The 12 Best Sushi Spots in Houston
From strip mall izakayas to upscale omakase joints.
As much as we Houstonians love our glorious Tex-Mex combos and luscious BBQ sandwiches, there's nothing quite like sitting down to a lavish spread of overstuffed hand rolls, ocean-fresh sashimi, and exquisite nigiri crowned with glistening tobiko. And thankfully, when it comes to sushi, the Bayou City has a little bit of everything. Indulge in classic salmon and tuna rolls accented with signature sauces, or splurge on innovative sashimi that'll have you ready to book your next visit. It's all delicious, artfully designed, and ready for the taking. Here are the 12 best sushi spots in Houston.
Uptown
Nobu packs an astonishing roster of everything. Diners can get swept away by ocean-fresh maki and sashimi, snack on signature tacos toppled with tuna, caviar, and ceviche, or load up on crispy tempura. And don’t forget to toast quite the meal with a fragrant Market Margarita, because cocktails always pair nicely with raw eats.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable or order pick-up and delivery via Postmates, Uber Eats, and Doordash.
Downtown
Serving as one of the many stellar dining options inside Bravery Chef Hall, expect a laid-back atmosphere and swoon-worthy sushi courtesy of chef Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee. Their riveting menu hits several high notes, from buttery chicken skewers to a vast collection of nigiri and sashimi, all sourced directly from Japan. Complementing these stand out bites are their nourishing rice bowls, succulent edamame, and blistered Shishito peppers for a spicy kick.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order pick-up via Toast.
Northchase Park
Taiko, AKA what dreams are made of. Situated in the North Golden Sun Plaza shopping district, this roomy Japanese concept offers top notch sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, and, of course, belly-warming ramen on a budget. Go for a hefty Nemo Roll, a spread of spicy tuna layered with salmon and spicy mayo, or dive into true Gulf Coast territory with the Hot Mama Roll, a mouthwatering lineup of crab, shrimp, cream cheese, and other accouterments. For an optional dose of goodness—and self-care—top it off with a fiery bowl of Chicken Ramen.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order pick-up and delivery via Uber Eats, Doordash, Grubhub, and Seamless.
Galleria/Uptown
Despite the moniker, chef Niki Vongthong isn't shy when it comes to harnessing her culinary chops. Her keen finesse for beautifully designed dishes, chiseled seafood cuts, and traditional Japanese presentations guide the lavish tasting menu, so consider this bucket list material. But don’t wait too long, because the bar only has 14 spots and snagging a seat can be difficult. Once you’ve scored that golden ticket, revell in delights like Kinoki Nigiri topped with brown butter and mushroom relish, lightly seared Mackerel, Foie Gras nestled in a fig-chili jam, zesty Sake Crudo, and other bite-sized wonders.
How to book: Reserve via Resy.
Chinatown
You’ll find some not-so-authentic (albeit scrumptious) rolls and sliced gems at this snug stripmall joint, but that doesn’t mean that chef Miyagi—the maestro behind the knife—is lacking in the elite skills department. One taste of his meticulously chopped Hotate doused in spicy mayo, aromatic yellowtail- and scallion-brimmed Maki, or Smoked Salmon peppered with crispy tempura crumbs, and you’ll see why this mom and pop shop deserves all the accolades.
How to book: Stop in for first come, first served seating or order delivery via Grubhub.
Museum District
After an afternoon of trekking through the Museum District’s historic plaza of interactive artworks and sparkling installations, rest your legs and unwind with a spread of chef Kris Kinjo’s finest. We’re talking bento boxes stuffed with steamed rice and soups, plus heavy hitting specials teeming with five pieces of prime Nigiri and a choice of Cucumber, Tuna, Salmon, and Yellowtail Rolls. With a lineup like this, you’ll definitely be back for another daily dose of excellence.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable.
Upper Kirby
Despite what we’ve been led to believe, sushi is less about the fish and more about the rice. Proper attention to detail concerning temperature, acidity, and structure are vital components for ensuring the best sushi experience possible, and, luckily, chef Manaubu Horiuchi—AJA Hori-san—hones in on these elements with expert precision. Every week, the restaurant receives shipments of fresh fish from Japan, allowing chef Hori to revamp their already superb lunch and dinner menus with new, seasonally driven dishes on the regular. So as you’re dipping into those steamy noodle soups and teriyaki-glazed beef skewers, be sure to add an order (or two) of buttery Toro or Spicy Tuna bathed in a heap of wasabi vinaigrette to your tab, and thank us later.
How to book: Reserve via Resy or order pick-up via Toast.
Montrose
Sushi traditionalists, this may not be the place for you. But for those who daydream about feasting on funky, outside-the-box adornments on a daily basis, this is your spot. Crafting signature platters as suave as its luxe interior, diners can indulge in a healthy dose of sweet and smoky Machi Cure, finely marinated Mackerel, and Gyumaki, a grilled short rib and kimchi-based Makimono.
How to book: Reserve via Opentable, order take-out online, or get delivery via Uber Eats.
Greenway/Upper Kirby
Tucked away in the cozy West Alabama at Revere Shopping Center, this premiere spot is a piece of sushi and soju heaven. Guests can throw back bite-sized sushi any time of day, but happy hour is prime time to catch the chefs showcasing their noteworthy techniques and creative flare while noshing on fresh slices of salmon and tuna at a great price. Other standouts include Tiger Shrimp and Kabocha Tempura, refreshing Salmon Ceviche with cucumber and cilantro, and tingly Koshau Maguro Pepper Tuna Nigiri.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable.
River Oaks and Memorial
This Japanese tapas bar is a more than worthy sushi destination, thanks to well-seasoned sticky rice and a dazzling selection of nigiri, sashimi, rolls, and hand rolls from notable sushi chef Hajime Kubokawa (formerly of Kubo’s) and partner Akira Asano. Hit the intimate five-seat sushi bar for a bounty of rolls and skewers with an all-star track record.
How to book: Call 713-461-0155 (Memorial) or 832-548-1889 (River Oaks) to reserve.
Memorial
Helmed by Nobu-trained chef Adison Lee, this sultry hotspot is giving fully entrenched sushi veterans a run for their money. Lee’s impressively delicate presentations are locally and seasonally inspired, reflecting the team’s drive to reach new levels of greatness and handy in-house forager. Load up on exquisite cuts like Seared Wagyu Beef Nigiri, spicy-meets-creamy Rin Maki, a chilled serving of Hirataki awash in Thai chilis, and other favorites from a hefty roster of inspired takes on Japanese classics. The choices are endless.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable or order pick-up and delivery via Doordash and Caviar.
Museum District
Owned and operated by Japanese-native Naomitsu Yoshida since 1986, this long-standing haunt is as real-deal as it gets. Expect buttery-as-all-hell Uni and beautifully prepared Hamachi alongside solid specialty rolls and an excellent sake selection in an unassuming, laid-back atmosphere.
How to book: Call 713-523-3939 to reserve and order pick-up or get delivery via Uber Eats.