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    Casa Kenji

    4.5 (45 reviews)

    Casa Kenji Photos

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    CASA KENJI ATMOSPHERE

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    Chicken Karage and salmon trout roe
    Marissa G.

    Casa Kenji was great. I couldn't stop ordering more. Good for groups or date night. I enjoyed the variety of their food selection. Our server was helpful and provided good recommendations.

    Entrance
    Maggie J.

    I heard mixed reviews about this spot right after it opened but I finally made it by on a recent Saturday night. The parking leaves something to be desired but the restaurant itself is lovely. Large and beautifully decorated, we were seated upon arrival in a booth in the bar area. Our waiter was attentive and helpful in making suggestions. We ordered looooooots of dishes to share and enjoyed all of them. Those included king salmon crudo, kanpachi nigiri, tomato nigiri, charred baby carrots, tempura beets, wagyu tataki, sweet potato, cabbage. Good drinks, good food, good dessert, great dinner.

    Inside
    Lorece S.

    Hidden inside the bright white exterior, Casa Kanji is invitingly warm and romantic. From the cozy booths to the mood lighting, this place is a vibe. We really enjoyed the food. We started with the cabbage and the sea bass. Both were stellar. Then the Lubina crudo, which was equally excellent. We then each had an assortment of nigiris and one of the rolls. Now the drinks definitely left something to be desired. We tried 3, and none were great. They sound good on paper, but the proportions seem off, leaving them flat with one note. I am hoping they update the drink menu in the future. Service was personable and accommodating. The kitchen and table staff were efficient and on top of things. No complaints. So far, they don't take the crown for the best sushi in Houston, but If you're looking for an impressive date night spot, this is it.

    Chutoro
    Annie N.

    My friend and I have heard some buzz about Casa Kenji so we decided to come check it out. It became one of the best dinners we've had in awhile! The restaurant is intimately lit, perfect for date night or girl's night. You can valet for $8 or there's street parking. A minor con there. Our server was excellent. He came to check on us often and gave great suggestions. Our orders: -Crudo de hamachi: 5/5, the Asian pear gave it a nice subtle sweet complement -Bluefin otoro binchotan: 4/5, loved the smoke and chimichurri, just a little salty -Raw oysters with Asian pear mignonette and smoked trout roe: 5/5 -chutoro and king salmon nigiris. Could've ordered dozens with how buttery they were -soft shell crab roll: 4/5, came with a house fish sauce, gave it a unique flavor -(not pictured) the prawns: 4/5, covered in chili garlic butter, just a tad salty -toffee mochi: 5/5, can't go wrong with a caramel and dulce de leche combo to me Overall, loved the flavors and the smoked theme for a lot of the dishes here. Excited to come back to try more dishes and nigiris!

    Kabocha
    Leslie K.

    We had an early dinner res at 5:30, so we were able to find street parking and happy hour drink pricing - I believe it was $3 off my drink? Very cute restaurant. Our favs of the night were: spider roll (the dipping sauce was a pleasant surprise), kabocha tempura, and sushi from the fish market menu, wish I remembered which ones we chose, but our waitress was very knowledgeable and gave great explanations and suggestions. A-okay: hama chili roll, salmon sashimi Not for us: cabbage and trumpet mushrooms, they were too smoky for our personal preference, but the spicy Latin sauces were good.

    Mel N.

    They just opened a couple of weeks ago! Valet is like $8 without tip. The restaurant is small but clean inside. Our server was also very informative and friendly! The dishes we ordered we not bad but portion sizes were on the smaller side for what you pay and it adds up quick! Dessert was the star of the show but we left still hungry. Some of the fish was also sold out. Make a reservation if you can because the restaurant fills up pretty quickly!

    Aria B.

