Inside My Table #42 | Restaurant listings
Ladies-Who-Lunch Spots
Women can (and do) eat all over Houston, of course. However, there is a certain genre of restaurant that seems to especially configure itself to please women who wish to meet, visit and dine leisurely. Following are several such places. To aid in our research, we asked several women to tell us where they most enjoy lunching with friends. We’ve incorporated some of their responses in the listings below.
BACKSTREET CAFE, 1103 S. Shepherd near West Dallas, 713-521-2239. Paula Wehrman is one of several ladies who selected this restaurant, which has a space for every mood: Upstairs with the fireplace on a blustery winter day, the lively bar area or, now that spring has arrived, one of the loveliest patios in town. The red corn enchiladas are not to be missed. $-$$
BROWNSTONE, 2736 Virginia south of Westheimer, 713520-5666. The “pecan chicken luncheon plate with fruit is divine—this is my favorite place to take my favorite people,” says Jean Cleveland of this antique-filled restaurant. Georgette Richards adds, “I love the ambiance and great lunches. It’s a Houston classic.” $$-$$$
EUROPA CAFE, 2536 Nottingham near Kirby, 713-942-0001. This quirky spot near the Village was recommended to us repeatedly; Viola Gonzalez Lopez cited it as her favorite place for lunch with women friends. The lunches are light and have an international flare. Most especially it’s loved for its great desserts. $-$$
LA TRATTORIA, 6504 Westheimer near Voss, 713-782-1324. Carlo Molinaro’s tiny restaurant doesn’t make waves, but it makes life-long friends. A recent seafood salad appetizer was splendid, and many think the osso buco is the best in the Western world. Lunch features nice pasta dishes (including risotto), plenty of seafood and grilled meats. Nice wine list. $$
MASRAFF’S ON POST OAK LANE, 1025 S. Post Oak Lane bet. Woodway & San Felipe, 713-355-1975. Even when new, Masraff’s never went through an awkward phase; it seemed to be warm and comfortable since day one. It’s ladies-friendly, with scrumptious appetizers and smartly conceived entrees. The sweet waitstaff makes lunching here a pleasure. $$-$$$
PERRY’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT, 1001 Pineloch in Clear Lake, 281-488-2626. Rebecca Yeater told us that this Clear Lake-area favorite is “family owned, and it shows.” The Italian-American menu is hearty at dinner, lighter at lunch. The pretty dining room encourages lingering. $$
RUGGLES GRILLE 5115, 5115 Westheimer in The Galleria, 713-963-8067. Imagine lunching on Ruggles-style food in one of the world’s most stylish department stores, Saks Fifth Avenue. Grille 5115 marries a shopping adventure with an elegant dining room for an hour’s respite. Bring in your shopping bags and your best friend for a renewing lunch. $$-$$$
