Which grocery store in Houston is the best of the best? You guessed it - HEB's wealthy relative - Central Market! Unfortunately there's only one in the city, but it's "centrally" located (get the pun?) off Westheimer and 610 near the Galleria. We frequent this grocery store a few times a month, and though the products are more expensive overall than your normal Kroger or HEB, the selection is amazing and worth the visit. Here's what I love about Central Market: the produce, salads, sandwiches, meats, seafood, wine, cereal, yogurts, bread, coffee, ice cream, spices - actually pretty much everything. Even their flowers are incredible. Now here are some pro tips; listen carefully: - [[HIGHLIGHT]]if you want the real, full CM experience, go on a Saturday or Sunday. You'll feel like you're at Costco waiting in line for samples and trying to push your cart without running someone over. But if you want a quiet, peaceful experience, go on a weekday during the day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You have to work, you say? Take a few hours of vacation or personal time off and head to Central Market. It'll be better than your last few vacations. - they have an app and it's amazing! You can save 20-30% each shopping trip with their offers and coupons. Make sure you add the deals in your app before you go to check out. (This part is a little annoying.) - ice cream section: buy the Hellenika Ube coconut. Just do it. Taste it and you can thank me later. It will change your life. If you want to overpay for it, fly to Seattle and find it at Pike Place Market. - stop buying spices like peppercorn and coriander seeds in bulk that are stored in bottles and jars. Go to Central Market and just buy exactly what you need for your recipe. You'll spend 24 cents for this and 58 cents for that, etc. Not $5 for a jar of spices that will lose its flavor or expire after a year. And the big question everyone asks: Central Market or Whole Foods? Whole Foods has way more locations, but CM takes the cake. It's just amazing. Trust me. read more

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Old carrots and beat up celery for $9.95 a pound. C'mon Central Market. And the pizza, sauce and cheese deal advertised was out of cheese. The air chilled chicken was spoiled! Many good things to say and will be back but c'mon- spoiled chicken the same day purchased? Not okay. read more

Central Market - Wooden very old carrots and beat up celery! C'mon. - Grocery Near Me - Houston, Texas

Let me introduce you to HEB's bougie cousin!! lol we love love love central market. There are so many gems here from the hot bar and many specialty good quality drinks like the guava and mango juices. They have fresh breads, bagels and countless pastries. The meat and seafood selections are endless. From lamb and king crab to all those meat cuts you see on food network! I haven't tried the sandwich bar yet but I heard it's amazing. Definitely check them out if you haven't yet! read more

Central Market - New pick up this trip - Grocery Near Me - Houston, Texas

I love coming here for groceries but my most favorite thing is getting the sandwiches and coffee. Truly such a great deal for both. I get a fully loaded sandwich for only $9 and an iced latte with almond for less than $5. Overall, I love coming here! read more

Central Market - Grocery Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is the holy grail of high-end supermarkets. This place is so impressive. It's a huge space that allows for a large selection of items... and they do a great job of getting the best produce, meats, fish, etc. Things you don't see other places. It's a glorious place for a foodie or chef. Large selection of wines too. I will let my photos give you an idea of what I'm talking about. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They even had a person performing live music while we shopped.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is insanely busy whenever I go, for good reason, it's amazing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] As it was right before the holidays, they had a chef glazing a ham... and giving out samples. So great! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - HALL OF FAME read more

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Central Market is always a treat to visit. It is a fantastic store with both local and international selections that make grocery shopping feel like an adventure. I stopped in during Hatch chili season and was greeted by the smell of fresh chilis roasting right out front. Hatch chili was everywhere; in produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and even drinks. Central Market is known for its variety, whether it is a seasonal celebration like this or one of their international theme weeks. You can come in for your regular groceries and still leave with a cart full of new things to try. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The layout makes it easy to browse, the staff is friendly, and the quality is consistently top-notch.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It is the kind of store that makes you look forward to grocery shopping. I still have not tried the viral California Connection sandwich, but I am already planning a return trip just to check it off the list. read more

Central Market - Hatch chili pre prepared items - Grocery Near Me - Houston, Texas

Central Market is such an elevated grocery shopping experience. The floral department is beautiful with so many different flowers to choose from, and you can find literally everything you need in one place. It feels more like a specialty market than a regular grocery store in the best way. Everyone is also super helpful! read more

