Barbacana

I just had the pleasure of dining at Barbacana, and I can confidently say it was one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in Houston. From the moment I walked in, the warm yet modern ambiance set the stage for what turned out to be an incredible culinary journey. Chef Christian Hernandez’s menu is nothing short of spectacular. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted with bold flavors and an impressive attention to detail. The Prawn Carpaccio was delicate and refreshing. Each bite showcased the chef’s creativity and passion for sustainable, Houston-inspired cuisine. The service was just as remarkable as the food—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to share the experience with guests. And the wine list? Absolutely fantastic. With 70 carefully selected options, it’s easy to find the perfect pairing for every dish. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, Barbacana is a must-visit. I’m already looking forward to my next meal here!

Barbacana is such a great new spot in downtown Houston. The vibe is amazing—cool atmosphere, great music, and it really feels like Houston. The wine recommendation was perfect, and the food was incredible. We did the tasting menu and left completely full and happy. Can’t wait for the à la carte menu to drop so we can try even more. The staff was super friendly and attentive, and they made the whole experience even better. Definitely coming back soon!

Attended the soft opening and got to enjoy their inaugural tasting menu. The first of eight dishes, the Jicama Tetela, Prawn Carpaccio was the start of a delicious experience. The combinations of textures and flavors flowed nicely from one dish to the next. Some of the seasonings all of which were made in house, were new to me and honestly wanted some to take home! Every course was presented beautifully with generous portions. The husk cherry, stroopwafel with foie gras was the last course and a perfect way to close out the delicious and filling dinner. Hard to choose a favorite so I hope each one makes it to a future a la carte menu. The service staff were all friendly and en pointe always attentive without being being intrusive. We were seated at the counter with direct view to the kitchen and it made for an interesting backdrop to the great meal. The ambiance was thoughtful, casually refined with beautiful textures, colors and mural artwork. Located on the corner of Franklin and Travis near the theater and court districts, with pay parking lots and metered street parking. Looking forward to my next visit already!

Barbacana was such a fantastic find! The beef carpaccio was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, the lump crab tart was so fresh and flavorful, and the prawns had just the right smoky kick. And don’t even get me started on the chocolate budino with pasilla caramel—it’s seriously to die for! It’s exciting to have new restaurants like this popping up in Houston. The vibe is great, the service is spot-on, and the food is unforgettable. You won’t regret checking this place out—it’s one to keep on your must-visit list!

Beautiful space and wonderful food. Chef Christian and the team at Barbacana’s attention to detail and service made it a great girls’ night out. 10/10 would recommend. From the evening’s tasting menu, LOVED the crab and duck. Can’t wait to try the a la carte menu on my next visit!

I felt special from the moment I hit send on open table. Nick called to confirm our reservation and made sure my mother’s birthday would be celebrated spectacularly. We did the tasting menu and enjoyed every bite. Chef Christian did a fabulous job of accommodating my dietary restrictions. I can highly recommend Barbacana for all vegan or vegetarians All and all it was a tasting experience like no other in the south.

What an exciting opening! Every single dish was delicious and the staff was incredible. The place itself is beautiful, love what they did to it. Highly recommend if you are looking for something different and high quality.

The service at Barbacana is truly exceptional. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, and the entire staff worked seamlessly to create a flawless dining experience. We never had to ask for anything twice! If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll love Barbacana. The menu offers a fantastic selection of dishes, and Chef Christian Hernandez works his magic in the kitchen. Every bite was outstanding, and we couldn’t stop raving about the food. I can’t wait to return!

Downtown just got a whole lot tastier with this new restaurant! The food was delicious and it's about time we got some new flavors around here, looking forward to going back. Can't wait to go back!