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    Ryori Lab

    3.9 (32 reviews)

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    Shrimp Kakiage
    Judy C.

    Officially been open for 2 months! They have had their soft openings, but not an official grand opening yet. Made resy ahead of time and was able to be seated right away. The servers were attentive and gave great suggestions! Started off with the recommended non-alcoholic drinks which were the Strawberry Sparkling and it was light/refreshing with good fruity sweetness. For apps, we got the Shrimp Kakiage (nice/crispy fritter with shrimp and veggies), Fried Chicken (crispy/juicy as well) and the Crispy Tofu with Truffled Mushrooms (really enjoyed this app and loved the flavors it had, MUST GET app). For the main, we got the New York Strip Fried Beef Cutlet. Included was some mixed steamed/sauteed veggies (mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, onions), Rice (great cookie on the sushi rice), salad and curry sauce (loved this flavor and went great with the cutlet). The Ponzu sauce + Salt combo dipping was really tasty! I even had to ask for more! I think the NY strip was the way to go because it still held its tenderness/fattiness and melted in your mouth, while still being meaty. We were also celebrating a birthday and they complimentary matcha icecream with honeycomb! Excellent sweet treat to end the meal. Parking - free within the plaza next to JAM Vietnamese Restaurant The ambiance was really modern and had some Japan influences. Its not 100% like Japan, but its pretty darn close and in the city to get your Gyu Katsu Fix! I would come back to try their Ramen and Bentos next time! Also, nice touch at the end of the meal they send you home with some barely tea to enjoy at home!

    Wesley S.

    Awesome. HIGHKY RECOMMEND!!! We tried one of everything . The steak was awesome. The staff and service were great and explained everything.

    Melanie D.

    This place is a "kitchen lab," that have unique creations. It does look like a kitchen lab with the decorations. The service was good. The waitress explained our dishes once they were delivered. The New York Strip Gyu-katsu was yummy & tender. It pairs great with the salt & yuzu sauce. The rice was a little dry, but a little better if you added the curry. I didn't like the zucchini side dish that much. The salad was good. The signature Tori Paiten was good as well. The broth was flavorful & creamy. The wagyu & chicken were soft & tender. Overall, the food was good, but a little expensive. It's good to try it once.

    Mailynn V.

    I didn't have high expectations due to some other reviews I've read but this place surprised me. When I first walked in I noticed the place had decor that matched its name and so it makes you feel like you're in a "kitchen lab." The place is definitely unique and the items on the menu were based off of a variety of Japanese food. I tried the Wagyu soup dumpling, which the waitress did notify me that it does take awhile to make. I did end up getting them last. I ordered the signature Tori paitan which was creamy and flavorful. It had peppery flavored chicken, beef, and wonton. It also included a half soft boiled egg. This is now probably my top favorite ramens in Houston. I would highly recommend you try this especially if you like creamy ramens. The other item I ordered was the NY strip katsu and they bring it out with a small bowl of rice and curry. The curry was flavorful and it was a nice little dipping sauce for the meat. The meat also has its own sauces in a tray too if that wasn't enough. The meat itself is ready to eat but if you want it cooked a bit more they give you tabletop burner. The service was excellent as well. The waitress explained everything well and if I had any questions she was knowledgeable over the menu. She also let me know about the hidden drawer spot on the table where it had napkins.

    Olivia W.

    The food here is surprisingly pretty good, especially for a new place that opened not long ago. I especially like the gyukatsu and matcha latte. The signature ramen is pretty good too. We also got egg fried rice which was a bit bland so I recommend getting the other dishes. We had to wait 50 mins, but it wasn't bad because we had to run errands nearby. You can go grocery shopping while waiting. The place is decorated pretty well, but one down side is that the restaurant is quite warm compared to other restaurants we've been to. It would be nice if the place is cooler.

    Krystal L.

