European

Tony's Restaurant 
1801 Post Oak Boulevard (SW), 713-622-6778
Elegant atmosphere, a sumptious menu and an impeccable waitstaff have for decades kept restaurateur Tony's Vallone's namesake eating establishment at the top of the list for Houston V.I.P.'s and celeb's.  Fine art and a deeply-hued interior decor are found throughout the lively piano bar and oppulent dining area.  The overall effect is sophisticated without becoming overwrought.  Enjoy the ambience and browse the menu while munching on Tony's spiced raisin toast with paté.  To start, try the lobster bisque, served with a dash of cognac added at the table by your server, or sample one of  the magnificently-constructed salads.  Notable entrees include baby snapper, beef Napoleon, and Chef Bruce McMillian's well-known take on short ribs.  Remember to request one of the elegant dessert soufflées when you order (a 45 minute prep. time).  Served tableside, the luscious spectacle looks almost as dreamy as it tastes.  Other delicious desserts abound, including an awe-inspiring Baked Alaska. Legendary wine list. 
D:M-Sat. ($$$$)

 

Mexican

Las Alamedas
8615 Katy Freeway (SW), 713-461-1503
Good, traditional Mexican fare; nice atmosphere; excellent waitstaff.  Majestic 19th-century-style hacienda exterior houses roomy bar seating (salvaged from an old hotel in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico) that leads to dining area with view of Buffalo Bayou flora and fauna through expansive picture windows.  (Ask for one of the comfy, slightly elevated booths with a view.)  Always good are the warm, steamy salsa, ceviche and chicken enchiladas.  Appealing seafood dishes.  Satisfying dessert menu.  Premium tequilas.
L:M-F  D:daily  B:Sun.  ($$)

 

Pizza

Brothers Pizza/Brothers Pizza Express
140 Greenspoint Mall (N), 281-875-4454
163 Cypresswood Drive (N), 281-288-1300, 281-355-5200
9719 Mills Road (N), 281-517-0080
2260 Buckthorne Plaza (Far N), 281-298-9299, 281-364-9240
Best pizza on the north side.  Brothers has developed a loyal following -- native Texans and former Easterners alike-- with its authentic, New York-style pies made by real Italian guys from Jersey.  Also worth noting are the inexpensive, well-prepared sandwiches and pastas.  Try the manicotti or the calzone, both served with Brothers' fine marinara sauce.  Plenty of seating at the Cypresswood location if you decide to eat in.  (You can watch TV and see the sun set through their glass walls.)  Or, order for pickup or delivery as many patrons do.  
L, D:Sun. - Sat.  ($)

 

 

Pubs

Mathias'
3755 F.M. 1960 W (N), 281-537-5837
The real McCoy.  A place to sit back, enjoy the game on big screen TV and sip a Fuller's E.S.B. with an old buddy.  Incomparable selection of beers, stouts and ales from across the globe served up in a dimly-lit, clubby yet casual setting.    Pleasing, competently-prepared selection of comfort foods and deli sandwiches. Knowledgeable waitstaff.  (Cigar and cigarette smoke are part of the atmosphere and the territory here.)   Live music on weekends (cover).
($)        

 

Churrasco's
9705 Westheimer at Gessner (SW), 713-952-1988
2055 Westheimer at Shepherd (SW), 713-527-8300 
1320 W. Bay Area Blvd. (S), 281-461-4100
Nicaraguan-born Michael Cordua's award-winning eateries offer bold, exciting Latin fare in a gracious, well-appointed hacienda setting, replete with South American folkart and animal skins. Named for the churrasco, a butterflied, char-grilled beef tenderloin, basted in chimichurri sauce, Cordua's three locations serve up South American standards and original creations that range from succulent churrasco beef to exotically-prepared seafood.  Starters include crunchy, fried plaintains served with addictive chimichurri sauces.  Not to be overlooked: empaniditas, smoked crab claws and Sopa de Frijol Negro Cubana--a robust black bean soup hidden in the center of a perfect loaf of warm sourdough bread. Dessert choices include fresh coconut ice cream, flan and house specialty trés léches cake.  Exotic drinks -- try the Pisco Sour.  Extensive wine list, including many fine, reasonably-priced Chilean and other South American wines.  
L:M-F  D: M-Sat.  ($$$)