A national restaurant guide debuting its critiques in Texas has rated Houstonians as the nation’s most frequent diners and praised the restaurants that make dining out worthwhile.

Zagat Survey, LLC.’s latest survey shows the average Houstonians eat an average of 4.2 meals out each week, nearly one meal per week more than the national average of 3.3 meals, according to an official company statement. Houstonians also beat San Antonio residents, who dine out an average for 4 meals a day and Austin residents, who dine out an average of 3.7 times a week. 

Company officials say Texans dine out more often than the rest of the country, and that’s partially because they get the most of out of their money. In Houston, diners spend an average of $29.01, which is lower than the state average of $33.67 but actually is more expensive than Austin and San Antonio.

But at which restaurants should Houstonians invest their money and belly?  Zagat critics ranked Mark’s American Cuisine, 1658 Westheimer Road, No. 1 in the Houston eatery market. 

However, critics also praised other area restaurants, including:

• Reef, the new seafood restaurant in Midtown
• Blue Fin, the Uptown-Sushi spin off
• SoVino wine bar
• Star Chef Robert Gadsby’s new Washington Avenue eatery, Soma
• Robert Del Grande’s The Grove in downtown
• Neapolitan-rooted Amici in Sugar Land
• French-influenced Aura in Missouri City
• Killen’s Steakhouse in Pearland

Statistically speaking, Japanese food seemed to be on the rise statewide, according to the release. In Houston, Kanomwan and Japanerio’s restaurants were ranked among the best Japanese restaurants in the city.

“The diversity of dining options and the number of talented chefs in Texas is as big as the state itself,”  CEO of Zagat Survey Tim Zagat said in the prepared statement.  “And with the cost of dining so reasonable, it’s no wonder people in Texas dine out as frequently as they do.”
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