This is a joke, isn't it?

No, it's not a joke. The point is there are more than 5,000 restaurants in the greater Houston area, but most of us tend to get in a dining rut and patronize the same five or six restaurants.

The restaurants recommended here are simply at starting part for exploring Houston's vibrant restaurant scene. Some of these are recommended for their menu as a whole, others for just one dish. Some are unique in their atmosphere, their customer service or just the way their patio feels on a Sunday afternoon.

The point is to look for homegrown restaurants and avoid the Olive Gardens and Maggiano's of this world.

yummmm..... Dolce Vita is worth every calorie.

Craiganales? really?

Its changed hands now, its called Lacey's.

I would also recommend Cavatore's on Ella...it has a really nice atmosphere (apparently the building its in is an old barn they found in Bastrop, according to the menu), there's a live piano player, and the food is pretty good too. Try the tableside ceasar salad, yumm.

Syd, most of the list is great, but I'm wondering how Justin Basye is up for a James Beard award yet his Stella Sola doesn't make your 29. I'm thinking it's the one YOU must try.

MAJOR oversight in leaving Ramano's (off West Grey) off the list. They make one of the BEST NY style pizzas in Houston and consistently are rated among the best.

Not sure who makes these lists but creditability is seriously lacking.

My bad - didn't see you give Romanos props in your pizza list.

I'm in San Antonio, and there are no restaurants like these here.