This place is AMAZING! Coming from the East Coast where we don't have HEB this place was like Whole Foods and Wegmans had a love child that was an only child and got alllll the love. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There was a hot bar, cold bar, coffee bar, sandwich spot, butcher, deli, and huge grocery store and places to eat inside and outside![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is also filtered water with utensils/napkins by those eating area so you can dig in to what you just purchased.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everyone was more than happy and enthusiastic enough to answer the million of questions I had. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space seemed a bit maze-like but it may also be because it was BUSY.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was very clean and well maintained for such a bustling space so kudos![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

We came here to get some healthy food to cook at home. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I was amazed at how huge the place was and at the sheer volume of fresh, organic produce, meat, fish, and more.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Indeed, it's like Whole Foods on steroids![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's expensive but you're paying for great quality. There are rows of fresh produce and meats. A very good selection of wines and hard-to-find breads and cheeses. In addition, there is an on-site deli and restaurant. The location is in the upscale Montrose area of Houston. The service checking out is fast and friendly. This market is worth the drive for the quality goods. read more

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Everyone will say it's a great place for foodies, from college student to executive professionals, offers everyone everything and can not wait to go back. But for anyone who experiences attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, it's a hot mess you hate to love...Until now! after I submitted a comment on their site, within 12 hours I was provided a store map of CM in Houston. Thank you, initials VP! read more

Central Market - Central Market in Houston store guide - Grocery Near Me - Houston, Texas

Just finished a Central Market Virtual cooking class with Alex Snodgrass founder of Side Dish marinades and writer of 3 cookbooks. Central Market had her make 2 dishes in less than 20 minutes. Yayyy for that !! Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap with umani flavored Miso Caesar dressing .Layers of lettuce, dressing , chicken in a wrap.Yummmm. Alex also made creamy sesame spring roll bowls with a nice brown crust, vermicelli rice, avocado green onions protein topped with lime and cashews and a sesame dressing. Love eating out and this was reminiscent of some of my fave Asian fusion items we order. Would recommend Central Market's fresh produce and herbs to offset the many times we love to eat out. read more

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Stopped by twice today. First thing this morning I ended up only getting an apple pie chai latte which was rather tasty. I wasn't able to complete the bit of shopping I wanted to accomplish due to them not being open for the rest of the store. I returned for lunch since I couldn't do what I wanted earlier. The chicken Diablo premade item was rather tasty. The egg roll wasn't that great. But the sauce was needed. The service honestly wasn't as good as I was expecting. There were signs everywhere to take a number to be helped yet when folks looked confused where to get the number the employees seemed annoyed more than anything. Honestly for the cost of the item I think I'd rather go somewhere else if you want multiple premade items in the area. But location and ease was nice. read more

I can't believe I just found out about the central market deli because their deli sandwiches are soooo gas. There is only one in Houston in the River oaks area. There's a side entrance to enter the cafe part of the store so you don't have to walk through the whole store to get there. They have multiple premade options, but you can also build your own sandwich. They also have a build your own salad bar. The line was very long, and I waited about 15-20 mins before I actually ordered. I got their Khói connection, their collab with Khói bbq, the Viet bbq pop up in Houston. This sandwich includes turkey, caramelized onion, red onion, portobello mushroom, asparagus, cheddar, cilantro, horseradish mayo, and the Khói chili jam on an Italian white bread. So the collab is basically just their chili jam sauce over a custom sandwich that they created from central market ingredients. I got it toasted then paid at the register right before the exit. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have seating indoors as well as outdoor. It was nice that day so I sat outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I never expected the sandwich to look this good when I opened it up. I literally fell in love with this sandwich at first bite. Who knew that grilled asparagus could work so well on a sandwich??? That cheese was meltyyyy and the horseradish mayo and chili jam tie the whole thing together. Honestly one of the best things I've had this year. Even if this sandwich may not be your thing, they have multiple other sandwiches or you could just make your own read more

Central Market - Khoi connection - Grocery Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I frequented this grocery store when I lived in Houston and happened to be staying nearby for work recently and it still deserves a smashing review. It's always deserved it and I was honestly surprised I hadn't left one years ago. The fact this store is as fantastic as I remember is a HUGE deal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's always clean, well organized, and fully stocked with everything fresh, organic and natural you could need.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I love that you can shop for later and also can grab premade stuff. Service has always been great when needed - especially if it's your first time doing the sticker printing weigh your own bags- situation. read more

