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State Fare outdoor patio with dining tables.
State Fare’s new location in the Woodlands offers waterfront patio seating.
Lisa Gochman PR

11 Houston Restaurants With Breathtaking Views

From manicured gardens to sky high patios, bask in the city’s most scenic settings.

by Megha McSwain
If you book a reservation through an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.
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State Fare’s new location in the Woodlands offers waterfront patio seating.
| Lisa Gochman PR
by Megha McSwain
If you book a reservation through an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

The charm of dining in Houston may be in the fabulous retail-strip dives in Chinatown and the no-frill cafes of Montrose and beyond, but that doesn’t mean the city isn’t rich with restaurants that offer a noteworthy view as well.

Steakhouses worthy of serving as wedding venues, open-air rooftop bars, and waterfront seafood haunts make up the list of impressive destinations where the view is just as much a feast for the senses as the food and drink.

While in the season of long, sun-kissed days, consider a meal at one of these 11 restaurants touting the prettiest views.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

State Fare Kitchen & Bar

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State Fare’s new Woodlands outpost boasts a highly sought-after amenity that none of the other locations have — a waterfront patio. Located within the popular retail and restaurant hub, Hugh’s Landing, guests can enjoy all of the same burgers, snacks, and entrees as its other locations, but with a vacation-worthy view.

1900 Hughes Landing Blvd Suite 200, The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 825-5368
(281) 825-5368
Outdoor patio on the water.
Enjoy waterfront dining at State Fare’s new Woodlands location.
Lisa Gochman PR

Also featured in:

Back Table

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Located on the golf course at the scenic Woodlands Resort, Back Table is a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The waterfront restaurant features an upscale menu including raw and chargrilled oysters, wild-caught salmon, and steak frites, plus sweet and spicy craft cocktails and a stellar tres leches.

2301 N Millbend Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 364-6400
(281) 364-6400

Also featured in:

Rainbow Lodge

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This real-life log cabin turned restaurant, situated on the banks of White Oak Bayou, is one of the city’s most charming destinations to dine with a view. The 100-year-old cabin boasts dreamy interiors with real log walls and plenty of windows to enjoy the natural scenery, but it’s the restaurant’s grounds that really impress. Opt for a seat on the deck amidst the bountiful trees, enjoy dishes featuring wild game, like seared duck breast, or opt for flavorful seafood dishes, like the lump crab cake, and experience a true oasis within the city. 

2011 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-8666
(713) 861-8666
Patterson Murphy PR

Also featured in:

B&B Butchers & Restaurant

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The 100-year-old building which houses this boutique steakhouse has plenty of character and charm, but no place more than the restaurant’s second-level terrace. Situated on Washington Avenue’s East End, B&B Butchers offers unobstructed views of the Downtown cityscape while guests enjoy delicious cuts of meat, like juicy filet mignon and Texas wagyu ribeye, and creative dishes like “carpet Bagger on the half shell,” oysters loaded with goodness. Visit by day for weekend brunch, or take in the sunset during dinner nightly.

1814 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 862-1814
(713) 862-1814
Jenn Duncan

Also featured in:

Brenner's on the Bayou

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Many special occasions have been celebrated on the picturesque grounds of Brenner’s on the Bayou. This magical setting, lush with Houston’s natural landscape, spills out onto Buffalo Bayou, allowing diners sweeping views at every turn. Take in cocktails on the covered, outdoor deck, coined the Blue Bar, or settle in for a long, steakhouse dinner in the multi-level dining room, which offers equally impressive views and rich dishes like lobster bisque, the wild boar rack served with marbled potatoes and raclette, and the miso-glazed sea bass.

1 Birdsall St, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 868-4444
(713) 868-4444

Also featured in:

Z on23

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A standout among the city’s rooftop bars, Z on 23 atop the Le Meridien Hotel offers unparalleled views of Downtown Houston. Be warned, here your photo-clicking finger may tire — the L-shaped bar — 23 floors high off the ground — boasts not a single bad seat in the house. Grab a cocktail (or many), a charcuterie board, and enjoy the view. And if you’re hungry for a heartier meal, visit Zutro, the full-service restaurant on ground level.

