If you’re visiting Houston for the first time — or even if you're a veteran — it’s key to map out your meal stops in advance to get a taste of everything, especially with how spread out the city can be. Houston’s restaurant scene is not to be underestimated with its authentic cuisine varieties, keenness to locally grown ingredients, eye for design, and Southern flair when it comes down to how to shake (and stir) a mean cocktail. Together with the help of renowned Chef Chris Shepherd, Houston food critic Mai Pham and Houston Culture Map’s Emily Goetz, we’ve compiled a list of must-visit places.

By Ashley Rose

Photographers: Images courtesy of the restaurants (Coltivare, Hugo's, Killen's BBQ, The Pass & Provisions, Pho Binh, Underbelly), Jared Smith (Bernie’s Burger Bus, Common Bond Cafe & Bakery, Pondicheri) 

You don’t have to visit Houston long to realize we’re all about a good food truck or 100, especially a Bernie’s Burger Bus food truck bus. For those of you who maybe prefer air conditioning and a cushy seat to go along with your burger, Bernie’s Burger Bus opened its first brick and mortar in the Bellaire area fully equipped with a school bus kitchen, of course. Founder and Chef Justin Turner has the whole high school gang on the menu with staples like the classic Principal burger, The Kindergartners mini signature burgers and the Recess grilled cheese sandwich.

Insider Tip: Share the honor roll fries so you can save room for a salted caramel apple shake.

New to the Houston restaurant scene, Coltivare made a name for itself quickly as the neighborhood Italian pizza and garden joint of choice. Shepherd says, “Chef Ryan Pera is one of the brightest chefs I’ve ever worked with, and his food reflects that.” You can expect great food from the open kitchen and wood-burning pizza oven, decked with toppings and accoutrements from the 3,000-square-foot vegetable garden alongside the restaurant.

Insider Tip: They don’t accept parties larger than six, and they don’t take reservations, so be sure to go early.

Easily one of Houston’s prettiest cafes with its colorful bakery boxes, marble pastry line and open kitchen, Common Bond has quickly become a must-visit spot for both Houstonians and visitors alike, and Chef Roy Shvartzapel only seals the deal. Though it’s tempting to grab 12 pastries and run, their rotating brunch and lunch menus are equally notable, with their most-popular items being the tortas.

Insider Tip: It’s not uncommon for there to be a line out the door, so try and visit on a weekday morning to beat the crowd; they’re only open until 7pm, and the kitchen closes at 3pm. Also, please eat a kugelhopf for me.