Miyako

I've been to Miyako twice, both times because other people wanted to go there. I have no idea why. Miyako is easily the most overpriced sushi in Houston - and this includes The Fish, which is also overpriced. The Fish can at least claim a good location, but Miyako is in an inconvenient shopping center, the food is average at best, and the prices are outrageous. In addition to the overpriced food, they look for ways to charge extra (when I went with a large group they told us that a group of ten had to sit in separate rooms, then charged a large fee for two rooms, refused to let us order happy hour because we were in separate rooms, and then charged %20 gratuity on top of everything else). There is really no reason to go to this restaurant when there are better sushi options just down the street (Aka on Alabama is the best sushi in town) and better general dining right next door (The Red Onion is fantastic).

Pros: None

Cons: Price, Food, Service

Posted 08/09/09

I LOVE Miyako- I love thier Sushi rolls they are soo good- the sky diver Maki and the oyster on the helf shell are sooo good. I have not in my 3 years of eating at the Kirby location ever had a bad dining experience. They have great happy hour specials- and good mango fevers ( mango martinis). Food is great. I can not beleive some of the other reveiws- i mean somone served you already eaten food, and you still continued to eat?

Pros: Shushi Rolls are awesome, Great Happy Hour Specials

Cons: Sometimes there is a wait- no seating incomplete parties

Posted 07/23/09

OK, first off, when I took the first bite of edamame, I quickly realized it had already been eaten, for it had the beans missing, AND the shell had been chewed!!! Disgusting!!! I wish I would have been paying attention to that one!!! THEN, when my order of sashimi came, (fresh salmon and yellowtail), it tasted fishy, then I smelled of it! It was going bad!!! I moved on to the salmon roe, which was good, but I really could not eat anymore, because I was sick to my stomach. Our waiter WAS kind and sympathetic, but DID tell me that HE was told the fish was fresh........it clearly was not!! So he comped my Shirley Timple..........I WILL NOT eat there again!!

Pros: Convenient

Cons: Bad Fish

Posted 07/22/09

I waited for 30 minutes until I went to the manager for service. He said he was going to take care of me. Took my order and delivered my first dish and never came back. He did not take care of me, nor cared about what I wanted. The food is good, but they can't expected customers to wait. I expected better from this well established resturant.

Pros: good food

Cons: worse service ever!!!

Posted 12/22/08

grossest sushi ever, i almost threw up in my mouth when i tried several entrees i ordered. never go there. very bad experience.why cream cheese in a sushi? so disgusting!

Posted 10/19/08

We went there for a friend's birthday party and had a wonderful dining experience. The service was attentive and patient. The cute japanese atmosphere was great. And the food and drinks were awesome. The hot geisha roll is out of this world and I highly recommend it.

Pros: the hot geisha roll and the drinks

Cons: parking and seating

Posted 08/21/08

i like this location better than the westheimer one, especially because of the japanese-style seating in one part of the restaurant. out of the rolls i've tried, i would recommend the S&M, the Miyako special, crazy maki, the shrimp and asparagus handroll (this location had the creamy japanese mayo, which the westheimer one left out). A california roll contained cucumber past its prime, and i got an ikura sushi that looked as if it had been pre-made a little too far in advance, but the uni sushi i got was divine - the best i'd ever had, with plenty of it packed on top of the rice, to boot. one time i went with a big group, and the waitress forgot to take my order (not surprising because i was inconveniently wedged in between two other tables, an obvious sacrifice in comfort for more seating in the dining area).
However, I am willing to overlook these flaws because the happy hour specials are such a great deal... and $1 fried ice cream is a great way to end the meal.

Pros: $3 plumtini, 1/2 price maki, $1 fried ice cream, japanese style seating

Cons: not always fresh

Posted 02/13/08

Wow, I must say. I was pleasantly surprised to try this place out. You have a choice to sit Asian style seating or regular. The food was excellent and our waitress was great. Try the Red Snapper entree or the Cajun roll. A++++

Pros: Cool seating and generous portions

Cons: nothing

Posted 01/15/08

OK-- Here's the deal. On First Visit, the place was packed, the sushi was ok, but at a reasonable value at happy hour. Later visits, the place was still packed with a 20 -30 minute wait, but was a little more choosy at happy hour and found some nice selections for price (e.g., tuna roll and some special rolls at half price). Qualtiy is not top notch, but it is decent value. Check it out and tell them Big Tex Sushi Guy sent you.