    Ryori Lab is a Japanese restaurant on Westheimer and is especially known for their gyukatsu, or stone-grilled, flash-fried beef. I had gyukatsu a few times during my visit to Japan and absolutely love it, especially the Motomura Gyukatsu chain, and was looking for something similar. There has not been a gyukatsu place in Houston, and I think this is the first in Texas! I got the wagyu gyukatsu set while my friend got the New York strip one. They both came with the same sides consisting of rice, curry, miso soup, and salad. I kind of wished there were more sides, like grated yam or sweet smashed potatoes like the other places I had, but it was still very filling. Both of the meat were good quality. The New York one was pretty tender, but the wagyu melted in your mouth! The For the wagyu, they put butter on the stone grill, but since the meat was fattier, the oil splashed a lot. I think they should put butter only for the New York strip and not the wagyu for this reason. In previous times where I had gyukatsu, they did not put butter on the grill itself, and there was no splashing of oil. The server was abrupt and got frustrated when we asked for more flame for the grill, as the flame had ran out mid-meal. Because it was busy, I can understandably see that she was stressed, but she was quite rude and made the experience awkward, dampening the mood. We went during their soft opening, so there was a bit of a wait. You can put your name down, and come back when you are called. We just walked to the local cafe, La Plume, in the the same plaza and ate dessert in reverse before our dinner. There is also a Teso and Trader Joe's nearby to kill time. The interior is nice and gives Japanese-Scandinavian vibes. Although there were some hiccups and a long wait, I will think I will definitely be back when the hype dies down and less of a wait!

    gyukatsu
    Shannon T.

    We were very excited to try this place for the gyukatsu. It was easy to get a reservation for 9 pm on Friday and the restaurant wasn't full. The yuzu sparkling drink was good and refreshing! We ordered takoyaki and crispy tofu for apps. One of the takoyaki balls was actually cold inside and the rest were just warm, not piping hot like we usually expect. We told one of the waiters who said they would let the chef know. The cripsy tofu on the other hand was delicious, super crispy and flavorful with the mushrooms, would get this again! For the entree, we were reminiscing of gyukatsu from Japan so we had high expectations. We tried the NY strip and it was not bad but still not like the ones in Japan. The breading itself was a little salty and didn't like how there was butter on the cooking stone already. The diping sauces were good especially the yuzu one and it was definitely a filling meal but I wouldn't go out of my way to come for it. My friend got the A5 wagyu truffle mushroom iron pot rice and that was absolutely delicious! It was super flavorful, umami and a dish I would come back to order myself! All in all, there were definitely some hits but also some misses. I would come back and perhaps try some other stuff off the menu but probably wouldn't get the gyukatsu again unless I was craving it.

    Truffle tofu (above) and unagi set
    Cassie X.

    Tried this place on a weekday lunch and it was pretty good. The restaurant was nicely decorated and they had the cutest serving ware. I had the crispy truffle tofu, wagyu dumplings, and unagi set. Wasn't a fan of the wagyu dumplings but loved the other two dishes. The eel was good quality. Would def come back to try some other dishes.

    Stuffed jalapeno peppers, Brussels sprouts, crispy tofu
    Nhi T.

    I went for lunch after seeing this place online and I loved the vibes. The interior is really well decorated and looks very modern yet simple. The service was quick and friendly. They were very patient when going through the menu and giving my table recommendations which I appreciated. We settled on the new york strip gyu katsu, the crispy tofu with truffled mushrooms, the Japanese stuffed jalapeno peppers, the brussels sprouts, the waygu soup dumplings, and the uji matcha ice cream with warabi mochi. The new york strip gyu katsu was SO good. They give you a hot plate to cook it to your liking and the butter on the hot skittle really enhanced the flavor of the beef. It was very tender and also came with a curry sauce to dip in. I also enjoyed the braised vegetables it came with and the fresh side salad. I would definitely come back for this! (9/10) The crispy tofu with truffle mushrooms was okay. The breading on the tofu was crispy and the mushrooms were well cooked but the tofu itself had no flavor. It made the dish as a whole taste bland. (4/10) The Japanese stuffed jalapeno peppers were better. I think the pepper was nicely grilled and I liked the sauce it came with. I think the sauce was a bit over powering though but it had good flavor. (6/10) The brussels sprouts were good as well. The sauce it came with was tasty and the portion was generous. I just wish the brussels sprouts were crispier. (6.5/10) The waygu soup dumplings were just okay as well. They tasted like any other xiao long bao. I wish they had more soup in them as well. Overall pretty standard. (6/10) The uji matcha ice cream with mochi was yummy! The matcha ice cream had a great matcha taste and the mochi dusted in matcha powder added a nice texture. It was not too sweet which I liked. (7/10) Overall, I did enjoy my experience there as a whole. The food did take a bit to come out, but the service made up for it. The staff gave us a welcome in pink lemonade and potato salad which was nice. Also, as a to go gift they gave out barely tea packets which was such a cute touch. I would be open to coming back and trying more dishes.

