You're spoiled for choice when it comes to Japanese restaurants in Houston — from the flavorful foods to the culinary craftsmanship that goes into mastering the delicious creations. But, which of these eateries are the most popular? This vibrant city is the fourth largest in the United States, making it a culinary mecca for all types of cuisine, including Japanese. From innovative fresh sushi to upscale steakhouses serving wagyu beef, Houston has every type of Japanese eatery you can imagine.
There are many authentic Japanese restaurants in Houston due to the diversity of the city. The unique environment and prime location make this city a great place to indulge in traditional Japanese fare. Dive in and discover the best Japanese restaurants in Houston where you'll find expertly created food and unbeatable vibes.
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- The 19 Top Japanese Restaurants in Houston, Texas
- Try Hibachi Catering in Houston
The 19 Top Japanese Restaurants in Houston, Texas
1. Miyako Japanese Restaurant
Traditional Japanese culinary techniques are artfully combined with modern flavor interpretations at Miyako Japanese Restaurant in Houston. This upscale, casual restaurant is ideal for catching a quick lunch or a laid-back dinner.
The Vibe
This Japanese restaurant in Houston embraces modern Japanese design with a warm and inviting ambiance. Many dishes are priced very reasonably when taking into account the quality of food.
What to Order
Splurge on the flaming lobster maki featuring a kanikami tempura and avocado roll topped with caviar, spicy crawfish and crispy tempura lobster tail, served with a side of garlic butter for dipping.
Miyako Japanese Restaurant | Multiple Locations | $$
2. Kata Robata
This Japanese restaurant in Houston is famous for its extremely fresh seafood that is flown in from Japan several times a week. The menu atKata Robata is the brainchild of James Beard Award nominee, Chef Manabu Horiuchi, who is known for his masterful blending of traditional and modern Japanese culinary techniques. This Japanese restaurant in Downtown Houston offers a cosmopolitan feel and culinary excellence you'll get at few other eateries.
The Vibe
The upscale environment is meant to be savored and enjoyed, making for an idealdate idea in Houston. The atmosphere boasts a lively open kitchen to showcase the chefs' immaculate attention to detail in their preparation techniques. Be sure to make a reservation if you plan on dining during peak restaurant hours.
What to Order
Try the Kata special sushi with toro, uni and caviar, and indulge in the elaborate drinks menu boasting a large collection of Japanese whiskey and highly-rated sake.
Kata Robata | 3600 Kirby Drive, Ste. H, Houston, TX 77098 | $$$
3. Uchi
Translating to "house" in Japanese, Uchi is a creative look into the home of James Beard Award-winning founder and Chef Tyson Cole. Lauded as one of the few American sushi masters, Chef Tyson transcends traditional Japanese techniques and infuses his own flair onto fresh sushi ingredients, which is clearly evident at this popular Japanese restaurant in Houston.
The Vibe
Uchi reservations are highly coveted so plan your visit in advance. This eatery is an upscale special occasion restaurant, ideal for celebrating milestone events whether you're planning an anniversary meal or a birthday dinner in Houston.
What to Order
This Japanese restaurant in Houston is renowned for its sushi. Try the popular sake Ringo roll made with fresh salmon, trinity herbs and apple Thai basil aioli. If you are craving a more personal experience, book the Oheya Room and enjoy a special chef-selected menu.
Uchi | 904 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006 | $$$$
4. Genji Restaurant & Karaoke Bar
If you're looking for an entertaining Japanese restaurant in Houston, then Genji Restaurant & Karaoke Bar is perfect. This local gem has been serving Japanese cuisine and karaoke tunes to locals and visitors for years. This Japanese restaurant in Downtown Houston is located in a lively neighborhood.
The Vibe
Private karaoke rooms can be booked at this Japanese restaurant in Houston. Fast service and a full-service bar can also be expected. The atmosphere is fun and casual, and it stays open until 2 a.m., making it ideal for a fun birthday party with friends.
What to Order
Order the popular katsu curry or the light and fresh spider roll.
Genji Restaurant & Karaoke Bar | 11124 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77042 | $
5. Toukei Izakaya
Head to Toukei Izakaya if you're looking for a late-night Japanese-style tapas bar serving elegant small bites, ramen and yakitori to local Houstonians.
The Vibe
This Japanese restaurant in Houston features classic design elements with intriguing décor. The warm glow of the lantern lights mixed with the rich wood interiors and small dining space make for an intimate and sexy late-night dining experience.
What to Order
Order a large steaming bowl of classic tonkatsu ramen characterized by a silky pork bone broth, cha-syu, bamboo, mushrooms, scallions and thin straight noodles.