Pros: Happy Hour Prices

Cons: Crowded

Posted 01/10/08

For the price and the quality of food you get here, this is probably the best sushi in town. I have gone numerous times with friends and out-of-town relatives, and have been impressed each time. It's a little bit noisy in the general seating area, so I prefer to sit in the sit-down tatami area if I could. The only negative part about that is they are pretty strict about your taking off your shoes, so be sure to wear socks! I also think they don't clean that bottom tatami area (where you put your legs in) as well as some of my relatives have complained they were getting bitten by mosquitoes down there... We always go during their "reverse" happy hour (30% off entire menu - excluding alcohol - from 9 to close M-F) and the sushi has always been fresh and delicious. The service is good, and the portions are huge! Their specialty rolls are a must try. I wouldn't hesitate to go again!

Pros: fresh food, huge portions, unique rolls, happy hour prices

Cons: can be noisy, mosquitoes??

Posted 11/11/07

I want to preface this review by saying that I have been to Miyako before. It was during their (not so well advertised) happy hour, and the food was delicious. In fact, it was so delicious that my boyfriend and I were excited to try their Sunday all you can eat. First of all, while their table advertisements make it seem as though you can order anything from their sushi menu, it is limited to a few select choices. That, however, is not my main gripe.

The sushi was sub par quality. I have, sad to say, had better sushi from a grocery sushi counter! My boyfriend and I have a few special dietary needs, and when we asked if we could have a particular ingredient removed from a roll, our waitress informed us that all of the sushi rolls were *pre-made.* I go out to sushi restaurants in order to get fresh sushi. If I wanted sushi that has sat around, I could get rolls for a lot less than the $24.95. Even the rolls we had which were the same as those we had previously - we could taste the not-so-freshness. For the sushi, itself, some of the pieces were dried out, and most of the sushi fell apart as we lifted it off of the plate.

Even the hot dishes did not have a fresh off-the-grill taste. We ordered the sesame chicken, and it tasted like it had sat around a bit (not to mention overcooked). On a side note, the service was relatively slow, even though the place was fairly empty. All in all, when we left, the best thing we could say about the experience was that it was mediocre.

While I would recommend Miyako for their special rolls (though don't go when you are in a rush - their service is slow), I would encourage you to take your $25 somewhere and get sushi you enjoy.

Pros: The back booths and the pepper tuna sashimi

Cons: Everything involving the Sunday all you can eat

Posted 09/22/07

is it me or miyako is now one of those "coffee" house? C'mon girls put on some clothes. Yes, you like to show off your legs and chest but I really don't think this is THAT kind of place. The food isnt as great as it use to be also. Took us forever to get our rolls and sushi. The sushi was fresh but we found hair in one it and it ruined the sushi appetite of ours. We didnt want to make a big deal either bc we only ordered a few sushi like 7 pieces.The rolls are big (mostly rice) and falls apart when I pick it up. It does have some cheap happy hour though. The service is also slow. Took us 15minutes to get our check and it wasnt even busy. Another 10-15mins to pay. Seriously, if Miyako keeps the rest. business like this I rather go to Cafe Japon at least I know they're decent. The manager is also lazy. Hell,we couldn't even tell he was the manager until a few months ago. We try to get his attention and he just look and walked straight passed us. Maybe it's going through new owner changes? I dont know but I rather take my business else where now.

Pros: happy hour

Cons: service sushi rolls

Posted 09/10/07

I went there for the all day $24.95 buffet on Sunday. There have 8 kinds of sushi, 10 rolls and about 8 different hot dishes. The sushi was good quality and with average rice on it. However, the rolls are over rice. The Crunchy roll and Oyster on the half shell roll are must try. They have the fried shrimp dumpling (siu mai) that other restaurant usually steam it. The grilled chicken on skewer (yakitori) is very juicy. The service is so quick. Same rule as other made to order buffet, you must finish the food you ordered to reorder. However, you are not required to finish something before you order your own choice.

