10 of our favorite places to dine and drink in Midtown Houston

13 Celsius

For a relaxed vibe among Midtown Houston bars, be sure to check out the European-style wine bar 13 Celsius, located in a 1920s Mediterranean-style building. Diners can enjoy indoor or outdoor seating in an open-air courtyard and tap into a vast selection of rotating wines by the glass, including white, red, rosé, orange wine and beer. The menu has everything from paninis and charcuterie boards to homemade truffles and drunken cannoli (marsala-drunk sultanas with sweet, creamy ricotta filling).

Find it: 3000 Caroline, Houston, TX 77004; 713-529-8466

The Breakfast Klub

Fuel up at The Breakfast Klub as early as 7 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends. Whether you fancy their Wings & Waffle—a Belgian waffle and six wing pieces topped with powdered sugar and a fresh strawberry—the Swissmush omelet with Swiss cheese, mushrooms and spinach; or the biscuits and gravy, you're sure to find the perfect way to start your day.

Pro tip: Grab a sandwich or healthy salad when lunch is served after 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Find it: 3711 Travis St., Houston, TX 77002; 713-528-8561

Brennan's of Houston

For fine dining, head over to Brennan's of Houston for lunch, brunch or dinner. Here you'll find a raw bar and a lunch chef's package—a three-course meal including the restaurant's signature staple, tableside flambée of bananas Foster. With the purchase of an entrée between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Tuesday through Friday), you can order a 25 cent martini. We'll cheers to that.

Brennan's enforces a business casual dress code, so plan ahead.

Find it: 3300 Smith St., Houston, TX 77006; 713-522-9711

Cali Sandwich & Pho

Ask any local for their favorite no-frills spot for Vietnamese food and they'll tell you to go to Cali Sandwich & Pho. Award-winning restaurateur Chris Shepherd is a fan of the eatery and once told the Houston Chronicle that his usual order here is the grilled pork bánh mì. In addition to the noteworthy food, especially the sandwiches and noodle soups, you'll find spacious seating and fast service.

Find it: 2900 Travis St., Houston, TX 77006; 713-520-0710

Jinya Ramen Bar

Craving ramen or Japanese dishes? Jinya Ramen Bar in Midtown Houston is the place to go. The restaurant makes each of its customers feel welcomed from the moment they walk in the door and hear "irashaimasu," which means "welcome" in Japanese. Its tonkotsu ramen noodle soup is a popular favorite, but you can't go wrong with their rice balls and curry, mini tacos and small plates, as well as their vegan and gluten-free offerings.

Find it: 3201 Louisiana St., Houston, TX 77006; 832-925-8596

Gen Korean

Gen Korean makes an event out of its meals, as diners can grill Korean barbecue right at their table. You can't go wrong with the fresh seafood, prepared meats and vegetables and their array of Korean banchan (side dishes). This is an especially fun tasting experience when you're with a large group.

Find it: 3201 Louisiana St. #101, Houston, TX 77006; 713-807-7444

The Gypsy Poet

The hype you've heard makes sense when you step into Gypsy Poet for an artisanal pizza from its wood-fired oven. Pepperoni Madness (house tomato sauce, mozzarella, big pepperoni and hot honey) and the Fancy Backpacker (house tomato sauce, fior di latte, prosciutto di parma, mozzarella, truffle oil and arugula) are the most popular pizzas out of the eight on the menu, but don't skip one of their delicious salads to enjoy on the side. If you still have room, order the Nutella confezzione or tiramisu.

To top it all off, expect to be entertained with live poetry and open mic sessions while you dine.

Find it: 2404 Austin St., Houston, TX 77004; 281-364-3888

Mai's Restaurant

Another favorite restaurant in Midtown Houston is Mai's Restaurant for great Vietnamese cuisine. The third generation-owned restaurant has an extensive menu, so there's something for everyone. Choose from seafood, chicken, pork, beef, vegetable or tofu dishes with family-style soups, fried rice, rice plates, Vietnamese fajitas, noodle dishes, noodle soups and more.

Find it: 3403 Milam St., Houston, TX 77002; 713-520-5300

Tacos A Go Go

It wouldn't be an official list of the best restaurants in Midtown Houston without tacos. When y'all need your fix, Tacos A Go Go has more than a dozen options on its menu—from grilled chicken tacos to other tasty delicacies like the tater taco (tater tots with black beans, queso, salsa roja, jalapeños, pico de gallo, cilantro and sour cream). The menu isn't limited to tacos, though. Salads, chips and dips, quesadillas, burritos and burrito bowls round out the restaurant's offerings.

Find it: 3704 Main St., Houston, TX 77002; 713-807-8226

Thien An Sandwiches

You really can't go wrong when you order a bánh mì with pickled carrots and radishes, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeños, Vietnamese mayo and soy sauce at Thien An Sandwiches. When you want to grab a quick bite to eat, the popular spots also serves steamed rice rolls, rice platters, vermicelli salad and noodle soup as well.

Find it: 2611 San Jacinto St., Houston, TX 77004; 713-522-7007