Aiko

This was a fantastic experience. We did the lunch Omasake and it was outstanding. So much food for the price and we were rolling out! The flavor combinations were so great. And the staff was so knowledgeable about the menu and attentive! It was all stellar. Definitely going to come back but will make sure to not eat anything for dinner the night before or breakfast!

We recently came here for 713 day and participated in their promo - $7 crudo, $1 oysters, and $3 hot sake. The crudos were fantastic. We really liked the maguro crudo the best in terms of overall flavor but they were all wonderful to try especially for its price. The oyster has aguachile salsa on top that tastes really good, however the downside is we don’t get to taste much of the raw oyster itself. I would maybe add a little less salsa to let more of the oyster flavor shine. The chicken karaage was excellent, the chicken had a perfect crisp to it. The fish quality here is also excellent and is on par with other comparable high end sushi restaurants. The ambiance here is great - they have opaque curtains and table lamps for mood lighting. Good vibes for a date night. They also have a rubber ducky theme going on which adds charm to the restaurant.

My SO and I went to Aiko on a whim but I’m so glad that we did! The food is fantastic, you cannot miss out on the omakase, which has a lot of variety and options for a very fair price. Everything was so flavorful, carefully arranged with attention to detail. All of the nigiri were buttery and good quality fish. We loved the sake Tigre crudo which had a generous serving of salmon with a delicious pistachio sauce. The Hirame, kinmedai, masu kunsei, and chutoro and otoro were all amazing nigiri’s. We actually felt full after the omakase was completed and didn’t need to order any other dishes. There was also a dessert included - the semifreddo- which was lightly sweet and citrusy with a cheesecake like bar and a brittle which added nice texture Also the service was great and all the dishes arrived promptly with good timing to avoid piling up of dishes or too long between dishes. Shout out to our server Lisa! I definitely loved the food and will be back to try more!

This was my first time to this restaurant. The lobby is super cute and after you enter into the main dining area you’ll be surprised how intimately it’s been setup. Food: We ordered a lot of different small plates to try their menu. Overall all of their dishes were filled with unique and delicious flavors. If you are allergic to raw food let them know so they can recommend alternatives. Images for all the different dishes we ordered are added to this review. This is a perfect location for date night and expect somewhere between $180-$230 for two people. (Excluding any wine or alcohol pairing) Id definitely go here again and try the other dishes.

I gobbled everything - intentionally - so quickly that photos were a complete afterthought, but I snagged a picture of the dessert before crushing it. Very frankly, I am on my period and wanted sushi so I came here. When asked if I was celebrating any I shared with ALBERT that I was on my period and craving sushi and needed to decompress… Please explain why this dude was like “bet” and then walked me through the best sushi experience I’ve ever had. I described my favorite pieces from the omakase I had last time and then he made a few recommendations, all of them knocked one of my favorites out of the running. Beautiful meal and perfect level of social engagement for a person dining alone. This was my second experience at Aiko, my first experience with was because Uchi was booked when I tried to make a reservation… I’ll never go back if Aiko has a seat. Service is impeccable and while I’m 100% sure their staff has bad days like everyone else…you will never know it… their service is communal and bright. Very much feels like an environment of see something and address it, it was crazy to experience such a cohesive service culture. Food and service are always 10/10 and the ambiance/ environment was so chill and curated that my finance commented within a few minutes of being seated. They have a warm and diverse staff that seem excited about the food and I am grateful to be able to dine here regularly. Get the pan dan daquiri, you won’t regret it. Thanks for being excellent! 🙏🏽

Had high expectations for this place but honestly not what we were looking for. The place is way too loud we had to yell the whole time so we hear each other. Service was extremely slow considering we ordered mostly sashimi. Took 2 hours from start to finish. The fish were fresh but can’t really justify paying $24 a piece for duck liver? The seasoning from rice to hot foods is on the sweeter side I’m not sure if it’s adjusted to fit American taste but definitely not traditional Japanese style I was looking for. I would not come back.

Nice ambiance. Service was excellent. It was fun watching the bartender make drinks. Same group of owners from Handies and Handos so similar quality but the nigiri’s were the size of my pinky so be prepared to leave hungry. I’ve never seen an anorexic nigiri before. Dining area is quite small as they cram a lot of tables together so you’re literally eating with the people next to you- not very intimate for a date. Nice to try but probably won’t be returning.

Amazing food and service!! Sushi/nigiri super fresh - melts in your mouth. Donald (our waiter) had great recommendations. Happy hour has an abundance of nigiri selections. Refreshing drinks. Will come again! Came here a few months later and it was still amazing and exceptional. My new sushi/nigiri spot! Maya took Greece care of us and we never had to wait. Service is 20/10!!