Pros: Fast service, good quality of food

Cons: limited variety, buffet on sunday only

Posted 04/08/07

Great sushi and this place is always a hidden treasure. been going to this place for years and I really enjoy going and been impressed every time.

Pros: great food

Posted 01/29/07

this restaurant has great sushi, and a good price to go with it. but the westimer location is a little nicer dispite the neighborhood. otherwise this is a great place to eat.

Posted 12/03/06

although miyako's ambience does not seperate it from any other sushi restaurant (although better than most - it is dimly-lit and stereotypically decorated like a sushi restaurant), they do have decent rolls for a decent price during happy hour. and i'll say that again, it's only worth going during happy hour because that's the time when the discounted sushi prices reasonably reflect the quality.*

Pros: happy hour

Cons: parking

Posted 11/20/06

I was so furious with my experience at this location. Their location on Westheimer was fine, so I expected the same for this one. Boy was I disappointed. For one, the tables are arranged so close together that my elbow was practically rubbing up on the next table's guest. Then my waitress was none too friendly or helpful. She only gave us what you could call service once we started ordering drinks. Once my rolls came out, I couldn't even pick it up with my chopsticks cause it kept falling apart. I guess their chef didn't know how to roll it or something. Oh, and their shrimp tempura was cold and small. That was it. I am never going back here. Not even if I was forced to.

Pros: good area

Cons: less than average sushi/food/service

Posted 11/12/06

I've only been to this location for lunch and happy hour, which are both great deals. Bento box combos are a great deal for lunch, around $6. Can't beat happy hour though, with $1 sushi prices. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant for regular dinner time though, I've had much better sushi elsewhere.

Pros: Happy hour, lunch, prices

Cons: Parking, sushi quality

Posted 10/26/06

When I come to Houston to visit family, my mother and I go used to go to Miyako's on Kirby but this will be our last visit there. I don't know if there's been a change in ownership or what but this past week (july 2006) when we walked in, we knew something had changed. Beyonce was blaring from the speakers from some bad top 40 satellite radio station and we were seated in the back in their raised tatami seating as usual but it was dirty. There was rice on the seats and in the little hole where your feet go. The waittress was terrible. We asked several times for refills on our green tea and for water and had to wait 20 minutes (that's how long it took her to come back to check on us--and it wasn't busy that evening). She seemed to be in a bad mood when she got to the table and was not prompt nor courteous. We finally just went up to the bar and got another waittress to bring us our refills. My sushi combo was ok but nothing to rave about. My mother ordered a sashimi special which she said was pretty ok. But we were just not pleased with the noise, the dirty table area, and poor service to enjoy the food.

Posted 07/28/06

I love the happy hour sushi here. It's good food and good service. I have been going back every week! Going tonight as well!

Posted 02/19/06

I've been going to Miyako's for over 10 years and I've never been disappointed. They've had a makeover a couple of years ago and the atmosphere is a bit cozier these days. They have awesome Sushi Chefs that are very accommodating to customers. Sit at the sushi bar, it's very entertaining and it's a great place to meet other people.

Pros: Great Sushi, Awesome Staff, Price

Posted 10/20/05

Although I did not go there yet for happy hour, the sushi was really good and fresh. They had good presentation and a great menu. I think i will definately go back even if the prices are a little on the higher end.

Pros: fresh food, good selection, creative menu

Cons: expensive slightly

Posted 07/09/05

I've had better sushi at just about every where else in town. Too much smoke and the service is awful. Not fresh.

Posted 07/04/05

Really not that great but cheap. The rice was hard and the sushi was either not fresh or still a bit frozen. Pretty cheap happy hour sushi so if you just need a fix, its not too bad. Honestly don't plan on going back myself.

Pros: Cheap

Cons: Food

Posted 06/22/05

Went for lunch and the place was very slow and it took a while to get anyone to come over. Manager was called and not polite either. Seems they don't care about anyone after 2pm since its slow. Bad way to treat Customers! Sushi Chef however was very nice and apologized but not the waitress or Manager.

Pros: Sushi Chef Politeness

Cons: Service

Posted 05/23/05

I like Miyakos.Try the Rib-eye teriaki. It is awsome. There is a really cute waitress named Jess who works on weekends who really took care of me. She definetely made the whole experiece much better. I definetly will be coming back.

