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    Tins

    4.9 (54 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 pm - 10:30 PM

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    Recommended Reviews - Tins

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    Escolar with Pork Floss
    Eric T.

    Tins is an omakase and reservation only restaurant that serves innovative and fun appetizers and sushi. Chef Sky is the main guy and he was the only one working the night we visited. Sake flows freely here and is generously refilled and included with the meal price. We had an amazing time just chatting with Chef Sky and the only other couple that was dining during our reservation (only 4 total during our seating). The service from the one man team is seamless and Chef Sky made us all feel welcome and served as a catalyst for conversation and time just disappeared until diners from the next seating started flowing in. We had a wonderful time getting to know him and getting to talk all things food with him, from the struggles of opening a restaurant to where he enjoys eating on his days off. While Tins offers a very nice and high end meal, Chef Sky creates an environment where guests can relax and hang out for the duration of their reservation, so do not expect white linen, posh fine dining here. The list of courses we received in order were: 1. Japanese Sea Bream (Madai) with Jalapeno Sauce 2. Hickory Smoked Sichimi Salmon 3. Scallop (Hotate) with Truffle Sauce 4. Laksa (Curry noodle soup) 5. Lean Bluefin Tuna (Akami) with Mango Salsa 6. Amberjack (Kanpachi) with Truffle Oil 7. Seared New Zealand King Salmon 8. Santa Barbara Uni and Ikura Shooter 9. Korean Flounder (Hirame) with Pepper Sauce 10. Seared Escolar with Pork Floss 11. Fatty Bluefin Tuna (Toro) with Creamy Cilantro Sauce and Kizami Wasabi 12. Yellowtail (Hamachi) with Garlic Soy Sauce 13. Broiled Eel (Unagi) with Lao Gan Ma 14. Matcha Red Bean Cake Tins playfully stands for "This is not sushi" and Chef Sky explains that his omakase course is not traditional sushi and is not served with wasabi and ginger. I enjoyed every course with courses 2, 5, 6, and 10 being particular highlights. That being said, I am unsure if I would return for the food alone as I found some of the toppings to overpower the fish and rice and I am more of a fan of traditional edomae style sushi. The fish that Chef Sky sources in undoubtably high quality. The tuna, amberjack, and yellowtail were some of the best I have had in Houston. The rice is well cooked and well seasoned too. To my own taste, it is a bit of a shame that high quality and masterfully prepared ingredients are masked by creamy cilantro sauce or mango salsa. Chef Sky is an honest guy, creative mind, excellent conversationalist, and great story teller. Taking part in his omakase course, diners get a glimpse into his story. We sampled dishes inspired by where he grew up, where he learned to cook, where he opened his first restaurant, and where he is now. We had a great time and may return to hang out with Chef Sky in the future and look forward to where his creativity takes his "not sushi" omakase course.

    Uni shooter
    Gregory L.

    Chef Sky is a breath of fresh air in the Houston sushi scene. He is authentic, genuine, and true to himself. While it feels like others around him making omakase are trying new things for the sake of being creative, Chef Sky's creative twists on "Not Sushi" dishes really works and has a lot of thought behind them. Examples like pork floss on escolar or lao gan ma on eel are not replicated anywhere else in the world. But while creative and an homage to his childhood and culture, these garnishes really do work and are balanced with the fish. We definitely hope to be back soon. Oh did I mention it's unlimited sake?

    Willy N.

    Very intimate dining experience to say the least! It actually took some time to even find this hidden gem. TINS completely exceeded my expectations from the ambiance to the amazing food. The omakase provides 14 courses with each bite better than the last! Each bite of fish was just so fresh and flavorful. The chefs really come up with the most unique and delicious sauces for each dish. The service is also impeccable. Overall, I had a fantastic time at this spot. The food was out of this world, and the drinks just kept coming. I can't wait to give them another try in the future!

    Scallops
    Amy M.

    Reserve a spot now! I have to say I was skeptical when we arrived at TINS. It is in a small strip of businesses behind tinted doors. But when you step inside, you are transported into a well appointed, intimate dining scene. My husband and I love sushi and we were not disappointed. The team is outstanding and made for a lively evening with delicious and thoughtfully prepared bites of the freshest fish. I hope we are still able to get a reservation here the next time we're in town.

    Hamachi nigiri
    Joanna Q.