Had an amazing time here with my boyfriend! We had the Valentine's Day Omakase and it was DELICIOUS. Every bite was so flavorful, the staff was incredibly attentive (shout out to Nick!) and the ambiance was great. Would totally come back. Top Three of the night: Kaki Oyster Shooters The Nigiri Set (Suzuki, Kanpachi, Shima Afi, Fuji Macu) Foie Gras

First time Omakase & first time at Aiko! My boyfriend surprised me on an evening birthday dinner here, and they just released their Valentines Omakase menu; Perfect timing! Came on a Monday so we did expect it wasn't going to be crowded at all which we loved, and it added to the intimacy of the ambiance the place provided. It really felt like we were the main characters (lol!). I didn't get our waiters name, but she was so sweet and made us feel so comfortable! The omakase was so amazing! I am so glad I had my first omakase experience here. Every bite was delicious and the flavors were so unique and complex, I LOVED it! On their Valentines Omakase, they offered: Kaki Shooter BGB Sake Crudo Nigiri Set (my fav was the 'Shima Aji') Hand roll - Sake Hr (this was amazing!) Yawagarani HamaChili BF Tuna set (the 'Chutoro' made me question every sushi I ever ate) Maki A5 Wagyu (fav) Foie Gras Dessert - Matcha Semifreddo They did give me a birthday matcha cheesecake which was also super delicious! I love matcha, so having being provided 3 matcha desserts was wild to me. Overall, I would HIGHLY recommended this place. So perfect for a date night, birthdays, girls night. Such a romantic ambiance, and intimate setting. An omakase to remember. And yes, I WILL be coming back!

I dined here for the first time recently and it was a great experience. We came for the Social Hour Omakase for $45 (runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m.), which was a good starter, and also tried a few other items from the menu. Some of my favorite things off the menu were the Spicy Tuna Maki and A5 Wagyu Maki, which was super savory and just melts in your mouth. We could not have asked for better service. Our server was really knowledgeable about the menu and was able to give us some really good recommendations. All of the staff we interacted with were so attentive and all the food came out quickly. It ended up being pretty pricey, but overall the quality of the food and service that we received was top notch.

Located in the sea of popular establishments along Washington Ave, Aiko has been a standout amongst the rise of omakase themed businesses for their trendy-not-traditional approach to sushi. The quality of the food, professional yet amiable service, contemporary atmosphere, and excellent execution of the experience has struck a big chord with Houston diners and yours truly. Whether it's a hot date, a group feast, or a solo dining session at the bar, reservations are highly recommended. The vibe is more Texas chic than Japanese-like atmosphere, The young-ish chefs behind the counter is a giveaway, along with the format of their omakase, and the simple interior with the spacious table setup. The plant filled entrance is a nice effect for first timers, but the impression is quickly supplanted by everything else they have to offer. Food wise, there is a lot to appreciate. The abbreviated $55 omakase is a nice introduction to the spread, but I would maintain the $95 option is the way to go. At 14 courses (edamame, 2 oysters, 2 crudos, 8 nigiri, handroll, mochi) with dessert, it's a good mesh of what they do best. I appreciate the dedicated section of bluefin tuna, which ranges from akami to chutoro to toro. The latter is still my favorite cut of any fish, which was buttery and incredibly rich with each bite. I am also smitten with their japanese scallop (muki hotate) and their Hokkaido uni, which are premium choices ($18/14) for small'ish pieces but oh-so-wonderful. The crudo pieces really range from $15-18, but make for an excellent bite all around. The scallop muki hotate is an excellent choice, but the kuro kanpachi truffle is foodgasmic. While the food is clearly the hype machine, the cherry on top is the service. The wait staff is professional, energetic, and extremely knowledgeable about the food. Even when their food days aren't the best, I feel the people working here will do their best to ensure a quality experience.

This sushi restaurant off Washington in the Heights is a phenomenal little secret born as the "love child" from the talent behind Kukoro and Hands Douzo. I don't know if it's the location that has kept the seating accessibility open, but I'm there for it. Once you enter past the little waiting bar into the dining area - you'll see clean contemporary styling with the sushi bar to the left and tables/booths to the right. Seating for 2 or for good sized groups can be accommodated. The Restrooms are down a bamboo lined hall - which (as ridiculous as it may sound) is really nice. But the food . . especially the omakase experience . . is very very good. Especially compared to what the popular sentiment is for sushi places in Houston (some of the highly regarded places pale in comparison IMHO). So what did we have? Oysters with a yuzu granita and aguachile Muki Hotate Usuzukuri - nothing like some scallop with yuzu kosho Paddlefish Caviar Hirame Madai Kanpachi Masu Sake Crudo - shaved truffles and some grape tomatoes Negitoro handroll Tarabagani Saketoro Aburi Chutoro Otoro A5 Wagyu Semifreddo We did do a little order of Sawagani - love it when a place has these little river crabs Chefs and the rest of the service staff were so friendly and awesome and we even got to take a little duck home with us.

