Diana Introduce
Nestled within Houston's iconic Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Diana is a New American restaurant that offers a refined and inviting dining experience. Named in tribute to Diana Hobby, whose vision was essential in bringing the Hobby Center to life, the restaurant is a perfect complement to a night at the theater or a special downtown outing. The atmosphere is designed to be both trendy and cozy, providing a great setting for a romantic dinner or a relaxed meal with a group. The menu draws on classic American comfort food, elevated with meticulously selected ingredients and a focus on simplicity and elegance.
Diana has become a popular destination for those attending shows at The Hobby Center, as well as for anyone looking for a high-quality dining experience in downtown Houston. The restaurant is praised for its "amazing" food and "perfection" in service, with some customers even forming a close bond with the staff. The restaurant is a go-to for many, and its reputation for great cocktails, an extensive wine list, and delicious desserts makes it a well-rounded dining destination.
The menu is crafted with care, offering a range of dishes from hearty main courses to delicate appetizers and sides. It’s a place where you can find familiar favorites like Wagyu Beef Bolognese and Grilled Steak, prepared with a sophisticated touch. The bar onsite is a key feature, providing an assortment of beverages including a full selection of beer, hard liquor, and a wine list that is praised by patrons.
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Diana is located at 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, USA, inside The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. This prime location places it in the heart of Houston's Theater District, making it an ideal choice for pre-show dining or a special night out downtown. Its setting offers spectacular views of the city skyline, adding to the dining experience.
Parking options at Diana are convenient, as the restaurant provides both a paid parking lot and valet parking. This eliminates the stress of finding a spot in a busy downtown area. The restaurant is also committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. This ensures that all guests can enjoy their meal comfortably and without any issues.
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Diana provides a range of services designed to offer a complete and elegant dining experience.
- Takeout: You can place an order for takeout if you prefer to enjoy your meal elsewhere.
- Dine-in: The restaurant offers a comfortable and stylish dining room for a full sit-down meal.
- Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert: The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with a great dessert selection to complete your meal.
- Table Service: The restaurant provides table service, allowing for a more relaxed and professional dining experience.
- Catering: While focused on dine-in, Diana also offers catering services for events.
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Diana has several features that have earned it a strong reputation among patrons.
- Great Cocktails, Desserts, and Wine List: Customers specifically highlight the quality of the drinks and desserts, which add to the overall dining experience.
- Cozy, Trendy, and Romantic Atmosphere: The restaurant's ambiance is a major draw, making it perfect for both casual groups and romantic dates.
- Bar Onsite: The bar offers a wide selection of alcohol, beer, cocktails, and hard liquor, making it a great place to meet for a drink before or after a show.
- Accepts Reservations: You can make reservations to ensure you get a table, which is especially useful during busy show nights.
- Accessibility: The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, with features including seating, restrooms, and parking.
- Multiple Payment Options: The restaurant accepts credit and debit cards for easy payment.
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To get in touch with or find Diana, use the following information:
- Address: 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
- Phone: (713) 315-2562
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While a professional content writer should be honest and factual, this is where the provided information presents a challenge. The reviews are highly contradictory. One review praises the food and mentions a specific employee's "perfection" in service, while the other describes the "WORST service ever" from a bartender who was "stuck up" and dismissive of non-regulars. The first review highlights a strong connection to staff and a great overall experience, while the second highlights a frustrating experience with service. Given this significant disparity, it is impossible to provide a definitive promotional recommendation without inventing information or being dishonest.
To remain factual, the best approach is to present the menu items as a matter of fact, as they are part of the available public data, and then to acknowledge the conflicting reviews without taking a side.
The menu at Diana offers a variety of dishes for a sophisticated palate, with a focus on classic American fare.
For starters, the "For The Table" section includes elevated comfort food like Smoked Gouda Piment O Cheese and Spinach & Artichoke Dip, as well as refined options like Gulf Shrimp Cocktail.
The "First Course" features classic salads and soups, but a standout is the Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, which elevates a comfort food staple into a rich, decadent appetizer.
For the main event, the "Main Course" menu offers a selection of fine proteins. The Grilled 12 Oz. C.a.b. Strip Loin is a highlight, as is the Grilled 6 Oz. C.a.b. Coffee Rubbed Tenderloin. One reviewer specifically mentioned that "The steak is amazing," so beef dishes seem to be a strong choice. Other options include fresh seafood like Rainbow Trout and Seared Salmon, as well as Wagyu Beef Bolognese.
The "Sides" are designed for two people and are also worth noting. The menu includes classic steakhouse-style sides with a twist, such as Truffle Fries, Potato Aligot, and Sauteed Mushrooms.
In conclusion, the menu at Diana is filled with appealing options that cater to a wide range of tastes. While the food itself, particularly the steaks, appears to be a consistent high point, prospective diners should be aware of the conflicting reviews regarding service. The experience may depend on the specific staff member you encounter.
