Restaurants for Vegetarians in the Woodlands

🌟🌟🌟 — Notable on a statewide level.

🥇 Best Brunch
🥇 Best Happy Hour
🥇 Best Indian
World-class Indian cuisine from noted chef Jassi Bindra meets French technique in this swanky location near the Woodlands Waterway. GM Giorgio Ferrero has assembled a spectacular wine list (first growth Bordeaux, anyone?) to complement the luxurious, beautifully crafted cuisine. Spare-no-expense interior design is the backdrop for a special night out; those looking for an upscale scene need look no further.

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$$$ and $$$$ | Indian
Brunch, Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Good Desserts, Good for Vegetarians, Happy Hour, Late Night, Live Music, On the Radar, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Romantic, and Upscale

3 Waterway Square Pl #100 | The Woodlands 77380
| Map | Review
Website

🥇 Best Sandwiches

CityPlace has a hot new spot for picking up a quick, satisfying lunch or convenient dinner. Called Bread Zeppelin, the concept tosses high-quality, fresh ingredients with a plethora of homemade dressings to create a satisfying salad. But that’s just the start: The staff then (optionally) stuffs the made-to-order salad into a cored-out BreadMan Baking French baguette. The result is surprisingly delicious; the crunch of the baguette, just enough of the soft, pillowy bread, and a cool, fresh flavorful salad all in one bite. It’s the best of a salad combined with the best of a sandwich, all in one. We sampled several of their signature creations, and were particularly  impressed by the NOLA (Fried Shrimp, tomato, red onion, pickles, provolone, iceberg, remoulade) and the Plymouth Rock (roasted turkey, cranberries, beets, blue cheese, caramelized pecans, spring mix, cranberry poppyseed dressing).

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$ and $$ | Salads and Sandwiches
Catering, Good for Vegetarians, and Outdoor Dining

1700 City Plaza Dr #100 | Spring 77389
346-336-3001 | Map | Review
Website

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Asian
🥇 Best Thai

A wide variety of expertly crafted Thai dishes is on the menu at Charm Thai Bistro, and we were impressed with every single one we sampled. From the cool, tangy, refreshing Som Tum (papaya salad) to the delightfully complex Tom Kha (coconut soup) to the soulfully rich Panang Curry, we were blown away by the obvious care that went into every dish. Even the de rigueur Pad Thai was the best we’ve found ’round these parts. Chef Adam Gorelick is not a native of Thailand, but you’d never know by the food that flows from his talented kitchen. Modern, comfortable setting, featuring artifacts imported from Thailand, and a huge mural of a Thai lion overseeing the dining room. Service is warm, friendly and professional.

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$$ | Thai
Family-Run Small Business, Good for Vegetarians, and HRW2021

2203 Spring Steubner Rd #100 | Spring 77389
281-516-5555 | Map

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Asian
🥇 Best Vietnamese

This hidden gem is an offshoot of Huynh, one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Houston, so we were excited to hear of its opening. Upon visiting, our high expectations were exceeded.

Soups are superb; the pho is rich and flavorful, and the chicken wonton is light years ahead of what you’ll find at a typical Chinese spot. But don’t miss the plated entrees; they are created with an eye to bold flavors and careful attention to detail.

The space is large, bright, and airy, with a sleek modern design. It’s quickly become our preferred Vietnamese destination in the Woodlands area.

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$$ | Vietnamese
Good for Vegetarians

17947 Interstate 45 S | Shenandoah 77385
281-651-2208 | Map
| Order Online

🌟🌟 — Among the best restaurants in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Asian
🥇 Best Vietnamese

Delightfully quirky family-run Asian fusion spot with an enticing slate of unique and memorable dishes. These family recipes surprise and delight; highlights are the deep, rich pho, surprising noodle dishes, superb curry, and a slate of tasty and clever appetizers. Don’t skip the beverages; Café Su Da and Thai Milk Tea are both among the best we’ve sampled.

Calling the staff friendly does them a disservice; Paul and his team are incredibly personable and charming. Service is professional, with a delightfully personal touch. The setting is cozy, comfortable and spotless.

