Great recommendations above but to add a few more
Let’s hear them. Staying around Rice.
Heard good things about Goodnight Charlie’s and Tounge-cut Sparrow. Ninfa’s our Navigation goes without say.
What else do I need to know about?
Ninfas, El Tiempo, and Hugo's are all Houston staples but if you want to get authentic family-style Mexican head over to Montrose/Midtown (you can take the train from Rice for like 2.50) and go to
Cuchara. The owners are from Mexico City and the cooks happen to be all of their moms so its Mexican home cooking and it's damn good.
For a quick lunch that won't break the bank, Local Foods is fantastic
I second bonedaddys Coppa Osteria recommendation.
For something sweet FloParis Bakery is great and you can walk to all kinds of stuff around there