Super Bowl 51: Here's Where You Should Eat During Your Stay in Houston

HOUSTON, TX — The festivities have begun, and people are arriving in the Bayou City from across the nation this week ahead of Super Bowl 51, which will be contested by the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots in NRG Stadium on Feb. 5.

Before the kickoff, though, thousands upon thousands of visiting fans and Houstonians alike will partake of a wide variety of events and programs, from decadent Super Bowl parties to children's activities and everything in between.

And they'll be dining out, because, well, everyone has to eat. The city and its surrounding areas are home to thousands of restaurants serving food based on cuisines from everywhere on the planet, including Vietnam, China, Italy, Korea, Russia, France, Italy, and, yes, Texas. How does the stranger to Houston decide where to have lunch or dinner while visiting for the Super Bowl? How about the Patch guide to Houston Super Bowl standouts (because life is to short to eat lackluster food)?

Whether you are wanting a formal dinner with white tablecloths and flowers or barbecue in a downhome setting, there's something here for all tastes.

First, we go to Giacomo's. It's owned by Lynette Hawkins, who is also the executive chef, and the food here is straightforward, authentic, and delicious. Its casual and friendly ambiance will charm you, and the tortelli di bietola (ravioli filled with Swiss chard and cheese) and mozzarella in carrozza (crisp mozzarella sandwiches) will make you smile. In addition, Hawkins maintains one of the most value-driven wine lists in Houston.

Looking for pizza? If so, Bollo is the name you need to know. Thin-crust pies cooked in an authentic Neapolitan oven (owner Ray Salti imported it from Italy), top-quality ingredients (from the flour to the sausage), great service, and a fun bar make this spot popular with the regulars. Two TVs above the bar, great selection of beers and spirits, and professional service finish the picture. Tip: Go for the bianco pizza with mushrooms and ask for extra char on your crust.

If you want to spend an evening in one of the best haute cuisine restaurants in the city, go to Tony's. The owner, Tony Vallone, has been running the place for more than 50 years, and Kate McLean — the restaurant's first female executive chef – has the hallowed kitchen here running on all cylinders. The service is top-notch, the wine list is extensive and managed with aplomb, and the setting is refined. Order pasta with black truffles and enjoy the theater as the waiter shaves the delicacies at your table. Other standouts include the Acquerello risott0, the seared Tasmanian salmon, and the center-cut veal chop. Romance and the Super Bowl? Of course. Plus, you might see some celebrities at the table next to you. (Is that Beyoncé?)

If lunch and ramen are on your to-do list, Kata Robata is what you need. This sushi and Japanese mecca has on its lunch menu a tonkotsu ramen that's as good as any I've had, including some excellent ones in Japan. It's served at lunch only, and when they run out, it's gone. The sushi here is top-notch, and inventive. Try the foie gras and duck chawanmushi, the hamachi and jalapeño sashimi, and the miso-marinated black cod. Thoughtful wine list, including some great selections for sushi, round out the experience here.

Steak. I get the feeling that many Super Bowl fans will be looking for steak. If that's you, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is the place to go. There's now a location downtown, convenient for your transportation, and if you are into wine, this place will not disappoint. Its list is large and diverse — reading it is an adventure — and if you want to spend some cash on a a few bottles (how about a 2007 Riesling Cuveé Frédéric Émile or a 2014 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru from Étienne Sauzet), this is where to do it. And the steaks. Go for the bone-in prime ribeye.

To barbecue. There's no way I could leave this Texas staple off the list, and while there are plenty of places to get your fill of ribs and brisket and sausage, I'm going to send you a short drive outside of Houston to Killen's. The place has been lauded far and wide, the owner, Ronnie Killen, is a larger-than-life character, and when you wait in line for your meat (which you will), the free beer on offer makes the time even more worthwhile. The brisket and bone-in pork belly should be on your order, and get the creamed corn and cole slaw.

Finally, how about a taco food truck, one that sits across the street from a great ice house? If you are visiting Houston for the first time, Tacos Tierra Caliente must be on your agenda. This family-run truck serves some of the best barbacoa in town, and the corn tortillas are legend. Order two per person, and don't skip the cilantro and onions. Go for the pork tacos as well. Once your meal is in the bag, walk over to West Alabama Ice House and choose a beer or wine pairing, take a seat at one of the picnic benches outside, and eat well.

— Image of Kata Robata's tonkotsu ramen courtesy James Brock