When most people ask about sushi restaurants in Houston, they can get a variety of responses depending on who they are asking. There are so many way to experience sushi, buffet style, upscale, off a conveyor belt, traditional, or fusion, the list is endless. I myself, have lived in many different parts of Houston and tried almost every type of sushi in the city, yet I still keep coming back to the tiny, casual atmosphere of Oishii Japanese Restaurant.
Although it is pretty busy most nights, Oishii still seems to be quite the underdog among Houston’s sushi scene, which is probably due to the fact that there is plenty to be distracted by the Greenway/Kirby area. The atmosphere is quite casual, and is very small as far as most restaurants go. However, they do say great things come in tiny packages, and with Oishii that absolutely rings true.
Sure, the front entrance is cramped – but it’s packed up with people all waiting their turn for a taste of beautifully prepared sushi, or something from the huge full menu of hot, traditional Japanese fare. Proof of a their delicious food is the fact that I just know they are going to be packed down any night right after everyone gets out of work, as people many people show up to skip the traffic getting back home, in favor of taking advantage of their amazing happy hour deals.
Happy Hour begins at 3pm and runs all the way to 7pm, with an assortment of popular appetizers on a buy one, get one free deal. Each appetizer is $4 (which is already a steal), and when you order two, the second comes free. You can choose from hot edamame, spicy salmon rolls, crispy and delicious tempura squid or veggies, or start with a hot Miso soup and fresh green salad. Happy Hour also means cheap beer prices which is where I take advantage of rare $2 Kirin and Kirin Light beers to wash down my Gyoza and Ika Tempura.
If you’d rather skip the crowds and come by during lunch hours, the prices are still unbeatable across the city. Both sushi and sashimi are ordered a la carte, one piece at a time and for lunch at only $1 a piece. This isn’t a scant menu either, they keep all of the traditional favorites, including melt in your mouth salmon, tuna, shrimp, eel, and my newest favorite, Suzuki, or sea bass. Even the more hard to find and expensive rare items are still only a few cents to a dollar fifty extra on the lunch menu.
I can’t rave enough about how much I love this restaurant. The servers are attentive and extremely friendly – I get a warm welcome every time I come in, which lately has been very often! This is a sushi restuarant you must visit if you are a Houstonian, you will enjoy every bite and find yourself telling friends and family about it, as you definitely understand why everyone that goes to Oishii quickly becomes a regular there.
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