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    5Kinokawa

    4.6 (99 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndJapanese
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 months ago

    5Kinokawa Photos

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    5KINOKAWA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Upscale

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    The omakase lineup
    Quan N.

    My only experience with 5Kinokawa is ordering an omakase box for pickup to-go. Up until that point, I've only been to one other spot in Rice Village. The box I picked up included 12 pieces which was a fantastic experience, melding flavor profiles and textures new to my palette. To get a box, you have to reserve one on their website and pay in advance. The cost was 75.00. I also had an issue with my order date, meaning that my work needed me to pick up a shift, and the restaurant moved my box reservation with zero issues. Everything I've read, the in-person experience is an incredible one. It's almost like a show. The variety is fantastic and I would love to have the full experience someday.

    Melissa C.

    Walking in was a cross-section of wood shop and a law library until I started noticing the references to "Interstellar". Wasn't sure if my date took me here to dine or couples carpentry. Very cool spin on the concept. Joon helped take the edge off with some very stout Japanese-styled old fashioneds while laying on some dry humor. The room filled nicely and it was time to begin. The comedian of the hour was Chef Billy. Why not William or Bill? Maybe because Billy sounds more approachable, who knows. As a gal who came from humble beginnings, this was a journey for my palate I was ready to embark. Of the many courses I savored, my favorite was the buri. It was so fatty that the second bite almost became sinful. I truly appreciate his culinary candor and will stumble back in when time allows. Thank you for such a treat for my celebration for another year around the sun...

    Spot Prawn Shell - You eat the entire thing.
    Mike R.

    We took our son out for his 35th birthday to 5Kinokawa. We are all big fans of Japanese cuisine, especially Nigiri. We also really love the Omakase experience. One thing I can say about 5Kinokawa and Chef Billy is that this was the most unique Omakase I have ever experienced. Somewhere between a great meal, a Japanese food tutorial, and a comedy club experience. Chef Billy really is a showman, both in the food preparation, and in his delivery. Much of the humor was not PG-13 rated, but it was subtle enough that it wasn't really that raunchy. Anyway, I didn't know if I would enjoy the schtick, but I did. I absolutely enjoyed the education we got on Japanese cuisine. Chef Billy started the night asking if we were adventurous eaters. I definitely am, but my wife not so much. We probably should have let Billy know her aversion to Foie and Uni as the meal was pretty forward on those two ingredients. It also seems that Chef Billy's menus most often contain a dish with fish milt. I'll let you look that up if you want to. I wouldn't have known the fish milt was in the dish that it was in, but can say the best thing about that particular dish was the savory broth, and not the milt, even though it wasn't offensive at all, just not my favorite texturally. Highlights of the meal (other than the performance) were the fried prawn shell as an opener (had no idea I would like that), the Spot Prawn itself, the tuna wrapped in Mustard Greens, the Wagyu and Tuna Nigiri and the Uni Risotto. For me, there were no misses. The counter where you are served is very interesting and the entire space is comfortable and bright. 16 courses for $150 is a steal these days for an Omakase experience. If there was anything I would change is to add more Nigiri to the meal. But that is a personal preference as I could do a straight Nigiri Omakase. Also, it was interesting that for the 6 PM seating on a Saturday night, we purchased the last bottle of their premium Sake. Maybe that is hard to come by, but they likely could have sold several more to other patrons. We live in Montgomery, so I wouldn't know when we would return. When we do, we will definitely let the Chef know my wife's aversions so maybe she enjoys the meal more.

    5Kinokawa Omakase
    Justin A.

