Palma de Cera: Latin American Cuisine

Drawing inspiration from the cuisines of Cuba, Argentina, and Colombia, Palma de Cera is one of Katy’s most popular Latin restaurants. While Mexican food is plentiful in the area, fewer eateries delve into the rich and invigorating food of other Latin American cuisines, so this place is always packed with interested eaters. The chefs use the highest quality ingredients to craft plates that are filling, affordable and delicious.

Some of the best appetizers on the menu include the empanadas, tasty fried pastry pockets made from cornmeal dough and stuffed with a variety of delicious fillings. Entrees are well-esteemed – regulars love the bandeja paisa, a Colombian mixed plate with fried pork belly, steak, sausage, sweet plantains, rice, beans, avocado, a fried corn cake and a fried egg. It’s a massive meal that is guaranteed to leave you stuffed. Other favorites include the lomo de cerdo, a grilled tenderloin in mushroom sauce, and the Caribbean seafood soup.

Palma de Cera
2004 S. Mason Road
Katy, TX 77450
(281) 392-3800
http://palmadecera.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/palma-de-cera-katy

Kenzo Sushi Bistro: Fresh Sushi in Katy, Texas

Sushi bars are judged on two main factors – the freshness of the fish and the ability of the chefs to turn it into spectacular presentations. Kenzo Sushi Bistro in Katy excels on both counts. This local favorite has been pleasing palates since opening in 2007, offering both traditional dishes and more fusion-oriented fare. Located in the La Cinterra Center, it’s a top-notch place to bring a date or a group of friends.

The menu is extensive, with some favorites from the more traditional side being the thinly-sliced hot rock beef that’s cooked tableside on a heated stone and the delicious eel rolls. The more experimental rolls also win raves – check out the Houstonian, made with spicy tuna, cucumber, fresh salmon and avocado, or the Atomic Roll with spicy salmon, jalapeno peppers, spicy tuna and chili sauce!

Kenzo Sushi Bistro
23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 371-8200
http://kenzosushi.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kenzo-sushi-bistro-katy

Spring Creek Barbeque: Slow Cooked

Texas is well-known for its barbecue, and one of the top-notch places to get transcendently good slow-cooked meat in Katy is Spring Creek Barbecue. The smoked pork ribs here are out of this world – they’re tender enough to fall off the bone but the outside is perfectly crispy and delectable. Their sauces are also great, packing tons of flavor. Other prime meats include the beef brisket – get it on a sandwich with plenty of sauce and you’ll be satisfied all day. Their sides are also great, with all you can eat vegetables giving you a little healthy factor for your meal. Sunday is the prime day to visit, as before three in the afternoon you can get a free scoop of ice cream for dessert. They also have a fresh cobbler station if you have a real sweet tooth!

Spring Creek Barbeque
21000 Katy Freeway
Katy, TX 77449
(281) 829-0359
http://www.springcreekbarbeque.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/spring-creek-barbeque-katy

Texas Roadhouse: Katy Steaks

Roadhouse-style cooking is a Texas trademark, and if you haven’t experienced it you’re really missing out. Roadhouses are open restaurants with big tables, wood floors and delicious steak, barbecue, and other favorites. Walk in the door and you’ll be greeted by a complimentary bowl of peanuts to shell while you’re waiting for your order to come out of the kitchen.

The menu offers standards and everything on it is executed well. Start off with the delicious fried pickles, which win raves from regulars. For entrees, you can’t go wrong with their hand-cut steaks, especially the well-marbled Fort Worth ribeye. Their tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs also win raves, as do the sirloin tips in mushroom gravy. They also have a VIP club that you can sign up for to get a free appetizer.

Texas Roadhouse
20840 Katy Freeway
Katy, TX 77449
(281) 829-2400
http://www.texasroadhouse.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/texas-roadhouse-katy

3 Olives: Eclectic Italian Cuisine in Katy, Texas

This eclectic Italian restaurant elevates itself from the competition with a creative and dynamic menu that goes beyond the norm. As you’d expect from Texas, grilled meats are a big attraction here, and Katy's 3 Olives does them exceptionally well. Regulars rave about the peppercorn-crusted beef tenderloin filet served with mashed potatoes, asparagus and your choice of two delicious sauces – either a mushroom demiglace or a gorgonzola cream sauce. Whichever you pick, you’re in for a treat. The osso buco is also well-esteemed, featuring a slow-braised veal shank that might be some of the tenderest meat you’ll ever eat. Of course, they also offer a selection of fresh pastas that win praise from picky eaters. Try the Southwest fettuccini, a fusion dish melding Italian pasta with cilantro cream and roasted peppers. More traditional dishes are also executed ably, with the lobster ravioli a favorite. If you’ve got a big appetite, the Kitchen Sink pasta dish is a must.

