Check out Kokoro in the downtown food hall. Same chefs from Uchi just opened their own spot. Same quality.
Daido Japanese grocery store. Fatty tuna, hamachi and salmon from fraction of the prices and its da bomb diggity!
I was hesitant to order sushi but after being convinced by coworkers we went with Poke in memorial city, 5 stars btw.So many things in one meal I have never eaten like, scallops, sea weed, wassabe spicy powder... it came with every Chinese plant known to man.
Oh man, scallops are so freaking good (gotta be the big ones, bay scallops are worthless). Blue Fish in Houston has/had a spicy scallop nigiri that was fantastic.
We're talking just sashimi here. They cut their toro in quarter lb pieces so I just take home and cut into 4-5 pieces for myself. Cost under $20 for a quarter lb while I pay $20 for a piece of toro at uchi. Quality is just as good at uchi, my presentation and wow factor capabilities are nowhere close to uchi though lol.
I wanted to recommend Shun Japanese Kitchen on Shepherd, just north of Trader Joes. It's creative and very good. Chef-driven, locally inspired, with new techniques, and still comfortable, with good service, and surprisingly affordable, if you order well. Happy Hour menu and specials are good, and all day Sunday. It's my favorite place in Houston, right now. https://www.shunkitchen.com/
I'm surprised with all the Uchi praise. Granted I haven't been but their location in Denver isn't considered the best sushi in town and Houston is a significantly better food city.
