In addition to its namesake ingredient, Rainbow Lodge's rich and hearty bowl of smoked duck gumbo features Andouille sausage and topped with wild rice pilaf for a multi-textured off-the-charts savory indulgence.

This deceptively simple bowl of steaming noodles dressed with freshly cracked tellicherry peppercorns, parmesan, and olive oil has received national acclaim and a devoted following of locals who are happy to wait for a table just to get their hands on this cacio e pepe.

The home of sizzling plates of fajitas, Ninfa's is a must-stop for any Tex-Mex enthusiast. The beef skirt steak is perfectly marinated, and unique protein add-ons like quail and chorizo seriously amp up this typical Tex-Mex offering.

Gyros aren't unique to Houston, but Niko Niko's creates the city's most classic version of this popular handheld sandwich. A flavor-packed and juicy combination of chopped lamb and beef seasoned generously and served in a warm, soft pita with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce.

Brennan's Shrimp Chippewa brings dinner and a show via succulent shrimp sautéed in Cognac tableside served with sun dried tomatoes and a hearty serving of stone ground grits spiked with goat cheese.

Should you find yourself in need of a burger capable of feeding a family of four, get to Kenny & Ziggy's for the Big Reubowski. Pat LaFrieda brisket and short rib combine to make an ideal burger patty, then it's all topped off with a massive pile of housemade corned beef, sauerkraut, and copious Russian dressing.

Pretty much anything on the menu at James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega's namesake eatery is an excellent choice, but the lamb barbacoa is truly a Houston icon. Marinated with chiles, garlic, and avocado leaves, this perfectly spiced protein is the definition of tender.

Hot and crispy pan-fried breaded veal cutlet served alongside Austrian potatoes and choice red cabbage or sauerkraut. Live music and a beer hall vibe interior up the charm.

Christie’s has been serving Gulf favorites to locals since 1917 and the fried shrimp paired with remoulade sauce is a must-try. The traditional sauce is prepared using homemade mayonnaise and garlic until it’s smooth and decadent.

Rich and creamy homemade Alfredo sauce coats fresh fettuccini, the only pasta made from scratch in house, along with sautéed mushrooms, scallions and shrimp to create the Pasta Weesie. A never-ending basket of Slow Dough goodies is perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce.

For this classic take on pollo en mole negro Oaxaqueño, a chicken quarter is drenched in Oaxacan-style thick, dark, rich black mole – the result of an 8-10 hour cooking process involving an extensive list of ingredients – and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. Serve with rice, refried black beans, and lots of tortillas.

Choose from Czech sausage and assorted mesquite-smoked meats like turkey, chicken, and brisket plus made-from-scratch pies and homemade sides like Jambalaya Texana for a plate that’s filled the stomachs of Houstonians for 35 years.

A Houston original, the crispy, spicy fried chicken packed with Pakistani flavors at Himalaya is a must for any out-of-town visitor.

Mouth-tingling fare at Mala is always worth the drive to Chinatown, but the mapo tofu is the kind of dish that incites a craving weeks after eating it. On order of stir-fried green beans and red oil cucumbers rounds out a truly perfect meal.

Viet-Cajun crawfish is a uniquely Houston dish, one that shines at Crawfish & Noodles. The bugs here are bathed in a spicy, buttery, garlicky sauce with hints of lemongrass that make them a bit more nuanced than the average crawfish. Pair with a bowl of noodles on the side for the full C&N experience.

A favorite of local chefs and drinkers everywhere, the late-night noodles at this Bellaire pho spot are an essential Houston hangover prevention tool. Pho Binh By Night is open until midnight, which gives lushes just enough time to slurp up a bowl before the booze really sets in.