Best Upscale Salad in Houston | Top 1 Upscale Spots

28 restaurants in Best Upscale Salad in Houston | Top 1 Upscale Spots

• Oma Sushi — Japanese · rated 5/5: Oma Sushi serves as a serene neighborhood sanctuary where the comforting steam of simmering oden and savory udon creates an immediate sense of warmth and welcome. The kitchen balances these soulful broths with a vibrant array of textures, from the delicate snap of chilled squid salad to the indulgent, golden crunch of rock shrimp tempura nestled atop fresh greens. It is a destination where traditional Japanese flavors are celebrated through a lens of freshness, offering a dining experience that is both light and deeply satisfying.
• Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet — Mediterranean · rated 5/5: Step into a vibrant marketplace of Mediterranean flavors where the scent of warm, pillowy pita and toasted zatar fills the air. A kaleidoscope of fresh salads—from zesty chickpea to crisp kale Caesar—invites guests to build their own colorful plates alongside savory grape leaves and golden, herb-flecked falafel. This sun-drenched buffet experience celebrates the bounty of the region, offering a communal feast that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
• Fyzas Alhadi — Middle Eastern · rated 4/5: Fyzas Alhadi invites diners into a vibrant world of Mediterranean flavors, where the air is perfumed with the scent of toasted spices and fresh-chopped herbs. Velvety swirls of hummus and smoky baba ghanouj share the table with golden, crisp falafel and zesty cilantro potatoes, creating a tapestry of textures that celebrate traditional Middle Eastern hospitality. Whether diving into a bright, lemon-kissed taboulee or a hearty salad topped with tender gyro, every plate offers a refreshing journey through sun-drenched culinary traditions.
• Spicy House — Chinese · rated 4/5: The air at Spicy House is thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted chilies and pungent garlic, drawing diners into a vibrant space where bold Szechuan flavors take center stage. Shimmering plates of beef and ox tongue in crimson oil sit alongside steaming bowls of tangy sauerkraut fish soup, offering a masterclass in the delicate balance of numbing heat and savory depth. Every meal becomes an exhilarating sensory journey, from the cooling crunch of cilantro-flecked salads to the soul-warming comfort of traditional beef broths.
• Bohemeo's — Mexican · rated 4/5: This eclectic neighborhood gem pulses with a bohemian spirit, offering a sun-drenched escape where vibrant art and the sizzle of the grill create an inviting, laid-back sanctuary. Zesty Baja tacos and golden, cheese-laden quesadillas arrive bursting with coastal flavors, while crisp, nutrient-rich salads and house-made salsas provide a refreshing counterpoint to the indulgent crunch of loaded nachos.
• Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: The air hums with the inviting scent of hearth-baked pita and aromatic zatar, drawing guests into a vibrant landscape of Mediterranean abundance. Plates are piled high with crispy, golden falafel and tender grape leaves, balanced by a refreshing kaleidoscope of salads that range from peppery arugula to hearty, herb-flecked chickpea medleys. It is a lively, communal feast where the bright, sun-kissed flavors of the Levant come together in a nourishing celebration of variety and tradition.
• Callie's Kitchen — American · rated 4/5: Callie’s Kitchen invites diners into a vibrant, sun-drenched sanctuary where the air is filled with the scent of fresh herbs and the inviting warmth of toasted grains. The kitchen transforms wholesome ingredients into bold, imaginative creations, balancing the crisp crunch of raw collard wraps and berry-studded salads with the indulgent comfort of spicy queso and soft pretzel bread. Every plate celebrates a fusion of nourishing vitality and playful flavor, offering a refreshing escape that feels as good as it tastes.
• Busy Bee Cafe — American · rated 3/5: This bustling neighborhood gem hums with the warmth of classic hospitality, where the savory aroma of sizzling country potatoes and golden-fried chicken livers invites guests to settle into a cozy booth. Hearty plates of crispy chicken fried steak and overflowing shrimp feasts take center stage, perfectly complemented by the nostalgic comfort of creamy homemade corn casserole and vibrant, garden-fresh salads. Whether diving into a towering Bodacious Burger or savoring hand-breaded zucchini squash, every bite captures the soulful, sun-drenched essence of a well-loved community kitchen.
• Baytown Seafood — Seafood · rated 2/5: This sun-drenched coastal retreat invites guests to linger over golden baskets of parmesan garlic fries and zesty buffalo cauliflower while the aroma of bubbling mozzarella and fresh basil wafts from artisanal pizzas. Crisp, vibrant salads like the Mediterranean or refreshing zoodles offer a garden-fresh contrast to the rich, savory depth of their signature red and white pies. It is a welcoming haven where casual seaside vibes meet a diverse array of elevated comfort foods, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sharing plates and savoring the moment.
