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Gratify’s dining room with globe lighting, tables, and bar seating.
Gratify is one of the most visually striking restaurants in Rice Village.
Kirsten Gilliam

Where to Eat in Rice Village

From vibey wine bars to Israeli restaurants with weekly belly dancing shows, this small pocket of the city features dining options galore

by Megha McSwain and Katie Holtman Updated
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Gratify is one of the most visually striking restaurants in Rice Village.
| Kirsten Gilliam
by Megha McSwain and Katie Holtman Updated
1 comment / new

Home to countless boutiques, furniture stores, salons, coffee bars, and restaurants, there are plenty of reasons to explore Rice Village and all that it has to offer. One of the few walkable neighborhoods in the city, it is a prime spot to enjoy a fine meal with a side of great people-watching.

Whether in search of the perfect morning pastry, the quintessential sidewalk cafe, a late night haunt with Israeli eats and live belly dancing, or a no-frills wine bar packed with locals, these 17 restaurants showcase the culinary diversity of the neighborhood.

Is your favorite Rice Village spot missing from this map? Shout it out in the comments.

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Under the Volcano

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This decades-old bar is situated away from the hustle and bustle of the area’s many retail shops. It’s relaxed and unpretentious, and is themed out with Day of the Dead artifacts and decor. Find a hefty menu of Mexican eats, like queso, tacos, empanadas, and tamales, along with frozen cocktails and a full coffee bar.

2349 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 526-5282
(713) 526-5282

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Simone on Sunset

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Whether it’s a moody date night place you seek, or a no-fuss hangout spot for a group, this longstanding wine bar is a reliable choice in Rice Village. Alongside its hefty wine list, the menu features plenty of shareables, like hummus with pita bread and vegetables, calamari, and spiced edamame, plus heartier mains like shrimp tacos and the Simone burger.

2418 Sunset Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
(346) 980-8107
(346) 980-8107

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Local Foods - Rice Village

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This mainstay and beloved local chain serves up healthy and fresh fare all day at its Rice Village outpost, including its unrivaled roasted “crunchy” chicken sandwich, which gets its crispy texture from a combination of crushed chips and a nut-seed crumble. Try the Asian chicken salad, or one of the revolving daily specials. During your visit, be sure to check out the neighboring Local Foods Market slinging local goods and wine.

2424 Dunstan Rd # 100, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 521-7800
(713) 521-7800

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Lees Den

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An homage to the now shuttered Houston Chinese restaurant, Lee’s, this speakeasy bar (with two discreet entrances) is known for its selection of rotating wines and seasonal cocktails. Its unique shareable plates, like sesame ginger meatballs and pistachio-whipped goat cheese make it a worthy option of dining and imbibing while in the area. Opt for a glass of wine or purchase a bottle from Local Foods Market’s bottle shop downstairs, with no corkage fee.

2424 Dunstan Rd Suite 125, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 522-7602
(713) 522-7602
Lees Den cocktail with a side of chips.
Though billed bar that specializes in wine, Lees Den offers much more.
Jenn Duncan

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Coppa Osteria

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Although the choice between pizza or pasta is never an easy one to make, rest assured Coppa won’t lead you astray. Start off the night with the Tuscan kale salad before deciding between the classic margarita pizza or pappardelle with seasonal mushrooms and guanciale.

5210 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 522-3535
(713) 522-3535

Also featured in:

Gratify

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With its spirited crowd and loud, artsy decor, Gratify is a see and be seen destination in Rice Village. Start with caviar and chips, or peruse the cheese case, showcased prominently at the bar, and check out the daily selections featured on the Gratify meat and cheese board. Enjoy mains like short rib ragu and beef bourguignon, but save room for the famed date cake.

5212 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-7865
(713) 524-7865

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Sushi by Hidden

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From the team behind Hidden Omakase, Sushi by Hidden offers 30-minute omakase tastings for 10 guests at a time at an intimate sushi counter. Like its sister restaurant, it boasts a speakeasy-style entrance, where guests must pass through a mock art gallery before entering the small dining area. The speedy experience is a budget-friendly alternative to some of the other omakase experiences in town, priced at $60 per guest.