    Visited Casa Kenji for a last minute dinner on date night an it was a nice little restaurant. We booked a reservation online and were able to check in early. Decor was on trend and a nice ambiance. Food was a 7/10 with some dishes not white being our speed. One of the dishes had Mexican Worn Salt and it was excellent. The server gave me some to go so now I have to figure out how to use it lol. I would visit again.

    Wagyu Beef
    Ari R.

    As a foodie with a deep appreciation for good food, I must say that fusion was an absolute delight and quite possibly one of the best dining experiences I've had in recent memory. From the moment we walked in, there was a wonderful balance between modern flair and traditional elegance -- a perfect reflection of the food itself. The beef was nothing short of spectacular. Incredibly tender, beautifully seasoned, and cooked to perfection, it quite literally melted in the mouth. It carried rich, savoury notes while still feeling refined and delicately prepared. Honestly, I'd go back just for that dish lones . As for the maki rolls -- simply superb. They were impeccably fresh, with each bite bursting with clean, vibrant flavours. You could truly taste the quality of the ingredients. The fish was silky and delicate, the rice perfectly balanced, and the presentation was artful without feeling trying too hard. I know I like. What impressed me most was how the restaurant managed to honour traditional techniques while introducing inventive flavour combinations that felt exciting yet respectful. It's not always easy to achieve that harmony, but fusion has done so brilliantly. If you're after a dining experience that marries tradition with creativity -- and delivers exceptional quality throughout -- this is the place. A flawless five stars from this very satisfied man.

    My items. Loved them all
    Morgan F.

    This is a great addition to the Houston Sushi scene. Unique flavors due to the Latin fusion aspect. A great lychee Martini. A beautiful patio for a perfect day. I got several different things especially on happy hour and will attach my receipt. Will be back.

    Thien T.

    Wow, what a great girls night restaurant for those who are sushi lovers! The restaurant was beautifully laid out and has plenty of seatings. Lighting was very romantic and it wasn't too loud. Still reservations are highly recommended. All the fish served was incredibly fresh and the Otoro melted in my mouth. Cocktails were delicious and unique. If you love yuzu, there's several with it that tasted amazing . The service was warm and attentive and explained everything thoroughly. The cooked items were good, nothing that stood but they all tasted wonderful. So if you are looking for a new sushi place that's fun and trendy this would be your next stop.

    Prawns
    Ananya S.

    This restaurant just opened December 9th so we're some of the first to experience... I will say that the quality is on point and on par with the best sushi places in Houston. And the price is on par too! Definitely on the high side. Just the two of us spent $300 - and we don't eat much and the hubby doesn't even drink. Since it's brand new of course we were fine with a few missteps. The staff was extremely courteous and enthusiastic about the food. Reminds me of the early days of Uchi. There was a little bit of confusion regarding what was available and what was out of stock. We began with the Lubina and also the Bluefin Otoro. Both delicious - very flavorful. The otoro was so fantastic that my husband had to order a second. Also ordered several assorted nigiri (including uni) which were fantastic quality-wise, but more of the traditional nigiri vs the crudos which had very bold and inventive flavors. Our hot dishes were the wagyu and the prawns. Lots of meat on the wagyu plate so we were pleasantly surprised. The mushrooms they paired with the steak were deeply flavored must have been marinated with care. The prawns were tasty as well but I will say that a different presentation - with the shells at least partially removed - would have been much better. We really had to fight through the dish to separate the meat from the shells. Would have been nice to have presented it like a lobster tail, with the option to eat the shells. Eating the shells was suggested by our waiter but honestly they were way too chewy. Maybe if they had been fried hard. Finally we ended with the chocolate mousse. Again a bit of a misstep - it was served completely frozen. Like rock hard. Needed a steak knife to cut through it. Tasted good but nothing different from your standard chocolate dessert paired with the usual vanilla ice cream. You could get something equivalent at The Cheesecake Factory honestly. Overall it was a good experience but for the price I'd recommend one of usual top-tier sushi spots - Kata Robata, Uchi, Uchiko, Neo, Doko, Katami, Hidden, Oheya, 5Kinokawa. The Houston food scene has too many options to come away with a less than perfect experience.

