Because we’re back in the office! Yay! (not)

Fortunately (or unfortunately), depending on where you stand, we’re back in the office! Yay! As you can tell, I’m not thrilled about having to get up early and get dressed. How I miss the days of rolling out of my bed and working in my pyjamas all day…

The upside to all of this is that I get to try out all the new (and old favorite) lunch restaurants downtown! I’ve also missed walking. As we know, Houston, in general, isn’t exactly pedestrian-friendly but downtown is, for the most part. It gets really hot and you may not always feel like walking outside but that’s where the tunnels come in. The tunnels have been a lifesaver. Not only are there tons of restaurant down there, it’s also a way to get to restaurants overground while avoiding the heat and humidity.

Here’s to figuring out how to work in an office again! We’ve got this.

Grab your wallet, your favorite co-worker and head to one of these spots for lunch!

Osso and Kristalla

There was a point during the pandemic when I ordered their chicken penne pesto pasta every week. I love its open kitchen concept and its modern but casual feel. Lunch offers salads, multiple pasta and pizza options and the best desserts! Get the penne pasta, the shrimp linguine or the Italiano pizza. My favorite desserts are their tiramisu and italian cheesecake!

Fun fact: It’s owned by Jim Crane, the owner of the Astros and is right across the street from the Minute Maid Park (home of the Astros)!

1515 Texas Ave., ossoandkristalla.com

Bravery Chef Hall

One of my favorite chefs has a space here so I’m extremely biased. The Blind Goat by Christine Ha is my favorite place to go for lunch. I love Korean food and she gets it right everytime. Another really good spot is BOH Pasta and Pizza. The pasta is made fresh from flour right there in their kitchen and their pizzas are really tasty as well! You have the bulgogi bibimbap, the brisket fried rice and the lettuce wraps from The Blind Goat. From BOH, get the quattro salumi pizza or the pappardelle bolognese.

Mo’s Tip: Try to order ahead because it gets really busy during lunch time. Also, if you go with someone, have them find a table while you pick up the food.

409 Travis St., braverychefhall.com

Finn Hall

This food hall has 7 restaurants including an elevated bar in the center. Now I wouldn’t recommend visiting the bar during lunch break but all the other restaurants are fair game! My favorites are Dish Society and Yong! Dish Society has the best chicken & biscuits and french toast! My go to is the farmer’s plate. The Bulgogi or Bibimbap rice bowl from Yong is just what you need for lunch! Some say they’re spicy but I don’t think they are. I’m also Yoruba (we basically eat habanero peppers raw) so maybe my spice tolerance doesn’t count in this. All in all, they serve delicious and quick meals for your lunch break!

Mo’s Tip: Try to order ahead because it gets really busy during lunch time. Also, if you go with someone, have them find a table while you pick up the food.

712 Main St., finnhallhou.com

Rosalie

This is definitely more of a “sit down and take your time” restaurant so I would recommend it for a Friday lunch – or a day that you have more time to spare. They serve Italian soul food inspired by the chef’s Nonna in a bright, airy and colorful space. There’s also a bar with lovely drinks right outside the restaurant. If you don’t care to try different things on the menu, there’s a 20 in 20 menu option. You get a three course meal in 20 minutes all for $20! This works for people who want warm comfort food for lunch but don’t have a lot of time.

Mo’s Tip: If you can, make reservations a day or two in advance so you’re guaranteed a table once you arrive.

400 Dallas St., rosalieitaliansoul.com

SEE ALSO: Your Guide to Valentine’s Dining in Houston

Understory

Located at the base of the Bank of America tower, its light filled corridors and diverse restaurants make Understory one of my favorite lunch spots in Houston. There’s a cute, upscale coffee shop called Boomtown that you have to try! Common Bond also just opened its brasserie there! It’s absolutely stunning and in common bond fashion, the food is delicious. Mona, the Italian restaurant, has delicious and affordable fresh pasta.

Mo’s Tip: Grab lunch and sit on “The Great Steps” to fully experience the 40 ft. floor to ceiling windows and the beautiful natural light that floods the space.

800 Capitol St., understoryhouston.com

Sweetgreen

This place has me in a chokehold. It’s actually ridiculous. If they’re looking to hire a Chief Food Tasting Officer, I’m there. I typically get bored of ordering the same thing at restaurants so getting to build your own warm bowl is the best. My go-to’s otherwise are the Chicken Chimichurri and Hot Honey Chicken!

Mo’s Tip: Order ahead for pick up if you don’t want to wait in the long line.

820 Main St., sweetgreen.com

Halal Guys

I love when a restaurant says its food is spicy and its actually spicy. Tread lightly with the spice levels here because they’ll have you huffing and puffing. The Chicken Gyro is my go-to with extra hot sauce and white sauce. They also have food trucks that hang out around the downtown and uptown area which make them accessible to more people. So grateful they decided to expand beyond New York!

Mo’s Tip: Skip the line and order ahead!

6609 Main St., thehalalguys.com

Salata

Hungry for something new? Make salad your new go-to with Salata. I love the fact that they have 12 dressing options and you can mix and match them! They also give you the freedom to customize your salad or wrap however you like. If you want a good healthy salad, this is the place for you.

Mo’s Tip: Skip the line and order ahead! Sign up for their rewards. There are two other locations downtown. The one listed is the one closest to my office.

500 Dallas T-21 (Allen Center)., salata.com

Mendocino Farms

I’m typically the person that says they’ll “never pay for a sandwich”. However, these sandwiches are pretty good and they are not your regular sandwiches! You can literally taste the freshness and the quality of the ingredients they use in all their dishes. From the “not so fried” chicken sandwich to the peruvian sandwich, the unexpected flavor combos will definitely WOW you!

Mo’s Tip: These sandwiches are a little expensive so double check the menu before visiting! You can also order online.

609 Main St., mendocinofarms.com

Stack Burger

Depending on how I’m feeling, a burger might seem a little too heavy for lunch. But, when I am in the mood for a good burger, Stack Burger is my go-to. They serve classic American burgers and who doesn’t love a classic burger? Very simple yet so delicious. They also serve breakfast all-day so if you’re craving breakfast for lunch, stop by here.

Mo’s Tip: Skip the line and order ahead!

703 St. Joseph Pkwy., stack-burger.com