Pros: Food, Service (by Jess), Ambiance

Posted 11/24/04

Very impressed with this retaurant! If i were not to know it was there, i would probably miss it as i fly with my bycicle through kirby and wonder what a green looking building could be. The sushi is very good and rather creative with names such as "pokemon" lol. I love the tatami rooom, it's so romantic and pacefull. It feels as if you were to eat in traditional Japan. The decor is lovely and armonic. This is the perfect place to come relax, have a great conversation and eat some decent sushi.

Pros: clean, romantic, unconventional

Cons: , long wait

Posted 08/29/04

Coming from New York, where it is hard to get bad sushi, I was EXTREMELY disappointed with the quality and freshness (or lack thereof) of this sushi. The tuna in the spicy tuna roll was room tempurature or warmer (which I know is not good for sushi quality fish). The house salad consisted of iceberg lettuce and something like watered down French dressing - not like most Japanese restaurants where you get tasty ginger dressing. We were served 5 small pieces of tempura, and about a 4 bites of seaweed salad. In all, I would not recommend this place to anyone unless you like sub-par sushi at high prices relative to the quality.

Posted 03/12/04

I've found that Miyako's is becoming the fast food of shushi around Houston. The place is always brimming with people causing the noise level to get fairly high - at times you can't even hear your guest. The food is ok - it's great for the price, and you can't beat the tiger eye roll! Most of the other menu items are typical - nothing too creative. Miyako is good food, but the atmostphere leaves a little to be desired.

Posted 07/05/03

I do not know what has happened, but Miyako has slipped in both value and quality. The sushi is average at best when it used to be the best in town. The prices are not competitive with other restaurants of similar quality

Posted 06/24/03

i agree with other reviewers who say the fish isnt that fresh. the decor of all the Miyako restaurants is also horrible. i think houston needs a high end sushi restaurant that also has modern decor, however that has yet to happen. anyone who has eaten sushi in other cities such as new york or LA would agree with me that this place is sub par.

Pros: nothing

Cons: food, decor

Posted 05/04/03

The week-old sushi at the local Randalls is better than the so-called sushi at Miyako! Tasted like it had been sitting in a freezer for weeks and was thawed in the microwave just before it was served. Absolutely terrible! In fact, we had just a few pieces and then left to got eat somewhere else. To top it off, the service was terrible! I would not recommend Miyako even if it was the only restaurant in town.

Pros: nothing

Cons: food, food, food

Posted 01/04/03

Having lived in LA I have to say that Miyako's sushi leaves something to be desired. The rice was dry, the sushi was poorly rolled and the fish tasted off. They do have a good selection and the restaurant is pleasing to the eye but you should avoid it anyway.

BTW - We have tried several places for sushi in Houston and the only one that is consistently good is Fuji Gardens.

Posted 11/26/02

Miyako isn't so bad. It's inexpensive and the sushi is fresh. The service is slow but generally friendly and they have unusually tasty desserts. It's perfect for lunch or a "getting-to-know-you" first date.

Pros: inexpensive, fresh sushi, friendly service

Cons: slow serivce

Posted 10/13/02

Tis pretty sad situation in Houston that this place is rated at top 3. While it is not bad at all for dinner, it is certainly not exellent. Luch quality is visible poor (my wife says "horrible"), a left-over (??). If it is in either coast, t is rated as mediocre at best. Try Teppy if you go for quality sushi, although that place has other concerns (pricey, smoke everywhere, loud noise).

Posted 09/20/02

I have been to this place several times and LOVE going there. It has a great atmosphere and WONDERFUL food!!

Pros: great food

Cons: parking

Posted 09/01/02

Great sushi for the price, but the owner and staff could use a review in customer service. Dining here in large groups can cause problems because the sushi orders will be combined and/or served on one tray. This can cause a lot of confusion, which is further exacerbated by the lack of communication by the staff. Complaints to the owner will achieve little, so be warned.

Pros: Good sushi, Great miso soup

Cons: Bad service

Posted 06/18/02

To be able to offer the happy hours prices that they do, they need to sell subpar sushi. That's exactly what they do. While some of the rolls are good, the nigiri and sashimi doesn't taste fresh.

Pros: Inexpensive

Cons: bad sushi

Posted 06/12/02