This restaurant is one of my favorite places to get sushi and sashimi. The parking is easy with a shared lot on the side of the building. Reservations are suggested, as they tend to fill up quick by the end of the week throughout the weekend. The omakase experience is very good and the quality is on par with the price point. The fish has always been fresh and the sushi bar chefs have been friendly and knowledgeable. I've had their omakase during happy hour which is a good deal and at other times, at the sushi bar as well as at a regular table. I'd recommend sitting at the sushi bar (there's only ten spaces) for the full experience. Their drinks are on point and haven't disappointed me, especially if its a recommended pairing. I had the pleasure of pairing sake with various dishes (kombu salad, nigiri sushi, crudo, and more), all were delicious. I like their creative flavors and all the different textures that are presented to the palate. A few of my favorite items are the foie gras gunkan, chu toro sashimi, salmon crudo, and kombu salad. This is a good spot for date night, girls night out, special occasions, and strong sushi cravings. Lastly, when you visit Aiko, be sure to walk down the path to the restroom for a unique experience too.

First time here and definitely exceeded my expectations. They have valet for parking but on slow nights, you can park in the parking lot without the valet. We sat at the sushi bar and our sushi chef was very accommodating. We let him choose majority of our dishes and we were not disappointed. We did tell him what we didn't like and what we like and he based the dishes on that. So in a way it was like an omakase. They did provide an omakase on their menu but I heard it doesn't change much. I will say the omakase provided is cheaper compared to other places in Houston. The restaurant overall is somewhat not small but not too small. Definitely worth it for date night.

I had heard great things about Aiko and knew that I needed to try it during HRW. From the moment we entered, my friends and I were given the best treatment. Our servers were attentive and friendly and even explained the origin story of the various rubber ducks when asked. And then came the food! From the Crudo to the Nigiri and finally the Handroll, the entire meal was delicious, beautiful and satisfying. Every component complemented each other and resulted in a fresh and flavorful bite. For dessert, I had to order a piece of expresso mochi, which was the perfect way to end an excellent experience!

Honestly we've ordered so many items I forgot what everything was. But they were all very phenomenal. We came on short notice since we didn't have a reservation, but they were very accommodating and sat us down fairly quickly. This place honestly deserves a Michelin star, food was fantastic, everything was fresh and unique. Service was excellent, some dishes did took awhile to arrive, but the severs did came by often checking up on the food for us to keep us updated. Overall maybe alil pricy, but I can understand with the quality of food and service

Aiko is a sushi restuarant located in the Heights and offers omakase along with a variety of sashimi, nigiri, and more. I was able to try some of their items during Houston's Restautant Week. The hamachi crudo was the appetizer and consisted of hamachi wrapped around cherry tomatoes on top of a coconuty puree. I had the chirashi bowl as the main dish, which featured plenty of sashimi pieces of tuna, salmon, and yellowtail on top of rice. The final piece of the restaurant week menu was the handroll, and I chose the spicy tuna handroll. The fish all tasted very fresh, and I really enjoyed the yellowtail crudo. However, I did wish there was more, as the serving sizes are very small. The service was great! The servers came to check up on us frequently and filled our drinks often. They even offered a matcha cheesecake when they heard my friends mention gifting me the meal as my birthday, and I thought that was very nice and attentive of them. Parking is spacious on the side, but I do think they share the parking space with other businesses and am not sure how busy it is on the weekends. Overall, the sushi was fresh, and the service was great. The inside is a bit small and gives more of an intimate feeling for a gathering with close friends or a date.

