By Elisabeth Brigham By Elisabeth Brigham | July 9, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Features, Food & Drink Feature, Food & Drink, Guides,
Houston is undoubtedly on a roll—grab your chopsticks and indulge in bites from sashimi to exotic rolls.
Aya
Feast your eyes on Aya Sushi—Belaire’s signature Japanese spot showcasing top-tier sushi and an omakase menu (highlighting 16 variations of crudo) to match. The menu features an array of wow-worthy maki options, including the One in Ten, made with shishito, shiitake, sesame and wasabi yogurt, and its signature Aya roll with toro, salmon, cucumber, avocado, tamari and caviar trio, gold. 5407A Bellaire Blvd., ayasushi.com
Kata Robata
Guests can expect nothing less than excellence from four-time James Beard Award-nominated chef Manabu Horiuchi, who curates an unmatched Japanese food experience at Kata Robata. “Chef Hori” specializes in defying traditional rolls and plates, allowing his diners to indulge in decadent dishes like the Texas hamachi with yellowtale, spicy tuna, freshwater eel, fried shrimp, yuzu juice, jalapenos and sea salt. Trust the chef’s highly esteemed culinary taste and surprise your taste buds with his sashimi for two or the chef’s premium omakase—you won’t regret it. 3600 Kirby Drive, Ste. H, katarobata.com
Sushi by Hidden
When weekending around the buzzy Rice Village neighborhood, make sure to pop into Sushi by Hidden. From the team that brought local hit Hidden Omakase, this concept features a one-of-a-kind omakase experience that guarantees to wow on and off the plate. The intimate setting hosts 10 guests at a time and features a carefully curated selection of sushi. Leading the charge at this unique dining spot is chef Jimmy Kieu along with a rotating roster of chefs from Hidden Omakase who will pop in accordingly to provide each dish with its own signature spin. Another fun addition—the 1,200-square-foot space features an NFT art gallery spotlighting emerging artists that diners can delight in. 5216 Morningside Drive, sushibyhidden.com
Kata Robata’s sashimi and sushi platter
Uptown Sushi
Did someone say sushi? Uptown Sushi stuns with an array of flavorful fare sure to tickle the tastebuds. Indulge in classics like the Optimus roll with shrimp tempura and spicy tuna in soy paper, topped with salmon escolar, spicy mayo and Serrano pepper or the Millennium roll with spicy tuna, topped with peppercorn tuna, avocado, ponzu sauce and sesame oil. 1131Uptown Park Blvd., uptown-sushi.com
Sushi on Post Oak
There are plenty of fish in the sea—and on your plate—at Sushi on Post Oak. Sometimes the best things are kept classic, which could mean indulging in rolls like the spider, California snowcrab or a shrimp tempura roll. Other times, the perfect plate is left unknown—the executive chef’s omakase or an eight-course tasting menu is all in the hands of Sushi on Post Oak. This Houston sushi staple is ready to roll with all catches of the day. 2027 Post Oak Blvd., sopohouston.com
Money Cat
Leveling up Houston’s sushi scene is none other than Kirby Grove’s Money Cat. Helmed by chef and owner Sherman Yeung, the menu showcases an impressive list of nigiri/sashimi, makimono and other mouthwatering dishes from the kitchen. Our personal favorite? The truffle toro trio with salmon, yellowtail, toro mix, asparagus and truffle oil. To top it off, its dessert options are not to be missed. For our chocolate lovers, the s’mores kakigori—made with cocoa snow, black sesame ice cream and smoked marshmallow ice cream—is an obvious must-order. 2925 Richmond Ave., moneycathtx.com
MF Sushi
When it comes to fine dining in Houston, MF Sushi does it right. Complementing the alluring vibes, the menu boasts a bevy of Japanese options for the whole table. Some of our favorites include the baked lobster tempura, truffle aioli salmon and the king roll. 1401 Binz St #100, mfsushi.com
Sashimi from Sushi on Post Oak
Hidden Omakase
Located off West Alabama, marked only by its iconic comic book entrance, Hidden Omakase is truly a hidden gem. Reservations are booked weeks in advance, given the restaurant has only two seatings a night, at the intimate 18-person chef’s counter. Chef Marcos Juarez, a veteran Uchi chef, curates the menu with highlights including kampachi ceviche with charred avocado and mushroom nigiri topped with brown butter. The promise of an unforgettable night comes at the price of $175 per person, allowing guests to bring their own bottle. 353 W Alabama St. #102, hiddenomakase.com
Uchi
With plenty of experienced cooks in the kitchen—including executive chef and owner Tyson Cole, chef de cuisine Stephen Conklin, head sushi chef Kevin Le and pastry chef Ariana Quant—Uchi masters every dish with its prowess in elevated Japanese cuisine. With an entire section of its menu dedicated to the farm and garden, this Houston gem makes it easy being green with menu items like veggie mushi, cure and yokai. Save room for dessert— housemade jasmine cream, fried milk and coconut tapioca leave diners craving another meal at Uchi. 904 Westheimer Road, Ste. A, uchihouston.com
Koi
Whether you’re craving fresh seafood or flavorful veggies, Koi Houston has you covered. Mix it up with innovative rolls like the Unagi Avocado roll with ell, avocado, ell sauce and spicy mayo, or our personal favorite, the Mega Dragon with spicy tuna, cucumber, torched ell, tempura crunch, spicy mayo and ell sauce. And for our vegetarians, fear not. The vegetable handroll is light and fresh with kanpyo, cucumber, avocado, carrot and leafy greens.
Photography by: photos courtesy of the brands