    AJ H.

    I went for lunch after they had to close for a few days to tidy up their staff. They said they expanded their cooks from like 3 folks to 7 From my experience, really enjoyed the service, the time was no wait to be seated, and food came out in less than 10 minutes. The gyu-katsu was very tasty. Maybe a little gimmicky with the hot stone to cook the meat longer, I felt it was perfectly cooked as-is, and just cooked it for a little longer just to get that extra butter flavor For drinks, they have a nice matcha menu. Ended up ordering the mango one. Very good Ambiance had a very classy vibe to it. They were playing classical music throughout and you can tell they wanted to have a very nice modern chic vibe inside

    Kathy D.

    I had the chance to check out Ryori Lab during their soft opening, and the space itself is absolutely stunning. The design feels very intentional and cozy, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal. We were welcomed with a complimentary lemon drink and egg salad, which was a thoughtful start. We ordered the takoyaki and tori paitan ramen first--both were solid. The takoyaki stood out with a slight wasabi note in the octopus, which added a unique twist. The ramen was rich and creamy, exactly what you'd expect from a good tori paitan. The mapo tofu, however, was a bit more experimental. The soy milk is poured tableside into a donabe and allowed to set before adding the meat. The result was an extremely silky texture--so soft that it felt a bit unusual compared to typical silken tofu. The ground meat was quite heavily seasoned, and while I understand the intention to balance the mild soy base, the combination didn't fully come together for me. I ended up relying on rice to offset the saltiness, but there wasn't quite enough provided. Timing was also a small issue, as the meat cooled down during the wait. The miso soup that came with the set didn't quite taste like traditional miso soup, and I even had to double-check with the server. That said, this was during their soft opening, so there's definitely room for improvement . I'd be interested in coming back after their grand opening to see how things evolve and to try more dishes.

    Waygu meatball
    Suelynn N.

    A few friends and I wanted to try this place out after seeing it on social. It was super exciting for me since the last time I had this was actually back in Japan so I had an idea of how this works. The staff were super friendly and very kind. The sake was sweet and subtle and I really like the contraption that they used to serve it. The chamber of it kept the drink cold the whole time we were there. I was slightly disappointed on the food. It started with high expectation with the mashed potato and the pink lemonade. (Amazing potatoes). The chicken Ramen was average to me. I did not like the Waygu soup dumplings. The Waygu meatballs were good and would order again. I had the Waygu steak and my friend had a New York strip steak.. I actually like the New York strip steak better, as weird as that sounds. Maybe I've started outgrowing the Waygu taste? I did like the side components that came with a set. There was a nice salad, a curry, dipping sauce, a small dish stew in a few dipping choices. I really like to yuzu sauce, but the curry one was a miss. I think that one needs more work. On the men, there was a few other dishes that looked really intriguing so those are the ones I want to try next time with my husband. Also, I really like the decoration here. They had like lab like specimens and jars and maps of random miscellaneous things. I just really enjoyed that it felt like you were a part of a museum. If it was allowed, I would've loved just to look around at all the items in the restaurant, but I would probably be bothering other customers. Overall, it was a fun experience that you can't find elsewhere in Houston. This is definitely really cute for a date night or besties catching up or one on one to spend some quality time with someone close to you. Right now is RSVP only due to soft opening so make sure you book before you go.

    Bento box
    Thao L.

    Food was delicious! Service was great even though they were very busy. Ambiance was very nice.

