As Houston diners become more educated about the city’s diverse culinary offerings, it’s not uncommon to seek experiences that transcend the normal dining out routine. Omakase, which translates to “I leave it up to you” in Japanese, is based on the idea of letting the chef choose a variety of plates for guests to enjoy. Most omakase menus are thought up with the idea of using fresh ingredients in mind, and chefs add their own touches to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
While it can be a costly adventure, an omakase experience is a well-curated showcase of fine ingredients that can sometimes last over two hours. It is a popular way of dining in sushi restaurants across the country, and Houstonians have embraced the idea wholeheartedly.
Consider this guide of restaurants offering unforgettable omakase experiences.
Uchi
Uchi has long been one of Houston’s go-to destinations for a splurge-worthy chef’s tasting. Its omakase is a 10-course menu that changes daily, giving the kitchen free rein to showcase pristine fish alongside the inventive hot and cold dishes for which Uchi is known. There’s also a 10-course vegetarian tasting, plus a more approachable nine-course happy hour omakase for two. 904 Westheimer Rd, Houston, uchi.uchirestaurants.com
Oheya by Uchi
Located behind an inconspicuous door adjacent to its parent concept, Uchi, Oheya’s compact space feels like a hideaway. Oheya means ‘the room’ in Japanese, and with just 12 seats at a curved counter, the small restaurant serves as a complement to Uchi, which translates to “home”. Led by chef de cuisine Stephen Conklin and head sushi chef Kevin Le, the 15-course omakase ($175) menu changes bi-monthly, as do the featured chefs, whose culinary expertise make for a personalized and thoughtfully-curated menu. Guests can add beverage pairings for an additional $75 per person. Two seatings are offered per night, with reservations released the month prior. Recently, Oheya added a 10-course happy hour omakase, Wednesday through Sunday, with seatings at 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. The happy hour omakase also features amazing deals on drinks. 904 Westheimer Rd., Houston, uchi.restaurants.com
Uchiko
Think of Uchiko as Uchi’s smokier, fire-loving sibling. Its 10-course daily omakase incorporates the pristine seafood and creative Japanese cooking associated with Uchi while leaning into Uchiko’s signature use of smoke, char and the hearth. A vegetarian tasting is available, too, while happy hour brings a nine-course omakase for two for $120—an appealing entry point for diners who want the chef’s-choice experience without committing to the full dinner tasting. 1801 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, uchiko.uchirestaurants.com/location/omakase-houston/
MF Sushi
Chef Chris Kinjo’s sushi restaurant debuted in Houston’s Museum District more than a decade ago, opening at the forefront of the omakase trend. The restaurant prides itself on showcasing the finest seafood, and here, the ingredients shine without too much interference. MF Sushi’s omakase experience requires advanced reservations, with seatings starting at $200 per person and varying based on the courses served during the two hour meal, which often goes a bit beyond. 1401 Binz St., Houston, mfsushi.com
Azumi
This vibey Japanese restaurant from Atlas Restaurant Group (Loch Bar, Marmo) is located in River Oaks District and led by executive chef Timur Fazilov, whose experience includes stints with acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto. Seafood is flown in daily from Tokyo, and wagyu beef is sourced from Miyazaki, Japan. For its multi-course omakase, guests can expect a guided experience by chef de cuisine Gabriel Guzman, who adds a kiss of Peruvian flavors to the Japanese fare. Choose from the regular omakase ($170), or the premium ($220) with extras. 4444 Westheimer Rd., Houston, azumirestaurant.com
Hidden Omakase
