Uchi offers elegant, modern fare in an atmosphere that works well for everything from a romantic date to a business dinner with new clients. This central Houston restaurant is inspired by Japanese flavors and techniques, though it serves seafood from around the globe in a series of small, shareable dishes.

You'll find traditional sushi and sashimi, like sea eel with orange and ginger or salmon belly with ikura, but you'll also find a number of unique options, like the "ham and eggs" sushi roll, which combines katsu pork belly with an egg yolk custard and espelette. Other menu items include things like smoked duck confit served with endives and bacon and tempura fried cauliflower, and regulars say you shouldn’t miss the crispy Brussels sprouts served with a squeeze of lemon chili. Finally, you should know that this place is popular and fills up during peak hours, so making a reservation is definitely the way to go.

Uchi
904 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-4808
www.uchirestaurants.com/houston
www.yelp.com/biz/uchi-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Samson Loo

If you're getting bored with regular sushi offerings head over to Uchi for a unique twist on your favorite rolls. This Houston restaurant tries to use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and provide only the freshest pieces of fish. Start with the tomato katsu, panko fried green tomatoes and sesame. The tomatoes come out hot and tender. Customers say these are some of the best fried green tomatoes. The brussel sprouts will make you love brussel sprouts. The yokai berry is a refreshing dish with salmon, kale, and Asian pears. Regulars enjoy the creative rolls like the Ham & Eggs with katsu pork belly, yolk custard, and espellette, the Bond with avocado, sun-dries tomato, gobo, and soy paper, the Pitchfork with wagyu beef, leek crisp, avocado, and yuzu kosho, and the Shag tempura roll with salmon, avocado, and sun-dried tomato. A meal at Uchi is expensive but if you come during Happy Hour you can enjoy great bargains on regular menu dishes. 

Uchi
904 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-4808
http://www.yelp.com/biz/uchi-houston