5216 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
(346) 399-5948
(346) 399-5948

Also featured in:

Hungry's

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At this Rice Village stalwart, Mediterranean influence meets comfort food classics. The extensive menu features everything from hummus and old-school meatloaf to burgers and pasta. Lunch is a sceney affair, with most guests taking to the shaded patio. Visit the second floor bar and lounge, called Upstairs, and enjoy daily happy hour specials on booze and bites from 3 to 6 p.m.

2356 Rice Boulevard fl 2, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 523-8652
(713) 523-8652

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Salento Bistrot

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This cafe and wine bar is known for its tartines and open-faced sandwiches topped with everything from brie and mushroom, to curried chicken. It’s also one of the few breakfast destinations in Rice Village, offering toasts with eggs and avocado, migas, and a full coffee program.

2407 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 528-7478
(713) 528-7478

Helen Greek Food & Wine

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With its chic, narrow dining room, killer wine list, and creative interpretation of “Gulf-influenced Greek food”, Helen offers something unique and special in Rice Village. Start with a cheese pie before moving on to feta-brined chicken with lemon roasted potatoes.

2429 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005
(832) 831-7133
(832) 831-7133

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Cafe Rabelais

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Classics are such for a reason, and Café Rabelais is a prime example of that. French staples like beef bourguignon and trout amandine remain some of their best dishes, but don’t forget to explore the restaurant’s board of ever-changing specials (especially if the foie gras torchon is on the menu).

2442 Times Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 520-8841
(713) 520-8841

Island Grill - Rice Village

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This casual, family-friendly restaurant, with a dog-friendly patio, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find pitas stuffed with everything from falafel and grilled salmon to sliced pastrami, and during brunch, indulge in breakfast tacos or creme brûlée French toast.

2365 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 527-8070
(713) 527-8070

Navy Blue

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Navy Blue is the seafood-focused follow up restaurant to Aaron Bludorn’s namesake Montrose restaurant, Bludorn. Open for lunch and dinner, the chic restaurant is a seafood lovers dream, featuring dishes like smoked mahi mahi dip, oysters prepared three ways, and a fried grouper sandwich made with mussel aioli.

2445 Times Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 347-7727
(713) 347-7727
A fish sandwich wrapped in white paper.
The grouper sandwich at Navy Blue.
Caroline Fontenot

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Hamsa

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Hamsa brings the flavors of Tel Aviv to Houston. Expect hummus with lamb presented with fresh baked pita, falafel with tahini, and charcoal-grilled meats with vegetable skewers. The restaurant opens up to a vibrant patio that offers prime people watching views, making it a hot spot during lunch, but if you opt to visit after dark — consider dining on a Thursday, when the restaurant hosts Tel Aviv night with belly dancing performances.

5555 Morningside Dr Suite 100, Houston, TX 77005
(281) 612-3515
(281) 612-3515
The exterior of Hamsa with outdoor seating.
Hamsa is popular for lunch, and its Thursday Tel Aviv nights.
Kirsten Gilliam

Also featured in:

Badolina Bakery & Cafe

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Badolina’s glass pastry cases reveal buttery baked goods that look almost too good to eat. Find beautifully laminated croissants, tarts, cookies, and immaculately decorated cakes served alongside coffee and espresso drinks. Be sure to snag a loaf of sourdough to take home for later.

5555 Morningside Dr #110, Houston, TX 77005
(832) 649-5909
(832) 649-5909

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Istanbul Grill & Deli

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Billed as Houston’s first Turkish restaurant, Istanbul Grill’s dining options are abundant, ranging from Turkish-style pizzas to grilled meat skewers. Plenty of dishes are vegetarian, including the red lentil soup, which is a house favorite.

