Embarking on an omakase journey quite literally means relinquishing all control, leaving the multicourse meal’s direction  and pace entirely in the hands of the chef. At Hidden Omakase's Michelin-recommended 18-seat counter, chef Marcos Juarez, an Uchi alum, serves as the guide, offering a curated sushi experience that is infused with Thai, Vietnamese, and Latin flavors Houston is known for, and inventive preparations, including a rich piece of nigiri topped with the renderings of a fatty tuna belly set aflame before your eyes. Get your cameras ready: Chefs will offer a flashy display of the full fish used after every dish. And remember to bring your own libations or liquor, with a $20 corkage fee.

As the name suggests, this Memorial Village hotspot encapsulates izakaya dining—a casual Japanese style built around shareable plates like grilled or fried skewers, and easy drinks such as Kirin Ichiban, a crisp, light Japanese beer. Think of it as Japan's answer to tapas. 

Crowd favorites include tender gyu kushiyaki (beef tenderloin) skewers and hearty beef udon. The real draw is the sushi, from its fresh nigiri and handrolls. Raw fish fans should try the spicy pepper tuna, while those who prefer cooked options shouldn't miss the or the signature Cowboy Roll: a handheld bite of seared beef, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo, chili, eel sauce, and green onion.

The restaurant also has a location in River Oaks, which features a different menu. 

If one chef can be credited with elevating Houston's sushi scene, it’s chef Manabu "Hori" Horiuchi of Kata Robata and Katami. The four-time James Beard Award nominee has long been celebrated for introducing Houstonians to the depth and nuance of Japanese cuisine. 

Start with the the Japanese amberjack sashimi with foie gras, then scan the ever-changing list of daily specialsy. Other standouts include  juicy Kobe beef skewers, Wagyu katsu sando, a creamy miso lobster macaroni and cheese, and a delightful Texas hamachi roll. 

At Kuu, chef Adison Lee, who trained under master chef Nobu Matsuhisa (yes, that Nobu), artfully blends Japanese and modern cooking techniques to reimagine Japanese fine dining for a contemporary crowd. After all, this Gateway Memorial City spot (pronounced "koo") on Gessner Road literally means “the art of eating.” Here, diners can enjoy modern Japanese fare in a stylish interior or outside on the restaurant’s patio. Get a taste of the Toyosu sashimi box, A5 Wagyu nigiri or carpaccio, or seared sea scallop.

The soft glow behind MF Sushi’s omakase counter feels as refined as the delicate dishes pieced together at this lauded Museum District spot. Details matter here, with special care poured into everything from the counter’s composition (planks of hinoki, a species of cypress believed to enhance the flavor of fish) to the artful plates like truffle aioli salmon and baked lobster tempura. It's the kind of craftsmanship Houstonians have come to expect  from acclaimed chef Chris Kinjo, who introduced MF Sushi to the city in 2014 and has since made it one of Houston’s must-visit sushi restaurants.

Since opening in 1978, Miyako has been a go-to spot for sushi staples and fusion favorites. The restaurant has built a loyal following with dishes like truffle salmon sashimi, seven-spice calamari, and happy hour specials—all priced under $13. Beyond sushi, specialties include miso ramen soup, pan-fried or steamed gyoza, and the crabmeat puff served with sweet and sour sauce. 

Miyako also has locations on Washington Avenue and in the Gulfton area.

In a city overflowing with independent, locally owned restaurants, some Houstonians might hesitate to dine at a chain—but Nobu makes the case easy. The global brand, a collaboration between Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro, is far more than a name-drop. Signature dishes like the black cod miso, Nobu oysters, and the omakase tasting menu deliver the full experience. For something playful, order the mini tacos, filled with tuna dry miso, lobster wasabi aioli, or nori caviar.

Some of Houston’s most beloved restaurants are tucked away in shopping centers and discovered on the fly or by word of mouth. Oishii is more like an open secret. Named after the Japanese word for "delicious," this family-owned and operated Upper Kirby sushi joint, anchors an otherwise run-of-the-mill commercial space, next door to a dry cleaner and a liquor and cigar store. Oishii serves as a one-stop spot for classics like sashimi, tempura, and udon dishes. Folks love Oishii for its blend of quality, flavor, and amazing value.

Osaka has built its reputation on a calm, welcoming atmosphere and a menu that covers it all—sushi, noodles, and comforting donburi bowls. The kitchen delivers consistency above all, with crowd-pleasing starters like edamame, fried gyoza, and shrimp tempura, alongside rolls such as the spicy tuna and the indulgent negi toro (fatty tuna). With generous portions and dependable flavors, Osaka remains one of Houston’s most quietly underrated sushi spots.

There is a second location on Bellaire Boulevard. 

Stepping into Sasaki feels like discovering one of Houston's true hidden gems. Located in a Westheimer strip mall, this unpretentious apanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant is big on simplicity and tradition. Since 1982, chef Toda-san has been quietly served some of the best sushi around town, including  unagi (eel), salmon sashimi, and tamago (Japanese rolled omelet).

The devotees queued outside Bellaire Boulevard’s Sushi Miyagi know what’s up. This under-the-radar Asiatown gem runs on limited hours, but that’s by design. A true mom-and-pop, Sushi Miyagi has been owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Miyagi since 2007. Staffed by just the two of them (he cooks, she waits tables), the 20-seat restaurant might have a wait. Your patience will be rewarded with its hit dishes, such as the crispy salmon salad, the Houston roll, and the chirashi bowl.

Spend enough time in Houston’s sushi scene, and you’ll inevitably hear whispers about Teppay, a beloved Japanese restaurant near Westheimer and Voss that comes highly recommended by local chefs and seasoned diners alike. Regulars rave about Teppay’s fresh wasabi, sake (salmon), and its dishes that go beyond sushi staples, including beef udon and classic tonkotsu ramen. For a more intimate meal, book the tatami room, where guests dine shoes-off in true Japanese style.

For Houston sushi lovers—and even Texas sushi stans at large—Uchi hardly needs an introduction. With multiple James Beard Award nods, consistently exquisite bites, and picture-perfect plating in a warm yet elevated space, Uchi has cemented its place in Houston’s sushi stratosphere. Reserve a seat and save your pennies for the omakase to experience the full journey, or drop by between 4 and 6pm for happy hour deals. Don't miss the madai crudo with sea bream, ground cherries, and buttermilk ramp oil, the signature walu walu (escolar), and the fried milk for dessert. For a follow-up, head Uptown to explore Uchiko, Uchi’s equally impressive and smokier sister restaurant.

Since 2004, Uptown Sushi has been a reliable chocie for Japanese fusion  in the Galleria area. Folks love it for the atmosphere and specialties like seared peppercorn tuna; the playful Lickety Split roll; and the crispy rice cakes topped with ground Kobe beef, quail egg, and black pepper soy glaze.  Save some room for the indulgent tempura desserts. 

While sushi and ramen are often top of mind when it comes to Japanese cuisine, Zen Japanese Izakaya, in its own quiet yet authoritative way, is changing that. Diners, start the visit off with staples like nigiri and sashimi at Zen, which freshly come directly from the Tokyo Fish Market. Then, Houstonia encourages branching out by ordering plates of  karaage, a Japanese-styled fried chicken, and nasu dengaku, a deep fried and grilled eggplant.