Sushi may not be on everyone’s family table but it certainly has come into its own. Sushi has become incredibly popular with the young and single crowd. What they may not know is Sushi dates back thousands of years. It is considered an intricate art of the Japanese culture.
Thirty years ago, eye brows were raised when someone mentioned sushi as an option for dinner in the United States. But now, it is so common that many grocery stores carry it packed and ready to go. Some even make fresh Sushi onsite.
While few Sushi restaurants have been able to hone in on making themselves indispensable, they all have mastered the art of Sushi itself. Houston has more than a hundred Sushi restaurants, perhaps most notably the following.
THE FISH 309 Gray Street, Houston, TX 77019 (713) 526-5294 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-2:00(lunch) 5:00-11:00pm (dinner), Sat 12:00-12:00, Sun 5:00-11:00
The locals call it Fish in Midtown. The tables are all covered in black table cloths and red lights provide a unique ambience. There are plenty of booths to add a cozy feel. The service is excellent at the bar and table. Most favored Sushi is what ever is in season. The Sushi is flavorful. You can’t go wrong with anything here. The finger foods are excellent. Some favorites include spicy scallops, cucumber rolls, and fresh water eel. They have a great bar with lots of fun people. An oversized fish aquarium is the focal point. This is a Hollywood style Sushi stop that adds a classy touch to the already beautiful Midtown.
Estimated cost per person for dinner=$25-$35
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed
RA SUSHI 3908 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77027 (713)651-5800 Hours: Mon-Sun 11-Midnight This is one of the hottest Sushi spots for stylish young singles. There is a fantastic happy hour from 4-7. It’s a place to see and be seen. The music is loud and the Sushi has an American flare. With an almost limitless selection, customers love to try a new dish every visit. The Chili Ponzu Yellowtail is savory and is served up with sautéed pine and cashew nuts. This is not a family joint: age range are 21 and up. Be sure to make reservations around holidays.
Estimated cost per person for dinner=$45
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed
MATSU JAPANESE RESTAURANT 4855 West FM 1960, Houston, TX 77068 (281)893-8700 Hours:
The food here is a fantastic tribute to Japanese cuisine. The owners are always on hand to ensure a high level of quality and service. The mouthwatering Sushi is true in flavor as well as exquisite. Frequently requested are Flying Fish Roe (Tobiko) and Giant Clam (Mirugai) served with soy sauce or wasabi-a green Japanese horseradish. What’s the best way to top off your night? The Green Tea Ice Cream is a palate pleasing favorite. The outside of the building is unassuming, but inside you will be amazed.
Estimated cost for dinner per person=$10-$20
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve & Day- Closed, New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed
The happy hour Sushi specials are fantastic. Ichibon’s menu features 120 items that are carefully explained when asked about. You’ll be amazed by the table show that will entertain the entire family. They really turn it up for the kids, while the adults are able to enjoy themselves. The cutest and most popular dish here is The Caterpillar Roll-eel & rice rolled with paper and avocado.
Estimated cost per person for dinner= $15-$20
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open
KUBO JAPANESE 2414 University Blvd. 2nd floor (Morningside Dr.) Houston, TX 77005 (713)528-7878 Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30-10:00, Fri 11:30, Sat 12:00-10:30, Sun 12:00-9:00pm
Everyone in the area knows exactly where this location is. Once you’ve been here, you won’t forget your way back. Kubo’s is one of the most beautiful and elegant Sushi Bars with ambiance perfect for a relaxing evening. The servers remember why they’re here and are on top of your every need. The Sushi is simply delectable. Favorite include the Sweet Shrimp Ama-Ebi and the Sea Bass Suzuki. There are daily specials on weekdays. Kubo’s has a flavorful desert menu with titles like Monkey’s Gone Mad, Wild Chocolate Dome, and Green Tea Rendezvous. They offer catering; so if you can’t make it in, call it out.
Estimated cost per person for dinner=$30-$40
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve & Day-Closed, New Years Eve & Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter -Open
OSAKA JAPANESE RESTAURANT 515 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77006 (713)533-9098 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-2:30(lunch), 5:30-1:00(dinner), Sat 12:00-2:30 (lunch), 5:30-1:00, Sun 12:00-2:30 (lunch), 5:30-10:00 (dinner)
Osaka is one of the most comfortable Japanese restaurants around, and they really fill the plate with delious specials. The food is exceptionally good with great lunch specials and tasty variety. Favorites include Tuna, Yellowtail, and Red Snapper. If you’re with a group, they can make up a Sushi platter with many different flavors. They also offer several combination plates that will enable you to try a multitude of offerings. Osaka is quick to please its guest with fresh delights and great service.
Estimated cost per person for dinner=$20-$30
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve & Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter -Closed
TOKYOHANA GRILL & SUSHI BAR 15155 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77090 (281) 87-Sushi 3239 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-2:00am, Sat 12:00pm-2:00am, Sun 11:00-2:00am
Tokyohana has been able to blend Sushi and Hibachi dishes in such that you’ll be astonished. The crowd goes wild with the DJ playing and the chefs flipping food high into the air. It’s a blast for any party or group. A popular item to order is the Vampire roll. Casual attire is fine, and you might want to wear shoes to dance. All the great food and happy people will put you in the mood. They have banquet rooms for large parties. The word mundane has no place here.
Estimated cost per person for dinner=$30-$40
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve & Day-Closed, New Years Eve & Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open
EXIBIT STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI 4611 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006 (713)529-4637 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30-1:30pm (lunch) 5:30-10:00pm (dinner) This is one posh palace with the deco and dishes fit for a king. Each plate is an art piece in itself. Happy hour specials with ½ priced sushi from 4pm to 10pm. This fine dining experience is sure to be loved with an extensive variety of the fresh catch arriving daily from Hawaii. The wine list will impress with a multitude of great wines from California. Exibit caters to its guest by offing private dining rooms on is upper deck that seats 25-30. The other room accommodates 200 seated and 250 standing. Great for weddings or any company function. Reservations are needed.
Estimated cost per person for dinner=$35-$45
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve & Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open
Todai has been in Houston for six years and going strong. The crowd-pleasing place offers an all you can eat buffet. The buffet includes Japanese Sushi and fresh seafood. They certainly have it all: salads, steaks, and live lobsters. Families love this place because you can be picky and find something here. Todai has forty kinds of made-to-order Sushi rolls. The staff is friendly and eager to assist. You’ll enjoy a great selection of fine wine and beers.
Estimated cost per person= $15 lunch $25 dinner
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Open, Valentines-Open, Easter-Open
TERIYAKI HOUSE 2320 Shepard @ Fairview, Houston, TX (713) 807-7968 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-3:00 (lunch) 5:00-10:00pm (dinner), Sat 12:00-10:00pm, Sun 5:00-10:00
Wow! This Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar offers more that great food. The ambiance is right on, and to prove it they offer a special couples night out. The night includes two Ribeye Steaks, Shrimp Tempura with an assorted Sashimi appetizer and ½ bottle of featured Cabernet or Chardonnay. Keeping with the tradition of Japanese customs, your meal will not be rushed. The staff is careful to make your evening relaxing and comfortable. You might want to get a sitter for the kids. Reservations are recommended to ensure a great table for a special occasion.
Estimated cost per person for dinner=$20-$30
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve & Day- Closed, New Years Eve-Closed, New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open