Central Market - Parking lot FULL on weekends - Grocery Near Me - Houston, Texas

Literally my favorite place to browse and eat. Their sandwich bar is THE ABSOLUTE BEST. Philly cheesesteak and the Reuben are my family's top favs. I've tried their coffee bar as well, and the drinks are high quality too. Everything abt central market is marvelous. I get my maple syrup there, and I love adding it to the matcha I make at home. I wish they had more locations. I'd make central market my primary grocery store if I could! read more

Central Market - Grocery Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Such a cool grocery store! The produce section has so much variety... from 5 different types of mangos to fruits I've never heard of before. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I enjoyed just walking around here to explore.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everything from their bakery including a huge cookie and pastry bar to beignets. I love their dip bar that I filled with hummus, mango salsa, and their "love dip". They have a sandwich kiosk that is apparently really good but haven't tried yet. Their cheese selection was HUGE. This store reminds me of a Whole Foods except more variety and just better! Would definitely come again. read more

Boy, do I love this place! It's probably my favorite store to shop, eat, sample, and find all sorts of goodies and treats. The produce area is always packed with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. The range of meats and seafood they carry is second to none. They have a vast wine and beer selection. Ahd they also have skin care and vitamins. The freezer section is chalk full of frozen and delicious finds. The bin area is great because you get to purchase the exact amount of something. For example, a recipe calls for one teaspoon of white pepper. Instead of buying a full bottle for $7 that you know you'll never get through, you're able to buy exactly one teaspoon for pennies. The bakery, bread, and cheese counters are impossible to pass by without buying something. You can also buy premade meals that go down a treat or order something from the deli counter you've never had before. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The flower area is so so so beautiful![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Central Market is a great store to discover and find both uncommon brands and foods as well as the familiar. A word the wise, things can get pretty pricey here, so watch it if you're on a budget. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Also, don't forget to bring a jacket because it is so cold inside![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

As a visiting foodie-phile Californian, this is my Houston based Mecca. Each time I visit my daughters' family, they take me there - they know how much I enjoy it. HEB knows it's foods! 1st distinction, is the choices in produce - from all over the world. 2nd the butcher & fish depts, no greater selection! 3rd and my favorite... the Chocolate Bar. A place where you can buy the best coverture and baking cacaos! I buy, and bring home, each time I go! Then there are the "normal" grocery item areas that are truly a gem. Many choices of grits, flours (like White Lily), foreign goods and spices too! There is also no matching their bulk items either, rows and rows of everything from nuts to teas. And just as you're ready to exit, you find yourself at a full service bread bakery! Now, being from the Bay Area, there is nothing that can compare to our sourdough, BUT they try to makeup for it in selection. Then there are the cheeses, olives, and salsa bars! Oh wait, did I forget to mention, the live sushi bar and deli counters? Jeez, this place delivers! Never change, HEB/Central Market! read more

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Central Market has really gone downhill in terms of cutting corners and staff. The past 3 or 4 times I've come I have to bag my own groceries. I'm sorry but your prices are so insane you can at least bag my groceries. There should be a bagger for every open line no exception. read more

For longest time, I thought Central Market was only in Austin and Dallas. I was cultural shocked when I drove up from Weslayan. It's located in a fancier neighborhood that I rarely visit. I never knew about this store until now. I was here because my neighbor told me to check out their fresh and exotic produce. She knows me that I like to cook and I always look for interesting ingredients in my dishes. Driving here wasn't bad. The parking lot was packed on a Saturday lunchtime. Inside was packed with customers, too. I felt a little enochlophobia as I walked through the produce section. I tried to release the anxiety by taking pictures. And, I am not a fan of overly-excited customers in the shops. These people drove me nuts. The store is big with tons of stuff but the aisles were narrower than my comfort level. Prices are kind of high for me. I would rather shop at H-E-B with common people's products. (Oh, can't find Ragu sauce here for sure). There are so many different kinds of same thing in every aisle. A little excessive on organic produce. Central Market is not for me. Shopping here gives me anxiety. I think I will be back when it's not as busy. I uploaded 70+ photos with this review. Go to https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/central-market-houston-2?userid=jwPVqdHpVHCBfAe4pZBbgA read more