5613 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 526-2800
(713) 526-2800

Also featured in:

Sixty Vines

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The Rice Village outpost of this Texas wine bar chain features a warm and sunlit space, spread over two levels. Find 60 Napa Valley wines on tap, and explore the food menu, which features shareable dishes like hummus, burrata, and pizzas. Brunch is a lively affair, with guests pairing their bubbles with dishes like avocado eggs Benedict or almond chiffon French toast.

2540 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
(281) 800-8808
(281) 800-8808

Also featured in:

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Under the Volcano

2349 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005

This decades-old bar is situated away from the hustle and bustle of the area’s many retail shops. It’s relaxed and unpretentious, and is themed out with Day of the Dead artifacts and decor. Find a hefty menu of Mexican eats, like queso, tacos, empanadas, and tamales, along with frozen cocktails and a full coffee bar.

2349 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 526-5282
(713) 526-5282

Simone on Sunset

2418 Sunset Blvd, Houston, TX 77005

Whether it’s a moody date night place you seek, or a no-fuss hangout spot for a group, this longstanding wine bar is a reliable choice in Rice Village. Alongside its hefty wine list, the menu features plenty of shareables, like hummus with pita bread and vegetables, calamari, and spiced edamame, plus heartier mains like shrimp tacos and the Simone burger.

2418 Sunset Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
(346) 980-8107
(346) 980-8107

Local Foods - Rice Village

2424 Dunstan Rd # 100, Houston, TX 77005

This mainstay and beloved local chain serves up healthy and fresh fare all day at its Rice Village outpost, including its unrivaled roasted “crunchy” chicken sandwich, which gets its crispy texture from a combination of crushed chips and a nut-seed crumble. Try the Asian chicken salad, or one of the revolving daily specials. During your visit, be sure to check out the neighboring Local Foods Market slinging local goods and wine.

2424 Dunstan Rd # 100, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 521-7800
(713) 521-7800

Lees Den

2424 Dunstan Rd Suite 125, Houston, TX 77005

An homage to the now shuttered Houston Chinese restaurant, Lee’s, this speakeasy bar (with two discreet entrances) is known for its selection of rotating wines and seasonal cocktails. Its unique shareable plates, like sesame ginger meatballs and pistachio-whipped goat cheese make it a worthy option of dining and imbibing while in the area. Opt for a glass of wine or purchase a bottle from Local Foods Market’s bottle shop downstairs, with no corkage fee.

2424 Dunstan Rd Suite 125, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 522-7602
(713) 522-7602
Lees Den cocktail with a side of chips.
Though billed bar that specializes in wine, Lees Den offers much more.
Jenn Duncan

Coppa Osteria

5210 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005

Although the choice between pizza or pasta is never an easy one to make, rest assured Coppa won’t lead you astray. Start off the night with the Tuscan kale salad before deciding between the classic margarita pizza or pappardelle with seasonal mushrooms and guanciale.

5210 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 522-3535
(713) 522-3535

Gratify

5212 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005

With its spirited crowd and loud, artsy decor, Gratify is a see and be seen destination in Rice Village. Start with caviar and chips, or peruse the cheese case, showcased prominently at the bar, and check out the daily selections featured on the Gratify meat and cheese board. Enjoy mains like short rib ragu and beef bourguignon, but save room for the famed date cake.

5212 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-7865
(713) 524-7865

Sushi by Hidden

5216 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005

From the team behind Hidden Omakase, Sushi by Hidden offers 30-minute omakase tastings for 10 guests at a time at an intimate sushi counter. Like its sister restaurant, it boasts a speakeasy-style entrance, where guests must pass through a mock art gallery before entering the small dining area. The speedy experience is a budget-friendly alternative to some of the other omakase experiences in town, priced at $60 per guest.

5216 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
(346) 399-5948
(346) 399-5948

Hungry's

2356 Rice Boulevard fl 2, Houston, TX 77005

At this Rice Village stalwart, Mediterranean influence meets comfort food classics. The extensive menu features everything from hummus and old-school meatloaf to burgers and pasta. Lunch is a sceney affair, with most guests taking to the shaded patio. Visit the second floor bar and lounge, called Upstairs, and enjoy daily happy hour specials on booze and bites from 3 to 6 p.m.