• Wanna Bao — Chinese: Steam rises in fragrant plumes from bamboo baskets where delicate, hand-pleated soup dumplings await, their thin skins yielding to reveal rich, savory broths or a surprising, molten Nutella center. The experience is anchored by the satisfying crunch of golden, pan-seared buns and a parade of vibrant, garlic-infused salads that bring a refreshing brightness to every bite. This lively spot captures the heart of artisanal comfort, inviting guests to dive into a world of bold textures and soul-warming flavors.
• Amore — Italian: Amore captures a sense of timeless elegance, where the air is filled with the savory aroma of golden potato croquettes and tender lamb meatballs simmering in rich, fragrant sauces. Guests indulge in a sophisticated parade of flavors, from the crisp, earthy bite of fried artichokes to the delicate, sea-salted luxury of Patagonian prawns and smoked salmon adorned with glinting caviar. This is a space where vibrant heirloom tomato salads and peppery arugula provide a fresh, bright counterpoint to the buttery richness of Prosciutto San Daniele, making every meal feel like a curated celebration of the senses.
• The Lake House — American: Sunlight dances across the water at this tranquil retreat, where the smoky aroma of the grill mingles with the refreshing scent of garden-fresh greens and seasonal fruits. It is a breezy, sun-soaked destination where guests can linger over artisanal sandwiches and vibrant salads, capturing the effortless essence of a perfect afternoon by the lake.
• Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet — Mediterranean: Step into a sun-drenched oasis of Mediterranean abundance, where the air is thick with the scent of toasted zatar and warm, pillowy pita bread pulled fresh from the oven. A vibrant tapestry of flavors awaits at the buffet, from the earthy crunch of golden falafel and tangy hand-rolled grape leaves to a refreshing garden of crisp kale Caesar and zesty chickpea salads. This communal feast invites guests to linger over a colorful mosaic of wholesome, herb-forward dishes that celebrate the timeless traditions of Middle Eastern hospitality.
• Riva's — Italian: Riva’s invites guests into an atmosphere of understated elegance, where the scent of sautéed garlic and fresh herbs sets the stage for a sophisticated, coastal-inspired meal. The kitchen transforms the ocean’s bounty into golden, pan-seared crab cakes and buttery shrimp scampi, beautifully balanced by the vibrant colors of crisp, garden-fresh salads and velvety mozzarella paired with sun-ripened tomatoes. It is a place where classic flavors are elevated with finesse, offering a dining experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly light.
• Blue Nile — Middle Eastern: Fragrant clouds of berbere and garlic drift through this inviting space, where the communal spirit of Ethiopian dining comes alive over vibrant platters of slow-simmered stews. Guests gather to tear off pieces of tangy, spongy injera, scooping up colorful mounds of earthy Kik Alicha, spiced Yemissir Wot, and tender Gomen in a tactile celebration of traditional flavors. From the crisp crunch of golden sambusas to the refreshing zest of a chilled Timatim salad, every dish offers a soulful and aromatic journey through a rich culinary heritage.
• Schlotzsky's — American: Stepping inside, the tangy aroma of signature sourdough baking to a golden crisp sets the stage for a meal centered around the iconic, multi-layered Original sandwich. The experience unfolds through a tapestry of textures, from the crunch of artisan flatbreads and vibrant salads to the soothing warmth of gourmet soups, all culminating in the sweet, spice-kissed indulgence of a warm cinnamon roll.
• Postino Montrose — Italian: This spirited wine café hums with the energy of clinking glasses and shared laughter, offering a sun-drenched retreat where eclectic, art-filled interiors meet a laid-back neighborhood vibe. Artfully arranged bruschetta boards and savory butcher’s blocks take center stage, inviting guests to linger over colorful spreads of seasonal toppings and toasted paninis paired perfectly with a curated glass of wine or a crisp pitcher of beer. Whether grazing through a selection of "snacky things" or enjoying a vibrant house salad, the experience captures a soulful sophistication that turns every communal meal into a celebratory occasion.
• Mendocino Farms — American: This bright and bustling neighborhood hub reimagines the classic deli as a vibrant culinary playground where farm-fresh ingredients and artisanal breads take center stage. The kitchen layers bold, unexpected flavors into every bite, from the satisfying crunch of "not so fried" chicken to the sweet snap of seasonal apples and the fiery kick of Calabrian chili. It is a sun-drenched space that celebrates the bounty of the season, offering an elevated yet approachable dining experience where every sandwich and salad feels like a creative masterpiece.