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Central market is one of my favorite places in Houston. I love perusing the aisles and seeing the vast selection of all types of fancy groceries. My favorite sections are the pasta, bread, and produce. The best part though is their sandwiches. I like to make my own and there's so many different breads and ingredients, I switch it up every time. It always hits the spot, and the layers in the sandwich always look so pretty. I would definitely like to check out their cooking classes sometime as well. read more

Central Market - Build your own sandwich - Grocery Near Me - Houston, Texas

My only complaints is why there aren't more around the city. This is my happy place for a peaceful shopping experience. I wish I lived closer to take the cooking classes and advantage of all the community offerings. But I come here for the sandwich bar. Pro tip : I'd suggest choosing a sandwich they have a tweak it. They have so many options that first time create your own can be overwhelming on a busy day...which is most days. read more

There's really no other better grocery store than Central Market in the Houston area! Luckily, it's super close and convenient from where we live too! [[HIGHLIGHT]]All of the shelves and aisles are neat and clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Employees are cordial and always willing to help you find anything you need. The workers at the seafood and meat departments work relatively fast which is important during the weekend rush. The sandwiches are worth it even if there's a line, however, I recommend going before/after the lunch rush. I've tried their coffee several times too and it's great! Overall a pleasant visit every time I need to pick up groceries. The only downside is the parking, especially on weekends. read more

Their paninis are next level! Line can get long, but stick it out! This most recent time I got sourdough, basil pesto on both sides, grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, tomato + caramelized onion ... I think it was my fav creation yet! read more

This is one of the best grocery stores in the USA, no doubt about it! I hear people in the northeast raving about Wegmans, but Wegmans nowhere comes close to Central Market. With the trend towards emphasis on local and ingredient driven food and cooking, Central Market is where you need to go for grocery shopping. Amazing produce, lots locally sourced, as well as exotic fruits and vegetables you would not find anywhere else - I mean, last time I was there I even saw wasabi rhizome and yuzu! The seafood and butcher section is insane, and the quality is top notch. They have a dry age locker and some of the best steaks I I have ever cooked has been beef from Central Market. You can also tell the people who curate the products here are legit - for wine and beer lovers, the selection and curation is out of this world. Some of my favorite wine producers that I used to always have to order, are represented in the store. And it's wild when some of my old local beer spots in Brooklyn/NYC/Upstate New York have their cans on the shelf. Their floral section is first class as well, and always so fresh, diverse, and gorgeous. I have even taken cooking classes here (which I highly recommend!!) - the instructors are so nice, and it's a great deal because they give you Central Market coupons for use after the class too. If I had to name the top 5 reasons why I love Houston, Central Market would be on that list! read more

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Love love love Central Market. Wide selection of everything you can think of. Their bakery items are delicious (I love the smores cookies!), the affordable viral California Connection sandwich lives up to the hype, and the cafe drinks hit the spot! read more

Yelp wants my review for Central Market- as you wish. I went looking for HEB's organic brand of dry beans and unfortunately they nor HEB have them. I did notice the organic cooked and canned beans are offered at HEB but not sure if CM carries them. [[HIGHLIGHT]]CM is pretty bad ass and is very different than other grocery stores as in "fancy". Like the veggies are displayed in nests of ice[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Fancy unfortunately, is maintained by sky high prices on every-thang! I did try their bakery Rugalach which said apricot but was actually raisin and the dough was not right for a rugalach. Also got two sticks of lemongrass for $2.50. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is a maze but they have signs.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Like there was sooooo many people and the breads are out in the open, fyi for germ phobes u know, especially when u see a guy sneezing near the cookies.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It is a fun experience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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I LOVE Central Market! I wouldn't say I'm someone who grocery shops for fun, but CM is one of the few grocery stores where I actually am excited to go to, even if I didn't have anything I needed to pick up. This grocery store has SOOO much stuff -- it literally feels like an IKEA, but for groceries/food because of the way it's set up. Everything feels very intentional and well-balanced, and there are so many produce items I never even knew existed. Their high-quality selection of seafood, meats, breads, coffee beans, flowers, and so much more, are some of the most extensive I've ever seen, and to top it off, they have such amazing sandwiches and soups you can order at the end of your journey! (or go through the cafe entrance if you're coming just for that). I have yet to try the prepared foods/salads they have, but they also look very delicious. I know they also offer a cooking class/have upstairs seating, which I will certainly try one day! read more

