Houston's Best Anniversary Restaurant 2008

Old World charm graces the table with a warm mix of European classics.

Reviews:

• “A very special place”
• “Fantastic!”
• “Truly Great Food”
• “Slow service, but great food”
• “Not for people in a hurry, but definitely worth the wait.”

Tips: Bavaria’s Hacker-Pschorr beer is a treat; house wines are affordably tasty; Dracula’s coffee isn’t as scary as it sounds.

Charivari Restaurant-Home Of European Cuisine or email Charivari Restaurant-Home Of European Cuisine

A chic temple of top-notch nouveau American cuisine, complete with a private dining chamber.

Reviews:

• “Great food and excellent service”
• “Best Nice Dinner in town.”
• “Not that great”
• “Don’t Expect Service”
• “Mark’s – Overrated!”

Tips: Sit at the back of the Cloister section, for quiet dining, soft lighting and plenty of romance.

Mark’s American Cuisine or email Mark’s American Cuisine

Critically hailed inventive New American cuisine characterizes this chic downtown eatery in the Alden-Houston Hotel.

Reviews:

• “Simply Excellent”
• “Always delightful”
• “Worst Valentines Day place”
• “They should rename this place -10”
• “Awesome Happy Hour Menu”

Tips: The wine list is as diverse and intriguing as always, with most bottles falling in the $40 to $70 range. Sommelier Evan Turner is on-hand to assist with selections.

17 American Food or email 17 American Food

One of Houston’s most picturesque restaurants scores as a special-occasion spot with game dishes and alfresco brunch.

Reviews:

• “Exotic, exciting cuisine”
• “Best Game Anywhere”
• “Ambience, Creativity, and Style”
• “Why bother:Bad service and subpar food – not worth the cost!”
• “Terrible Service”

Tips: The lush landscaping, citrus grove, kitchen garden and picturesque grounds make Rainbow Lounge a popular spot for weddings receptions and private parties. Call for reservations and catering menu prices.

Rainbow Lodge or email Rainbow Lodge

Hyatt Regency’s revolving restaurant is still a favorite for special occasions.

Reviews:

• “best food and drink”
• “View is worth it, everything else – subpar”
• “View???”
• “Romantic.”
• “Overrated, over-priced and terrible service”

Tips: Cap off your romantic dinner with a show in the Theater District.

Spindletop or email Spindletop

Great food plus one of the best views in Houston makes for romantic dinners and memorable group outings.

Reviews:

• “Go somewhere else”
• “Nothing exceptional about it…”
• “Great view”
• “Not a happy ending”
• “not fine dinning at all! More like a sports bar”

Tips: Ask for a table along the windowed wall for the best view of the city.

Skyline Bar & Grill – 24th Floor of Hilton Americas-Houston or email Skyline Bar & Grill – 24th Floor of Hilton Americas-Houston

Fancy filet mignon served in a must-see setting that includes a copper-inlaid bar and a luxurious lounge.

Reviews:

• “Remarkable!”
• “Benchmark for Restaurants!”
• “Terrific experience!!!!”
• “Consistently good but not exceptional”
• “Loud, Overpriced and so so food.”

The Capital Grille or email The Capital Grille

Four Seasons restaurant features fashionable Italian dining in Euro-sleek style.

Reviews:

• “Very Nice but Food is…”
• “Young professionals are welcome”
• “Worst service ever! "
• “Excellent Italian American Food in Beautiful Setting”
• “A great night!”

Tips: This downtown restaurant gets busy at lunch. Avoid the two-hour business lunch by letting the waitstaff know that you’re on a schedule.

Quattro at Four Seasons Houston

Fine French dining on the northern outskirts of town.

Reviews:

• “CONSISTANTLY THE BEST FRENCH CUISINE”
• “Best Service”
• “Great French Cuisine the way it used to be!”
• “One of the best meals we’ve ever had!”
• “Wonderful food and service!”

Tips: Has two private rooms, an intimate area for up to 12 and a larger area that accommodates up to 40.

Chez Nous or email Chez Nous

Pioneered the steakhouse trend with select beef, winsome wines and dazzling ambience.

Reviews:

• “inconsistent”
• “Texas Monthly must have gotten a kick-back!”
• “Better than Saltgrass”
• “Far from being the best anywhere”
• “Not impressed.”

Tips: Cigar aficionados should steer toward the smoky, testosterone-rich cigar room.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse or email Pappas Bros. Steakhouse