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.

Second Visit! This time for dinner!…read more Ordered: - Waygu Donburi - We went on a Wednesday so this was only $25. Not my favorite donburi. I personally don't care to order it again because I prefer the other ones. - Bluefin Tuna Donburi - I still really like this one. This time it didn't have cucumber in it. I missed the crunch, but I also felt like maybe we got more fish this time?? - Mango Coconut Kakigori - This one reminded me of Vietnamese che for some reason. It was good but I think I prefer the raspberry one more. Last time we went we didn't get the Matcha kakigori and now I have major regrets because we asked the waiter and he said it likely wouldn't come back. :(

I came to check out their all day Happy Hour on mondays and was impressed by the unique and…read morecreative handrolls on their menu. Kira stands out to me because I can find special handrolls on their menu that I can't typically find at other handroll bars. I tried a variety of handrolls and was left impressed with the flavor combinations and different flavors on the menu. It an intimate space that seats only so many at the bar, but the interior is curated so nicely and makes the space super comforting. The vinyl player adds a nice touch and I loved the dim lit space. I recommend trying the lobster and peking duck hand roll since those are rolls you can't typically find elsewhere! The peking tastes exactly like the dish ordered at a chinese restaurant, but I lowkey prefer it on a bun- worth a try tho! The lobster was also so good, but at times the mustard was a tad too much. I really liked the freshness of the fish and I can tell that the chefs care a lot about their craft. Overall I'd give it a 7.5/10 for the taste, quality, and price point. Definitely worth to come check out!

Had a fantastic evening at Kata Robata! Our server, Gabby, was excellent and attentive throughout…read morethe evening. My favorite was definitely the Kobe Beef Skewers - I could have just eaten those all night long! Deliciousness in every bite. I'm not a fan of raw fish, so while my family enjoyed a handful of crudo dishes and nigiri, I got to enjoy the Longhorn Roll. This roll was solid, nothing mindblowing. We all enjoyed the Spicy Miso Ramen! Rich, flavorful broth that rivals some of my top ramen spots. I forget exactly what dessert we ordered, it may have been their chocolate bread pudding, but it was so good that I was literally scraping the plate! There's a lot of menu options so I'd love to come back and try some more things

Kata Robata used to be one of my favorite restaurants before I moved away from Houston. After…read morerecently moving back, I chose it for my birthday lunch with friend because I had such fond memories of dining there. Unfortunately, this visit was disappointing. I arrived about 20 minutes before opening and had to wait outside in Houston's summer heat 93'F. While there are a few benches, there is very little shade, and guests are not allowed to wait inside. When the restaurant opened, there was no clear system for seating guests. Even though I was first in line, several people rushed in ahead of me, making the process feel disorganized. The biggest issue involved a $300 gift card that my friend had received years ago. She simply asked the staff to check the balance. When the server returned, he told us the manager had cut the card in half and that the entire balance had to be used during that visit. What bothered me was the lack of communication. We were never informed of the policy before the card was invalidated. If that is the restaurant's policy, it should be explained clearly beforehand. As two ladies having lunch, spending $300 was difficult, so we ended up ordering far more food than we normally would. The sashimi was fresh but cut thinly than what I've had at comparable restaurants. The hamachi kama, chirashi, and lobster mac and cheese were good. The green tea soufflé cheesecake was the biggest disappointment. For $10, it consisted of three very small cubes and felt overpriced. The waitstaff were attentive, friendly and professional, which helped salvage the experience. However, between the uncomfortable wait outside, the chaotic seating process, and the poor handling of the gift card, this visit did not live up to my previous experiences. While I have many good memories of Kata Robata, I'm not sure I'll be returning anytime soon.

Adorable on the inside. Ramen was excellent. Will return. Nice new neighborhood spot.read more

I enjoyed a tasty and affordable Japanese pork katsu curry here on a bustling weekend evening…read more While the prices are affordable, note that the portions are a little smaller, so I would recommend indulging in several dishes. We also tried the okonomiyaki which came with tasty mayo/brown sauce and was kindly already cut up to make sharing easy. My partner tried their house special ramen, which while flavorful was moreso of a yellow curry base than the traditional ramen. Service was prompt, and the ambiance was charming with lots of Japanese decor scattered throughout the restaurant. All in all, this is a good place to get your Japanese food fix in the area, but I would recommend getting a variety of dishes for larger eaters.