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$ and $$ | Vietnamese
Family-Run Small Business and Good for Vegetarians

3416 FM 2920 Suite 210 | Spring 77388
832-791-5873 | Map
Website

Grazeables isn’t a restaurant, but rather a creator of artistic, delicious charcuterie and grazing boxes. A typical Grazeable contains interesting cheeses, savory meats, crackers, nuts, fruits, veggies, dips, spreads, chocolates, and more. The components are hand selected by owner Amy Martinez, and assembled in a commercial kitchen off Sawdust road.

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$$ and $$$ | Charcuterie
Catering, Delivery by Restaurant, Family-Run Small Business, and Good for Vegetarians

25275 Budde Rd Suite 4B | Spring 77380
281-797-0262 | Map
Website

🥇 Best Salad
🥈 Recommended American (New)

Garden fresh salads, hefty sandwiches, and well conceived appetizers (try the avocado beet toast) are the draw at this Sawdust area restaurant featuring healthy ingredients from local sources. The modern, inviting room is a relaxing space to enjoy. Fast and friendly counter service makes it a perfect spot for a quick lunch.

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$$ | American (New), BBQ, Salads, and Sandwiches
Family-Run Small Business, Good for Vegetarians, and Outdoor Dining

448 Sawdust Road | The Woodlands 77380
at Budde
832-791-2338 | Map | Review
Website | Menu | Order Online

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Burger

Hopdoddy, the wildly successful Austin-based burger group, has opened its long-awaited Woodlands location. Diners flock to manageably-sized signature burgers, with a variety of chef-designed toppings. Beef is a custom grind, buns are made in house, and toppings and sauces are created by their executive chef. Vegetarians and the gluten sensitive aren’t left out – specific options exist for both. Fries are cut in house and very good; they sweat the details and use the correct two-step cooking process that’s necessary for fresh cut fries. Comfortable location with a large patio, ample parking.

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$ and $$ | Burgers
Full Bar, Good for Kids, Good for Vegetarians, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining

2417 Research Forest Drive Suite A | The Woodlands 77381
281-907-9001 | Map
Website | Menu | Order Online

Lovers of Mediterranean cuisine have been frequenting this family run cafe, now in its second, larger location. A broad menu stretches from Greece to Lebanon, with favorites from both cultures well represented. We’re particularly fond of the rich, lush lamb stew, the flavorful schwarma (similar to a gyro), delicious housemade hummus and the bright, tasty tabouli. If you’re in the mood for something out of the ordinary, Lama is a great option.

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$$ | Greek and Lebanese
Good for Vegetarians and Outdoor Dining

1644 Research Forest Dr #100 | Shenandoah 77381
281-292-5262 | Map
Website | Order Online

🥈 Recommended Sandwich
🥈 Recommended Vietnamese

Panther Creek Families have been visiting Lucky Cafe for years. This small restaurant, tucked away on Glen Loch, serves up satisfying pho, savory banh mi, and a variety of other Vietnamese specialties. A selection of Americanized Chinese dishes are also provided for the less adventurous.

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$ and $$ | Vietnamese
Good for Vegetarians

27120 Glen Loch Dr | The Woodlands 77381
281-298-2211 | Map

🥈 Recommended Indian

Namaste offers solid versions of all your favorite traditional Indian dishes. From Chicken Tikka Masala to Saag Paneer to Naan. Namaste specializes in chaat (Indian Fast food) while also dabbling in some southern Indian dishes and fusion foods, which combine more than one type of cuisine. They have an extensive Indochinese offering, too.

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$$ | Indian
Family-Run Small Business and Good for Vegetarians

202 Sawdust Rd Suite 115 | Spring 77380
832-299-6476 | Map
Website

🌟🌟 — Among the best restaurants in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Chinese

Kuykendahl road has a great destination for serious Chinese food. Called Noodle Kitchen, this small, family-run Chinese spot features hand-pulled noodles, superb xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and a nice selection of well-prepared Chinese favorites. North siders who are craving authentic cuisine from the Shanghai region now have an option that doesn’t involve a drive down to Bellaire, and for that, we are forever thankful. Friendly service from new staff that can be overwhelmed; showing a little grace and patience will be greatly rewarded.

