Rice Village is an area in Houston that truly lives up to its reputation as a Garden District. This district is among the most walkable and historic areas with lots of natural beauty. The area is in close proximity to Rice University and Texas Medical Center, making it a perfect place for international food at affordable prices. Here are some of the best Rice Village restaurants that display the culinary diversity of the area.
1. Prego
Do you want to try an Italian dish? Then Prego is the perfect place for you. This restaurant has been n Rice Village for decades and is popular for providing fresh, modern, and traditional Italian cuisine. The place has earned a great name for attentive service, top-notch wine, and cocktails as well as delectable food.
The restaurant features handcrafted pasta, hand-tossed pizzas, house-cured salumi, and a number of gulf seafood dishes all inspired by Italian cuisine. The restaurant also supports and uses organic, and sustainable ingredients whenever possible to prepare their foods.
That said it is necessary to note that their menu changes regularly depending on the offerings of local vendors and farmers.
Location: 2520 Amherst St, Houston, TX 77005
Phone: 713-529-2420
2. Brown Bag Deli
Another perfect place to dine is the Brown Bag Deli. This restaurant is tucked in a small space in Rice Village, and it is the perfect spot to pick up a quick sandwich, chips or drink. The place offers will deliver quality, fresh food with great service to ensure you are satisfied.
Since 2004, the Brown Bag Deli has been offering amazing tasting custom-made sandwiches, and is generally known for that. Nevertheless, they also offer a number of other foods on the menu including bread options, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments. That said it is necessary to note that parking can be challenging here, so can help if you looked for a space that has a meter with some leftover time on it!
Location: 2540 Amherst St Houston, TX 77005
Phone: +1 713-520-6100
3. D’Amico’s
For years now, D’Amico’s Café in Rice Village has been known as Houston’s own Little Italy. This typical red-and-white-checkered tablecloth place is owned by Nash D’Amico and his daughter Brina D’Amico. It is a perfect place for dining and shopping.
The restaurant offers both traditional and innovative Italian dishes including handmade sandwiches, house-made pasta, fire-roasted pizzas, and a range of seafood. The fantastic bit is that the restaurant also offers imported olive, Italian pepper, cheese, fresh pasta, and other Italian ingredients you could buy to take home for your own homemade dish.
The restaurant also offers a full beverage service that offers both imaginative and classic cocktails. In addition, it will offer its customers new dishes, drinks, and other specials on almost every visit. Again, the place is big enough for its customers to hold private events including birthday parties and small weddings.
Location:5510 Morningside Dr. Suite. 140, Houston, TX 77005,
Phone: +1 713-526-3400
4. Goode Company
Goode Company is one of Houston’s most iconic barbecue joints. This venerable family-owned Houston restaurant serves up all the classics. At Goode Company BBQ, you can choose from the à la carte selection of meats including brisket, roasted chicken, and ribs, or make a combination plate with meats and delicious sides.
The place has both indoor and outdoor settings, so you can either pick an inside table or pick the picnic tables on the patio.
There are a few tables inside, but the real fun is sitting on the picnic tables on the patio and people-watching the diverse crowd around you. The amazing bit is that it is a family-friendly restaurant so you can bring your kids along.
Location: 5109 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
Phone: (713) 522-2530
5. Istanbul Grill & Deli
If you are in Rice Village and are looking for the best Turkish restaurant, Istanbul Grill and Deli is a perfect spot. This place offers the best Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in Houston at large. Their food is incredible and they offer great customer service. Istanbul Grill & Deli stays true to its cultural influences and regardless of the food you choose, they make it from scratch. You will definitely enjoy all the meals they make, from a coffee date, breakfast, and brunch, to dinner.
Location: 5613 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
Phone: 713-526-2800
6. Chocolate Bar
Chocolate Bar is worth mentioning in this list. This place has been a unit on University Boulevard in Rice Village for years now. They offer freshly made ice creams, chocolate cakes, cookies, and every kind of candy. It is the ideal place for a person with a sweet tooth. The place has a small sitting area inside, but most people tend to order their goodies and go.
Location: 2521 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
Phone: 713-520-8888
7. Chicken Kitchen
If you want to enjoy a healthy meal in Rice Village, the Chicken Kitchen is the perfect place. This restaurant makes it easy to order lunch for Houston and its surroundings. They offer a wide variety of main courses, sauces, side dishes, and dressings that are all made from scratch with top-notch fresh ingredients.
Chicken Kitchen’s atmosphere feels like home making it an ideal place to visit with kids. It also has super-friendly waitstaff that makes your experience even better. The amazing bit is that you can order your food online, have to-go orders, or have in-person dining. If you want the best Mexican chop-chop and the Cuban chop-chop Chicken Kitchen is the ideal place to go.
2516 Rice Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77005
Phone: 713-523-2323
8. Helen Greek Food & Wine
Helen Greek Food & Wine is another perfect restaurant you can visit if you’re looking for Greek cuisine in Rice Village. With its amazing dining area and super friendly service, Helen Greek food and wine is a perfect choice for anyone visiting Houston.
The place offers great Greek food that includes Greens & Cheese Pie, Greek Village Salad, Grilled Octopus, and Soutzoukakia. In addition to that, they also have a killer wine list, cocktails, and margaritas. The best bit is that they also have vegetarian-friendly and vegan options for all vegetarians.
Location: 2429 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005
Phone: 832-831-7133
