Osaka Japanese Restaurant

I had sushi here yesterday for the first time in months -- only because I've moved too far away to eat here regularly. The food is still great, the prices are good, and the service is excellent. Love the free appetizer and ice cream. I miss getting to come here more often!!

The Osaka Roll is on the pricier side of their menu, but I highly recommend it!

Pros: good food, good service, affordable

Cons: very occasionally the wait is a bit long

Posted 08/11/09

My wife is chinese and I am caucasian and we eat our fare share of sushi so we consider ourselves informed critics. First after being there it took a long time to put in our order as well as for the food to come. Although the wait staff was very nice and respectful just a little slow. Not a huge problem. Another small complaint is the prices if it weren't for the free items was toward the high side. Our main complaint though was on the eel. We love eel and two different dishes had an extensive amount of bones in them. We order eel often and this had never happened at any other place. It must have been the cut of eel they were using. They cancelled those dishes without a fuss and gave us new dishes. Besides these two things the meal was very enjoyable. They gave us a free appetizer for an unknown reason that was very good. They also gave us each a free scoop of ice cream and fried bannana. I think that is a standard on the house item. The dish we liked most was the dragon roll and my wife really enjoyed the miso clam soup. Part of our disappointment was due to the fact we went on my wife's birthday and were hoping for an extra special night of great sushi and these reviews had raised our expectations. So don't go there expecting an unforgettable experience, but if you want a decent plate of sushi in a nice atmosphere it isn't a bad choice. Although I certaintly think there are better places and personally probably won't be a return customer.

Pros: A couple dishes were excellent and also gave some free items

Cons: Service was mediocre and eel had many bones in it.

Posted 07/04/09

I have been to Osaka several times and have always enjoyed it. The past week I had a bad experience. The rolls that we ordered were semi warm, chewy and the fish tasted old. What concerned me most was the fish tasted like it had been left out or was not fresh in the least. Since this was the first bad experience I will go back, but if it happens again I will not return.

Pros: Very clean, nice staff

Cons: Had a bad meal

Posted 06/14/09

Saw the previous two reviews regarding parking issues and cars being towed. Called the manager to find out if there would be a problem when I eat there this Thursday. He said the tow truck is no longer there unless called by Osaka. It used to watch to see if people were going into Osaka or another restaurant in the area. The manager said he felt bad for the past but there is no problem in the future. Just passing along my conversation.

Posted 05/18/09

Don't ever go here unless you are walking. The whole parking lot is subject to towing AT ALL TIMES. Fight it until they change the sign. The sign is backward to the Stanford entarance and not at the correct height. This is NOT in accordance with Subchapter G Sec. 2308.301 laws for towing.

Cons: Your car will be towed

Posted 12/13/08

My friends and I frequented this place even though the sushi is mediocre at best and the service is sub par because of i's convenient location and infrequent crowds. We well NEVER go here again because the owner has cars towed for no reason. She thinks that the whole parking lot is for her customers, and for nobody else in the entire shopping center. After we ate sushi at her restaurant, we walked across the street for a glass of wine, and we came back to discover that our car was gone! When we inquired around the shopping center, other shop owners divulged the fact that Osaka's owner has cars hauled off if they are not there only for Osaka's. What kind of self-serving complex would one have to have to warrant such horrible stewardship and service? We don't understand, but we do understand that it is a horrible idea to eat here. Toooooo risky. I've also spoken to three others who have had their cars towed by the Osaka devil. None of us will ever visit the place again.

Posted 11/09/08

This is my favorite place for sushi! The owner, for years, has been such a gracious hostess in greeting people that come in, the only downside is that she is often at their second location now so we don't get to see her as much. I love the complimentary dishes that they offer. It's given us a chance to try new things and to find new favorites, and their ice cream is great! I saw a previous review that complained about the salmon being "too big". I've been to many sushi restaurants that give pathetic, stingy slices of fish, so this is a welcomed treat! There's nothing worse that spending a lot of money for a ball of rice. I highly recommend Osaka to anyone wanting to find a new sushi restaurant to frequent.

Pros: Great food, complimentary tastes of new dishes, easy parking, great location

Posted 10/29/08

I love Osaka. The service is great, the chef's are great and fun, and the sushi is good. I love the phoenix roll, LA roll, dragon roll, as well my favorite sushi & sashimi. The fish is fresh and cut perfectly for me. And the prices are reasonable. I believe the food and price are perfectly matched.

