Oishii Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

This place is amazing. Even with the restaurant packed in the middle of happy hour, we were seated within ten minutes of arrival. They have a huge menu, and everything we ordered was outstanding! Their hamachi is so fresh that it melts in your mouth like butter, and there are numerous vegetarian choices in addition to all the great seafood. Be sure to try the black mushroom roll and baked mussel roll in addition to your usual favorites!

Pros: FRESH, great variety, excellent service, unbelievable prices

Cons: Parking, but there's a decent lot next door.

Posted 11/14/09

The best happy hour sushi in town! The service is the worst- but the food is good and the service is fast. Try the crunch sushi and the baked mussels- YUMMY!

Pros: prices

Cons: service

Posted 11/03/09

this place is the best sushi. I go there at least every pay period sad but true. Food is always excellent and the service is freindly and very attentive. I found out about this place 3 years ago and have made all of my family and freinds sushi lovers because of this place. The only downfall would have to be its not close to sugarland. Maybe thats good so i won't eat here everyday. LOLZ

Pros: cheap high quality sushi

Cons: small place

Posted 09/18/09

I love this little sushi cafe. The atmosphere is relaxed and the servers are friendly. The happy hour is awesome. I think the large hot sake is $3 and the appetizers are buy one get one free. Couple those with some $1 sushi pieces and you have a full meal for ten bucks. There can be a wait if you get there around six, but it's totally worth it!

Pros: $1 sushi

Cons: none

Posted 07/21/09

Was very reluctant to try this place. My instincts were right. I ordered to go - the rice was burnt, the salad dressing horrible and the rolls tasted funny.

Pros: close to the office

Cons: slow service, sushi/rolls not so good

Posted 07/07/09

I eat sushi pretty often and when I'm craving some, I default to Oiishi. I don't know of a better sushi joint for happy hour than Oiishi. Their $4, buy-one-get-one happy hour menu is pretty basic, but they make the food right. And the beer is amazingly cheap during happy hour. Aside from the happy hour, the all their other sushis are good too. I've gotten their combos pretty often and haven't been disappointed yet.

What I don't like? The parking lot is tiny, you'll probably have to wait to get seated, and the service is hit-or-miss.

Bottom-line: I'll be back for more!

Pros: Price, happy hour, good food, service

Cons: Parking, waiting, service

Posted 05/05/09

We went on a friday night at 9 pm and had to wait about 30 min. The place was hopping and the space is limited. The food was excellent. The prices were amazing for the price

Posted 03/18/09

Everything is great! The prices, the sushi cuts, service, and beer! The sushi cuts are thick and fresh! The only negative is the parking. They also have a great lunch menu! HIGHLY recommended!!!

Pros: Sushi, beer, service

Cons: wait and parking

Posted 01/03/09

Seriously it doesn't get better than this. I hate to give away great hole in the wall but I feel like I owe it to Oishii. The restaurant is tiny but if you look past it, happy hour (with buy one get one free appetizers including some sushi rolls) it totally worth it. My recommendation is the Gyoza which are the pan fried pork dumplings. They're not your traditional frozen potstickers out of a pag. The spicy sauce that accompanies it is delicious. Plus, it's only 4 bucks and during happy hour you can get a different appetizer for free. Non happy hour prices are $3 for regular rolls, $1 for MOST sushi pieces, and $7 bucks for a speciality roll. My personal favorite is the Oishii roll. It's like a Volcano roll with a twist. Anyways, drink specials are like 2 bucks during happy hour for domestics and imports as well as $3 for sake. Yes, I have the menu memorized. Just get there early because this place will get packed fast during happy hour times. It's not the best sushi, not the biggest portions, but it's definitely fresh and well worth the money.

Pros: Affordable sushi

Cons: Parking when it gets packed

Posted 12/10/08

I live about a block from this place and I go there probably twice a week. I have seen other reviews mention the word "posh" and I have to say, if you are looking for a "posh" place, please do not go to Oishii. There are a couple of reasons for that: 1) Oishii is more concerned with how the food tastes and less with how the restaurant looks (A few comments down you'll see a post about bland food. I have never had this experience at Oishii, but I guess be warned that some people think this food is bland). 2) Generally, I find that people who prefer "posh" places lack the capacity to appreciate the authentic atmosphere of a place like Oishii. So if you are looking for "posh" I will have to suggest something like RA Sushi or, heaven forbid, Sushi King, where you can feel pretentious and snooty to your heart's delight. However, if you want superior sushi at a great price, and you want to watch some Ninja Warrior on the tube, then Oishii is the place for you. I highly recommend the Stella roll and the Fuji maki. They are out of this world. (Warning, though, the Fuji maki has warm mayonnaise on it, which tends to be a turn off for some traditionalists). I also recommend that Hamachi ngiri (that's yellow-tail for those of you requiring translations) and the ameibi (sweet shrimp).