    WOW, consider me incredibly impressed by this sushi omakase. My boyfriend and I came here for our 3 year anniversary and it was one of the best experiences we've had with fine dining. The appetizers were my favorite and each piece overall tasted amazing. Every dish was clearly well thought out and you can tell the chef took time with each ingredient. Chef Sky was so attentive and it was like he could read my mind whenever I was getting a little impatient haha. Both Chef Sky and Matthew were so great and welcoming. Matthew let me use his light for pictures, which I was so grateful for. I took a picture of each course and will put in the caption what I remember for the name of each dish. One of my absolute favorites that blew my mind was the uni shooter. Normally, I cannot take oyster shooters or uni shooters, but this one melted in my mouth and tasted SO good. Lastly, we ended the night with karaoke that included Chef Sky and Matthew joining in, which was super fun!!! I wanted to take my little brother and his girlfriend here, but unfortunately we were hit with the storm. Nevertheless, Tins is the first place I will keep in mind for special events--the karaoke makes this establishment top notch on top of all the amazing tasting fresh fish dishes. We will be seeing Chef Sky and Adam very soon!!

    Thanh D.

    The Houston sushi scene is getting more fierce each year and a new contender has arrived. Tins is a small intimate, Omakase run by three friends who are very friendly, open and receptive to feedback, and seems like they really wanted to grow and add some thing unique and different to the Houston sushi scene. While the food and drinks were delicious, the company was one of the best parts and one of the most unique and enjoyable parts of the restaurant experience. As far as food goes, you can expect unlimited sake, unique sushi and toppings marrying different cultures and flavors (delicious), and feeling full by the end of dinner. I'm very excited to see where Tins will go and I hope everyone gets a chance to try this place!

    Ora king salmon belly. Spicy yuzu mayo. Ikura on top. A playful way to serve up Ora King Salmon...
    Steven T.

    First and foremost, I would like to welcome these boys to Houston. 3 wild, longtime friends from NYC, Adam, Matthew, and Sky are the owners of "Tins," who is currently running their soft opening. I'll honest and say that not only was I thoroughly impressed with their food but was able to enjoy one of the best nights of my life as a foodie and customer. Sky and Matt, namely, really are two of the most hospitable humans and to miss out eating at Tins is to miss out on such friendly and amazing service. Our brothers did fall short on delivering rice I feel would be most appropriate for sushi (a little too soft), but the flavor and seasoning was still very much present in each bite. Sky did promise they're working out the kinks and that they were still getting used to the operation of their new equipment. Understandable for just opening up a few days ago. I think what really sells this place to me is how humble the chefs are. Not only are they accommodating but they openly and humbly accept criticism and feedback. Their kindness matches how loose their pours for drinks is and makes for an amazing time. For the area, an omakase sitting at their asking price doesn't seem unreasonable and typical for services at this caliber, and I definitely felt this night's experience was worth every penny. Expect fun times, an amazing cheerful atmosphere, plenty of engagement and conversation, and lots of smoke, drinks, and laughs. Match the vibe well enough and maybe you too will become their next karaoke star! I can't wait to see what Tins becomes, and the boys can expect the wife and I to be back to support them.

    This is not sushi but is a private memorable experience @tins
    Yen Nhi N.

    I really enjoyed the Omakase course at TINS. My husband and I love every dishes that was offered to us. Mathew and Adam were great at what they do and we truly enjoy the experience and the company. The ambience is very cozy. And last but not least, it's unlimited sake! The restaurant only takes reservations. There's limited seat for each session. You'll be asked to take a seat when you come in. When the chef is ready, you'll be invited to the bar. This is a definitely a must try for sushi lover. Be prepared to spend a lot of money.

    Tien T.

    I was craving for some omakase, so I came there with a friend on a Friday night, I gotta say that we have a blast! We had a 14 course experience which costs $150 including unlimited sake which is not bad for a price! We enjoyed every dish in a course because it was so good! The service here gave us one of the best omakase experiences ever! I loved how we get to stay after to relax on the lounge or sing karaoke with the chefs! I highly recommend visit Tins for a great experience but you need to reserve your table in Opentable!

    Nhi N.

    TINS (This Is Not Sushi), a new speakeasy Omakase in The Heights!! The reason for the name is because Chef Sky puts a twist on his version of Omakase by adding unique flavors (original Omakase does not add sauces so you can taste the fish). They just opened in Sept! They brought their culinary passion from New York! The food was FABULOUS! Such unique flavors and oh sooo FRESH!! It's $150/pp for 14 courses and unlimited Sake!! Definitely one of the best experiences!