2356 Rice Boulevard fl 2, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 523-8652
(713) 523-8652

Salento Bistrot

2407 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005

This cafe and wine bar is known for its tartines and open-faced sandwiches topped with everything from brie and mushroom, to curried chicken. It’s also one of the few breakfast destinations in Rice Village, offering toasts with eggs and avocado, migas, and a full coffee program.

2407 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 528-7478
(713) 528-7478

Helen Greek Food & Wine

2429 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005

With its chic, narrow dining room, killer wine list, and creative interpretation of “Gulf-influenced Greek food”, Helen offers something unique and special in Rice Village. Start with a cheese pie before moving on to feta-brined chicken with lemon roasted potatoes.

2429 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005
(832) 831-7133
(832) 831-7133

Cafe Rabelais

2442 Times Blvd, Houston, TX 77005

Classics are such for a reason, and Café Rabelais is a prime example of that. French staples like beef bourguignon and trout amandine remain some of their best dishes, but don’t forget to explore the restaurant’s board of ever-changing specials (especially if the foie gras torchon is on the menu).

2442 Times Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 520-8841
(713) 520-8841

Island Grill - Rice Village

2365 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005

This casual, family-friendly restaurant, with a dog-friendly patio, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find pitas stuffed with everything from falafel and grilled salmon to sliced pastrami, and during brunch, indulge in breakfast tacos or creme brûlée French toast.

2365 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 527-8070
(713) 527-8070

Navy Blue

2445 Times Blvd, Houston, TX 77005

Navy Blue is the seafood-focused follow up restaurant to Aaron Bludorn’s namesake Montrose restaurant, Bludorn. Open for lunch and dinner, the chic restaurant is a seafood lovers dream, featuring dishes like smoked mahi mahi dip, oysters prepared three ways, and a fried grouper sandwich made with mussel aioli.

2445 Times Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 347-7727
(713) 347-7727
A fish sandwich wrapped in white paper.
The grouper sandwich at Navy Blue.
Caroline Fontenot

Hamsa

5555 Morningside Dr Suite 100, Houston, TX 77005

Hamsa brings the flavors of Tel Aviv to Houston. Expect hummus with lamb presented with fresh baked pita, falafel with tahini, and charcoal-grilled meats with vegetable skewers. The restaurant opens up to a vibrant patio that offers prime people watching views, making it a hot spot during lunch, but if you opt to visit after dark — consider dining on a Thursday, when the restaurant hosts Tel Aviv night with belly dancing performances.

5555 Morningside Dr Suite 100, Houston, TX 77005
(281) 612-3515
(281) 612-3515
The exterior of Hamsa with outdoor seating.
Hamsa is popular for lunch, and its Thursday Tel Aviv nights.
Kirsten Gilliam

Badolina Bakery & Cafe

5555 Morningside Dr #110, Houston, TX 77005

Badolina’s glass pastry cases reveal buttery baked goods that look almost too good to eat. Find beautifully laminated croissants, tarts, cookies, and immaculately decorated cakes served alongside coffee and espresso drinks. Be sure to snag a loaf of sourdough to take home for later.

5555 Morningside Dr #110, Houston, TX 77005
(832) 649-5909
(832) 649-5909

Related Maps

Istanbul Grill & Deli

5613 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005

Billed as Houston’s first Turkish restaurant, Istanbul Grill’s dining options are abundant, ranging from Turkish-style pizzas to grilled meat skewers. Plenty of dishes are vegetarian, including the red lentil soup, which is a house favorite.

5613 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 526-2800
(713) 526-2800

Sixty Vines

2540 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77005

The Rice Village outpost of this Texas wine bar chain features a warm and sunlit space, spread over two levels. Find 60 Napa Valley wines on tap, and explore the food menu, which features shareable dishes like hummus, burrata, and pizzas. Brunch is a lively affair, with guests pairing their bubbles with dishes like avocado eggs Benedict or almond chiffon French toast.

2540 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
(281) 800-8808
(281) 800-8808

Related Maps