Toukei Izakaya | 9630 Clarewood Drive, Ste. A-15, Houston, TX 77036 | $$
6. Kuu
Step into Kuu and discover the art of eating, an eatery where this theme has truly and elegantly been embodied. This Japanese restaurant in Houston offers an upscale atmosphere and multiple menus including lunch, dinner, happy hour and Sunday brunch.
The Vibe
Kuu has a sleek and modern interior with an expansive climate-controlled outdoor patio for al fresco dining.
What to Order
Partake in the Toyosu sashimi box that is flown in straight from a fish market in Tokyo, Japan. This decadent selection of premium seafood includes daily house specials.
Kuu | 947 Gessner Road, Houston, TX 77024 | $$$
7. Teppay Japanese Restaurant
Located in an unassuming strip mall in the city, Teppay Japanese Restaurant in Houston has become a not-so-secret local hotspot made popular by its authentic Japanese cuisine.
The Vibe
This Japanese restaurant in Houston is casual and family-friendly, offering a wide selection of dishes to suit the whole family.
What to Order
Try the Negimayaki dinner which comes with thin slices of beef rolled around green onions and served with teriyaki sauce for dipping. The restaurant's sushi and ramen options are also to die for.
Teppay Japanese Restaurant | 6516 Westheimer Road A2, Houston, TX 77057 | $$$
8. Roka Akor
Experience a modern take on the Japanese spirit at Roka Akor. This Japanese restaurant in Houston is located in the lavish River Oaks District and has made a name for itself serving upscale Japanese steakhouse fare cooked on a traditional robata grill.
The Vibe
An upscale modern dining establishment featuring tasteful architecture and timeless earthy décor.
What to Order
Indulge in the decadent omakase dinner featuring a multi-course menu comprised of the chefs' freshest raw selections.
Roka Akor | 2929 Weslayan St., Ste. 100, Houston, TX 77027 | $$$
9. Sun Japanese Kitchen
How does an all-you-can-eat menu of fresh seasonal dishes sound to you? If this is the hungry diner's dream you're looking for, head to Sun Japanese Kitchen. This Japanese restaurant in Houston packs a big bang for your buck with the many authentic plates available.
The Vibe
Colorful wall art and lively service are two of the main themes at this Japanese restaurant in Houston, making it a bright and vibrant place to enjoy a meal.
What to Order
Try a little bit of everything with the all-you-can-eat menu. Indulge in fresh sashimi, house specialty rolls, authentic appetizers and hearty bowls of ramen.
Sun Japanese Kitchen | 2802 S. Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX 77098 | $$
10. Izakaya WA
Izakaya is a popular style of dining in Japan that is similar to a tapas bar or pub. It's popularly displayed at Izakaya WA, a Japanese restaurant in Houston known for its laid-back atmosphere and great-tasting cuisine.
The Vibe
This eatery is a casual spot to enjoy a drink and snack on a few different tasting plates. The interior features cozy booths to relax while enjoying great service.
What to Order
Try the nasu torimiso, which features flash-fried eggplant with sweet miso and ground chicken. For vegetarians, the vegetable tempura or ramen bowls are the way to go.
Izakaya WA| Multiple Locations | $$
11. Nippon Japanese Restaurant
Japanese-owned and operated, Nippon Japanese Restaurant in Houston has been proudly serving authentic Japanese cuisine to the local community for over thirty years. This eatery offers fresh seafood-focused dishes.
The Vibe
Pop into this light and casual Japanese restaurant in Houston for a quick lunch or informal dinner. They also offer a large covered outdoor dining area with fans.
What to Order
Try the shabu shabu hotpot meal with thinly sliced ribeye, assorted vegetables and a ponzu sauce for dipping. You can't go wrong when ordering any of the sushi plates, either.
Nippon Japanese Restaurant | 4464 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006 | $$
12. Aka Sushi House
If you are searching for a great happy hour then Aka Sushi House is the Japanese restaurant in Houston for you. This local eatery offers fresh sushi, traditional hot entrées, soups and appetizers, all at an affordable price.
The Vibe
An easy-going Japanese restaurant in Houston with quick service and a welcoming atmosphere.
What to Order
Order the maki combo lunch option and dig into your choice of four different rolls.
Aka Sushi House | 2390 W. Alabama St., Houston, TX 77098 | $$
13. Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Indulge in sushi that will make your taste buds dance at Blue Sushi Sake Grill. This Japanese restaurant in Houston unites bold flavors, fresh ingredients and sustainable sourcing for an eco-friendly sushi eating experience.
