This time-honored Tuscan-style restaurant has been purring along for decades, turning out classic Italian cuisine. The grilled seasonal vegetables are a favorite appetizer, and there's a wide variety of antipasti. The pasta with seafood in cream sauce is stellar, and the veal chops are legendary. But in the last few months, Damian's has gone from good to great, thanks to an extensive renovation. The carpeting, the windows and the lighting are all brand-new, and the look is more sophisticated. The art on the walls has gone from dated to classical. There's a new confidence in the kitchen, too, as chef Napolean Palacios seems to be raising the level of the cooking to fit the restaurant's new higher profile. The word is out: Damian's is back.

Houston is long on sushi restaurants, but Japanese street food is hard to come by. The expanse of Asian-melting-pot strip malls that are popping up seemingly overnight in Bellaire Chinatown seem to have forgotten about the Japanese entirely. Takoyaki Tea House is one of the exceptions. The menu here is limited, but it includes a variety of takoyaki, panfried balls of batter and filling topped with sweet mayo, wasabi, Japanese barbecue sauce and bonito flakes. Traditionally, takoyaki are made with octopus, but the shiitake and shrimp varieties are also good. As the name implies, Takoyaki Tea House has a large assortment of bubble and fruit teas to sip as you watch your takoyaki cook. Or you could just hang out in this cozy little spot and take advantage of the free wi-fi.

Chances are, if you do only one thing, you're gonna do it right. At Darband, all they do is kebabs and, yes, they do 'em right, every time. This is a no-nonsense place, where six bucks buys you a kebab plate like no other. Here, you get in line, review the menu on the wall above the cash register (there are pictures of the dishes to help you decide), place your order and pay. While you wait for your number to be called, wander over to the other side of the counter, where you'll see a person making fresh pita bread, which is baked in a special oven. Choose from kubdeh (ground beef), chengeh (lamb), chicken, shish (beef chunks), chello, barg or soltani. Most dishes come with grilled tomatoes and onions. Once your dish arrives, sprinkle on some sumac and squeeze some lemon on top. Let the juices blend with the bed of rice and enjoy a sumptuous meal. Don't forget to wait for the free hot tea after your meal.

Seoul House is the laid-back little brother of the huge cook-your-own-food Korean restaurants that populate Spring Branch and parts of Bellaire Chinatown. It's less of an ordeal to eat here (they cook the food for you and, consequently, you don't walk out smelling like a short rib), and the food is delicious. The bulgogi and galbi are as good as we've had anywhere, and the stir-fried veggies with clear noodles and seafood pancake are ex­cellent. Another great thing about this place is the serve-yourself condiment bar, which provides much predinner entertainment. Don't fill up on the kimchi, though, because the portions are more than ­generous.

Eating lasagna at Patrenella's is like eating lasagna at the home of a kind Italian family. Wait a minute – that's exactly what this is. Sammy Patrenella welcomes guests to his home in the Heights, which his father built in 1938 and where the family has lived ever since. He's expanded it a few times, but patrons get to eat in what used to be either his living room or dining room, depending on where they sit. And the lasagna – wow! Many lasagnas skimp on the thin slices of pasta and pile on thick layers of sauce instead. It's easier for the cook and demands far less work, but it's nowhere near as good. Here, there are at least ten layers of pasta, each covered with homemade meat sauce, ricotta and Parmesan cheeses and topped off with slices of mozzarella, which have blistered under the broiler.

Generally speaking, anyone out at 4:30 a.m. is up to no good. Be they druggie, thief, insomniac or just seriously craving some queso, night owls can direct themselves to this eclectic Heights establishment. Spanish Flowers dishes up authentic Mexican cuisine for an impressively affordable price. Sure, it's no Taco Bell, but as everyone knows, coke hangovers and fast food do not mix well when you've been running from the cops all night in a stolen Ford Focus. Do yourself a favor and make a run for the REAL border next time. READERS' CHOICE: Katz's Deli & Bar

We all know everything Monica Pope touches turns to gold: food, cocktails, locations, even her wait staff. Take her simple-but-elegant mac and cheese. On any given Tuesday, you can walk into T'afia and order a side of mac and cheese just like mom used to make — that's if your mom used bow tie pasta and powdered cheddar to make hers. Also like Mom's, on Tuesday it's free if you show up for dinner on time.

The margaritas at Tony's Mexican Restaurant always seem to stir up an endless series of questions, including, "What the hell is this secret ingredient?" and "Where the hell did you put my car keys, you asshat!?" This family establishment never seems to be anything less than packed, and for good reason: It's one of the Heights's best-kept and most-cherished Tex-Mex secrets. Featuring an intense but tastefully balanced combination of lime, tequila and buzz, these 'ritas go perfectly with a bowl of queso. If you're lucky enough to get a table at dinner, order a pitcher and start your own investigation.

McCormick & Schmick's intriguing vibe and fantastic service don't begin and end with the restaurant portion of the building. One part Casablanca, one part fully stocked bar, this Uptown seafood restaurant enjoys paying homage to the history of the cocktail. Their "gin delicious" martini is a classic in itself, a modern twist on an old recipe that hints at a mojito but is unique enough to merit a taste or four. Try it with the lump crab and artichoke dip and you won't be disappointed.

Mexico's Deli on Dairy Ashford is a humble little eatery with walk-up counter service and exceptional food. The tacos al pastor are made with marinated pork and bits of pineapple carved from a trompo (a cone of meat on a vertical roaster) on display beside the grill. The tangy pork is served on three small tortillas with a garnish of onions and cilantro and your choice of salsas. There are more than 20 variations of the Mexican sandwiches called tortas to choose from. Torta lomito Argentino, a steak-and-egg sandwich, is among the best. It features a thin slice of beef tenderloin, a fried egg, a thin slice of ham, mozzarella, avocado and tomato, all on a huge bun spread with refried black beans. Don't miss the flan — it's made with a pecan praline in the baking cup underneath the custard, for a simple, but delicious, twist on the old favorite.