WEST HOUSTON. Adorned with Indian artwork, textiles, and architectural accents, Ashiana gives fine dining an Eastern edge. Mughalai cuisine is the specialty, and its judicious touch with spices ensures culinary exoticism without overwhelming flavors. The broad menu features tandoori specialties, plenty of vegetarian options, and classics like vindaloo, saag, korma, and tikka masala. Tasting menus provide multi-course pleasures, and the weekday lunch buffet is a delightful bargain. A fantastic wine list is also a boon.

MONTROSE. Coffeehouse culture runs strong at Brasil, which mixes artsy and hip sensibilities with aplomb. Original works enliven the walls, and live music and poetry readings are frequent occurrences, drawing out university folks and others with an affinity for words and rhythms. Along with coffee and tea drinks, wine and beer are served, not to mention sandwiches, pizzas, and quiche. If you're able, claim a spot on the front or back patios ­ favorite haunts when the weather's mild.

MONTROSE. You can't go wrong with a morning meal at bright, sun-filled Harry's. Frequented by a host of locals, the cafeteria-like restaurant knows how to do down-home food well, and the busy place shows it. At the break of day, you'll find biscuits, Greek omelets, pancakes, bacon and eggs, and French toast. Lunchtime brings out burgers and tasty fare like meatloaf, baked chicken, fried fish, and more, served with delicious vegetable sides. You may even catch up on the latest soccer stats and political goings-on while you dine, courtesy of regulars and downtown business types.

RIVER OAKS. For decades now, this diner has been bringing together young and old, traditional and alternative, uniting them all with the allure of homemade pies and short-order fare. Don't come if you're on a diet, but do show up if you're in the mood to indulge your sweet tooth. Chocolate cream, Dutch apple, coconut cream, and strawberry rhubarb pies are all delicious, but regulars especially adore the Bayou Goo, which features cream cheese, vanilla custard, chocolate chunks, and whipped cream on a pecan crust ­ oh, yeah! Other sugar fixes are available, and delicious breakfast dishes are served all hours of the day. Burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads also satisfy.

DOWNTOWN. When you're downtown and trying to score a quick, tasty lunch, Josephine's should be high on your list. While dinnertime patrons are often regaled with seafood main courses and more elegant sit-down fare, lunch-goers can depend on pastas, pizzas, soups, and salads. A midday cafeteria line guarantees that things move quickly, and affordable prices are especially welcome. The restaurant also serves more than a dozen health-conscious items.