When does KOYO Hand Roll Bar's Heights location open?

KOYO Hand Roll Bar's Heights location opens on Thursday, July 16. On opening day, the restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where is KOYO Hand Roll Bar's Heights location?

The new KOYO Hand Roll Bar is located at 1835 North Shepherd Drive in Houston's Heights neighborhood.

What kind of food does KOYO Hand Roll Bar serve?

KOYO Hand Roll Bar specializes in made-to-order Japanese hand rolls, crudo, and small plates. Each hand roll is assembled to order and served immediately to preserve the contrast of warm, crisp nori and chilled, fresh seafood.

Who is behind KOYO Hand Roll Bar?

KOYO Hand Roll Bar is a Webster-born concept. The Heights location is led by operating partner Adela Merdini, who has spoken about the team's commitment to fresh ingredients and genuine hospitality.

What makes KOYO Hand Roll Bar different from a traditional sushi restaurant?

Unlike traditional sushi restaurants where rolls may sit before reaching the table, KOYO is built around immediacy — chefs assemble each hand roll to order at the counter, preserving the contrast between warm, crisp nori and chilled, fresh seafood. The experience is intentionally pared-down, focusing on quality ingredients, precise technique, and timing.

Are there any grand opening specials at KOYO Hand Roll Bar Heights?

Yes — to celebrate the grand opening on July 16, the first 100 guests will receive a complimentary KOYO tote bag, and three lucky visitors will win a $100 gift card for a future visit.

What does the name KOYO mean?

KOYO takes its name from the Japanese word kōyō, meaning autumn leaves — a nod to transformation and beauty. The team extends this philosophy to their belief that high-quality sushi should feel approachable.

Houston’s Hand Roll Boom Continues as KOYO Opens in the Heights

The Webster-born sushi concept opens its second Houston location this month, bringing its made-to-order hand rolls to one of the city's hottest dining neighborhoods

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Published on July 8, 2026 • 1:35 PM MDT

Updated on July 18, 2026 • 7:57 AM MDT

Houston’s appetite for hand rolls is only getting bigger. KOYO Hand Roll Bar, the Webster-born concept known for its made-to-order sushi and intimate counter dining, is expanding inside the Loop with a new Heights location at 1835 North Shepherd Drive, set to open Thursday, July 16.

The 26-seat restaurant brings KOYO’s signature approach—hand rolls crafted one at a time and served the moment they leave the chef’s hands—to one of Houston’s busiest dining corridors. It joins a growing lineup of high-profile newcomers transforming North Shepherd, including a new outpost of Paris Baguette and Ford Fry’s Star Rover, further cementing the Heights as one of the city’s hottest dining destinations.

*Every hand roll at KOYO Hand Roll Bar is made to order and served immediately to preserve the signature contrast of crisp nori and fresh fillings. | Photo by Becca Wright*

Unlike traditional sushi restaurants where rolls may sit before reaching the table, KOYO is built around immediacy. Guests are encouraged to take a seat at the hand roll counter, where chefs assemble each order to preserve the contrast between warm, crisp sheets of nori and chilled, fresh seafood. It’s an intentionally pared-down experience that puts the spotlight on quality ingredients, precise technique, and timing.

The restaurant takes its name from the Japanese word kōyō, meaning autumn leaves, a nod to transformation and beauty. That philosophy extends beyond the menu, reflecting the team’s belief that high-quality sushi should feel approachable.

KOYO's crudo showcases fresh seafood with minimalist presentation, letting premium ingredients take center stage. | Photo by Becca Wright — *KOYO’s crudo showcases fresh seafood with minimalist presentation, letting premium ingredients take center stage. | Photo by Becca Wright*

The Heights location follows the success of the concept’s original restaurant, which introduced Houstonians to KOYO’s streamlined take on sushi dining. Rather than offering an extensive menu, the restaurant focuses on hand rolls prepared to order, allowing each bite to be enjoyed at its peak.

“We’re excited to bring KOYO Hand Roll Bar to one of Houston’s most dynamic dining neighborhoods,” said operating partner Adela Merdini in a statement. “Our new location carries forward everything guests love about KOYO, from the freshest ingredients and thoughtfully crafted hand rolls to the warm, genuine hospitality that defines every visit.”

Made-to-order hand rolls, crudo, and small plates highlight KOYO's fresh, chef-driven approach to Japanese cuisine. | Photo by Becca Wright — *Made-to-order hand rolls, crudo, and small plates highlight KOYO’s fresh, chef-driven approach to Japanese cuisine. | Photo by Becca Wright*

To celebrate the grand opening, the first 100 guests through the door on Thursday, July 16 will receive a complimentary KOYO tote bag, while three lucky visitors will win a $100 gift card to use on a future visit. KOYO will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

KOYO Hand Roll Bar, 1835 North Shepherd Dr., Houston

Megha McSwain Managing Editor

Megha McSwain is the Managing Editor of DiningOut, overseeing editorial content across Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta. Born in Mumbai, India, Megha spent most of her life in Houston and now resides in Colorado. Throughout her career, she has contributed to leading food, travel, and lifestyle publications, including Food Network, Eater, InsideHook, Resy, and Texas Monthly. A trusted voice in food and lifestyle media, Megha also makes regular appearances on local television, appearing on Great Day Houston on KHOU 11 and Texas Today on NBC 5.

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