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$$ | Chinese
Family-Run Small Business, Good for Vegetarians, and On the Radar

18363 Kuykendahl Rd | Spring 77379
346-463-8078 | Map
Website

🌟🌟 — Among the best restaurants in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Indian

Discerning foodies looking for a great Indian restaurant now have a solid local destination. Palette Indian Kitchen creates remarkably complex, subtly spiced dishes that will please the most demanding palate. From the scrumptious Chicken Popsicles, with their lush garlic lemon creme sauce, to the savory Lamb Seekh Kabob, boldly aromatic, herbal, moist and incredibly flavorful, there is a lot to love on the expansive menu. Surprises abound; we were tickled by the gently sweet Peshwari Naan (baked in the tandoori oven with coconut, nuts, and hints of cherry) and the Goan Shrimp Curry, a subtle curry with plump, beautifully cooked shrimp and layer upon layer of flavor. Don’t let the casual strip-center location fool you; this is a serious kitchen with serious food.

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$$ | Indian
Family-Run Small Business, Good for Vegetarians, Outdoor Dining, and Private Room

3559 Rayford Rd Suite 200 | Spring 77386
281-362-5999 | Map
Website | Order Online

🥈 Recommended Burger

This long-time Southern California favorite bursts beyond the borders of the Golden State and lands at Hughes Landing. Fresh creations from high-quality ingredients are the focus. From burgers and sandwiches to salads and wraps, The Stand delivers healthy quick service food without getting preachy about it. Save room for dessert, and don’t forget to peruse their curated collection of beer and wine.

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Full review >>

$ and $$ | Burgers, Salads, and Sandwiches
Catering, Good for Kids, Good for Vegetarians, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining

2000 Hughes Landing Blvd F-700 | The Woodlands 77380
In Hughes Landing
832-592-1135 | Map | Review
Website | Menu | Order Online

🌟🌟🌟🌟 — Among the best restaurants in Texas.

🥇 Best American (New)
🥇 Best Burger
🥇 Best Happy Hour
🥇 Best Seafood
🥇 Best Steak

Chef-driven restaurants are rare in The Woodlands, but Chef Austin Simmons demonstrates how successful they can be. Formerly known as Hubbell & Hudson Bistro, TRIS features innovative cuisine, and everything from the outstanding burgers to the most elaborate entree shows the kind of attention to detail that is the hallmark of a great restaurant.

Not only does Tris butcher their own beef, but they’ve created their own hybrid breed of cattle (Gyulais, a wagyu/charolais hybrid) that meets the chef’s exacting standards.. Chef Austin has the uncanny knack of combining diverse and unique ingredients into dishes that surprise and delight, while maintaining the integrity of the cuisine.

Steaks are a strength; from USDA prime to Texas wagyu to their own Gyulais herd to Japanese A5 (Miyazaki) for the true connoisseur. Each is cooked with the technique that will bring out the unique flavor of the breed and cut of beef. Seafood is another specialty, and it’s handled superbly. A deep dive into the appetizers can bring great rewards, from the now-iconic Korean butter-poached crab to the ethereal hamachi sashimi.

Many establishments slip a notch when the name on the door isn’t in the house, but not Tris; Simmons has created a well oiled machine. Chef Courtney helms the kitchen in the maestro’s absence, and we can’t detect any difference at all. That is the mark of an outstanding organization, and Tris exemplifies just how good a restaurant can be with a great team and a creative genius at the helm.

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Full review >>

$$$ and $$$$ | American (New), Burgers, Seafood, and Steaks
Catering, Full Bar, Good Desserts, Good for Vegetarians, Happy Hour, HRW2020, HRW2021, HRW2022, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, and Upscale

24 Waterway Avenue | The Woodlands 77380
281-203-5641 | Map | Review
Website | Menu | Order Online

The Wheel Kitchen is an honest-to-goodness farm to table restaurant that sources its food from local farmers, and uses it to create new and interesting dishes for hungry guests. Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s popular with those looking for a unique, healthy alternative to chain restaurants.

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$$ | American (Traditional) and Breakfast
Brunch, Family-Run Small Business, Good for Vegetarians, and HRW2022

25510 Zion Lutheran Cemetery Rd | Tomball 77375
346-336-8098 | Map
Website | Menu

Zara’s Mediterranean Kitchen is a family-run restaurant located in a strip center on Rayford Road. They focus on healthy, homemade food made from fresh ingredients. Locals rave about their multiple varieties of hummus, grilled meats, vegetarian options, quick service, and lovely setting.

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$$ | Lebanese and Mediterranean
Catering, Family-Run Small Business, and Good for Vegetarians

415 Rayford Rd | Spring 77386
713-575-9272 | Map