With its diverse mix of restaurants, sidewalk cafes, and coffee shops that cater to all tastes and occasions, Rice Village has long been a go-to for Sichuan food. The West University-area shopping mecca, which spans 16 blocks and includes more than 300 businesses, is one of the most charming pocket of the city. The district’s distinct blend of architecture and oak tree lined streets give it plenty of personality, and its central inner-loop location near River Oaks, the Medical Center, and Bellaire make it a convenient option for shopping, dining, and leisure.
Mostly walkable, the area is an ideal choice for wine-fueled lunches, margarita happy hours, celebratory nights out, and everything in between. And, whether you’re craving fresh Mediterranean fare, fine dining with a spotlight on seafood, or Italian comfort classics, there’s a place in this pedestrian-friendly district that is sure to satisfy. Here is a guide of the best restaurants to hit up in Rice Village.
Duck N Bao has three Houston-area locations, including an outpost on the street level of the Hanover apartment building in Rice Village. As its moniker suggests, the Peking duck is Duck N Bao’s call to fame, but don’t overlook dishes like soup dumplings ($11) in chicken and pork varieties, bang bang chicken ($13), and pork belly-filled bao buns ($19).
5215 Kelvin Dr., Houston, ducknbao.com