    We tried 5Kinokawa, and it did not disappoint. We managed to snag the 6:00 pm seating on Resy (they offer two seatings, 6:00 or 8:30 pm) and had to put down a $50 deposit per person to secure the spot. They do this because they have 14 seats in house, and they want to make sure you're serious about going. Leading up to our visit, the restaurant texted us a helpful reminder about parking - they have a free private lot behind the building, plus free street parking nearby. We arrived and noticed there's no flashy signage out front. The building looks almost empty from the outside. It took us a minute, but we found the unmarked hidden door that leads inside the restaurant. Once inside, we were greeted by Jun (the host) with a friendly welcome, and we immediately noticed how intimate and unique the space is. The décor is a quirky mix of personal touches: I spotted some Interstellar-inspired props (apparently Chef Billy Kin's favorite movie) and a bunch of woodworking tools on display. Later we learned the chef basically built the restaurant himself, which explains the tools-as-decor vibe. The atmosphere was cozy and relaxed - only a handful of seats around the sushi counter. We kicked off the evening with drinks. I ordered their "5 Kino Old Fashioned" ($18), and it was very boozy. It's made with Suntory Toki whisky, a Luxardo cherry, bitters, and a big rock ice infused with a smoky wood-chip aroma. Every sip was smooth and had a nice hint of smoke/sweetness from the ice. My wife went for one of their creative mocktails ($11). The omakase itself was a 13-course adventure. Each dish came out one by one from Chef Billy, and it was clear the ingredients were top-notch (he flies in a lot of seafood from Japan). We enjoyed everything from delicate pieces of nigiri sushi to a couple of surprising hot dishes. The otoro nigiri (fatty tuna) was a standout. Then, there was an unexpected twist mid-meal: an uni pasta course! By the end of the ~2 hour meal, we were happily full, but not uncomfortably stuffed - the pacing and portion sizes were just right. One thing to note: this is not your typical quiet, zen omakase experience. Chef Billy Kin is high-energy and downright a troll. Throughout the evening he was cracking jokes, chatting with everyone at the counter, and keeping the mood lively. It felt more like a dinner party with a show than a chill, sushi ceremony. His passion for food really shines through and his friendly, jokey style makes the meal super memorable. If you're an omakase purist looking for a meditative sushi shrine, this isn't that.

    P F.

    Wonderful, enjoyable experience last night! Chef Billy's service was well recieved even his jokes! The food and drinks, fresh, refreshing and tasty!! I will definitely visit again. It was just an overall great evening

    Black throat sea perch
    Lauren C.

    Upon first walking in, I wasn't sure what I got my friend and I into. It was obvious that the hostess was new, but that was no big deal. The idea of it being almost like a speakeasy with a door that blended into the wall was delightful and if Chef Billy is to be believed, I love that he did a chunk of the wood working...however having the woodworking tools in there was a bit odd. The intimate setting, and all of us sitting at the bar top was wonderful, though. I liked the pacing of all of the courses as well as the explanation of what Chef Billy was doing, as well as the opportunity to ask questions as we went. Several of the courses were things I've had, while several were not. I appreciated that right off the bat he asked if people were adventurous, that he made mention of his journals that he uses to keep track of the various dinners, that you can make requests, and that if you've been before, he tries to make sure you get something new. I really like that he mentioned that they don't go the route of "hey, for $X, you can have this" but more of a "would all of you like to try this" and it's just part of the experience. It was, additionally, very educational and informative. Overall, while it's not one that I'd actively seek out again, I definitely think it's one people should absolutely go to.

    Kimberly L.

    I slept on this review for a whole week because I was pretty upset that the birthday dinner my boyfriend and I planned for his mother was a disappointment. First, we ordered three Omakase Togo Pre Order which was $75, our total came out to be $243.56, so it wasn't cheap. The packaging was entirely inadequate. The menu explicitly stated the Omakase would be delivered in a wooden box, which was a major factor in my decision to order. Instead, it arrived in a cheap, generic container with no elegance or presentation-completely undermining the experience they advertised. Even more concerning, the sushi was delivered without dry ice or any effective cooling method. This is a serious oversight, especially for raw fish. By the time of the pickup, several pieces were warm to the touch and clearly compromised in quality and safety. This level of negligence is not only disappointing-it borders on irresponsible for a business claiming to offer high-end Japanese cuisine. 5Kinokawa missed the mark on quality, presentation, and basic food handling standards. For the price point and the promises made, this experience was nothing short of a letdown. I will not be ordering again and strongly caution others who order Omakase Togo Pre Order. (Hopefully you'll get the full experience of what is promised) Unfortunately, this felt careless and far below the level of professionalism I anticipated. Maybe the dine-in experience would have been different.