Pros: small, intimate setting;

Cons: Not a lot of parking in the lot

Posted 10/18/08

On htowntonola's recommendation we tried the 911 roll, Phoenix roll, and creamy wasabi roll. THEY ARE NOT AMAZING. Quite the opposite. The rolls are overly complicated with flavors that result in a tasteless blob on the palette. The beef suki yaki is mediocre and the fresh salmon is cut to big to enjoy, and I have a large mouth. The best thing we had were the free goyoza they provided and that's not worth a return visit. All in all it was an over priced, under performing experience. We will not be going back.

Posted 10/08/08

I love Osaka. It is my favorite restaurant, period. I enjoys sitting at a table or at the sushi bar. I enjoy watching the chefs preparing the sushi. If there is something being made that looks tasty, I ask them and they let me know what it is. It is very helpful to someone like me who has only been eating sushi for a few years. They ALWAYS come by with something "on the house". I love it because I get to try something new with out a commitment to it. I LOVE the wasabi dumplings, especially when dining with friends. It is fun to watch their expression as all their nose hairs burn out of their noses. The service is pleasant and attentive with out being intrusive.

Pros: everything

Posted 08/29/08

This place is always busy. Appetizers are good. The Hawaiian poke is a bit spicy but the ramen noodles are good. Sukiyaki is good too! They always give you food on the house. Prices are reasonable. The sushi serving size is "everything is bigger in texas". Eat there quite often.

Pros: Good service Good Food

Posted 08/28/08

You have to try out the variety of rolls! 911 roll, phoeniz roll, and creamy wasabi roll are amazing!

Pros: everything

Cons: nothing

Posted 08/25/08

I have been enjoying Sherry and Thomas hospitality and good food for over 8 years and it never disappoints me or gives me a reason to apologize to my friends if I take them there. I have moved to Brenham but still make it in at least three times a month to satisfy my cravings. Thomas keeps amazying me with new special rolls every time I go in. This place is as close to CHEERS as any resturant I have been in. Do yourself a favor and try it.

Pros: large fresh pieces of sushi; great service and Sherry has never met a stranger.

Cons: large parking area

Posted 08/20/08

Whoo! Osaka has to be, hands down, the best sushi in town. The miso soup is the best compared to some of the blander ones served at other sushi joints and the rolls...oh man...the rolls are so fresh and delightful. I think the service is actually wonderful here, you are always greeted with a smile and your needs are ALWAYS met. Try it and you`ll be glad you did.

Pros: The rolls, the service, the ambiance

Cons: nada

Posted 08/14/08

Omg this hole in the wall place is terrible! Service does not exist here, so they try to bribe you with free appetizers that are not appealing. My server was no where to be found, even though the restaurant was super tiny and there were only 2 other occupied tables there. The 911 roll had way too much tempura batter bits and the color of the spicy tuna was hot pink. Gross! The people who gave this place a good review are losers and obviously never had real sushi or have been to a nice place. We will never come back and I have no idea how this place survives!

Posted 08/06/08

I recommend this place, is small, good prices and free appetizer and desert. The service was very good and the waiting time was not bad

Posted 07/27/08

Friendly, fast and reliable service. Good quality food and plenty of choices for anyone you bring along who is not a big sushi fan. We had ordered so much last time we were there that the kitchen sent us these wasabi dumplings. Oh my god. It was hilarious to watch each person put them in their mouths and 10 seconds later tears were pouring out of their eyes. I don't know if the kitchen was being kind or if this is a joke they like to play but those were really good. Just make sure you have a full beer on hand as it's the only thing that will quench the fire the will erupt in your mouth. I've lost track of which are our favorites but some of the chef's recommendations have been really good.

Pros: Food, Service

Cons: haven't had any yet.

Posted 07/15/08

Most reliable sushi joint for quality, service, and value (even if a bit inauthentic). Friendly greetings, prompt service, complimentary appetizer and dessert at lunch (don't miss the green tea ice cream).

Sushi - don't miss the scallops or snapper. Rolls - don't miss the Osaka roll: crispy soft-shell crab with strips of mango, wrapped with rice, eel, and avocado, topped in sticky brown sauce. Sweet and savory and a delight.

Pros: Fresh food, prompt service, good parking

Cons: Hot meals not as good (esp. fried pork cutlet)

Posted 03/25/08

The sushi, although not authentic, is tasty and a good intro for sushi virgins. Osaka's fare is made for American tastes, and nowhere near the delicately flavors inherent in authentic Japanese food, but it's just fine for many. The menu is extensive, with many American-friendly appetizers and noodle dishes. Standouts are the crunch roll, the deep-fried gyoza and the Philadelphia roll (salmon and cream cheese).