So long and short of it. If you're the type of person who pays the $20 cover charges on a regular basis to get into the "posh" Houston night-life scene, PLEASE AVOID THIS PLACE. However, if you are the type of person that can be seen at Rudyard's or Lola's (or countless other dives), this is the sushi bar for you.

Pros: Price, Quality, Service

Cons: Parking, but you can park on Cummins and walk, so it's not that bad.

Posted 11/19/08

I have been a fan of Oishii for a few years. Service is fast and professional. Rolls are fantastic and have great flavor. I have eaten at many other sushi restaurants in Houston and I always go back to Oishii. Nothing can compare!

Pros: Cheap, Fresh

Cons: Parking

Posted 10/08/08

Oishii is my favorite and a steal when I'm able to get there during "happy hour". I like going to Oiishi better then Ra or Azuma (both are pretty good). The only downside to Oishii is the decor and the parking, but the sushi is definitely worth it!

Pros: Awesome sushi @ reasonable prices

Cons: Sometimes has a wait, parking, decor isn't the best

Posted 08/12/08

I love going to Oishii for sushi. it is inexpensive, and the quality isn't bad either. Standard rolls like a salmon or yellowtail roll will run you about $3. My only complaint is that their roll options are a bit odd, especially the customer rolls. I think they are a bit overpriced as well. Fortunately, I like the standard rolls.

Parking at Oishii is scarce. There are only a few spots in front of the store, and some spots to the left of the restaurant. If you park in the lot to the left, it is difficult to get out.

Oishii is also really loud due to the wood paneling. I wish they would take it out. The waiting area is also tiny.

Pros: Inexpensive

Cons: Parking, loud in the restaurant, slow service

Posted 06/30/08

I've been going to Oishi for a little over 2 years now. A friend took me there for happy hour, and another for happy hour, and then my boyfriend wanted to try it out all in two weeks. The food is phenomenal! The prices are unbeatable. However, service is terribly slow. I mean terribly slow. They're short staffed so the service pace is expected, but being as busy as they are (and it keeps increasing) they really should hire more people. I've always had to ask to order and I've always had to ask for my check. The last time I was there, we had a party of 5, and the wait was about half an hour. Not so bad. Unfortunately, we waited over an hour for our food. They dropped our order!!! When we mentioned it, they told us we were wrong and hadn't been sitting that long. A manager did not come by and everything was still on the bill. I've been in the service industry for 8 years, and that is not how a long time ticket should be handled. And of course, we didn't actually want anything comped, but the gesture would have been nice. BUT, I guess they don't have to worry about customer service because I will go back. Even after telling all of my friends about the horrible experience, we will all go back. The food is too good and too wonderfully priced for us to worry about slow service.

Pros: Food, Price

Cons: Parking, Slow Service, Ambience

Posted 06/06/08

Yes, Oishii is small with little parking but inside Oishii has a wonderful atmosphere. It's very homey and the servers are very attentative to all its customers. I've been going to Oishii for about 4+ years now and it has always been the same. The sushi has never disappointed me. My friends and I would go on every friday for happy hour which is the best price that no one can beat for its sushi and sake. They also accomodate large parties too and the best thing is that you can call in and reserve the table and it will be available for you.

If you want to compare Oishii with another restaurant, lets just say Miyako- Oishii would be the first one that I would pick. Their sashimi (tuna, fresh salmon, yellowtail, snapper) are always fresh. Although, at the other place, their sashimi sometimes changes and its not as good if you went the first time, or 6th time. So, I totally recommened Oishii to everyone!

Pros: Cheap sushi and great customer service

Cons: Parking

Posted 06/04/08

I went there not too long ago. The parking lot isnt big, and the place is small. First, I ordered appetizer, it tasted alright but oily. Then for my entree, I ordered a chicken teriyaki, the chicken was so dry, I barely touched it and didnt pack it to go. I have ordered some sushi, it was ok, wasnt that fresh.

Pros: Prices

Cons: parking, service, and taste

Posted 05/06/08

I read the reviews. Got to say most are pretty accurate. The place is not really "posh" on the inside, but the food and the service was really good. The lunch menu leaves something to be desired by those of us who do not know the Japanese names for all the different types of food. A English discription is always nice. But the waitress was really nice and helpful. She asked what I like and suggested a couple of items I might like to try. I tried them and was very pleased.

