Best Japanese Speciality Restaurants in Museum District

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

Houston

Neighborhoods

BellaireGalleria / UptownMidtownMontroseRiver Oaks

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard AwardMICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

8 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Thirteen by James Harden restaurant

1. Thirteen by James Harden

3.9

Excellent(1050)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Midtown

Booked 8 times today

Thirteen by James Harden in Midtown Houston stands out as a vibrant beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. With a menu that effortlessly fuses creativity and authenticity, diners are treated to an "exquisite" culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression. The ambiance, paired with lively tunes from a live DJ, ensures a memorable dining atmosphere. Guests rave about the "amazing" food and drinks, particularly highlighting the delectable lamb chops and indulgent bread pudding. With a staff that’s both "courteous and professional," Thirteen guarantees an exceptional evening of upscale dining, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking innovative American flavors.

2. CIEL

3.7

Very Good(605)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese speciality • River Oaks

Booked 39 times today

CIEL Restaurant and Lounge offers an elegant mix of modern Japanese and French cuisines complemented by craft cocktails and a curated wine and champagne list. CIEL, meaning ‘sky’ in French, is inspired by vibrant restaurants of the French Riviera and brings an elevated and festive dining experience to Houstonians. Reservation times may be subject to change and final confirmation. Reservations may be subject to deposit and minimums and final confirmation. NOTE: Dress Code Strictly Enforced!

3. Fancy's HTX

3.8

Excellent(10)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Montrose

Welcome to Fancy's, Houston's premier upscale cocktail lounge, where sophistication and vibrant atmosphere converge. Nestled in the heart of the city, Fancy's offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking elegance and excitement. Our menu features a curated selection of small bites designed to complement our expertly crafted cocktails.Savor exquisite delights like A5 Miyazaki Wagyu sushi with foie gras and truffle pearls, or indulge in our luxurious caviar offerings, from imported Beluga 000 to domestic American White Imperial. Our specialty cocktails, such as the innovative "Oh You Fancy Huh?" and the refreshing "Citrus Guava Breeze," are crafted with precision and flair.At Fancy's, we deliver the best that Houston has to offer. Enjoy live entertainment with the city's finest musicians and top DJs, all set in an ambiance of refined elegance. Whether for a casual night out or a special celebration, Fancy's is the ultimate destination for upscale nightlife in Houston.

4. Oheya Houston

4.8

Exceptional(2)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Montrose

An intimate, 12-seat omakase room at Uchi Houston, featuring a chef‑curated 15-course menu.

5. Balboa Surf Club

4.8

Exceptional(200)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 21 times today

Balboa Surf Club in the vibrant Uptown Houston area is a must-visit for seafood lovers. The restaurant is renowned for its exquisitely fresh seafood, with diners raving about the "best seafood I've ever had in Houston!" Guests are consistently impressed by the quality and creativity of the offerings, like the "mind-blowing creative" sushi rolls and the "HUGE crab cake" packed with flavor. The Miso Salmon is frequently highlighted as "some of the best tasting salmon," while the King Crab hand roll is hailed as "the best bite in Houston." Balboa Surf Club promises a culinary experience where freshness and authenticity shine through every dish.

6. Nobu Houston

4.5

Awesome(1682)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 48 times today

Nobu Houston at The Galleria offers an unparalleled Japanese dining experience that exquisitely blends authenticity with innovation. Diners rave about the "incredible quality and creativity" of dishes such as the iconic Black Cod with Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño. The sushi and sashimi offerings are described as "fantastic" and "fresh," capturing the essence of traditional Japanese flavors while incorporating Houston-inspired touches. Guests consistently highlight the "impeccable service" and "detailed explanations" provided by a knowledgeable staff, making each visit memorable. Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, Nobu Houston promises an "amazing experience" that keeps patrons returning for more.

7. Segreto

4.6

Exceptional(38)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 5 times today

Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance at Segreto. Surrender to the enchantment as the space unveils itself with mesmerizing live entertainment, complemented by a culinary adventure. Delight in a diverse selection of exquisite sashimi and indulgent caviar, perfectly paired with meticulously crafted cocktails. Allow yourself to indulge in the unforgettable experience that awaits you here, at Segreto.

8. Aya Sushi

4.8

Exceptional(208)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Bellaire

Booked 3 times today

A fresh, modern sushi experience in the Bellaire Triangle featuring innovative Japanese cuisine from reknowned chef Yoshi Katsuyama.Guests can expect to enjoy fresh fish daily in a vairety of nigiri, maki, and sashimi preparations alongside traditional Japanese favorites from the kitchen. Aya features an innovative cocktail program, as well as an extensive selection of wine, sake, and Japanese whisky. For the full Aya experience, enjoy chef's multi-course omakase option alongside hand-selected pairings including sake and wine. With limited seating capacity, we reserve the sushi bar exclusively for omakase at this time. To book your sushi bar experience, please inquire via email: reservations@ayasushi.com

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JessicaVIP
Houston •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Love this place. The food and service is always great.
More info
Balboa Surf ClubPrice: Expensive• American• Galleria / Uptown
•
4.8
MD
MrsD
Houston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 15, 2025
Great Father’s meal
More info
Thirteen by James HardenPrice: Very Expensive• Pan-Asian• Midtown
•
3.9
C
corey
Houston •1 review
4.0
Dined on May 30, 2025
Ordered the filet medium, could have been cooked maybe 2 minutes longer to my liking but still very good. Mashed potatoes were good. Didn’t care for the broccolini. Drinks taste like every where else but get the jobs done. I would definitely come back not a bad experience for a Thursday night.
More info
CIELPrice: Very Expensive• French / Japanese• River Oaks
•
3.7
A
abraheem
New Orleans / Louisiana •1 review
5.0
Dined on Apr 27, 2025
The mustache dude is the man!!! Best service ever hands down
More info
Fancy's HTXPrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• Montrose
•
3.8
J
JayVIP
Houston •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Sep 27, 2024
Very memorable and positively unforgettable!! The service , the ambiance, and the professional staff were all impeccable!
More info
Oheya HoustonPrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• Montrose
•
4.8

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