    Sweet potato
    Zara K.

    I was visiting my family and decided to come here for my anniversary. The ambiance and decor are amazing and inviting. The hostess was kind and accommodating and the staff was very friendly. We ordered a bunch of items, here's what I thought: * Crudo de Hamachi: 10/10 - super flavorful * Bluefin Ototo Binchotan: 10/10 - yummy and unique * Lubina: 10000/10 - absolutely amazing * Prawns: 5/10 - a bit messy and tricky to eat * Wagyu Tataki: 9/10 * Okoge: 7/10 * Japanese Sweet Potato: 8/10 * Chicken Karaage: 8/10 * Toffee Mochi: 9/10 One downside was that our drinks were forgotten and the waitress said they would be comped but they weren't. The food and atmosphere were still fantastic though. Highly recommend for a special occasion or just a treat yourself meal!

    Del M.

    It's hard not to compare Casa Kenji to heavyweights like Uchi and Uchiko, especially given the quality level and price point--but Casa Kenji holds its own in a very confident, distinctive way. We opted for Somakase, where the staff collaborates with you to design a multi-course experience, and it was absolutely the right choice. The service was top-notch--attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely engaged throughout the meal. The nigiri was fresh, elegant, and beautifully balanced, while the hot dishes stood out for their creativity and bold flavors. What really differentiates Casa Kenji from its peers is its fearlessness. Unlike some Japanese fine-dining restaurants that play it safe, Casa Kenji leans unapologetically into Latin fusion, creating unexpected combinations that work remarkably well. The result feels expressive, modern, and memorable rather than restrained or overly traditional. That said, we visited during their second week of opening, and while the restaurant is already impressive, there's clearly room to refine a few things. The biggest miss for us was the cocktail program. We tried several drinks--they were decent and perfectly drinkable, but not standout, especially considering this is not an inexpensive dining experience. At this level, the cocktails should feel as thoughtful and elevated as the food. The atmosphere is another area where Casa Kenji hasn't quite reached the level of places like Uchi. The space is pleasant, but it lacks the same sense of elegance or distinctiveness that makes those restaurants feel special from the moment you walk in. Overall, Casa Kenji is a very strong debut--bold, creative, and confident in its culinary vision. If they continue to refine the cocktail program and elevate the ambiance, this place has the potential to become a true destination. Even now, it's absolutely worth visiting, especially if you're looking for an omakase-style experience that pushes boundaries rather than playing it safe.

    Salmon belly nigiri

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    3 months ago

    Amazing food and service! First time visiting and we love a good OMAKASE. 12 courses and each course exceeded our expectations.

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    4 months ago

    Amazing sushi and beautiful ambiance. Service was stellar. The menu is so interesting, we can't wait to go back to try more dishes.

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    Kokoro Sushi and Yakitori

    Kokoro Sushi and Yakitori

    4.5(398 reviews)
    2.2 mi•Downtown, Fourth Ward
    •$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Speaks Spanish

    Part of the duckstache hospitality group (which I can't not support because I love Handies duozo…read moreand you can find me at Handies every week) The nigiri and the chicken fat rice was great, just how I expected. However the maki here is pretty average, not what I expected of this group. Very casual location in a little food hall like area. Next to a fried chicken place and a pho place. Horrible parking nearby tbh since it's downtown Overall considering the experience, the food, the location, the parking, the price, I likely won't return

    Used to love this place, my downtown staple for sushi. I can't recommend this place less…read more On their website and on Google it says they close at nine, understanding this and knowing I would have to order and eat fast, I showed up at 8:30 for a quick dinner downtown. Upon arrival, I was told that I could not sit at the sushi bar and eat. If I wanted to order I had to go sit in the common area of this dining hall. After this discussion, I said fine and asked for a menu. They then told me I had to get up and order at the register and view the menu glued to the counter. They took the order of a couple who sat down maybe 2 minutes before me in front of me. I will never come back to this place. They seem to be the last man standing in this dining hall, and with this kind of customer service, they won't last much longer. It's a shame because I love the food and I am a regular at handies and aiko as well. Won't be back to any of them.

