Realizing there were very few restaurants in Houston that served authentic Mexican food, Arnaldo Richards and his wife, Janice, opened their first restaurant, El Granero, in 1982 in Bellaire, Texas. In April 1984, they opened Pico’s Mex-Mex Restaurant, also in Bellaire. Today, Pico’s is recognized as one of Houston’s premier Mexican restaurants and Arnaldo has become one of the city’s most celebrated chefs.

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A great deal of Pico’s success can be attributed to the restaurant’s unique menu of authentic Mexican cuisine…the same kind of food Arnaldo grew up eating. Having parents, grandparents and great-grandparents who came from a diverse culinary landscape, Arnaldo created the menu at Pico’s to be a scrapbook of their favorite meals from the seven regions of Mexico. From the Yucatán comes the method of cooking meats wrapped in banana leaves. The Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific provide the fresh seafood that Arnaldo cooks with grilled onions and poblano peppers. And, the sophisticated sauces come from the Mexico City region.

What The Critics Say…

"Arnaldo Richards of Pico's Mex-Mex restaurant - Mexico's interior cuisine pioneer."  – Gourmet Magazine

"The best Mexican restaurant in Texas."   – Texas Monthly

"At Arnaldo Richards' Pico's Mex-Mex restaurant, you can expect the true taste of Mexico."
– Ann Criswell, Houston Chronicle

"Voted Excellent"   – Zagat Review

"Thanks to Arnaldo Richards of Pico's, Mexican food is not the same old enchilada."  – Janice Schindler, Houston Post

"Think you know Mexican food? The real thing may surprise you."  – Rene Kientz, Houston Post

What Our Customers Say…

“This is the best Mexican restaurant we have been in. We have lived all over the US and traveled throughout Mexico. Bravo Gracias”  – Nicola Gianfrancesco

“I have never had a bad experience. Always Excellent!”
– Jesse Price

“We love this place! BEST Mexican food in Houston-hands down”  – Helenita Johnston

“We love Pico’s! Especially around soft shell crab season! Y chorizo es muy bueno!!”  – Jamie Pappas Shepherd

“One of our all-time favorite restaurants! We’ve come here since you opened in the …80’s?”  – Chandler Davidson

“My favorite place in Houston. Thanks”  – Delia Lara

“The red salsa is deliciosa, and I don’t say that about every salsa! The Chile In Nogada sauce is to die for!” 
– Janet Causey

“Excellent Service! Awesome from the moment we came in! Thank you!”  – Mary Harris

“You are our favorite—best salsa & margaritas in Houston—great food always.”  – Juan & Melinda Narbona