This exclusive Michelin Guide-recommended tasting restaurant had to switch gears after a car ran through the Galleria restaurant this summer. Chef Marco Juarez and his team are in summer residency at Bar Moon nearby, which means guests can enjoy spectacular cocktails combined with the omakase experience. Juarez, a veteran of Uchi, guides the menu, while the talented culinary team take time to educate guests on ingredients and seafood used in the meal. The menu changes with the seasons, but guests can expect a creative array of bites like chutoro or buri sashimi. Only two seatings are offered per night, Tuesday through Saturday. 1800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, barmoonhouston.com/hidden-omakase
Katami
Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi has earned five James Beard Award nominations since his arrival in Houston and his Japanese grill concept, Kata Robata, is one of the most acclaimed Japanese restaurants in the city. So, naturally, there was much excitement when he opened Katami in 2023. His omakase showcases fresh fish sourced from Toyosu Market and delivers both sushi and warm kaiseki-inspired dishes, according to the availability of seasonal ingredients. Reservations can be made through Resy for the exclusive 12-seat dinners. 2701 W. Dallas St., Houston, katamihouston.com
Sushi Horiuchi
Tucked behind Katami, like a sushi speakeasy, is chef Horiuchi’s even more exclusive omakase concept. With only six seats and one seating a night, Tuesday through Sunday, it’s not the easiest reservation in town to procure. It is however, one of the priciest at $300. Lucky guests watch as chef Horiuchi leads the charge, along with his right-hand sushi chef, Anna Tran. Sommelier Jess Cano guides guests through the optional sake pairing. 2701 W. Dallas St., Houston, sushihoriuchi.com
Soto
This Montrose restaurant is the follow-up to Andy Chen’s sushi concept by the same name, which opened in Austin in 2013. Chen utilizes fresh seafood flown in from the Toyosu Market, which might include enticements like hokkaido scallops and uni, with wagyu beef also making an appearance in the line-up. A regular omakase is offered for $150, plus a premium option for $250. Reserving a seat at the sushi bar for the omakase lets guests see the chefs at work and, oftentimes, Chen is one of them. Diners may also enjoy the omakase in the modern and minimalist dining room. 224 Westheimer Rd., Houston, sotohouston.com
Hachi Houston
The interior of this Galleria Japanese restaurant is stylish and dramatic, just like the striking plates that chef Leo Huang and his team deliver to guests. With ingredients sourced from the Toyosu and Tsukiji markets in Tokyo, the 18-course omakase is reasonably-priced at $165. While parking in the Galleria area may seem daunting, Hachi offers complimentary valet or validation for the nearby garage. Once seated, guests can relax with an optional sake or Japanese whiskey pairing to relieve the stresses of Houston traffic. 5333 Westheimer Rd., Houston, hachihouston.com
5Kinokawa
Chef Billy Kin’s hidden tasting restaurant is for adventurous diners who like a little comedy on the side. The focus is less on sushi and more on, shall we say “interesting”, seafood ingredients. The decor is a mishmash of bookshelves, subway tile, and wooden pieces handcrafted by Kin himself. The plating is creative, the atmosphere is lively, and the 5 Kino old fashioned is highly recommended. 3119 White Oak Dr., Houston, 5kinokawa.com
Aya Sushi
Head to the chef’s counter at this Bellaire favorite, where chef Yoshi Katsuyama’s omakase highlights fish sourced through Toyosu Market alongside dishes from the kitchen and his sparkling personality. The seasonal experience spans 18 bites and costs $135 per person, with each course selected according to what’s best at the moment. Reservations are required, and diners can contact the restaurant directly to secure seats at the chef’s counter. 5407 Bellaire Blvd. Ste A, Bellaire, ayasushi.com
Nobu
Nobu’s international reputation makes its Houston omakase an especially fitting choice for diners who want to experience the restaurant beyond its greatest hits. The $225-per-person Sushi Bar Omakase puts guests in front of the chefs for a curated progression that blends traditional sushi-bar preparations with Nobu’s signature style. Expect an immersive experience designed to showcase both premium seafood and the Japanese-Peruvian flavors that helped make Nobu a global name. 5115 Westheimer Rd. Ste. C-3515, Houston, noburestaurants.com/houston/home