    Photos
    Kokoro Sushi and Yakitori - Front stall pic

    Front stall pic

    Kokoro Sushi and Yakitori - Wagyu toast

    Wagyu toast

    Kokoro Sushi and Yakitori - Wagyu Toast

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    Wagyu Toast

    Aiko - Mochi Dessert

    Aiko

    4.5(356 reviews)
    1.4 mi•Sixth Ward
    Locally owned & operated
    Free parking

    Went to Aiko for dinner during Restaurant Week, and this was easily one of the best meals I've ever…read morehad. For $55, you get four courses, with the option to add dessert for another $10. The vibe was moody and lightly lit, and the restaurant was busy with people celebrating. I ordered the sunomono, maguro crudo, salmon and king crab hand roll, and signature nigiri. The hand rolls were probably the best thing I've ever had, I even ordered an additional spicy tuna hand roll because I wasn't ready for them to be over. My sister even ordered another flight of nigiri because it was so phenomenal. To finish, I ordered the ube sponge cake, which was the perfect little treat to end the night. Seriously, I'll be dreaming about this meal. If I'm back in Houston, I'll definitely be coming back!

    Finally got a chance to try Aiko! They also offered $25 HRW 3-meal course w/ $6 add-on for a small…read moredessert bite for lunch. Service was excellent. Love the decor; super chic. There were lots of rubber ducks scattered everywhere lol. Ordered a carajillo and the drink tasted GREAT! On the other hand... I sipped from each of my friends' ube espresso martini (did not taste the same between both drinks, bartender might have poured too much alcohol; couldn't appreciate any ube flavor). Not a fan of that drink (2.5 stars or less). HRW order - 1st: sunomono (cucumber) - 2nd: hotate crudo (delicious scallops!!) - 3rd: spicy tuna & sake handrolls - dessert add-on: matcha mochi (ok, can skip this) Other foods ordered: - karaage: chicken was well made, lots of flavor - sashimi (3pc): saketoro, madai, & hotate - unagi nigiri: eel was really good - spicy scallop handroll Even if you don't need to use the restroom, you should still check out the bathroom. The walkway was a pretty bamboo forest haha. Aside from the ube espresso martini, everything else was delicious and good! I recommend Aiko and would dine here again.

    Photos
    Aiko
    Aiko - Cucumber tomato salad

    Cucumber tomato salad

    Aiko - Salmon toro w. truffle & caviar

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    Salmon toro w. truffle & caviar

    Himari

    Himari

    4.3(128 reviews)
    4.1 mi•Oak Forest/Garden Oaks
    •$$

    GENERALIZED REVIEW:…read more Came here with a friend from theatre after a full run--he had this place recommended to him by another theatre friend, so we're just passing on the word. The plaza was a bit confusing to navigate, and I'm pretty sure if the place weren't full of Asian parents and their kids, it would've felt like the shadiest place ever because you have to enter from the back. Otherwise, the plaza had a lot of great-looking stores overall. My first go-to: I've loved drinking Kirin Light ever since I discovered it in Chicago. The flavor is literally so light, with a slight acidity that brightens up my meal. The sake here was frankly also delicious. I didn't order it, but my friend did, and they had it warmed. The flavor was soothing and subtle, almost like tea. It was exceptionally easy to drink, and the ocean-themed ceramicware was a beautiful touch. We ordered two rolls: the Shaggy Dog and the Truffalufagus (a fun tongue-twister). I personally chose the Truffalufagus (which is not fun to spell) because it seemed like the most unique dish on the menu, and I enjoyed it very much. What I liked most about it was that it was subtle yet impactful. I also loved the textures--from the internal crunch paired with the fresh jalapeño to the softness of the fish. I'm glad I gave this roll a shot, and I would be excited to try it again anytime. The Shaggy Dog was great, but it appealed less to my flavor profile. It was a little too rich and creamy for me. I recommended this place to my BF as a potential future date spot--I personally think he would like it... if he weren't the type to enjoy AYCE sushi so much. If they had more unique rolls, I would definitely come back just for those. I was tempted to order the Surf and Turf for this round, but I didn't want to seem like a glutton, hahaha.