Pros: huge portions, friendly to Americanized tastes, free appetizers & ice-cream

Cons: food is not authentic Japanese fare

Posted 03/18/08

OK, Heres the deal. This place gives you a little something extra when you go. Sometimes you get a free dumpling, roll, or ice-cream. The Sashimi portions are very very very generous. They are TX sized - as BigTex Knows! By the way, the salmon tasted very fresh. This will be a good experience - Check it out and tell them Big Tex sent you!

Pros: Big Portions, Fresh, Special Treats

Cons: A little sterile atmosphere -- but we like clean!!

Posted 01/10/08

We are out of towners & have to say that this establishment was fabulous! The sushi was fresh and original! The staff went out of their way to be extra helpful and friendly. We really enjoyed the on the house sushi appetizer and ice cream! We would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for great tasting, fresh sushi! The crowd was slightly uppity, but if you can overlook the yuppies in overpriced togs, then you will have a great experience!

Pros: Sushi was fabulous! Restraunt was impeccable and atmosphere was marvelous!

Cons: Waitress asked us if we wanted edamame & we said sure, thinking it was something they offered for free, but they charged us for it....even though we didnt order it....that was the only negative.

Posted 01/05/08

I have had an opportunity to visit a number of restaurants. I must say that I had an excellent time at Osaka. I was quickly seated. The Hostess was extremely polite and professional. The environment and atmosphere were great. The lighting set a romantic mood. The food was worth the experience. I would eat there everyday. I probably could because the price was reasonable. I did get more than what I expected. Good Job Guys!!!

Pros: Price,Taste, & Staff.

Cons: Interior is small

Posted 11/14/07

I moved to Houston from the Bay Area a while ago, and I live near Osaka. I would consider this my neighborhood sushi place. The food is awesome, and the rolls here are some of the most creative in town. Rolls have a real Texas flair. Fish is fresh, and portions are generous. I also think that Osaka is a great value - sushi here is about half to 1/3 the price in San Francisco. They have a tatami room, but I haven't been in it. I like this place.

Pros: value, sushi selections

Cons: casual

Posted 11/14/07

To the negative review posted on Sep 28th. My husband and I have been eating at Osaka since it opens in 2001. It always been a friendly place and good food for us to go. We were there in the evening on Sep 27, and that place was full filled of people. Both sushimen and 3 waitstaffs were working very hard to serve customers. Since the restaurant has pack of full of people, so the food was definitely come out slow, but not like what that gentleman said, taking one hour to get the food. We have been eating in other restaurants, seaweed salad alway comes with white sesame seeds, not the black sesame seed. Just for all the viewers to know: we have some japanese friends, they told us it really make no difference what kind of sesame seeds put in the salad, so what that gentleman wrote about was very untrue and take too personal!!! Also, the udon soup always tastes very good. We don't know what kind of Udon that gentleman ordered make him said it was tasteless! It seems to me that he is not familiar with the japanese food and culture. So, he has no reason to write such review. That is not true! At all!!! I wish everybody shoud go try it out by themselves. Do not believe those nonsense reviews!!!

Posted 10/01/07

On Thursday, my wife and I went to Osaka after it has been elected by the Houston Press as the best Japanese Restaurant in town. Well, if they ever were the best (which I seriously doubt), they aren't anymore. The food was at best mediocre and the service was horrible. The seaweed salad was made with white sesame seeds instead of the traditional black sesame, and it contained a huge quantity of dried chili pepper flakes. Are these people aware that there is a difference between Mexican cuisine and Japanese cuisine? The tempura udon was sort of tasteless and lukewarm and the shiitake mushroom that floated aimlessly in it was so dehydrated and woody as to be in need of medical resuscitation. We waited for the sushi plate for about an hour because the waiter was busy quarreling with the sushi chefs and shouting at the waitresses. When we asked him: Where is the sushi? he replied: What sushi? When the sushi finally arrived (close to an hour after ordering it) we realized it wasn't something worth waiting for. Getting the check was an ordeal. I had to walk to the cashier several times and practically scream to get the check. It was the first time in my life that I did not leave even one penny as tip. I hope this was an off day for them, but given the embarrassment of riches, as far as Japanese food in Houston is concerned, I don't think I'll ever set foot in this establishment.

Pros: none

Cons: mediocre food, horrible service

Posted 09/27/07

Everytime I'm in town my boyfriend and I make sure to eat here. Not only is the staff friendly but the food is amazing. I'm not sure what the other reviewer is talking about because the fish has always been fresh and fabulous. I've probably eaten here well over 10 times now and I don't plan to stop. Their Osaka, Mt Fuji, and other 'specialty' rolls may not be super authentic, but definitely yummy! The sake is good, the free appetizer is always good and its convenient. Go there!

