Houston Steakhouses Missing from Global Rankings

News Summary

Houston was notably absent from a prestigious list ranking the world’s best steakhouses, which included three Texas restaurants. Dallas’ Nuri Steakhouse, Knife, and Jeffrey’s from Austin made the list. Despite Houston’s culinary reputation and steakhouses like Pappas Bros. being recognized, the city has yet to gain international recognition. The rankings prompt discussions on Texas’ culinary identity and raise questions about Houston’s visibility within the steak dining scene, even as it evolves and showcases both traditional and innovative dining experiences.

Houston is missing from a prestigious list ranking the world’s best steak restaurants, which includes three representatives from Texas. Nuri Steakhouse and Knife from Dallas and Jeffrey’s from Austin have all made the cut in the compilation of the world’s 101 best steakhouses, but none are located in Houston.

The list is notable for featuring Nuri Steakhouse, which opened in Dallas in August 2024 and secured the 84th spot. This establishment, characterized as a Korean-American steakhouse, has been recognized for its innovative approach to steak dining. In contrast, Knife, also in Dallas, ranked at 47. This steakhouse, launched by renowned chef John Tesar in 2014, is celebrated for its unique dry-aging program that elevates the quality of its meat offerings. Rounding out Texas entries is Jeffrey’s in Austin, which holds the 51st position on the list and has garnered acclaim for its perfectly executed steaks since it opened in 1975.

The top position on the list belongs to Don Julio Parrilla in Buenos Aires, which has achieved this honor three times. The rankings were compiled by steak ambassadors from Upper Cut Media House in London. They considered various criteria, including the quality of meat, the curation of the wine list, and the interior design of each restaurant.

Houston’s absence from the rankings is particularly striking given its reputation for excellent dining and the presence of several notable steakhouses. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is among those recognized in the Texas Michelin Guide, reinforcing the city’s standing in the culinary landscape. Meanwhile, Doris Metropolitan, an Israeli steakhouse based in Houston, has introduced a unique sous-vide beef program that sets it apart from others. In addition to these establishments, Houston has seen a rise in diverse dining trends, including a burgeoning interest in sushi restaurants and an expanding array of steak options.

The recognition of Texas steakhouses on an international scale coincides with discussions in the Texas Legislature about the state’s culinary identity. Recently, lawmakers considered a resolution to rename the ‘New York Strip’ to ‘Texas Strip,’ a proposal put forward by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, highlighting the pride Texas takes in its beef and steak heritage.

The emergence of Houston’s dining scene has fostered a range of restaurants that offer both traditional and modern steak experiences. As the city continues to develop its gastronomic offerings, the absence of Houston steakhouses from this prestigious list raises questions about the visibility and reputation of local establishments on a global platform.

Overall, the 2023 rankings illustrate the competitive nature of the steak dining industry in Texas, showcasing the state’s culinary strengths while also calling attention to Houston’s need to enhance its presence among world-class steakhouses. With a mix of established and innovative venues, the future of Houston’s steakhouse scene appears promising, even as it waits for wider recognition in future rankings.

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Additional Resources

• KHOU: World’s Best Steakhouses
• Chron: Texas Steakhouses in the World’s Best List
• Eater Houston: Best Looking Restaurants
• The Infatuation: Best Steakhouses in Houston
• Houston Chronicle: Kira Japanese Restaurant Review
• Wikipedia: Steakhouse