    Otoro sushimi
    Matthew C.

    Amazing food with an wonderful group of chefs. Really enjoyed the food. Enjoyed every piece from start to finish. Jolie was extremely attentive and made the night more enjoyable. Highly recommend. Best sushi I have had in Houston.

    a long bar with purple lights

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    25 days ago

    The food was amazing and the husband and wife team running the restaurant were so much fun! Highly recommend!

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    4 months ago

    Amazing food and conversation. My honest opinion, the best omakase experience in Houston and a must try. Will def be going back

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    Business owner information

    Photo of Han W.

    Han W.

    Thank you so much

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great Christmas Eve dinner! Fantastic service and wonderfully fresh fish. Highly recommend the experience at Tins.

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    2 years ago

    Much more than an omakase. The environment and atmospheres create the most unique omakase in Houston. Highly recommend!

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    2 years ago

    amazing experience! food, service, ambiance... all fantastic! I highly recommend that you check this place out

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    3 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Tins

    I would like to make reservations tonight or tomorrow night from 5 to 7:30 pm for two. Any possibility to get in? My name is Nancy?

    Hi Nancy , I’m so sorry that tonight reservation is full , and for tomorrow we only have 8pm available

    How much does it cost for the omakase?

    It’s 150 per person with unlimited sake

    How do you make reservation?

    You can make reservation through OpenTable or I can put you down for reservation

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    This place has been on my to-go list for a while and it did not disappoint! We started off with age…read moretakoyaki and toro carpaccio, which were both recommended to us by our server. The age takoyaki was creamy and good to share amongst a group. The toro carpaccio was amazing as well and melted in your mouth. We also ordered chicken curry udon, chicken karaage, and tantan noodles. All had really great flavors but my personal favorite was the tantan noodles which came with poached egg, sauce, and garnishes that you got to mix into the noodles. Super creamy and nutty! I really loved the vibe of the restaurant too, it's small but has a homey vibe that would be great for either a small group hangout or a date. There's a lot of bars to visit nearby too. Our server was also so sweet and brought us a baggie of Japanese candies & sweets after our dinner since it was Valentine's Day. Only complaint was parking. Very small lot and very packed! Get there a bit before your reservation to figure out parking.

    Good food and cozy ambience. Our waiter was really friendly!…read moreI enjoyed the menu options and a lot of them are quite authentic and similar to what I eat in Japan. Because it is an Izakaya, the portions are small. I do think the pricing is a bit on the higher end for the small portions but overall I had a good time. The jellyfish salad is soooo goood.

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    Zen Japanese Izakaya

    Zen Japanese Izakaya

    4.2
    (332 reviews)
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    This restaurant is a cozy, authentic gem for Japanese small plates. The space is intimate with a…read moresmall dining area. Reservations are highly recommended. There aren't many tables, and it fills up quickly. Service was incredibly friendly and attentive. This is what we ordered: 1. pepper tuna tataki 2. hamachili 3. hijiki 4. karaage 5. agedashi tofu 6. Rock N Roll roll 7. Zen Mega Dragon roll 8. hamachi sashimi 9. hamachi roll 10. Extra Picante roll 11. Yakisoba noodles 12. Brussel sprouts Almost everything was absolutely delicious. The pepper tuna tataki and hamachili were fresh and flavorful. The karaage was crispy, tender and juicy, and the agedashi tofu had that perfect texture in a savory broth. All were sooo good. The Zen Mega Dragon roll, hamachi hamachi roll, and Extra Picante roll were all fresh and excellent. The only two dishes that didn't quite wow us were the hijiki and the Rock N Roll roll. Both were a bit basic compared to everything else on the table. The yakisoba noodles did take a little while to come out, but wow... they were soooo worth the wait. Savory, hot, and incredibly satisfying. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, which makes it even better. There is free parking, but the lot is small. When it's busy, finding a spot can be a little tricky. We will definitely be back to explore more of the menu.

    this was a very tasty spot. the flavors of the sushi were so good i ended up not needing any soy…read moresauce at all. the service was very friendly and attentive which was nice. the ambiance was dark but welcoming. it was nice having dessert on the menu that was more unique than usual and i had to try one of their options you just don't see on others menus. it was nice getting something more earthy and authentic. presentation was very pretty as well. overall it was a great experience that made me want to go back.