3 Olives
22764 Westheimer Parkway
Katy, TX 77450
(832) 437-4062
http://www.3oliveskaty.com/index.html
http://www.yelp.com/biz/3-olives-katy-3

Nikko Sushi & Sake Lounge: Indulge in Japanese Cuisine

The ceremony and ritual involved in drinking sake, the Japanese rice wine, is fascinating and a lot of fun. If you’re interested in exploring it, a stop at Katy’s charming Nikko Sushi & Sake Lounge might be in your future. When you walk in the door, you’ll immediately notice the incredibly well-apportioned interior of the place. Deep red and gold walls and an uptown vibe lend it an air of class that most area sushi places can’t match. The staff is equally top-notch, with affable waiters happy to explain menu items and make recommendations. Their sake selection is well-composed, and their signature cocktails are awesome – try the dragonfruit martini. The menu is extensive, but some favorite picks include the Hot Mamma roll made with soft shell crab, cream cheese, shrimp, spicy tuna and eel sauce, as well as the Lobster Kiwi that blends succulent shellfish with kiwi fruit and avocado.

Nikko Sushi & Sake Lounge
410 W. Grand Parkway
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 395-2808
http://www.nikkosushigrill.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/nikko-sushi-and-sake-lounge-katy

Kira Sushi: Ocean Fresh Sushi Rolls

Texas isn’t a state that’s particularly known for sushi, but the staff at Katy's Kira Sushi are working hard to change that. Starting with the freshest fish available, they prepare a wide selection of rolls and other dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. The staff here is incredibly welcoming and friendly, making this a delightful spot for both experienced sushi eaters and newcomers.

The menu is anchored by traditional Japanese dishes – start with the steamed edamame or the marinated seaweed salad and move into more filling offerings like the tasty thin-sliced seared tuna with ponzu sauce. Kira's sushi rolls are well-assembled. Traditional offerings like futomaki and more Americanized creations like the Victoria’s Secret (spicy tuna topped with whitefish tempura, scallop and special sauce) are very adeptly made. They also make one of the best Mongolian Beef dishes in town if you don’t feel like eating sushi.

Kira Sushi
1830 S. Mason Road
Katy, TX 77450
(281) 391-8898
http://kirasushikaty.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kira-sushi-katy

Chuy’s: Tasty Mexican Fare in Katy, Texas

Obviously Texas has no shortage of Mexican cuisine, so a restaurant has to do something special to earn as much love as Chuy’s. Tex-Mex fare is the order of the day here, and the plates are full of flavor. Portion sizes are also proudly enormous, so you’re guaranteed to walk away feeling full.

The first Chuy’s was opened in 1982 in a former barbecue shop in Austin. Over the next three decades, they grew into a powerhouse chain. The décor is as funky as the menu – the walls are festooned with kitschy velvet paintings, hubcaps hang from the ceiling, and each location has a shrine to Elvis Presley. When the time comes to browse the menu, go for the epic burritos (proudly advertised as being “as big as your face”) – they’re hearty and delicious. Other favorites include the stuffed chile rellenos and the tortilla soup. Don’t leave without getting one of their famous margaritas as well!

Chuy’s
21300 Katy Freeway
Katy, TX 77449
(832) 772-1277
http://www.chuys.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chuys-katy

Los Cucos: Mexican Fare in Katy

If you’re looking for high-quality Mexican fare at very reasonable prices, Katy locals will proudly point you in the direction of Los Cucos. This local favorite has been serving up excellent food since opening their Houston location in 1991. Created by brothers Sergio and Manuel Cabrera, Los Cucos prizes quality and authenticity in all their dishes.

The menu is stuffed with favorites, but some of the best picks include the deep-fried stuffed avocado – the creamy vegetable is cored, filled with your choice of meat, breaded and fried. It’s a decadent treat that you won’t soon forget. The enchilades del rio are also treat, a massive plate overflowing with seafood and cheese. All of their portions are incredibly generous, so bring an appetite. The fajitas are also quite good, served on a sizzling platter with lots of fresh peppers. Prices are reasonable and service is affable and relatively quick.

Los Cucos
5305 Bell Patna Drive
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 644-6808
http://www.loscucos.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/los-cucos-katy-2

Udipi Cafe: Vegetarian Indian Cuisine

Udipi Cafe serves flavorful vegetarian Indian cuisine. The Katy restaurant specializes in South Indian dishes made with only the best ingredients. Customers appreciate the clean restaurant and attentive service. Stop by for the daily buffet. The lunch buffet is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day. It's a great way to try many of the popular dishes for just $8.99! Make sure you try an order of the vegetable samosas. The dough is crispy without being oily. If you're coming for dinner, regulars recommend any of the Dosai served with rice & lentils crepe, delicious fillings, and chutney. You won't find any chicken tikki masala on the menu but there is a nice mix of curries that are fresh and delicious. Take out is available. 

Udipi Cafe
943 South Mason Road
Katy, TX 77450
(281) 829-6100
http://www.yelp.com/biz/udipi-cafe-katy

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