Pros: good service, yummy food

Cons: place looks shabby, parking, menu discriptions

Posted 12/10/07

Fast service. Good sushi. I don't know where all the whiners are coming from on their review of Osihii??? The establishment does lack decor but makes up for it 10 times over for it's service and food. Not to mention a great sushi lunch for less than 9 bucks! You can't go wrong for lunch at this place if you like sushi and good service.

Pros: Fast - Tasty- Price

Cons: Decor

Posted 10/18/07

I use to pass this place everyday and was curious to try it. So me and my friend decided to eat here. It took us forever to order. my friend literally had to go excuse me we're ready. so we placed our order. i got my spider handroll and bit to it it was cold! the softshell crab wasnt even warm......it wasnt room temp but it was cold. so i put it to the side and tried the app. the banana app is so good! buy 1 get 1 free :) when our entrees came out and ate it we both agreed it was bland no flavor watsoever. So we left and paid and went elsewhere to eat.

Pros: banana app!

Cons: bland food

Posted 09/10/07

Look Sushi is good! I eat it once a week! We even make it at home! I have been to every Sushi Place around the downtown area included the expensive places and nothing compares to Oishii!
Make sure you get there early as the word is getting out! I have been going here for the last 3 years!
The waitstaff is friendly, fast and attentive! Customer Service is dead in this country almost everywhere you go, those that pay attention to customer service will win!
Ambience can be help a little but it is nice and eclectic!
Definitely try it!!!!! City search some other sushii resteraunts in town and compare! Consumers speak out!

Pros: Service, Food, Happy Hour, Price (in order of importance)

Cons: Parking....

Posted 06/11/07

So a few people I work with told me they really like this place and to give it a try. I did and I have to say that I won't be going back. The sushi tasted like the fish was old and the rolls were boring. I think I'll stick with the sushi restaurant on the other side of kirby (BFH).

I tried the rolls even named by for the customers and they were ok but not great.

It's just a boring menu.

Pros: none

Cons: parking lot is small and the sushi is not very good

Posted 05/14/07

Ok, I'm risking making one of my "easy-to-get-into, incredible-quality, keep-it-hush" sushi restaurants more popular. BUT, I won't hold back on this one. Great sushi and great price - each time I go I can't get over the quality/price ratio. Go for lunch and be blown away at the specials.
If you have a date to impress, decor or no decor, she might actually appreciate the fact that you've let her in on "one of your best-kept-secrets."
...and then cross Richmond for a really good espresso and dessert at Oporto.

- Dan Scardino

Pros: Show up and see!

Cons: mmm, none to speak of.

Posted 04/20/07

Def a place you gotta try. Prices are already very competitive and the happy hour prices make me even happier! Fresh sushi - you got to try the VOLCANO ROLL, I highly recommend it. Everything is made with care and a smile. The seating is prompt and the waitstaff is attentive and very sweet and friendly. Not the best place for a first date, but the perfect place for a 5th and so on date when you don't need to impress but simply enjoy eachother's company over good food.

Pros: Fresh food w/o the sushi hype, sweet, home-y service. Feels like home.

Cons: Ambiance, decor... it's just not that pretty or fancy.

Posted 04/18/07

I've been going to Oishii for about 6 years (the owner knows my name) and it has consistantly been great sushi! The fish is always fresh and tasty and the rice is always packed well, not too tight or too loose. The lower prices make it my favorite place. And the $1 pieces make it even better!
I always take friends to try "my place" for some place new. And they always love it. I went last night (a Friday night) and it was crowded. But the crowds do show that it is a popular place. If you get there early or go later before closing you won't have to wait long for a table. Even though it was crowded and they obviously had a lot of orders going, the service and timing wasn't bad. The only 2 things that aren't on a positive note (but won't stop you from going) are that it can get chilly in there, so bring a light jacket. And the acoustics are not too good b/c of the ceiling tiles and wood paneling walls. So it can get pretty loud when crowded and trying to have a conversation.
The food and service are well worth it! And if you can hack it, try the Wasabi Tambiko, it can really clear your sinuses!

Pros: service, fresh fish and consistant

Cons: chilly temp and acoustics

Posted 01/13/07

I love Oishii. I have been going here for about 2 years now and have never posted. But ok, this place is no longer a well-kept secret. The fish is fresh and always tasty. The service is always friendly and comfortable. It's a hole-in-the-wall and the prices match; which is awesome! I could go on forever and ever. Order the sashimi; order specialty rolls; the miso soup is pretty hearty; dessert ice cream is nice. And when you see the bill, you'll be even happier.