    Visited Himari for HRW. Fantastic Food and impeccable service. Joanna, their general manager, was…read moreexceptional checking on us and making everything exceeded our expectations which it definitely did. Mabuhay Joanna! Looking forward to bring our other family members to try out Himari!

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    Himari - Interior

    Interior

    Himari - Salmon roll

    Salmon roll

    Himari - Shima Aji nigiri

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    Shima Aji nigiri

    Koi - Tuns tower $21

    Koi

    4.5(288 reviews)
    1.4 mi•Midtown, Montrose, Fourth Ward
    •$$$

    Amazing all around! Decor was refined and modern throughout the entire dining floor…read more Fish were all super fresh and delicious! Also had to highlight their house made soy sauce which was extremely umami, very unique and sets this place slightly apart from the many other sushi joints in its range Truffle crab chawanmushi was certainly a top highlight for me as well - rich truffle oil with the perfectly light steamed egg and sweet crab chunks, just an incredible dish and I could have easily eaten several of these The uni was also extremely fresh and buttery and was nice even for someone who doesn't usually like uni In the same class and range as places like Kata Robata and I would say it's a strong rival! Would come back again!

    Started off with Toro Amaebi Tartar which was interesting the taro chips mixed with everything…read moretasted light and creamy with everything mixed together. The Chawanmushi was decent but it was a little different than I expected. It had a little bit more liquid at the top of the egg custard. The flavor was fine nothing overpowered and it was soft and had that gelatin mush to it. The carbonara udon pasta was creamy and tasted exactly how I imagined it would which was smooth and creamy with a little crispiness from the pieces of bacon. Just make sure you mix the egg into the pasta to give it that rich creaminess. The only dish I would say that was underwhelming was the crispy rice. I guess my expectation would be a little less rice and a balance of the crispy rice around it. It reminded me more so of a thick fried outer crust. However, I did like the fish and meat they used on top of the crispy rice. They all had their own flavors. The Handroll tasting is probably the most interesting dish I ordered. It seemed to have a good portion of fish and they try to keep the seaweed nice and crispy by leaving the plastic film over the seaweed. The flavors of the Handrolls were subtle. They did make a nice presentation. The salmon flight was pretty good you definitely could tell from the different cuts and fattiness of the salmon. My favorite was the aburi cheese the scorched cream cheese gave the salmon a melted coating of cheese and made it silky and smooth. The nigiri platter was almost like a flight of nigiri. In the order I ate them they got progressively better. My favorite was the scallop and tuna. The only roll I tried was the royal chutoro. The portion was a good ratio of rice to fish and the tobiko gave it a slight crunch. as service and parking. The parking costs $10 and it's only Valet. If you decide to park on the curb somewhere you will get a parking ticket (I saw a guy placing tickets on cars). The atmosphere was upscale and you can tell they try to emulate Japan with the decor(zen inspired). Overall, the fish was tasted fresh and the vibes were there. However, I do think everything was a bit overpriced compared to competitors.

    Photos
    Koi - Aburi roll, el Diablo roll

    Aburi roll, el Diablo roll

    Koi - Crispy rice

    Crispy rice

    Koi - Yuzu Mojito

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    Yuzu Mojito

    Casa Kenji - sushi - Updated September 2026

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