Pros: food, sake, service, location, fresh fish

Cons: a bit spendy for the specialty rolls

Posted 09/12/07

I have tried several sushi restaurants, Osaka's is the only one I have been to more than once. Their super tuna is awesome, you can't go there and not try it. They always give you extra items on the house, which are as good as the items you order. I have never ordered anything I didn't like here. The staff is friendly and prompt. I have been there about 10 times and I have not had one experience that was not great. I highly recommend people try Osaka's.

Pros: Sashimi, Sushi, Staff, Location

Posted 06/22/07

I have been to this place twice. The only reason I went back a second time was to see if perhaps I had chosen the wrong thing from the menu the first time. Both times the sushi was not fresh, was dry, did not taste very appealing, and they rolled it with way too much rice. I had lunch there both times and each time they gave me a crunchy roll taster on the house before my meal came out, so that was nice, but that was the only thing that was nice about my experiences here!

The sushi rolls are too expensive, especially considering how much rice it was rolled with. Also, your options for the lunch combo meals are not very diverse.

Left with a lighter wallet and heavier stomach full of rice and dry sushi. BOOO!

Posted 05/13/07

I love this place. It has some of the best sushi I've tasted in Houston. The fatty tuna is simply amazing. The staff are very friendly and wear kimonos which is kind of cool. It is not a big place so it is easy for the staff to make their way around to you and help you with anything you might need. For larger groups there is a tatami room that you can eat in for a tiny bit more money. They always give me appetizers and deserts on the house which is something I haven't experienced at other restraunts like Sushi King even when I've spent the same amount of money. Sushi is always very fresh. Food is always cooked to perfection. What I really like about this place is that they seem to focus much more on the actual quality of their food rather than pretentious atomosphere and lighting. Sushi restraunts are turning into a trend but this place keeps it centered around the food.

Pros: great sushi, generous portions, great attentive staff

Cons: can't think of any

Posted 04/16/07

A friend recommended this place to me and am always pleased from start to finish. Nice, cozy ambiance makes it a great spot for friends and family. The waitstaff wear kimonos and are always cordial and smiling. My first visit there, I was given on-the-house sushi and ice cream thinking it was for first time visitors. But, I've been there quite a few times since and the free treats still keep coming; It's awesome. I've never had to wait for a table, even with a large group. Not only do they have great sushi, but their large-bowl soups are good too. Their crunch rolls are delicious and love their sashimi- I say, try it all. I've been to other upscale sushi restaurants in Houston where the prices are too high because they have awesome food presentation, but only mediocre sushi. Osaka is very affordable- You may not get your caterpillar roll order presented looking like a caterpillar, but it'll still taste great. For the price, service & free compliments you get, Osaka is definitely worth the visit.

Posted 04/11/07

They have the largest portion of sushi and sashimi I have even seen. The quality is so good. They charge reasonably on the special order on sushi roll and hot dishes. The Miso dressing is excellent.

Pros: Sushi, Sashimi

Cons: Friday night always has a wait

Posted 04/08/07

I have heard many good reviews about this place and just had to see for myself whats the big deal about it. place is really tiny and very friendly. the service is really slow even on a slow night. but for the sushi it wasnt that good. the fish wasnt fresh and i felt like I was cheated. The rice was really wet and mushy seems like they added alot of water when cooking. this place isnt even top 15 in my book. I guess what alot of people are just going crazy about this place is the cheap sushi prices. Think again when it comes to sushi you get what you pay for. as for me i'll just stick with the authentic japanese resturants that are also run by japanese because they know what they are doing

Posted 02/19/07

I've been to nearly all the top 10 places in town, and Osaka has the beat on quality and price. The atmosphere is great, and the services is very friendly. The sashimi is the freshest around, and the rolls are delicious. I feel the only con would be they favor the american style rolls with fried crunchy bits a bit too much on the menu. However, navigating past those to the more authentic and traditional items brings you to the best items. Be warned, your meal will often come with something on the house, just something to remember sometimes if your keen to over ordering on the sushi.

If you're a sushi / sashimi fan and you've not tried Osaka, you really must find the time!

Pros: Freshest sashimi in town. You can't get better sushi, but you could pay more someplace else

Cons: None

Posted 02/15/07

The food here is excellent and the waitstaff is friendly. I was very impressed by the size of the sashimi pieces; seriously 2-bite pieces. The rolls were not cut completely however, and that made for a less than convenient time picking up the rolls. Maybe they need to buy new knives? The scallop appetizer featured two very plump scallops that melt in your mouth. Overall, I was pretty happy with Osaka and will likely visit again.

