The Ultimate Guide to Houston’s Best 5 Asian Restaurants

Founded by James Beard-Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole, Uchi (which means “house” in Japanese) is one of Houston’s most celebrated Japanese restaurants. 

Its omakase menu and seasonal tastings blend artistic flair with deep respect for tradition. Diners often highlight how the sushi, sashimi, and hot dishes feel like edible works of art—meticulously plated and bursting with balance.

The sleek, minimalist interior adds to the calm yet upscale vibe, while staff members are known for thoughtful, knowledgeable service. Reservations are essential since the restaurant’s popularity often leads to packed evenings.

While it’s a splurge, guests consistently agree that Uchi offers one of Houston’s most refined dining experiences.

Best sushi I’ve ever had!

“I’m from Canada and this was my first time at Uchi Houston. Honestly, it blew me away. I did the curated omakase and every single dish was not only beautiful but absolutely delicious. I sat at the sushi bar and it was such a cool experience watching the chef work and being able to chat with him as he prepared each course. It made the whole meal feel really personal and engaging. The service was fantastic. Super friendly and welcoming. They knew it was my first time and treated me with a lot of care and warmth. From the crudo to the edamame to the nigiri, everything was incredibly fresh and perfectly balanced. If you’re thinking of going, do it. It’s more than just a meal. It’s an experience. Easily one of the best sushi dinners I’ve ever had.” 

– Dylan Smith, Google Review 

All phenomenal!

“Very pleasantly surprised! Been wanting to come here for a very long time. It’s best to split family style. Everything was super fresh and tasty. I’m not sure what my favorite dish was, but it was all phenomenal! Service was great too. Would easily come back. Great place for special occasions! Best sushi in Houston! Can’t go wrong with anything you get here.” 

– Keely Telford, Google Review

For a comforting, no-fuss meal, JINYA Ramen Bar delivers authenticity and heartiness in every bowl. Founded by Tomo Takahashi, this eatery slow-simmers its broth for over 20 hours to achieve that signature depth and umami.

The Tonkotsu Black and Spicy Chicken Ramen are crowd favorites, while the modern, buzzy space makes it a go-to for both solo lunches and group hangouts.

The staff is quick and friendly, and the menu’s customization options—extra noodles, garlic, or spice—earn rave reviews. 

Expect lines during peak hours (lunch, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm, and dinner, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm; especially on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays), but once your bowl arrives, every slurp confirms why locals call JINYA one of the best ramen stops in town.

Truly a delightful experience!

“I had a wonderful visit to this bar! The atmosphere is really interesting—both beautiful and full of unique design elements. There’s a large communal table, perfect for bringing friends and enjoying a stylish gathering, while smaller tables along the sides make the space feel cozy and intimate. The food is delicious and fresh. I’m a big fan of Japanese cuisine, and I highly recommend trying the crab salad. It’s wonderfully balanced with a hint of lime and crisp greens, all served with a crunchy galette. Truly a delightful experience!” 

– Natasha Мur, Google Review 

100% recommend

“This Jinya location is one of me and my boyfriend’s favorite late night dates. We’ve been coming here pretty consistently for about a year and a half now and we’ve always had a really great experience. The servers and hostesses have always been really nice. We become so frequent that they literally hit us with that welcome back or ask if we want what we usually get which could be kind of humbling at times because we come so much but it’s always been really great. The food is always fresh and the one time there was like a noodle mixup. They fixed it with literally no problem. And it doesn’t really matter how late you come so always get you in and out with fresh food. I 100% recommend it for a date night.” 

– Sophia Bartocci, Google Review

A family-owned and full-of-heart restaurant in EaDo, Huynh Restaurant has been serving authentic Vietnamese comfort food for over 15 years. Its menu features pho, rice plates, and noodle bowls packed with fresh herbs and perfectly balanced sauces.

Regulars appreciate how every dish tastes homemade—flavorful without being heavy. The owners’ friendly presence adds to the charm, and prices remain remarkably fair for such quality.

