Good Houston restaurant near Rice University

Epicurean Exploits - Food and Recipes
1

Hi,
We want to give a restaurant gift certificate to my son’s best friend who is at Rice, and just turned 18. Around $100-120. Preferably near his college, but I am sure for a good meal, he will make the trek. Any thoughts?
Thanks

2

Haven’t been in Houston in about 3 years, but this place was always decent and stumbling distance from Rice (actually in Rice Village). http://www.caferabelais.com/indexOUT.html

3

Within Rice Village (i.e., near Rice), Rabelais is good, and so is the newly opened Coppa Osteria. Some people like Benjys and Prego in Rice Village. I don’t. I do like Tiny’s No. 5 within West University Place (probably ~1.5 miles from the University).

Some of the best places in Houston, though, are just a very short hop from Rice. If it doesn’t need to be within walking distance, I’d recommend Uchi, Underbelly, and Provisions, all of which are 5-15 minute drives, max.

4

Thanks guys; did Rabelais. They have also agreed to embarrass him as much as possible with a loud off key Happy Birthday. Win, win.