Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

Wow. Really -- wow. Where to begin?

For good Tex-Mex, you might as well head straight over to the original Ninfa's on Navigation. If you won't be on that side of town (east of downtown), try Pico's Mex-Mex on Bellaire. Another super fun place is Cafe Adobe on Westheimer -- make sure you sit upstairs on the roof deck for an awesome view. If you want good Mexican food (not Tex-Mex) you can't miss Otilia's on Long Point.

For BBQ, I would suggest Goode Company on Kirby. It's a fun, only-slightly-touristy place that's good for out-of-towners and their BBQ is really good. If you're looking for more of a hole-in-the-wall that's fantastic, try Otto's on Memorial Drive.

For excellent Houston restaurants that you can't find anywhere else, try:

America's (on Post Oak) for amazing South American food and the most interesting decor you've never seen.

Hugo's (on Westheimer) for authentic Mexican dishes with a unique twist, prepared by the best chef in Houston (IMHO). Very posh place and soooooo good.

Mark's American (also on Westheimer) isn't to be missed -- if you can afford the prices. But it's out of this world good.

Taste of Texas (on I-10) for fantastic steaks -- you can even choose your own from the butcher's case!

Ragin' Cajun (on Richmond) has authentic and delicious Cajun food, from boudain to muffalettas, in a fun and funky little restaurant.

Oishii (futher down Richmond) and Soma (on Washington) are two ends of the great Houston sushi spectrum. Oishii is cute and cheeful and cheap, while Soma is ultra-modern, suave and very cool. Both have top-quality sushi.

The Skyline Bar & Grille on top of the Hilton Americas in downtown has very good food for what would normally be a gimmicky restaurant in other cities, plus the best view of downtown you'll find.

Bistro Le Cep or Le Mistral for unbelievably good French food -- we have a big expatriate French community in Houston.

There are also a million Thai and Vietnamese places that are wonderful (Erawan, for example), thanks to our huge South Asian community.

Make sure to swing by Central Market if you get a chance, too! Especially on the weekends, when they have live music.

I think this might be enough for now... *whew* Houston is a foodie paradise -- you won't leave hungry, that's for sure! :-D

Houston is so massively spread out, it would be helpful to know where you'll be staying/visiting and how far you might be willing to drive for a meal.

Ethiopian is the greatest! I'm so excited you asked about that!!! You MUST go to Blue Nile on Richmond. It's a little out of the way, but totally worth it for the luscious, divine food. And it's cheap!

For Indian, you can't go wrong with Indika, Shiva or Bombay Brasserie (the last two are in the Village; Indika is closer to you).

And while you're in the Heights, make sure to check out the Farmer's Market they have on Saturday mornings by Onion Creek (it's a restaurant). You might also want to try 11th Street Cafe, Spanish Flowers, King Biscuit or Onion Creek while you're there -- all are good, funky, local eateries in the Heights that you might enjoy. :)