Ahead of Valentine’s Day, OpenTable has released its list: “2026’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants“. Using over 9 million verified OpenTable diners and metrics, the list includes bars, inns, and bistros from Brooklyn to Cape May. As Houston’s sole mention on the list is Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in The Galleria – a favorite of the city’s own Chris Shepherd and comedian, Eric Wareheim.
Per OpenTable, its article is listed alphabetically. The company produced the article from dining metrics that included over 9 million verified reviews from December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2025. Further data considered for the list include:
- Percentage of five star reviews
- Percentage of reservations made in advance
- Diner ratings
- Number of set alerts
- Percentage of direct searches and capacity
With these data points, the company applied an overall score to each concept. Importantly, these restaurants were weighed with percentage of reviews tagged with the word “romantic”.
The includes five restaurants in Texas and only one in Houston: Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in The Galleria. Opened in 1995, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse has since cemented itself as a Houston institution. The Michelin Recommended establishment is a favorite of Houston tastemaker and face of the city’s Food and Bev scene, Chris Shepherd, as told by comedian Eric Wareheim, who called the steakhouse his favorite in the country.
Renowned for its in-house, dry-aged steaks, Pappas Bros. uses exclusively corn-fed USDA prime cuts while employing a full team of butchers who hand-cut portions on site. Menu highlights include the Grilled Double Lamb Chops, Filet Duo, and Broiled Salmon Filet as well as its Lobster Deviled Eggs, Jumbo Lump Crab Mac & Cheese, and Turtle Gumbo.
The restaurant’s robust wine program, has made Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in its own right. Housing over 35,000 wine varieties in its cellar, the restaurant features an expert Sommelier team that’s earned them The Michelin Guide Texas Sommelier of the Year (Steven McDonald).
Its impeccable food and wine service is augmented by its timeless, old luxury atmosphere. Described as a “Texas power dining” spot, its interior is imbued with soft, warm lighting, dark wood, and deep leather booths.
Here’s what OpenTable had to say of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse:
Open since 1996, the original Galleria Pappas Bros. Steakhouse still impresses with fancy surf-and-turf served in a swanky, old-school space. Settle into one of the cozy booths for a feast starring premium steaks like a 22-ounce, bone-in ribeye, dry-aged on-site and accompanied by classic chophouse sides like jumbo crab mac and cheese. Pair your meal with a bottle of Burgundy or Bordeaux from the restaurant’s award-winning, 4,000-bottle-plus cellar.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is located at 5839 Westheimer Rd. and is open from 5 pm – 9 pm Monday through Thursday; from 5 pm – 10 pm Fridays; and from 5 pm – 10 pm on Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.