Loved the food here! The fish is super fresh and high quality and even the non-sushi menu items had…read moregreat flavors and were well executed. I got the pan daiquiri as my drink to start and my friend got the herbed lavender lemonade. For food we shared the hamachi crudo, the chutoro nigri, the kanpachi nigiri, the A5 tartare, the kani handroll, The kinoko yasaimono, and the hot scallop dish to share. The pan daiquiri was SO good. The smokiness from the mezcal hits you first and then the sweet and creamy after taste takes over. It was so well mixed and I would highly recommend trying this if you are a mezcal lover like me. (9/10) The herbed lavender lemonade was too tangy and sweet for my liking. The lavender flavor get lost in the drink. It tasted like a typical lemonade, nothing special. (5/10) The hamachi crudo was so fresh and I really enjoyed the sweet and tangy broth. I'm not sure I would call it tom kha broth but it tasted good regardless and paired well with the tomatoes. (7.5/10) The chutoro nigiri was SO buttery and melt in your mouth delicious. I would definitely get this again. (8.8/10) The kanpachi nigiri was fresh and I enjoyed the sauce paired with it. It was my first time trying amberjack and I liked it. (7/10) The A5 tartare was super unique and well seasoned. There was plenty of tartare compared to the amount of milk bread you are given to eat it with. The uni, caviar, pate and waygu all mixed together was a decadent combination full of flavor. My only note was the contrast in temperatures that I did not love, the tartare came cold while the milk bread was warm. Overall, a very luxurious and tasty dish. (8/10) The kani handroll surpassed my expectations. Typically I don't go for crab first, but I did enjoy the flavors paired with the crab and the hand roll was well filled. (7.8/10) The kinoko roll (king trumpet mushroom roll) really surprised me. I was weary about getting this roll because I normally don't opt for vegan options, but this king mushroom was so well prepared and the sauce was so delicious that dare I say that I enjoyed this more than some of the fish/meat sushi rolls I've had in the past. (8/10) The hot scallop dish was one of the best bites of the night. The scallop was perfectly charred and cooked and the creamy polenta base with the umami salmon roe, with the fried red cabbage to add texture was amazing. I would definitely order this again. (9/10) Overall, I really enjoyed my time at Aiko and the food surpassed my expectations. I loved everything I tried and do want to come back to try more. The service was quick and helpful with the menu. Parking can be a bit tricky, but there are some free street parking spots around the plaza. The ambiance is definitely upscale and classy. It's a great place for a date! My only complaint was that I made a reservation for 2 at least a week in advance and upon arrival, though they had plenty of open tables, we were seated at the opposite end of a table that was already occupied. We were close enough to hear their entire conversation throughout dinner, and I just thought it was an odd experience because that had never happened to me before. Though it did not hinder me from enjoying the food I would have preferred to be seated at our own table.