    Seafoam drink
    Christy P.

    This was a very interesting dining experience...entertainment, socialization, and good food! Reservations are required and you put down $50 upfront. It's $150 per person total for the meal. We showed up about 10-15 minute early for our 8:30 pm seating and were able to get a rundown of the drinks menu. I had the seafoam drink, which had gin ($16) and my friend had the old fashioned ($39). If I could do it over, I would have done the old fashioned myself...everyone was ordering that one and it was delicious and strong whereas the seafoam was a little more delicate. As far as it goes with the food...we had 17 courses, 16 savory and one dessert. My favorite was the wagyu nigiri...and really the nigiri in general. I also was surprised by how much I liked the uni pasta, as uni wasn't my favorite at Nobu. Everything tasted so fresh and delicious! The courses themselves are set and they do not offer substitutions, so it requires an open palate (allergies would be a different story). I say this because I went into the meal requesting an omission of octopus and foie gras, but that was not something they were able to accommodate. I sort of expected that though, so I wasn't bothered. Chef Billy has a dry sense of humor that is super entertaining. The whole meal is very lively and just a really different experience from what you have anywhere else in town (that I know of). Our servers were super sweet, kind, and attentive. I would recommend it for a date night or dinner where you want to treat yourself, as it lasts about two hours total.

    Phoebe H.

    Unique omakase experience - worth it!! There aren't many omakase spots in Houston and 5Kinokawa definitely set the bar high. Chef Billy is very entertaining and the entire staff is welcoming. Each course is creative and thoughtfully plated. The cocktail offerings were fantastic. I didn't ask for anything specific and let the bar tender do what he thought was best. Highly recommend doing that if you aren't picky about your drinks.

    kinki nigiri
    Christine P.

    I came here with my best friend to celebrate her birthday, and we had such a phenomenal time. Chef Billy is absolutely entertaining and hilarious. Everything we had was so delicious and amazing quality. It is well-worth your money coming here. This was my first counter omakase experience in Houston, and I was very impressed. The service was also great as well. I would recommend this place to all of my friends!

    Chawanmushi delicious
    T M.

    I had a fantastic experience last night. New favorite Omakase in town, out quite a few I've tried over the years. It was fun, with a unique setting, good atmosphere and every one of the dishes were exceptional. Thanks Billy and his cool staff for creative awesome experiences.

    Braden J.

    Great food but the company is even better. I wish I could say it even more elegantly but as great as the food and presentation is, the topping of it all is the staff and Chef Billy himself. Easily would I return in a heartbeat and invite friends/family if given the chance. Atmosphere: 5Kinokawa is a gem of a restaurant that exudes a warm, inviting and intimate atmosphere. The decor is is actually all done by Chef Billy himself, since he does woodwork on the side, so you'll get this homely type of vibe with a hint of artistry flare. Food: As said above the food and presentation are top tier! Every dish is prepared with precision and an impeccable attention to detail. Chef Billy's expertise in Japanese cuisine is evident in every bite. The sushi and sashimi are outstanding, and the hot dishes are flavorful and well-balanced. The presentation of each dish is also beautiful, which adds to the overall dining experience. I really love omakase's but this one stood out for it's impromptu type flare and going with the feelings of what the crowd maybe wanted that day. Stand out is the nigiri seared with fresh charred wood. Service: The service at 5Kinokawa is top-notch! From the moment you step in, the staff greets you with a warm welcome and makes you feel at home. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and the ingredients, and Chef Billy himself takes the time to explain the dishes and make recommendations. The level of attentiveness and care is unmatched. The staff is always available, but never intrusive, which adds to the comfortable and intimate ambiance of the restaurant. Overall, 5Kinokawa is a must-visit restaurant in Houston! Chef Billy's expertise, coupled with the exceptional food and service, make for a memorable dining experience that's hard to forget. Five stars all around!