Diana Food & drink
For The Table
- Smoked Gouda Piment O Cheese $10.00
Sharp cheddar & house-made crackers
- Gulf Shrimp Cocktail $15.00
Horseradish cocktail sauce
- Spinach & Artichoke Dip $10.00
Sliced sourdough
- Homemade Merquez Stuffed Mushrooms $12.00
Farro salad
First Course
- Caesar Salad $12.00
Toasted croutons parmesan classic caesar dressing
- House Salad $12.00
Bleu cheese grape tomato roasted almonds grilled pear balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted Butternut Squash & Leek Soup $10.00
Pepitas apple cider gastrique
- Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese $14.00
Sauce mornay cavatappi pasta cold-water lobster
Sides
For two
- Potato Aligot $12.00
- Sauteed Mushrooms $12.00
- Roasted Root Vegetables $12.00
- Honey Glazed Carrots $12.00
- Turmeric Cauliflower $12.00
- Fingerling Potatoes $12.00
- Truffle Fries $12.00
Main Course
- Rainbow Trout $24.00
Poblano & sourdough bread dressing corn & lime butter
- Seared Salmon $34.00
Celery root puree turmeric cauliflower citrus butter sauce
- Seared Scallop & Shrimp $32.00
Mushroom-cauliflower risotto lime beurre blanc crispy prosciutto
- Apple Cider Glazed Kabocha Squash $21.00
Farro salad broccolini seared tofu miso emulsion
- Wagyu Beef Bolognese $24.00
Cavatappi pasta parmesan herbs
- Holmes Farms Natural Chicken Breast $29.00
Potato aligot vegetable medley marsala mushroom sauce
- Grilled 12 Oz. C.a.b. Strip Loin $49.00
Roasted shallots glazed carrots fingerling potatoes balsamic syrup 1836 evoo
- Grilled 6 Oz. C.a.b. Coffee Rubbed Tenderloin $47.00
Vegetable medley potato aligot
Features
- Shrimp Ravioli $30.00
Ricotta ravioli gulf shrimp butternut squash leek sauce
- Herb Roasted Prime Rib $39.00
Horseradish cream au jus roasted root vegetables fingerling potatoes
Diana Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Parking
- Valet parking
Diana Photos










Diana Location
Diana Reviews
pricesbartheaterwatersteakprime ribsalmonconvenienceplatewine
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I called about 10 times before someone answered to see if I could get a seat since their online open table said no tables yet I usually have no problem finding a seat.I sat at the bar and had the WORST service ever. The bartender clearly needs help. He cares about his regulars but NO ONE else. I was alone so he assumed he wouldn’t make much off me but I’m a previous server who would have tipped amazing.He offered no bread. My empty plate (photo attached) sat on the bar for at least 20 minutes before he finally asked me if I wanted another drink. I had to flag down someone just to get a refill of water. He thinks he is fancy with his feather bow tie yet he is just plain stuck up. I finally got bread after my meal. He didn’t even ask if I wanted dessert even though I wanted some. He talks to his regulars but if ever Diana wants to expand their clientele, they need to get rid of him.The steak is amazing so I’ll come back as long as I don’t have him again. My buzz left before I could even order a second drink.
July 16 · Steven ShannonThis is our go to place before a show at The Hobby Center. The food is amazing and the service is perfection. Over the years, we’ve gotten to know Mercy, and she literally treats us like family. I truly never expected to connect with such a lovely human just from visiting a restaurant. Well done, Diana, your people are kind, friendly, and professional. Because of them, we will continue to come as often as we are able, and we will forever appreciate the treatment we receive.
August 22 · Crystal LamanThis is our 4th time to be here, and I finally made a review. This is our go-to whenever my family and I come for Broadway shows at Theater under the Stars. Food is great, not so exciting but still good. Best choice of restaurant to eat before the show starts. They serve exceptional cocktails, too!!! 🍸 🍹
August 03 · Nadine Anne Margrette Ramirez (Nadia)This is the best pre-show experience. German can handle a packed bar and still remember what you like or recommend something new. This makes our theatre visit extra special! Love it 👍
August 22 · Barbara MelchiorI secured a reservation on line.A table closest to the windows which offered beautiful panoramic views needed to be specifically requestedThere are multiple stairs to climb but an elevator was available per staff and the restaurant is so conveniently locatedMenu offered varied choices as well as a specialty menu limited to the current show. Portions were small but our dinners were very tasty. I did not enjoy the complimentary bread as it is flavored with Rosemary.Not a fan and there were no replacements offered.I also enjoyed my specialty cocktail .Mercedes was assigned to our table.She was personable and very knowledgeable about menu items .Service was professional,our table was checked on several times without being intrusive. This was a special occasion and as much as I was glad to have chosen the Diana it was more expensive than I am used to.My dinner and 1 cocktail with tip was $78.00.The Hobby staff was friendly approachable and the show was terrific.Dress "code" everything from fancy attire to casual outfits .No denim,blue jeans shorts etc
June 03 · Meg Jordan
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