<p>This question is right up my alley. In Rice Village, I’ve always enjoyed Benjy’s – good food, good service and a beautiful upscale vibe. Prego’s is also good, but not quite as special for a celebratory dinner.</p>
<p>sffhgoalie – restaurants in Houston can get more expensive, but they typically don’t get “fancy,” as you’d be hard pressed to find a restaurant in town that requires men to wear a jacket. I just ate at Haven for the first time and it was a fair more expensive than I usually go, but it was a beautiful environment, with wonderful food and service. It’s not too far from Rice either (just north of the Southwest Fwy off Kirby). It has locally sourced food with a southern slant. I know of someone who went to Eddie V’s last year after the Rice graduation and thought it was wonderful. If you like seafood, Reef is really nice (in midtown). If you tell me the type of food your family likes, I’m happy to make other suggestions.</p>
<p>And congratulations to the graduates!!!</p>