Pros: location, food, service

Cons: uncut rolls

Posted 02/11/07

I highly recommend this restaurant! The people are amazing, the service is great, and the food is so delicious!

Pros: parking, Food (especially the philly rolls), service

Cons: can't think of anything!

Posted 01/21/07

Osaka has the best sushi in Houston. And yes, I have tried almost every sushi place in Houston. And lots outside of Houston too. Their fish is the freshest, biggest, and most flavorful I have ever had. The service is unbeatable. Free appetizers just show up at your table from the sushi chef and free homemade Japanese ice cream finishes off a perfect meal.

Pros: Fresh Sushi

Cons: Not the best Ambience

Posted 01/02/07

the ambience is much to be desired of: aesthetically decorated and not as cozy and laid-back as other sushi restaurants i've been to in houston. the quality was decent, although i have tried better elsewhere, not to mention a tad bit pricey. the only time i came here was for a friend's bday dinner ... and it seems as if we got preferential treatment just because we dropped a lot of dough which eventually led us to some complementary sushi from the chef. overall, the sushi was not that spectacular for the price. go elsewhere for a more enjoyable dining experience.*

Cons: ambience

Posted 11/20/06

This is such a nice restaurant! The sushi was delicious and well-prepared. The service here is very friendly and they gave us free ice cream (plum and green tea) for dessert!

Pros: freebies

Posted 10/26/06

The food and service are excellent! This is one of the best restraunts of any type I've been to in a long time! The Teri Yaki chicken was great, and so was the free green tea ice cream. You must go if you like Japanese food!

Pros: Everything!

Cons: Nothing!

Posted 08/24/06

I love this place. They are very customer service oriented and I love the philadelphia rolls. Oh, and the "complements of the chef" is a nice touch.

Posted 07/08/06

the pieces of fish here are HUGE! i highly recommend the osaka roll- unagi, avocado, soft shell crab, AND mango. an unusual combo, but very good. the free appetizers are great- we were lucky enough to get both a crunch roll and scallops. free ice cream at the end is a treat as well. be adventurous and try the ginger flavor- it's worth it. overall, nice spacious restaraunt, easy parking, and good food.

Pros: free appetizers, free desert, big portions

Posted 03/07/06

I had been living in Montrose for about a year or so when Osaka opened and I made a point to pay them a visit. Shirley, the owner, was as welcoming as if I were a long-lost relative. EXTREMELY courteous staff and absolutely the best unagi and tempura I've ever had (and I'm a long-time Japanese food addict). The portions are tremendous and a real bargain considering what you pay for it. If you get an order to go, you'll nearly always get free edamame whilst waiting. If you order in, you'll get at least an appetizer and dessert on the house. This is how I discovered the oral-gasm that is the Crunch Roll as it is nearly always provided as a complimentary starter. I couldn't recommend this place enough.

Pros: Size of portions, Service, Value

Cons: None

Posted 10/18/05

Osaka is my favorite place for sushi in Houston. The food is very fresh and their menu is quite extensive. Additionally, they offer complementary rolls (and sometimes appetizers) as well as complementary ice cream for dessert (mango, green tea, red bean, ginger, etc). The service is really second to none and it is reasonably priced. You cannot miss!

Pros: Fresh Sushi, Complementary Food, Service

Posted 08/19/05

I have never gotten anything other than the very best sushi and service in the three years I have been going to OSAKA. My daughter and I wouldn't miss our (at least) weekly visit to Sherry and Chef Thomas' wonderful resturant. The sushi is big, fresh and served by the best wait staff in Houston. The service and quality are consistently the best in town. Ask Thomas to do a special roll for you (#24, or crispy or any of his other creations) or some Super Tuna Sushi!!
My grandkids love it too!

Pros: Moderate prices, great staff, Sherry

Cons: great parking, large and fresh

Posted 05/08/05

I have been eating sushi for over 15 years now and this by far is the best sushi in Houston. I go there at least once a week- the sushi is fresh and the quality is superb. The service is excellent and the sushi chef - Tomas- is friendly and personable. I love the sashimi, sushi as well as the rolls. The super tuna is by far my favorite, though the hamachi (yellow tail) is hard to beat. The mango ice cream with the banana tempura is a great way to end the meal as well.

Pros: large pieces, outstanding food, comfortable setting

Posted 06/20/04

I love Osaka! I go there at least 3 times a month. The staff is very friendly and always accommodating. They have large pieces of sushi and it is always fresh. By far my favorite sushi restaurant in town!

Pros: Free Icecream, Never a wait

Posted 04/22/04