Azuma Sushi & Robata Bar
The Rice Village flagship location of this restaurant empire just got a face-lift, drawing more denizens for its omakase menu, robata grill and inventive daily-changing sushi. Epicures swear by the chef's lobster roll with spicy tuna, lobster katsu, mango, mixed greens and unagi sauce.
Uchi
Tyson Cole’s smash hit is known for uncommonly terrific sushi rolls and atypical sauces. Think shrimp and salmon wrapped in lettuce and rice paper like a Vietnamese summer roll, crowned with a frozen grape slice and served with nuoc mam fish sauce.
MF Sushi
The sushi bar is the best place to watch the preparation of dishes served on beautiful ceramics. Pristine nigiri, like the tender bite of torched wagyu nestled on vinegar-kissed rice, are a specialty, but maki rolls make a meal. Try the tuna tartare topped with a quail egg and sesame seeds.
Kata Robata
Chef Hori’s multicourse omakase at the counter is an essential Houston dining experience, but for just a bite, fans flock for daily Kata sushi specials like foie gras with scallop. Chili heads go for the Ocean Picante signature maki roll with asparagus tempura, spicy tuna, peppercorn salmon, jalapenos and garlic chili oil.
Nobu
The new kid on the block from international chef Nobu Matsuhisa specializes in black cod miso, crudos and sashimi tacos. The makimono menu is traditional, except for the Nobu House Special Roll wrapped in rice paper. It looks simple but consists of a dozen quality ingredients including tuna, cucumber, avocado, wasabi, shrimp, yellowtail, snow crab, scallions and daikon radish.
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