The Vibe
Delight in a fun and edgy atmosphere with engaged service. This is a great place to experience a happy hour and enjoy sake and a fresh Asian-fusion menu. Lauded by Houston locals as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Houston, it's a spot you don’t want to miss.
What to Order
You have to try the crispy rice cakes made of deep-fried sushi rice, topped with spicy big-eye tuna, scallions and housemade tataki sauce.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill | Multiple Locations | $$
14. Hidden Omakase
With only two exclusive seatings per night, Hidden Omakase offers an ultra-swanky dining experience. This Japanese restaurant in Houston takes fine dining to the max and makes a great place to enjoy a birthday celebration, anniversary or any other milestone date.
The Vibe
There are only 18 seats at the chef's counter, making Hidden Omakase a regal experience. A reservation is required at this fine dining establishment.
What to Order
The seasonal omakase menu offers a variety of Japanese dishes made from the freshest ingredients, meticulously sourced from around the globe.
Hidden Omakase | 5353 W. Alabama St., Houston, TX 77056 | $$$$
15. Kanau Sushi
With fast service and a menu packed with all-you-can-eat classics, Kanau Sushi is a welcoming Japanese restaurant in Houston that's well worth the visit.
The Vibe
The ambience is casual with lots of natural lighting and interesting Japanese décor. Reservations are not required at this Japanese restaurant in Houston.
What to Order
Indulge in the popular Louisiana roll made of spicy crawfish, cucumber and amazu tosazu for a Houston-Asian fusion roll.
Kanau Sushi | 2850 Fannin St., Ste. 400, Houston, TX 77002 | $$
16. Kokoro
Discover a creative new way to enjoy sushi at Kokoro. This Japanese restaurant in Houston blends traditional techniques with contemporary flavors.
The Vibe
Kokoro is funky, fun and fresh, with a casual atmosphere meant for enjoying fresh sushi with friends and family.
What to Order
The seasonal menu changes frequently at this Japanese restaurant in Houston, with rotating daily specials featured.
Kokoro | 409 Travis St., Ste. 366, Houston, TX 77002 | $$
17. MF Sushi
If you enjoy elegant, high-quality sushi, then MF Sushi is the ideal Japanese restaurant in Houston for you. This upscale eatery focuses on fresh and simple preparation invoking traditional Japanese sushi-making techniques.
The Vibe
Located in the Museum District, this authentic Japanese restaurant in Houston has an upscale, refined and classy atmosphere. Reservations are required to dine here.
What to Order
MF Sushi has a rotating menu as well as an omakase option that changes frequently.
MF Sushi | 1401 Binz St., Ste. 100, Houston, TX 77004 | $$$$
18. Oishii
One of the best spots to enjoy family-friendly Japanese dining in Houston is Oishii. Fresh food and select Japanese beverages are offered for lunch and dinner at this Japanese restaurant in Houston.
The Vibe
The atmosphere is fast-casual with no reservations needed. The clean, modernist décor and friendly service make Oishii a great spot to enjoy Japanese fare in a relaxed environment.
What to Order
Branch out with the house special sushi plate, offering 24 pieces of daily sushi. Or, try the innovative Hana Nokoyi, featuring love flower salmon topped with a flying fish egg.
Oishii | 3764 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77046 | $$
19. Sushi Miyagi
While Sushi Miyagi may fool some diners with its nondescript exterior, it is actually a delightfully authentic Japanese restaurant in Houston. The resident sushi chef has been rolling up stellar sushi rolls for over 30 years.
The Vibe
This casual mom-and-pop Japanese restaurant in Houston serves lunch and dinner with no reservation needed. The friendly atmosphere of this family-owned business is welcoming and cheery.
What to Order
Explore the seasonal sushi offerings that change frequently and are only available to view in person.
Sushi Miyagi | 10600 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 115, Houston, TX 77072 | $$
Try Hibachi Catering in Houston
Explore hibachi catering in Houston and enjoy a memorable culinary experience. This unique style of catering involves showmanship blended with the mesmerizing art of cooking. Make your next party a showstopper thanks to a hibachi expert ready to whip up some delicious Japanese food.
While discovering new restaurants and eating out can be a blast, it's also fun to stay home and cook. When booking cooking classes in Houston, you'll have the opportunity to learn to make all your favorite Japanese restaurant dishes on your own. Master new skills in the kitchen while learning from a renowned professional chef. Shake up your weekly date night or put a spin on your annual birthday dinner with cooking classes, available online or in person.
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There are many great Japanese restaurants in Houston to explore, no matter your budget. From high-end omakase eateries to casual mom-and-pop joints, dining experiences in Houston offer a variety of excellence in taste and overall experience.
For even more ways to explore Houston and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