    Ankimo
    Bo B.

    Chef Billy was very entertaining and funny. The food here was overall very good. I'm not usually a fan of the kaiseki portions though - the ankimo, the prawn tempura and raw prawn, and the scallop with foie gras courses were quite good/delicious. I thought the chawanmushi could've used another ingredient to balance out the soft egg and caviar texture. The sushi nigiri pieces were spot on except they had too much rice on them - the engawa fish is more bland and very thin, so it should've gotten half the rice. The dessert was ok. The drinks were fantastic. No menu was given so take notes or lots of pix if you want to remember what you ate.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - 5Kinokawa

    Is it byob,and if so, what is the corking fee?

    About how long does the dinner take? Wanting to align a cocktail reservation for later in the evening.

    Do early seating if you want to go elsewhere afterwards.

    What is the dress code?

    I'd say business casual. Most men were in slacks and button downs (some with sports coats, some without) and ladies were in jeans and nice blouses or dresses with heels/wedges. You're sitting the whole time so I don't think it's overly important.… Read more

    View All 5 Questions

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    Handies Douzo

    Handies Douzo

    4.6(500 reviews)
    0.2 miThe Heights
    $$

    Been to both the Heights and Montrose locations regularly and Handies is easily my favorite go-to…read morehandroll spot in the city. The selection is great across the board, I genuinely enjoy every hand roll I've had, and you really can't go wrong with any of the sets. The crudo is always a hit too. What I love most is how approachable it is - from the vibe inside to even the food itself. It works just as well for a quick but really good meal as it does for stopping in to grab a hand roll or two between errands or before heading somewhere else. Consistently high quality without feeling overly serious or complicated. Service is always on top of it, the experience is efficient without feeling rushed, and it's one of those spots that stays in regular rotation no matter how many new places pop up around the city.

    Handies Douzo is easily one of the first places I will recommend when in Houston. Their handrolls…read moreare unmatched, and the crudos are just as good. It's a great spot to enjoy high-quality sushi without the price tag of an upscale restaurant. The staff are always warm and welcoming, and the all-bar seating creates a lively, interactive dining experience. I usually order a 3-handroll set, add a hamachi handroll at the end, and share the chutoro sashimi. The chutoro just melts in your mouth, and each handroll is thoughtfully balanced with great flavor combinations. It's always a reliable place to go to and can serve as a quick bite when I'm indecisive on where to eat. That being said, it gets pretty busy during dinner time, so I'd recommend making a reservation ahead of time.

    Photos
    Handies Douzo - Inside vibe

    Inside vibe

    Handies Douzo - Salmon handroll

    Salmon handroll

    Handies Douzo - Bgb Sake

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    Bgb Sake

    Aiko - Mochi Dessert

    Aiko

    4.5(337 reviews)
    1.3 miSixth Ward
    Locally owned & operated
    Free parking

    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.

    Photos
    Aiko
    Aiko - Cucumber tomato salad

    Cucumber tomato salad

    Aiko - Salmon toro w. truffle & caviar

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    Salmon toro w. truffle & caviar