Pros: food, service

Cons: decor

Posted 01/11/07

Oishii is just around the corner from my place and I finally tried it. We loved it! Great sushi for a really great price. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, not loud and flashy like some of the sushi places nearby. Definitely try the Volcano and Pink Lady rolls. The tempura shrimp was yummy too. Happy hour is awesome so go early. Cute place to hang out with friends and enjoy the food and conversation.

Pros: Food, Happy Hour, Ambience

Cons: Parking

Posted 12/03/06

this quaint hole-in-the-wall sushi restaurant did not impress me upon initial impression. in my opinion, it looked like any other sushi place on bellaire, but since it was located on richmond, it did, however, add an eclecticness to a generally trendy street of upper-end food chains. the food is decent ... i've had better quality elsewhere. i was a bit disappointed with the unagi rolls (small and falling apart), but the spicy salmon makis (a generous slice of salmon sitting on top with a little kick of spicy salmon within the roll) quickly erased that disappointment.. the staff was friendly, though. parking was a hassle. but overall, not a bad place to go to if you don't want to dine at a trendy sushi restaurant.*

Pros: quaint

Cons: ambience, parking

Posted 11/18/06

What a great place for quality, and cheap Sushi!
Small restaurant and parking is sometimes a challenge, but the food more than makes up for it!
Remember, keep it under your hat before all of the RA wannabes come over and ruin it!

Pros: Low cost, not mainstream

Cons: none

Posted 09/20/06

WE GO HERE AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK! this place is small, but has great service and wonderful sushi. the only thing i wish was different is for the restaurant to be bigger. waiting for a table is horrible, you stand and watch others eat and parking is just as bad. but if you don't care but only want SUSHI then this is the place.

Pros: sushi, service

Cons: parking, seating

Posted 02/12/06

want an excellent value for sushi right in the middle of town? this is your place. parking a problem so try to go at times not considered to be rush (lunch, drive-time)

Pros: food, area of town, specials

Cons: small, parking

Posted 12/29/05

I love this place. Great prices, wonderful sushi, good service. And now they have wireless?!?! I love their food so much, I'll call it in and pick it up, even though there are dozens of sushi places much closer to where I live.

Pros: sushi, prices, wireless

Cons: parking

Posted 12/03/05

good value for your money...regular hang-out place for the younger crowd...the decor, chairs and tables are very simple and not much to look at, but hey, you go there for the good but inexpensive food and not the ambience

Posted 11/30/05

Besides the sushi and price, the dessert is great too... remember to try the fried ice cream, you will not be disappointed.

Posted 06/20/05

the sushi is inexpensive, and extremely fresh! this is our favorite sushi place in houston!

Posted 06/09/05

You cannot beat this place for sushi. The best value out there and the service is top notch. We have never been disappointed. Everything is so inexpensive, and happy hour (food and beer) is almost unbelieveably so! It is a great place if you're wanting sushi without the fancy/uptight atmosphere!

Pros: simple, excellent sushi, very friendly service

Cons: not the best ambiance

Posted 05/16/05

Have visited for lunch and dinner. Both were exceptional. For a lunch spot, you can't beat the prices or the specials value. In and out in under an hour is a definite plus. Happy Hour is a must. Reduced prices on Sake and Beer. Also, buy 1 get one free appetizers. It's simple decor makes for a great meeting place. The service was thorough, prompt and polite. Make sure you read daily specials board and list of rolls on marker board before ordering from menu......It's worth it!

Pros: Inexpensive, delicious/fresh, fast,friendly service

Posted 05/11/05

I cannot say enough about this place! The service is wonderful and so is the sashimi. The rolls need a little work, but the prices make up for it. Sashimi pieces are only $1-1.50, you really can't beat that. The place is family owned, so there's a warm cozy atmosphere. Give it a try!

Pros: Price, Service, Food

Cons: Parking

Posted 04/13/05

My family and I eat at Oishii about 3 or 4 times a month. The employees are personable and friendly and the sushi tastes wonderful. Oishii is our favorite sushi restuarant! We highly recommend this place to any sushi lover.

Pros: Great Service, Great Price, Great Sushi

Cons: Not enough parking

Posted 03/13/05

good sushi, decent service, nothing fancy, just very cheap. (as far as sushi is concerned) you can't be $1.00 escolar. in fact, most of their sushis are $1.00 a piece. no need for happy hour.

Pros: price

Cons: parking

Posted 02/20/05

Good food and not expense especially during the lunch hours. I highly recommend this resturant to anyone who likes sushi.

Pros: Inexpensive, not to crowded, good food

Posted 09/26/04