• Los Tios — Mexican: Los Tios invites diners into a vibrant, sun-drenched space where the rhythmic crunch of warm tortilla chips and the creamy allure of fresh guacamole set the stage for a festive communal gathering. The air carries the savory aroma of golden taquitos and bubbling chile con queso, while an array of legendary nachos—piled high with melted cheese and bold toppings—celebrates the rich, comforting traditions of classic Tex-Mex. From the bright, citrusy notes of chilled ceviche to the hearty satisfaction of a crisp taco salad, every plate captures a sense of local history and shared joy.
• Casa do Brasil — Steakhouse: Casa do Brasil captures the spirit of a traditional churrascaria, where a lush salad bar brimming with mahi-mahi ceviche and smoked salmon provides a fresh, elegant opening to a parade of fire-kissed flavors. The dining room hums with energy as gauchos circulate with skewers of succulent picanha, tender lamb chops, and bacon-wrapped chicken, carving each cut tableside to create a continuous, celebratory feast of smoky aromas and refined hospitality.
• Ramen Okidoki & Lims Chicken — Japanese: A lively culinary crossroads where global comfort food takes center stage, this inviting space hums with the aroma of bubbling pizzas and the zest of garden-fresh creations. Guests can dive into a kaleidoscope of flavors, from the spicy crunch of buffalo cauliflower and vibrant Thai-inspired salads to the rustic charm of a perfectly charred Caprese pie. It is a versatile neighborhood haunt that transforms effortlessly from a cozy brunch spot for savory omelettes into a spirited evening destination for shared plates and eclectic feasts.
• Ramen Bar Ichi — Japanese: Steaming bowls of velvety tonkotsu broth take center stage at this vibrant noodle bar, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-simmered pork and toasted spices. The kitchen balances tradition and playfulness, serving everything from fiery Pollo Loco ramen to refreshing chilled salads and concentrated tsuke-men dipping noodles, all crowned with perfectly jammy seasoned eggs. It is a soulful retreat that invites guests to lose themselves in the deep, umami-rich depths of a masterfully crafted bowl.
• Betsy's — American: Betsy’s serves as a sun-drenched neighborhood sanctuary where the morning begins with the aromatic steam of artisanal coffee and the comforting warmth of hand-pressed breakfast tacos. As the day unfolds, the space transforms into a vibrant social hub where guests linger over colorful salad bowls, gourmet burgers, and eclectic shared plates complemented by a curated selection of wine, beer, and refreshing smoothies.
• Sunday Press Cafe — American: Bathed in natural light, this inviting neighborhood hub welcomes guests with the rich aroma of artisanal coffee and the comforting scent of golden pastries cooling on the counter. The kitchen balances indulgence and freshness, serving up everything from juicy, elevated burgers to vibrant garden salads that make every visit feel like a leisurely, sun-drenched weekend retreat.
• Russo's New York Pizzeria — Italian: Russo's New York Pizzeria captures the spirited essence of a classic neighborhood haunt, where the irresistible scent of truffle-drizzled garlic knots and toasted Italian bread drifts through a warm, inviting space. The table comes alive with vibrant plates of colorful bruschetta trios and crisp, feta-topped salads, perfectly balanced by the comforting richness of house-made meatballs and golden, molten mozzarella fritti. It is a place where the bold crunch of jumbo wings meets the refined freshness of the Mediterranean, offering a soulful dining experience that feels both familiar and celebratory.
• Russo's New York Pizzaria — Italian: The air at Russo’s is thick with the irresistible scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted truffle garlic knots, drawing guests into a vibrant space that hums with the energy of a classic New York neighborhood spot. From the crunch of golden mozzarella fritti to the garden-fresh brightness of a colorful bruschetta trio, the kitchen serves up a soulful blend of indulgent comfort and crisp, Mediterranean-inspired salads that invite friends and families to linger over every bite.
• Goodson's Cafe — American: Goodson's Cafe invites guests into a world of golden-hued comfort, where the irresistible aroma of hand-breaded zucchini and snap-crisp fried green tomatoes fills the air with nostalgic warmth. This neighborhood gem balances its indulgent, deep-fried treasures with a vibrant array of garden-fresh salads, offering a symphony of textures that ranges from the satisfying crunch of a savory mixed basket to the cool, refreshing bite of a sunshine-filled bowl.
• Las Haciendas — Mexican: Stepping into this vibrant hacienda-style retreat, guests are greeted by the irresistible aroma of sizzling shrimp brochettes and the rich, molten glow of queso flameado served tableside. The dining room buzzes with the energy of communal feasting, where towering plates of loaded nachos and bowls of soul-warming tortilla soup anchor an experience that balances bold, spicy indulgence with the crisp brightness of seasonal salads. It is a festive destination where every shared sampler and clinking glass celebrates the heart and soul of traditional hospitality.