Soefer
Oh sure, the Ragin Cajun's patio has views of busy Richmond and a heavily traveled set of railroad tracks. What it lacks in scenic beauty it makes up for in a warm, friendly vibe when never ending buckets of crawfish hit every table. Photo Credit: Gary Wi
Philippe might be Houston's most elegant dining room. It's a luxurious space that provides an appropriately French atmosphere to match the food. Photo Credit: Jack Thompson
Maybe a three week old restaurant isn't iconic, but give The Pass and Provisions credit for a dining room full of thoughtful touches that's raised the bar for every important new restaurant that follows it. Photo Credit: Gary Wise
L'Olivier's transformation from its previous tenant is pretty impressive. The space is clean and modern, with a showstopping wine display at the front of the dining room and a fantastic view onto Westheimer's urban scenes. Photo Credit: Gary Wise
La Fisheria's dining room captures the coastal, beach atmosphere that matches chef Aquiles Chavez's coastal cuisine. If a person wants a coastal escape but can't make it to Galveston, La Fisheria fits the bill. Photo Credit: Gary Wise
World-renowned architect Philippe Starck designed Katsuya's dining room, and the design is one of Houston's most impressive spaces. The space itself is laid out like a Bento Box. Photo Credit: Katsuya by Starck
While Hawthorn's food may tend towards the safe end of the spectrum, the dining's room luxurious, clubby decor provides the an excellent setting for the River Oaks type that frequent it. Photo Credit: Gary Wise
Goode Co Seafood's transformed rail car and art deco design harken back to a simpler, classier time. That those times probably didn't exist will not prevent modern diners from enjoying a gigantic shrimp cocktail or seafood campechana. Photo Credit: Goode
Simply put, there is no better dining experience anywhere in Texas than sitting on the Gilhooley's patio and eating oysters on a cool, Spring day. Anyone who disagrees is wrong. Photo Credit: Gary Wise
El Real, chef Bryan Caswell's homage to classic Tex-Mex, has distilled all the signature elements of long-gone restaurants into one, cohesive whole. The portraits that pay tribute to icons "Mama" Ninfa Lorenzo and Felix Tijerina are particularly appropria
Coppa gets extra credit for the way it so seamlessly replaced the now-shuttered Catalan. The decor has a Mediterranean vibe that suits chef Brandi Key's updated Italian dishes. Photo Credit: Gary Wise
Midtown French restaurant Artisans could feel stuffy, but instead it just feels elegant. The space defines a modern concept of luxury that feels welcoming and comfortable rather than stuffy or pretentious. Photo Credit: Gary Wise