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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to University Place

Japanese food spots

Made for those who seek out the precision and specific techniques inherent in Japanese cooking.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
K-Town Poke image 1
K-Town Poke image 2
K-Town Poke image 3
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Poke bar

Open, well-lit space offers a clean, modern setting with plenty of seating and a chill atmosphere. Bright environment features K-pop music and a welcoming vibe. Menu includes fresh, generously portioned poke and Korean bowls with diverse sauces and options beyond seafood.

Food comes out fresh and flavorful every time with a focus on raw ingredients that stay clean and crisp. Prices stay affordable while the taste stays consistently good.

Strong, flavorful miso soup comes as a side and at the end of the meal. Poke bowls have generous portions and can be customized to taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really tasty and fresh."

"I thought the poke here was the best I'd ever had."

"The Japanese food portions are so generous for the price."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a buy one get one free special this weekend.

2

Parking is available in front of the shop and in a nearby garage.

3

They offer a variety of toppings and sauces for customization.

02
Japanese Ramen Gachi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with stylish wooden booths and dim lighting creates an intimate, chill vibe. Playlist adds to the clean and cute atmosphere. Known for authentic ramen that many consider the best outside Japan.

Serious attention to detail shows in every dish, with consistently fabulous flavor and delicious preparation. Food quality stays excellent even when the place is understaffed.

Broth for the tonkotsu ramen stands out as the best in the area. Options include pork-free ramen and spicy chicken ramen, both highly flavorful. Ramen here consistently impresses with authentic taste and quality.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be delicious with a rich, flavorful broth."

"I found the ramen here to be delicious with a rich, flavorful broth."

"The ramen here is a warm hug, seriously delicious."

Good to know

1

Ample parking is available nearby.

2

Expect to wait during peak hours due to the small space.

3

The restroom cleanliness is a concern, with reports of it being dirty.

03
Duck n Bao image 1
Chinese restaurant

Contemporary Chinese restaurant with modern chic design and an oriental vibe offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with spacious seating and visible kitchen action. Upbeat music complements the cozy setting, attracting both groups and intimate diners.

Food shows excellent quality with dishes that are fresh and well prepared. Meals come out tasty and plentiful, reflecting authentic Szechuan flavors.

Lunch features generous bento boxes with a variety of food. The pork in the bento is slow cooked and tender.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious, authentic Chinese food here."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

"The Japanese food bento boxes are generous and a great deal."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Lunch specials provide a good value with generous portions.

3

The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments.

04
Sushi by Hidden image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant hides behind an art gallery with an intimate setting seating about 12 people per session. The atmosphere is intimate and casual, enhanced by colorful curated art and a speakeasy concept. Sushi is prepared right in front of diners, offering fresh, creative nigiri and a well-curated sake selection.

Amazing food shines in every dish, paired with excellent service and a serene atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. The lunch omakase offers phenomenal flavors at a clear value point.

Sushi here features very fresh nigiri with an excellent flavor profile that rivals Tokyo quality. The omakase experience offers a delicious, well-paced meal in a welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so well crafted, with delicious fish."

"The staff here makes the Japanese food experience feel personal and immersive."

"The food here is thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited seating in this small restaurant.

2

The 12-course omakase costs $60 for lunch and $75 for dinner.

3

Sushi by Hidden is BYOB with a $20 corkage fee for a 720ml bottle.

05
Hudson House image 1
American restaurant

Elegant dining space with gorgeous booths and comfortable seating arranged for privacy. Atmosphere feels sophisticated and inviting with low lighting that suits intimate occasions. Music includes classic tunes like Frank Sinatra, adding to a relaxed, pleasant vibe.

Food here stands out for its exquisite taste and delightful variety. Service complements the phenomenal dishes well, creating a consistently great dining experience.

Sushi rolls like the Sunset Roll and pressed tuna stand out for their freshness and flavor. Sides such as the Mac n Cheese complement the Japanese dishes well, though some sushi plates lack wasabi.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are great for Date Spots."

"The food here was delicious and yummy."

"The sushi rolls Ashley recommended were great."

Good to know

1

Parking in front of the restaurant requires payment, while the back garage offers two hours free.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with $10 burger deals and half-priced drinks.

3

The restaurant does not accept walk-ins; reservations are recommended for seating.

06
Tamashi Ramen Sushi- Holcombe Rice Village image 1

Small, cozy space with dim lighting and close tables creates an intimate but sometimes crowded atmosphere. The vibe is lowkey and welcoming, suited for quiet hangouts or solo dining. Occasional background music and visible sushi preparation add to the authentic Japanese feel.

Ramen and sushi rolls come fresh and hot with quick service. Food tastes consistently delicious and fresh despite the small, cramped space.

Ramen stands out with large portions and quick delivery, featuring unique options like ramen tsukemen and spicy shrimp ramen. Sushi includes sizable rolls such as the Crunchy Roll and Hot Mama roll, alongside well-regarded takoyaki.

People are saying

"I found the ramen broth to be delicious."

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"I found the ramen broth to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited; expect to find street parking nearby.

2

Reservations are required for groups; the whole party must be present to be seated.

3

The restaurant opens at 12 PM; arrive early to avoid wait times.

07
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar image 1

Open space combines modern Asian design with ample indoor and outdoor seating, creating a relaxed, lively vibe especially on the patio with fans and heaters. Lighting and airflow support a comfortable atmosphere where live music adds energy. The setting suits groups and families, offering games for kids and a smart layout.

Food here is consistently delicious and often described as phenomenal. Staff offer great suggestions that lead to dishes people enjoy and finish eagerly.

Edamame appears frequently and is consistently good. The pork katsu and its sandwich version stand out as flavorful options. Spicy ramen with pork and smoked wings also feature as solid choices.

People are saying

"The happy hour prices here are a really good deal."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious."

"The Japanese food, especially the edamame, was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on weekdays from 2-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Live music occurs on Thursdays from 6-8pm, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Parking is available behind the building, but may become limited as nearby businesses open.

08
Frnds image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines modern sophistication with a relaxed vibe and peaceful atmosphere. Live DJ plays energetic but balanced music, allowing conversation without overpowering sound. Seating includes outdoor area and cozy armchairs, creating a comfortable and inviting space.

Food here offers a fantastic dining experience with a focus on quality and taste. The combination of excellent service and a relaxing atmosphere complements the meals well.

Tempura green beans stand out with their crisp texture and tasty sauces. Shareable dishes include spicy chicken skewers and dumplings, adding variety to the Japanese food options.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, fresh, and full of flavor."

"The servers here are so attentive and make great suggestions for your date."

"The tempura green beans are amazing with the sauces."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on Thursdays with no actual discounts.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties of 8 or more.

3

Expect long wait times for food during busy events, like ladies night.

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University Place, Houston

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