best sushi in Houston

Over the last few months, we’ve tried and tried to find our perfect sushi joint. There are literally hundreds of sushi places in Houston, which makes the chances of good sushi being out there higher, but finding the best places harder. Here are a few of the best that we’ve found; I can vouch for the quality of the vegetarian sushi and hubby for the meat-eating.

For date nights: Kata Robata is our favorite (so far) of the higher end-sushi restaurants, perfect for a date night or special lunch. It has a good atmosphere, delicious and beautifully presented food. It’s pretty limited in the vegetarian selection, but the choices are all great enough to eat over and over. Dessert is a must! 

Vegetable medley (tofu skin, avocado, mushroom, and pepper sushi) and deconstructed strawberry shortcake.

Seaweed salad, hubby’s Caribbean roll (fried lobster and mango!), and fried green tomatoes and green beans.

For everyday lunch: Nabi is a great little neighborhood sushi joint, but still a bit trendy. Hubby and I go for lunch quite often, they have $1 sushi, $2 rolls, and $3 appetizers like salads and miso soup. Also a great rice bowl or balanced plate with salad, roll, rice, veggies, and your choice of protein. Their crunchy tofu is outstanding.

Crunchy tofu bowl with sautéed vegetables and rice.

Small rolls and sushi (my favorites are cucumber, and avocado).

Down and dirty: I have a love/hate relationship with Aka Sushi House. I love their vegetarian’s paradise bento box; I hate that it looks like they never clean. It’s more than a bit on the dirty side. (Whenever I go to the restroom there, I decide never to go back.) It’s relatively cheap, good food, decent portions, and not at all trendy or pretentious. If you’re not squeamish, then go for it.

Vegetarian’s paradise (fried tofu, vegetable tempura, seaweed salad, sautéed vegetables, picked vegetables, and half an orange).

At home: We always cook frozen edamame in the pods, and even the little packets of miso soup for a quick snack, but here’s another little thing we picked up because it sounded intriguing at the grocers: Edamame bites! I expected them to be gross, but I was wrong. They are a great quick snack, a bit high-calorie, but also decent protein and fiber.