I thought Aiko delivered a really memorable meal. Overall I'm giving this place 5 stars -- the…read morequality of the fish and the execution were excellent -- though personally I did find the progression of courses a little rich toward the end. For context, Aiko is part of the same group as Doko (their sushi omakase concept) and Handies Douzo (their handroll-focused restaurant), and you can definitely see the overlap in technique and flavor profiles across the restaurants. We went for the Valentine's omakase menu. The meal started with the Oyster Duo. One had a yuzu granita and aguachile that was bright and refreshing, while the other had a roasted onion soubise with smoked trout roe that leaned richer and more savory. Nice contrast between the two. One of my favorite early dishes was the chilled zaru soba. The buckwheat noodles had a great chewy texture and the mentsuyu broth was light and refreshing with mirin, mushroom, and seaweed notes. It was a really nice palate reset. The smoked ocean trout sashimi (masu) was another standout. It had garlic aioli on top with oil and black pepper, and the tomato added a crunchy brightness that balanced the richness of the fish. It's a simple combination but worked surprisingly well. The temaki course was excellent. The snow crab handroll had this creamy mayo texture with chili and crunchy shallots, and you can tell they roast the seaweed sheets right before serving because the nori had an incredible crunch -- honestly some of the best texture I've had in a handroll. It reminded me a lot of the style they do at Handies. For the hirame crudo with pomegranate and shiso, the flavor was good but a bit more subtle. I think the pistachio really helps that dish; without enough of it the flavors felt a little muted. I know pomegranate and pistachio is a common flavor pairing for middle eastern cuisines. My partner has a tree nut allergy so they removed it for both of us. The wagyu fat rice was very indulgent. The first thing you taste is the wagyu fat, but the fried shallots and other crunchy elements help balance it out. The sauce reminded me a lot of something you'd get at Doko -- rich but very satisfying. Adding fried rice in between fish courses was an interesting choice from the chef, but I think Aiko aims to be more western fusion than a traditional Japanese omakase. The tuna trio was fantastic. The chutoro with negidare (garlic, sesame oil, scallion) was probably my favorite bite of the night -- super flavorful and perfectly balanced. The foie gras course leaned sweet and savory, almost like an eel sauce flavor with some crunch on top. Delicious, but by this point in the progression I was definitely feeling the richness of the meal. Dessert was a milk tea tiramisu that I thought was really interesting. The mascarpone layer had a tartness to it -- almost like there might be a little sour cream mixed in -- and one layer had a subtle salty note that balanced the sweetness. Overall, the food quality was excellent and the fish was clearly very fresh. My only minor critique is that the progression of courses skewed a bit rich for my personal preference, especially in the second half of the meal. That said, every dish was thoughtfully executed and there were some truly standout bites. If you enjoy creative omakase with some richer flavor profiles, Aiko is definitely worth trying.

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.

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.

Checked out Osaka for a casual sushi night. No wait and premiere parking around 5:30pm in the…read moreconnected lot. Friendly and attentive service all around. We received multiple complimentary items such as the shrimp and seaweed tempura appetizer, dessert mango ice cream, and cold sake. Onion soup- bigger than I was expecting. Had a little sour flavor that was different but liked. Lots of mushrooms in there too. Spicy garlic edamame was mild so easy to eat without burning your mouth but still had good flavor. Tuna, yellowtail, salmon masago roll- simple and clean Tokyo roll- classic shrimp tempura topped with spicy tuna, spicy yellowtail, spicy salmon, and sweet soy Red moon roll- pepper tuna and avocado topped with spicy salmon (my friend ordered but too full to try- seemed to enjoy it) Overall good value, good food, family owned, and a casual atmosphere. Would definitely be back.

4.3 stars! Private parking lot and space is decorated nicely…read moreand obviously very clean. Service was friendly and they give you a complimentary dynamite roll and free ice cream. Lunch specials are at a great price (note for the bento box, they don't give rice with it).

Late-night ramen? Sign me up! We stopped by Ramen Moto around 9-10 PM and had a great experience…read more The restaurant has a cute design, fast service, and a large selection of ramen, appetizers, and alcoholic drinks. We ordered the Spicy Black Ramen and the Iso Gaya, and both were fantastic. Our food came out in about five minutes, and our waiter was kind enough to serve the spicy sauces on the side, making the dishes feel a little more personalized. Whether you're meeting a group of friends or grabbing a solo meal, this is a great spot.

Fast and attentive service. I love when the staff acknowledge a toddler at the table and bring…read moreappropriate cups and silverware. Our waitress was very aware of the pacing and checked in on us regularly. 10/10 staff. We ordered the okonomiyaki, brussels sprouts, chicken skewers, black garlic ramen, and dipping ramen. Most of the food was pretty good. The black garlic ramen was the standout- great noodles, a garlic-forward broth, and perfectly cooked pork. The dipping ramen broth, in contrast, was lackluster, though I did like the thick, bouncy noodles.