Central Market - Grocery Near Me - Houston, Texas

Lots of variety of options! So good to browse and find exactly what you need. I wanted feta cheese and there were plenty of options. Also they make sandwiches which is fresh and in front of me that made it. It was very delicious. Thanks ! read more

Excellent grocer in the River Oaks neighborhood. Got an assortment of items, but the salad bar was top notch. And for the price, the taste and value far exceed your typical Chik Fil A salad. Cashiers were quick and efficient. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Store was clean and had a very large selection of food, drinks, and coffee grounds.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will definitely be visiting again when in this part of town. read more

We paid $95 a person for the German event. I'm not sure what we paid for. There were samples around the store, but they were not exclusive to those who had the tickets for the German event. There was a coupon in the reusable bag, but the cashiers were offering those to everyone. Very disappointing. When we checked in we had to ask how the experience worked and the employees were less than kind and very annoyed. I also had some questions about a recipe card that was given out. When I went to the video referenced on the card, key ingredients were left out. read more

They have an amazing selection of everything: wines, cheeses, cured meats, ethnic foods (Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, etc) [[HIGHLIGHT]]BUT the layout of this place is overwhelming. Sometimes all the cheese is in the cheese section. Sometimes a random specific one is in a totally different area.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It doesn't help that this place is always packed.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would definitely go when it won't be busy (early AM on a weekday might be best) bc for our first time, we definitely got lost a few times. I would recommend going if you are looking for something specific not just to browse since it's crowded enough. read more

**Central Market Cafe** I didn't grocery shop, only used the CAFE. It's a maze, kind of reminds me of IKEA. The coffee was amazing, ordering was quick and easy. I ordered an iced vanilla latte. Staff were polite and baked goods smelled delicious. read more

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Great cheese and bread selection. Stopped and got a latte while I shopped around and it was really good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was definitely busy in the deli and the sandwich station but the food looked fresh and the customer service was great and quick.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I have been to the Central Market Sandwich/Deli line a few more times now, so I thought I would write an update. I think my sandwiches in preferred order might be: (1) Cuban Press (2) Grilled Chicken, Blue Cheese and Fig (with extra arugula and basil) (3) Spicy Club (4) California Connection (5) Central Market Cheesesteak read more

Central Market - Grilled Chicken, Blue Cheese and Fig Sandwich - Grocery Near Me - Houston, Texas

I keep having food delivered looking for the old Central Market. Each time the quality & taste of the old Central Market gets less and less. My $44 a pound filet was tough & the prepared food tasteless. I was told C, Butt gave it to his cousins. What I would give if he took it back. It is just not the high quality store it was for 20, plus years. read more

We call this place the high end HEB. Also similar to HEB this place is a Houston institution. Although I don't do my whole shopping for the week, I absolutely love this store for particular items. It's probably my favorite place for lunch due to all the options. Their soups, and sandwiches never disappoint and it is usually busy to order a sandwich but always worth the wait. I often locate my hard to find teas here as well. It's a lovely place to put together a nice gift for a host. They have tons of candles, and chocolates year round. read more

Great selection but I still prefer regular grocery store layout not Central Market maze.

This time shopped for flowers. They gave a great collection of fresh flowers in all possible colors and variety and if your lucky, you can get a bouquet made too. They are easy to access and have a friendly staff who will help with suggestions. The flowers I had purchased last time lived very well into a good 3 weeks with minimal maintenance, am hoping the ones I got this time will too. Central Market is otherwise a great stop for any daily need, something like an upscale super Target. I never leave the place without a box of their salads. A must stop if you are in the area. read more

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This review is specifically for the event run by the Central Market Wine Department and Cooking School. My husband and I got tickets to attend the high end wine tasting event to celebrate CM's 30th Anniversary. The wine tasting event is one of the best run wine events I've attended, and the knowledge of professionalism of the staff of the wine department is unparalleled. The cooking school space is set up in a classroom fashion and everything is orderly and thoughtfully executed. The tasting notes included a wealth of knowledge and history and the personal charcuterie box is generous and versatile. I cannot recommend similar event at Central Market enough, if you're a wine enthusiast! read more

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