Rice Village is a retail area near Rice University. First developed in the 1930s, it has evolved into a busy setting for clothing stores, assorted niche retailers, several bars and roughly three dozen restaurants. These eateries are mostly casual and fairly inexpensive, and provide a wide diversity of offerings. Thai, Vietnamese, a Jewish deli, dim sum, Spanish, Indian, Italian, French and Turkish are just some of the dining options.
Since 1995 Benjy's has served an eclectic menu in a lively--and often loud--setting that has managed to remain both fairly current as well as popular. The modern American cooking has taken cues from culinary traditions around the globe, especially Asian, and the results are well executed. Current examples include pork pot stickers with an orange ponzu vinaigrette, pizza topped with sushi grade tuna, sweet corn risotto with caramelized fennel and grilled salmon with avocado puree. Sunday brunch has long been a draw, as has the upstairs lounge that attracts a younger set with its various riffs on the martini.
Benjy's
2424 Dunstan
Houston TX 77005
713-522-7602
benjys.com
Quaint but often boisterous, this neighborhood bistro serving homey Provencal-inspired fare has long won over the locals. Steamed mussels, sweat breads, foie gras, salad Niçoise and rack of lamb are a few of the regular options. It is a somewhat quirky--no menus, only a blackboard--intimate spot whose charms usually overcome any inconsistencies from the kitchen. The all-French wine list features more than 600 selections from all around France including high-end Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux, but also many affordably priced choices that will also properly complement the meal in Gallic fashion.
Cafe Rabelais
2442 Times
Houston, 77005
713-520-8841
caferabelais.com
Istanbul Grill is another reason to brave the traffic and parking travails in the Village. Its well-prepared Turkish food is served in a pleasant, informal setting and an often lively atmosphere. Service is friendly and eager. The surprisingly familiar fare features clean flavors such as olive oil, freshly baked bread and grilled meat. It also provides one of the best dining values in the neighborhood. The Grill enjoys the benefit of being nearly next door to The Ginger Man, the nation's first multi-tap beer bar, and still one of the best.
Istanbul Grill
5613 Morningside
Houston, TX 77005
713-526-2800
istanbulgrill.com
Tucked away on the second floor of the Village Arcade near Morningside, this stylish and reliable spot is one of the best for sushi in the Houston area. It's certainly one of the most authentic, as it features a highly trained Japanese executive chef, and a Japanese owner who knows how to put it all together. The non-sushi Japanese fare is also worth a trip.
Kubo's
2414 University
Houston TX 77005
713-528-7878
kubos-sushi.com
For more than a couple of decades this smart and comfortable Italian-themed restaurant has served as a neighborhood trattoria for well-heeled residents of West University, just across the street. The offerings are inspired Italian and Italian-American classics and reflect local tastes, in part by providing a little more exuberance than the originals. Dishes include Fettuccine Jalapeño, pasta stuffed with roasted pheasant, risotto with roasted pumpkin, shrimp and pancetta and wood-grilled double-cut lamb chops. The 200 plus bottle wine list has been lauded by both the Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.
Prego
2520 Amherst
Houston, TX 77005
713-529-2420
prego-houston.com