1121 Walker St, Houston, TX 77002
(346) 330-3446
(346) 330-3446

Also featured in:

Strato 550

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This sky-high restaurant and bar, located on the 43rd floor of 1415 Louisiana, is Downtown’s best-kept secret. Open for lunch and happy hour only, it serves as a welcome escape from the office. Start with a spring wedge, followed by a Strato burger made with hand-ground brisket, and observe the city in a unique and captivating way.

1415 Louisiana St 43rd floor, Houston, TX 77002
(832) 280-8977
(832) 280-8977

The Grove

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There are lots of dining choices to consider in close proximity of Discovery Green in Downtown, but only one is situated dead in the middle of it. The Grove allows park-goers to enjoy an upscale dining experience while remaining close to all of the action. Substantial glass windows offer park views at every turn, and a wraparound patio lets diners enjoy their meals outdoors. The creamy blue crab mac and cheese is a decadent choice, and you can’t go wrong with the braised short rib, or the cauliflower koshary, if looking for something vegetarian.

1611 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010
(713) 337-7321
(713) 337-7321

Also featured in:

Tiny Boxwoods

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The rustic backdrop and neatly landscaped gardens of this beloved West U restaurant are part of its charm. Guests gather early for lunch and Sunday brunch in an effort to snag a seat on the attractive patio. No tables available? Order a latte and one of Tiny’s famous chocolate chip cookies and roam the grounds. 

3614 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77027
(713) 622-4224
(713) 622-4224

Also featured in:

Terrace 54

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While the Westin at the Medical Center may not sound like the most thrilling place to dine, the swanky hotel houses one of the prettiest restaurant patios in the city. At Terrace 54, breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be had on the expansive patio overlooking Main Street below. Visit during the popular social hour from 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays and score $10 cocktails and bar bites as you catch the sunset.

1709 Dryden Rd, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 730-2404
(713) 730-2404
Open air outdoor terrace.
Terrace 54 boasts some of the prettiest views in town.
Lisa Gochman PR

Pier 6

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While it isn’t technically within Houston city limits, Pier 6 in San Leon is frequented by plenty of Houstonians aching for dinner (and lunch or brunch) with a view. The waterfront restaurant offers stunning Gulf views from its vast dining room and sprawling outdoor patio and bar, and an abundance of seafood delights to pair with Insta-worthy frozen cocktails.  

113 6th St, San Leon, TX 77539
(281) 339-1515
(281) 339-1515
Waterfront patio seating.
Pier 6 offers endless seaside views.
Kimberly Park

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State Fare Kitchen & Bar

1900 Hughes Landing Blvd Suite 200, The Woodlands, TX 77380

State Fare’s new Woodlands outpost boasts a highly sought-after amenity that none of the other locations have — a waterfront patio. Located within the popular retail and restaurant hub, Hugh’s Landing, guests can enjoy all of the same burgers, snacks, and entrees as its other locations, but with a vacation-worthy view.

1900 Hughes Landing Blvd Suite 200, The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 825-5368
(281) 825-5368
Outdoor patio on the water.
Enjoy waterfront dining at State Fare’s new Woodlands location.
Lisa Gochman PR

Back Table

2301 N Millbend Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380

Located on the golf course at the scenic Woodlands Resort, Back Table is a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The waterfront restaurant features an upscale menu including raw and chargrilled oysters, wild-caught salmon, and steak frites, plus sweet and spicy craft cocktails and a stellar tres leches.

2301 N Millbend Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 364-6400
(281) 364-6400

Rainbow Lodge

2011 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008

This real-life log cabin turned restaurant, situated on the banks of White Oak Bayou, is one of the city’s most charming destinations to dine with a view. The 100-year-old cabin boasts dreamy interiors with real log walls and plenty of windows to enjoy the natural scenery, but it’s the restaurant’s grounds that really impress. Opt for a seat on the deck amidst the bountiful trees, enjoy dishes featuring wild game, like seared duck breast, or opt for flavorful seafood dishes, like the lump crab cake, and experience a true oasis within the city. 

