The Battle to be Houston’s Best Sushi Restaurant: Vote Now to Decide — and Win $250 in Free Food From the Raw Fish Champion

Sushi is a simple concept that few restaurants get truly right. Fortunately for Houston foodies, there are worthy exceptions in this city.

But what’s the No. 1 sushi restaurant in Houston?

You get to decide by voting for your rightful champ in PaperCity‘s Best Sushi Challenge. The winning restaurant takes home serious bragging rights, but you get a chance to win big too.

One voter will be randomly selected to win a $250 gift card from whichever restaurant emerges as the sushi champion. That’s some serious raw fish buying power. You can vote once per day — and the more times you vote, the more chances you have to win.

Nobu

The Japanese restaurant empire by chef Nobu Matsuhisa and award-winning actor Robert de Niro finally opened a spot in Houston. Its signature (and pioneering) miso black cod makes it worth the wait.

MF Sushi

Chef Chris Kinjo cranks out raw marvels, using fish flown in regularly from Japan, at MF Sushi. The o-toro (fatty tuna) nigiri, hamachi kama (grilled yellowtail collar), baked lobster tempura and the A5 Wagyu roll are all standouts.

Kata Robata

Trust is what you want when you dive into the world of eating raw fish. And in Manabu Horiuchi at Kata Robata, Houstonians trust. The acclaimed chef is not only James Beard-nominated, but also part of an exclusive list of U.S. chefs who are certified to handle blowfish (which is poisonous if not prepared correctly).

Tobiuo Sushi & Bar

Recently opened Tobiuo at La Centerra in Cinco Ranch is already receiving high praise from local sushi connoisseurs and food critics alike. Executive chef Mike Lim — who worked at Napa’s Morimoto and San Francisco’s Roka Akor in the past — rolls out well executed top-tier seafood.

Uchi

Hip, stylish crowds are a sure bet at casually chic lower Westheimer restaurant Uchi, the famed Austin import. But don’t sleep on the daily specials (think pork ribs with house fish sauce, Thai chili and green papaya) and sushi skills.

Aka Sushi House

This unpretentious restaurant near Upper Kirby, from Mike Tran who also owns Tiger Den and Mein, draws a regular crowd thanks to quality sushi and dishes that aren’t bank busting. The relatively affordable menu includes the Sashimi Deluxe with 21 pieces of sashimi for $45 and a sushi lunchtime special for $9.75.

Roka Akor

At upscale sushi and Japanese robata steakhouse chain Roka Akor, the beef side of the menu features five Wagyu varieties, but the sushi side dazzles with sashimi platters. A large selection of the fish is flown in daily from Japan, arriving on a bed of crushed ice.

Izakaya Wa

At this hidden Memorial area gem, you get precisely sliced sushi and sashimi, plus well-prepared rice dishes and noodle soups and Japanese tapas made with grilled and fried meats and vegetables. Lunch specials at Izakaya Wa include the standout half-and-half.