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    JINYA Ramen Bar - Midtown

    JINYA Ramen Bar - Midtown

    4.3
    (3.7k reviews)
    12.3 mi
    $$

    i popped into jinya on a friday evening, and was pleasantly surprised by the sexy decor-- low…read morelights and deep colors. the service was prompt. we were immediately seated and our server was really sweet. i ordered the veggie ramen with a few fixings and a spicy tuna and crispy rice. veryyy good! for the ramen to be made with meat, the broth was definitely still full bodied and comforting. it was my friend's bday, and we brought it a cake. the server didn't make a fuss about it and was very helpful. the staff all came and sung happy birthday, which was very sweet and unexpected. of course we cut cake for the servers and kitchen staff. (if you dont at least give your server a piece of cake, please do better! cake is meant to be shared and celebrating is for anyone). i wasn't able to finish my ramen despite the pix. i definitely took it home and ate it for brunch the following saturday and the flavours still held up. bonné appétit c.

    A chain ramen shop isn't normally a preferred dining choice. However, if it's JINYA, it's a ya…read more Service is top notch. I appreciate they have three vegetarian ramen options. Flying V Harvest was fantastic. I drank that broth like I just came out of the Sahara. So good. The Impossible meat fusion is a funny add but a good protein bump. It was a few days ago but I think I'm still full from that ramen bowl. The vibe is modern high ceiling bumping music; my in-laws found it to be too loud. I think they are giving you an excuse to lean in and get a little closer to your companion. The vibe is chic yet also casual so bring whoever you want but this would work for date night. The font on the menus is squint inducing so do your research ahead of time or prepare to spend more time perusing the menu than usual, especially with the dim lighting. They offer thin or thick noodles and can mix some broth options to adjust spice level. Drinks- the smoked in front of your face whiskey is a treat and a show. Solid spot. No regrets. Salivating at the thought of the next visit.

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
    Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
    Cozy view of the restaurant and kitchen

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    Cozy view of the restaurant and kitchen
    Ramen Tatsu-Ya

    Ramen Tatsu-Ya

    3.8
    (1.3k reviews)
    11.2 mi
    $$

    I had a great experience at ramen Tatsu-ya. It was my first time here & I was very impressed…read more I ordered the "mi-so-hot" & it was amazing. First - the ramen came out super fast. I was very surprised. And my broth was so delicious. It had such a rich umami flavor due to the miso & I thought the spice level was perfect. Honestly - I could eat jhst that broth for a whole meal. Unlike buldak or some other spicy ramens - the main selling point wasn't the spice. You could get an additional "spice bomb" if you wanted some more heat. The ramen toppings were good but not outstanding - same with the noodles. I thought the "mi-so-hot" was easily 3x better than "the og". The broth in "the og" was pretty interesting and more unique tasting. It felt like the main notes were just umami, pork, and oil. Not bad, but felt like it was missing a little something to make it truly good. If I had just got the OG, I'd rate this place a bit lower - but as it stands I'd 100% come back here for the "mi-so-hot" The interior was pretty nice. It was more "communal style seating" with a couple of big tables. There is also some smaller booths. It's an "order at the counter" type restaurant as well. I saw several comments about parking & was a bit concerned when driving over. I know that part of westheimer is always packed! But there is an attached parking lot & at 3pm on a Sunday, there was plenty of parking! Also - there is some street parking in the neighborhood north of the shop. Overall - will 100% be coming back for some more spicy ramen. Would recommend

    I've gone to a couple of ramen places in Houston, but OMGGG!--HANDS down one of the best ramen…read more I've had in my life! The broth is so rich in flavor, I could drink it alone & be content! We got the fried gyoza and I forgot what the other appetizer was but was savory & even more in-depth with the sauce it was paired with! It wasn't packed for going on a weekend and I loved that the menu had limited options--makes you choose quickly and get to the GOODS the NOODS! Will be going back during our Winter peak--adds to the element (highly recommend during this time).