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    Kira

    Kira

    4.6
    (113 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    Such a cute, intimate little sushi spot!!! The second we walked in, it was immediately a vibe. Dark…read moreand moody, BANGER vinyls playing, and just a handful of seats right in front of the chefs. I loved being able to watch them make all of our dishes right in front of us and then hand them straight over. It made the whole dinner feel so fun and personal. And the happy hour??? FIRE. The cocktails were so yummy, everything we tried was delicious, and our server DJ was the sweetest! Honestly such a 10/10 experience from the food to the music to the atmosphere. We were already talking about when we could come back before we even left Definitely found a new little date night spot!

    This was my second time visiting Kira but the first time I was successful eating here. I tried to…read morevisit for lunch when they first opened but was turned away since I didn't have a reservation. I would say that was a little off putting but I still wanted to give it a try. I waited a few months to try again and I was able to walk in for lunch. There was only one other patty there so it was pretty dead. They asked me for my phone number to seat me which I would have preferred to just give my number vs my personal info but I didn't fight them on it. I opted for the lux hand roll selection and a glass of white wine. Food was good, a tad pricey. I think it was about $100 for lunch. I would go again and maybe try something different but nothing super spectacular stood out. Felt a little sterile and without warmth.

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    Aiko

    Aiko

    4.5
    (350 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Free parking

    Went on a pretty packed night, but had a good anniversary dinner here. We got the premium omakase…read moreand a couple of extra hand rolls. Food was great. Foie gras was true melt in mouth, as was the salmon belly. Amberjack and sea bream were overall my favorite bites. There were great vibes and music in the main dining area. The manager and waitress even came out to take a shot with us! Great anniversary date spot.

    I had a good experience at Aiko. Service was good, and the ambiance was nice…read more I stopped in for the lunch menu as part of Houston restaurant week. It was pretty good! The restaurant itself was pretty packed - there wasn't any parking (but they do have an overflow lot you can use). Inside the vibe was nice & upscale. It was surprisingly not intimate & was a little loud. The bathroom hallway was very cool (as the other reviews have said) I got the three course lunch w/ an added chutoro nigiri. The restaurant week lunch was fine, but the nigiri really stood out. I wish they would've had even just one nigiri on the restaurant week menu. The kombu salad was good & had nice flavor without being too overpowering. The hamachi crudo was awesome!! I'm a big crudo fan, but this one was above and beyond my expectations. All of the flavors played so well together & my yellowtail was so fresh and light and buttery. I loved the creaminess of the sauce & how it balanced the acidity of the tomatoes & onion so well. I savored every bite. Honestly the hand rolls left a lot to be desired. The kani hand role wasn't super great. The flavor was mid & the texture felt a bit off. I also thought sake hand roll was just ok.. My chutoro nigiri was also awesome. The cut was beautiful & the fish was super fresh and had an awesome texture. It just melted in my mouth. I'll definitely be back to try the lunch nigiri tasting menu. I'd recommend trying this place, just make sure to get the crudo or nigiri

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    Neo

    Neo

    4.8
    (69 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$$$

    Absolutely loved this place. It's unique, intimate, and the staff are incredibly friendly. The…read moreexperience starts the moment you walk into the GLASS building, where you'll see aged fish on display alongside a designer clothing store. We were greeted with wine while exploring before the meal began, which was a really nice touch. Make sure to arrive early, as they start promptly. Each dish is introduced individually, making the experience feel thoughtful and immersive. Every course was beautifully done and tasted amazing, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed yet elevated. Easily one of my favorite omakase experiences in Houston by far.

    Neo clearly sets out to create an exclusive experience with limited seating in a charming and…read moreintimate environment. The room is attractive and thoughtfully designed and there is an intentional sense of scarcity that makes the evening feel special from the start. That said my overall experience landed squarely in the average range. The sushi and presentation are good and competently executed but nothing truly stood out or felt memorable. For the price being charged I expected flavors or techniques that would separate it from other strong sushi options but that never quite happened. Everything was pleasant yet ultimately unremarkable. I get the sense that Neo receives rave reviews because people want it to feel special. The exclusivity the setting and the concept do a lot of the heavy lifting. Once you strip that away the food itself does not fully justify the hype or the cost. It is enjoyable but not exceptional and not something I would rush to repeat at this price point. Neo is fine for those seeking a curated intimate dining experience but if you are focused primarily on standout sushi and value there are better options available.

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    Tins - sushi - Updated August 2026

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