2011 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-8666
(713) 861-8666
Patterson Murphy PR

B&B Butchers & Restaurant

1814 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007

The 100-year-old building which houses this boutique steakhouse has plenty of character and charm, but no place more than the restaurant’s second-level terrace. Situated on Washington Avenue’s East End, B&B Butchers offers unobstructed views of the Downtown cityscape while guests enjoy delicious cuts of meat, like juicy filet mignon and Texas wagyu ribeye, and creative dishes like “carpet Bagger on the half shell,” oysters loaded with goodness. Visit by day for weekend brunch, or take in the sunset during dinner nightly.

1814 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 862-1814
(713) 862-1814
Jenn Duncan

Brenner's on the Bayou

1 Birdsall St, Houston, TX 77007

Many special occasions have been celebrated on the picturesque grounds of Brenner’s on the Bayou. This magical setting, lush with Houston’s natural landscape, spills out onto Buffalo Bayou, allowing diners sweeping views at every turn. Take in cocktails on the covered, outdoor deck, coined the Blue Bar, or settle in for a long, steakhouse dinner in the multi-level dining room, which offers equally impressive views and rich dishes like lobster bisque, the wild boar rack served with marbled potatoes and raclette, and the miso-glazed sea bass.

1 Birdsall St, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 868-4444
(713) 868-4444

Z on23

1121 Walker St, Houston, TX 77002

A standout among the city’s rooftop bars, Z on 23 atop the Le Meridien Hotel offers unparalleled views of Downtown Houston. Be warned, here your photo-clicking finger may tire — the L-shaped bar — 23 floors high off the ground — boasts not a single bad seat in the house. Grab a cocktail (or many), a charcuterie board, and enjoy the view. And if you’re hungry for a heartier meal, visit Zutro, the full-service restaurant on ground level.

1121 Walker St, Houston, TX 77002
(346) 330-3446
(346) 330-3446

Strato 550

1415 Louisiana St 43rd floor, Houston, TX 77002

This sky-high restaurant and bar, located on the 43rd floor of 1415 Louisiana, is Downtown’s best-kept secret. Open for lunch and happy hour only, it serves as a welcome escape from the office. Start with a spring wedge, followed by a Strato burger made with hand-ground brisket, and observe the city in a unique and captivating way.

1415 Louisiana St 43rd floor, Houston, TX 77002
(832) 280-8977
(832) 280-8977

The Grove

1611 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010

There are lots of dining choices to consider in close proximity of Discovery Green in Downtown, but only one is situated dead in the middle of it. The Grove allows park-goers to enjoy an upscale dining experience while remaining close to all of the action. Substantial glass windows offer park views at every turn, and a wraparound patio lets diners enjoy their meals outdoors. The creamy blue crab mac and cheese is a decadent choice, and you can’t go wrong with the braised short rib, or the cauliflower koshary, if looking for something vegetarian.

1611 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010
(713) 337-7321
(713) 337-7321

Tiny Boxwoods

3614 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77027

The rustic backdrop and neatly landscaped gardens of this beloved West U restaurant are part of its charm. Guests gather early for lunch and Sunday brunch in an effort to snag a seat on the attractive patio. No tables available? Order a latte and one of Tiny’s famous chocolate chip cookies and roam the grounds. 

3614 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77027
(713) 622-4224
(713) 622-4224

Terrace 54

1709 Dryden Rd, Houston, TX 77030

While the Westin at the Medical Center may not sound like the most thrilling place to dine, the swanky hotel houses one of the prettiest restaurant patios in the city. At Terrace 54, breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be had on the expansive patio overlooking Main Street below. Visit during the popular social hour from 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays and score $10 cocktails and bar bites as you catch the sunset.

1709 Dryden Rd, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 730-2404
(713) 730-2404
Open air outdoor terrace.
Terrace 54 boasts some of the prettiest views in town.
Lisa Gochman PR

Pier 6

113 6th St, San Leon, TX 77539

While it isn’t technically within Houston city limits, Pier 6 in San Leon is frequented by plenty of Houstonians aching for dinner (and lunch or brunch) with a view. The waterfront restaurant offers stunning Gulf views from its vast dining room and sprawling outdoor patio and bar, and an abundance of seafood delights to pair with Insta-worthy frozen cocktails.  

113 6th St, San Leon, TX 77539
(281) 339-1515
(281) 339-1515
Waterfront patio seating.
Pier 6 offers endless seaside views.
Kimberly Park

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