    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    Chashu Rice bowl
    Chashu Rice bowl
    Gyoza & Munchie Katsu Slider

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    Gyoza & Munchie Katsu Slider
    Japanese Ramen Gachi

    Japanese Ramen Gachi

    4.2
    (130 reviews)
    10.6 mi
    $$

    Ramen gachi I'm on a…read morequest to find the best tonktosu ramen! Unfortunately this isn't the one, but it's still a great bowl! Service: immediate. Friendly. One waitress served everyone in the restaurant while I was there. She was speedy in taking and delivering orders. She seemed very nice! Food: ordered Tonkotsu Gachi and my mom ordered the yuzu. Food arrived very quickly, though we ordered no appetizers. The tonkotsu broth was rich and velvety in texture, but more like a mild umami in flavor. The chashu pork was pale, but melt in your mouth buttery and bursting with savory pork goodness! The marinated egg wasn't brought up to temperature with the broth -- a little cooler than room temperature, with a medium oozy yolk. It felt like the marinade penetrated all through to the yolk -- it was great! I welcomed the novel choice to use red onion over the usual scallions. It was a nice touch of color and brought in that bright, juicy onion flavor that I crave. Noodles were perfect texture. Not too hard or mushy. This bowl feels made to focus on the broth and flavor and not so much an instagram post. Delicious!! My only complaint was a very very very slight bitterness in the background. I couldn't pin where it was coming from. Maybe that's a risk of simmering bones for so long. I'll keep this short because I couldn't just eat my moms bowl... The Yuzu shio broth was clearer, with bright, citrusy, and savory body. The bamboo shoots were golden (grilled?) with a little snap to it. Reminds me of a king oyster mushroom. This is really a unique broth and I haven't had anything like it. You should definitely try it! Restaurant: clean, neat, every table literally has its place /orientation. Deep wood furniture, honeyed lighting, and dark window shades give the restaurant a cozy chic ambience despite visiting around noon. Good food, great service. Great prices. Large portions.

    I love ramen and have always been curious about this spot next to my nail salon. In recent months,…read morethey have decided to open for lunch. I was excited to stop in and try it on a Monday around 1pm. The inside of the restaurant is really nicely done. It has a bar area and tables. I was sat at a table. The ordering system is through a QR code. It was fine and I paid with Apple Pay. You can also type in your credit card. I chose the tonkatsu ramen with the lunch special add on of pork and rice for 3.90. The ramen was a 7/10 for me. The egg, the pork and the broth lacked flavor. The flavor on the pork in the rice dish was better, but the rice was overcooked and mushy. I gave up on my bowl about halfway through and left unsatisfied. I don't think I'll be back.

    Photos
    Communal Table
    Communal Table
    Pan Fried Hanetsuki Gyoza
    Pan Fried Hanetsuki Gyoza
    Gachi fries

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    Gachi fries
    Toyori

    Toyori

    4.2
    (250 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    Great sizzling & ramen spot in Bellaire + more…read more Really enjoyed our visit at Toyori in Bellaire. The food was delicious, flavorful, and comforting, and the service was friendly throughout our meal. The ambiance was nice and relaxing, making it a great place to sit down and enjoy ramen with family and friends. There were 18 in our group, so there was understandably a bit of a wait to accommodate us, but it was definitely worth the wait. Definitely recommend trying this place if you're craving good ramen and Asian fusion dishes in the Bellaire area! The Ribeye sizzling plate is a MUST-try--especially with their signature sauce. So flavorful and satisfying. Their takoyaki tasted so authentic, it felt like being in Japan--another must-try Overall, an excellent dining experience and we would definitely come back again!

    Tried Toyori recently and honestly the experience was a mix for me…read more I had their sizzling beef before and wasn't too impressed, so this time I decided to try the ramen. It was decent, but nothing that really stood out flavor wise. The food overall was okay at best in my opinion. What I did enjoy was the ambiance and atmosphere. The restaurant has really nice decorations and a cozy vibe that makes it a pleasant place to hang out. The staff was also attentive and friendly throughout the visit, which I appreciated. While the food didn't fully win me over, the service and environment definitely made the experience better.

    Photos
    Sauce caddy at each table.
    Sauce caddy at each table.
    Takoyaki Octopus Balls/章魚燒
    Takoyaki Octopus Balls/章魚燒
    53. Chicken Thigh Steak

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    53. Chicken Thigh Steak

    Ryori Lab - steak - Updated June 2026

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