Best Downtown Restaurants in Houston | Eater Houston

"Houston native Christian Hernandez, who previously worked at Michelin-starred restaurant March, debuts his own restaurant with a menu that showcases the breadth of Houston flavors. Opened in the Downtown Bayou Lofts in December, Barbacana is an amalgamation of international flavors and Hernandez’s culinary experiences, which include growing up in the East End and cooking in New York and Mexico City. Expect a menu that changes monthly, with hints of African, Middle Eastern, and Japanese cuisines. Most recently, the menu featured Texas Wagyu Denver steak, Vermillion snapper crudo, an irresistible dry-aged duck with dates, and the most decadent s’mores ice cream sandwich. Bring your buddies and order a spread of à la carte dishes and settle into the dining room’s spacious digs, or opt for Hernandez’s tasting menu ($125 per person, with optional wine pairings for $65 per person). You can dine anywhere, but the counter seating, with views into the kitchen, offers some of the most exciting seats in the house." - Marcy de Luna