The only challenge is parking and limited seating during peak hours (lunch time, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, and dinner time, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm; especially on Fridays and Saturdays). 

Still, for anyone craving authentic Vietnamese flavors served in a laid-back setting, Huynh remains one of Houston’s most reliable go-to restaurants.

Will definitely be back

“Stopped in for dinner while in town for game, Huynh did not disappoint! We were served promptly and politely. I think every waiter touched our table at some point, including the owner, either dropping something off, picking up finished plates, or checking on us. Food was stellar, fresh and tasty, some of the best Vietnamese food I’ve had, and I have 30 years of exposure. The feeling that everyone working in the restaurant was working together as a team, however, impacted my impression the most. I will definitely be back to enjoy another meal here.” 

– Michelle Richard, Google Review 

Did not disappoint!

“Came here for a work lunch before noon and the restaurant was almost packed. This place has been around for more than 30 years at its current location, which was the original Chinatown in Houston before the area got gentrified. Got the bun mang vit, which means noodles, bamboo and duck. I usually get the Hieu Tieu but a colleague ordered for me and didn’t disappoint. The duck was moist and came with a sweet ginger dipping sauce.” 

– Vu Nguyen, Google Review

Helmed by four-time James Beard nominee Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi, Kata Robata delivers precision, artistry, and flavor in equal measure. 

Known for its omakase, robata-grilled meats, and sashimi, the restaurant sources fish flown directly from Japan several times a week. Diners describe the experience as theatrical yet understated—where each course is timed and presented to perfection.

The atmosphere strikes a balance between modern elegance and cozy intimacy, ideal for sushi enthusiasts and first-timers alike. Prices reflect its fine-dining quality, but most guests agree it’s worth every penny.

Kata Robata consistently ranks among Houston’s best Japanese restaurants, celebrated for quality that never wavers.

Really the best!

“Wow! Such a fantastic Japanese restaurant. Cool vibes…and more importantly delicious food. We had the Texas wagyu sando, chirashi, and the sashimi for two. The highlight/surprise of our meal was when our wonderful server asked if we wanted the shrimp heads, which we assumed to be decorative, fried. What? Obviously the answer is YES! And man, that was really the best!!! And the shaved ice was fantastic! It came with a lychee-flavored condensed milk???!!! Amazing. Definitely would go again!” 

– Alexander Chou, Google Review 

Never fails to impress

“This is hands down my favorite Japanese restaurant in town. It never fails to impress with its consistently excellent dishes and friendly service. The quality is always top-notch — everything tastes fresh and carefully prepared. I especially love the sashimi and wagyu beef — both are absolutely amazing and full of flavor. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, I always leave happy. It’s one of those places you just keep coming back to!” 

– Peggy Zhang, Google Review

A blend of sophistication and comfort, Café Ginger serves Chinese-American classics in a refined piano bar setting. The restaurant’s ornate décor, dim lighting, and live piano music create an atmosphere that’s both romantic and relaxed.

The menu features familiar dishes like orange chicken, lo mein, and sushi rolls, each prepared with attention to detail and consistency. Guests appreciate the friendly, efficient service and generous portions.

While purists may find the flavors gentler than authentic Chinese fare, many diners love the balance between comfort and class. Café Ginger is ideal for special dinners or casual gatherings where ambiance matters as much as the food.

Top-notch

“This food is so delicious. We had the mini Texas rolls for appetizers. Yum. I had the seafood fried rice and I was impressed in 2 ways. #1 the rice was not greasy or heavy at all. Light and flavorful. #2 the portion was big enough for me to get 2 meals and a snack out of. Flavor was there, value was there, and the service was top-notch. They had piano music playing which created this very upscale, classy atmosphere which my partner and I loved.” 

– Jonathan Mount, Google Review 

Absolutely delicious

“Securing a table was effortless, and the restaurant’s stylish interior immediately impressed. The service was exceptional—attentive without being intrusive. My drink was consistently refilled, and empty plates were promptly cleared, keeping the table tidy. Best of all, the food was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.” 

– Joseph Cerrillo, Google Review