    Kata Robata - Texas Wagyu Katsu Sando

    Kata Robata

    4.3(2.3k reviews)
    3.7 miUpper Kirby
    $$$

    Kata Robata was an amazing experience from start to finish! We decided to try several of the daily…read morespecials along with a few menu favorites, and everything was absolutely delicious. From the specials menu, we started with the spicy garlic coconut milk mussels made with fresh Prince Edward Island/British Columbia mussels in a rich spicy garlic coconut cream sauce, topped with green onions and served with toasted ciabatta bread. The broth was incredible and packed with flavor. As an appetizer, we ordered the Texas Wagyu Hot Stone Bowl -- the only rice item on the menu at the time -- made with rice, egg, kimchi sauce, tawan mushrooms, sesame, and green onion. It was prepared tableside for us, which made the experience even more fun and interactive. We also tried the Spicy Soy Ramen with braised ground pork, chili oil, soy milk broth, soft boiled egg, wakame, green onion, and micro cilantro. The flavors were rich, comforting, and had the perfect amount of spice. The Nagasaki Champon Ramen was another standout with clams, shrimp, cabbage, pork, onion, ginger, and micro cilantro in a flavorful broth that tasted fresh and authentic. The restrooms were very Japanese-inspired and beautifully maintained, adding to the atmosphere of the restaurant. Gabby was an amazing waitress -- attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire dining experience even better. Then there was dessert: Green Tea soufflé and chocolate milk bread pudding! I hope i get a picture of it!!! Service is GREAT! Drinks are filled. Needs are met- and exceeded!!!0 Parking is self parking, but it was worth it. We will definitely be back again to try many more items on the menu! Come early if you want to hear your partner it gets LOUD!

    The food tasted good but nothing was new or exciting. The service was terrible... our waitress…read more(Karen?) was really slow.. also my friend waited almost 45 minutes for a glass of wine. She clearly forgot to ring it in and then brought us the check. We then asked for the glass of wine and she brought it with a revised check. We also never saw a manager during our visit. At the end, we were charged 20% gratuity for a group of 7... seemed strange. Not saying we wouldn't have tipped that but it didn't sit well knowing the service was so bad.

    Photos
    Kata Robata
    Kata Robata - Various nigiri.

    Various nigiri.

    Kata Robata - Okinawa Sun - strong AF

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    Okinawa Sun - strong AF

    Kazzan Ramen & Bar

    Kazzan Ramen & Bar

    4.0(129 reviews)
    0.6 miThe Heights
    $$

    This was a very cozy place for ramen on a Thursday night. Nataly was my waitress. She was attentive…read moreand informative about the different drinks and the menu. The Ramen was amazin.

    I'm writing this more for those that never had the chance to visit but on the off chance get to…read morevisit elsewhere and looking for info. I visited here frequently and I'm sad to see it shut down. Kazzan ramen in Osaka is a bit north of the main hub of Osaka, but one can hope they continue to try to spread their magic elsewhere. It was touching to see they'd trained (at least some) the staff to incorporate some of the tradition you'll see when in Japan such as greeting and goodbyes, even understanding phrases such as "okaikei onegai shimasu." Having lived in Japan, it was a nice touch. Food & Drink Kazzan ramen is an absolute delight. The stone bowl is so hot and keeps your ramen warm for the entire time you're enjoying it. They offer shio, shoyu, karamiso ramens. I personally loved the karamiso though their limited edition spicy version was great if looking for some heat. For appetizers, the black pepper edamame was a standout. Flavors of toasted sesame, maybe a touch of soy, with black pepper - . The cocktails were always delicious. They always had elevated cocktails with custom syrups and bitters. Definitely nice to see unique Japanese ingredients being incorporated into the cocktail scene. Service The service was always great, very attentive. Never had a want or need go long without being addressed. Staff was always making th rounds collecting plates, filling water, making sure you have everything. Pricing The ramen was a bit pricey even for US standards, which likely contributed to struggles but it was still delicious and worth visiting. I think a few bucks cheaper would have probably gone a long way. Or offering bundled pricing with cocktails or drinks to encourage more revenue while discounting. Though, I don't find it coincidental that this location has been plagued by multiple establishments not making it. That would indicate onerous lease rates and a potentially shrewd landlord. Overall This place will be missed and for anyone that does get a chance to visit them elsewhere, you won't regret it!

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    Kazzan Ramen & Bar
    Kazzan Ramen & Bar
    Kazzan Ramen & Bar

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    Zen Japanese Izakaya - Bluefin Tuna Special Bowl

    Zen Japanese Izakaya

    4.2(334 reviews)
    2.6 miMontrose
    $$

    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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    Zen Japanese Izakaya
    Zen Japanese Izakaya - Fish from Japan

    Fish from Japan

    Zen Japanese Izakaya

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    5Kinokawa - japanese - Updated May 2026

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