Aiko is one of the newer concepts from Chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee in Houston. They started the omakase pop-up dinner known as Secret Taste, Kokoro in the Bravery Chef Hall in Downtown Houston, then Handies Douzo and Himari in the Houston Heights. Aiko is the newest concept with a sushi bar and seated dining. The private parking lot is shared with Taco Deli, and there are about 20 spots. Reservations are made online, available on Open Table. There are about 15 tables inside. FOOD: Social HH is everyday at 12:00 to 6:30 PM. Some of items we ordered are part of the Houston Restaurant Week 2024. 1. Hamachi Crudo (Yellowtail, coconut tom kha, cherry tomatoes, 3/5): The coconut tom kha is an interesting twist in this crudo. It was overall OK, as it is not something I would order again. 2. Maguro Crudo (Bluefin tuna, pickled cucumbers, ponzu, 4/5): This was fresh and delicious. I could eat more of this than the hamachi crudo. We both preferred this one. 3. Sunomono (Cucumber, chili garlic, cherry tomatoes, 4/5): Fresh and light. This reminded me of a Korean cucumber side dish. 4. Kombu Salad (Seaweed salad, carrots, mushroom, sesame dressing, 4/5): Delicious. I love the various concoction in this salad with the perfect amount of dressing. I would definitely order this again. 5. Sake Handroll (Salmon, yuzu kosho, shiso, 5/5): We definitely loved this. Great simple flavor. 6. Kani Handroll (Lump crab, yuzu kosho aioli, crispy shallots, 3/5): It was OK for me. There were good amounts of the lump crab. The crunch/crisp from the shallots added a different touch, but it can take away from the other ingredients. 7. Spicy Tuna Handroll (Bluefin tuna, haberano aioli, crispy shallots, 4/5): We definitely loved this. Great flavor overall but aforementioned with the shallots. 8. Foie Gras Gunkan (Hudson valley duck liver-tare-nori, 5/5): This was our favorite of the night. Foie gras does not disappoint, and it melts in your mouth. Gunkan is basically the word battle ship sushi. Overall, Aiko will be known for the innovative and various flavor profiles used here. However, most of the dishes did not stand out for me to come back. The service was great, as the servers came around in a timely manner. Dishes were brought out, and they were removed when finished. Our water never touched the bottom. Would I come back? I would try other sushi restaurants in Houston before coming back.

Amazing! One of my favorite sushi experiences. Drinks were so good. Service was top notch. The atmosphere was great and good location with easy parking. We did the Omakase and will be back again.

One of my favorite sushi spots in Houston! I love enjoying quality sushi with chill vibes and this spot does it perfectly! I've enjoyed everything I've tried here. Can't go wrong with anything you order so start with your fave but feel safe to be adventurous as well! Happy hour - good options to start the meal! Parking - complimentary valet in an adjacent lot or can find a spot in the area. Reservations - may be able to snag one last minute but I wouldn't risk it One of the few restaurants I revisit often! Must try!

Just had the most wonderful and relaxing experience at Aiko! Everything was fresh and served at the perfect temperature, making each bite a delight. Even though it was busy, the atmosphere felt just right. Can't wait to come back and enjoy it all over again!

If you're a fan of Handies Douzo (Heights and Montrose), Kokoro (located inside Bravery Chef Hall), and the newer sister sushi spot Himari, then you'll love Aiko. What sets Aiko apart from their other restaurants is their omakase at offered at two different tiers/price points. My beau usually gets the $95 omakase (edamame, two oyster shooters, two crudos, eight nigiri, two handrolls, and mochi); I opt for the the $55 option (edamame, crudo, five nigiri, handroll, and mochi). The best part is, they don't require everyone at the table to opt for the same one. They also offer a happy hour omakase (5-6:30). On our most recent dining experience last Thursday, they also had a ~$125 pre-set tasting menu, which the beau got. They also have a "core menu" and even a Houston Restaurant Weeks three-course menu. I've dined at the sushi bar, in the dining room, and also the cocktail bar. The cocktail bar area is my personal preference, as the main dining room acoustics are very loud. Since I've mainly done omakase, I don't remember what I ordered (other than my Yelp photos). All I can say is: Do the omakase, get the seared seared salmon belly, and if you can get a chef to make a handroll with fried blue crab (when it's in season), then do it. Also, reservations are *highly* recommended!

I found my favorite restaurant in Houston! For parking, they have valet but there's also a big lot behind the restaurant on the right hand side where you can park for free. Right when you walk in, you see this cute duck plushie which I couldn't help but hug it was so cute. And I loved how I was able to see it be incorporated in the cocktail I ordered (Lychee Martini). This was recommended to me after I asked the server what their sweetest cocktail was and I thoroughly enjoyed the drink. After you check in with the front, you go through these curtains where the dining area is located. The interior is decorated nicely, giving the restaurant an intimate vibe. I don't think people talk about the bathroom enough because I was amazed. It was a fun experience walking through a bamboo alleyway before reaching the bathrooms located at the very end. For dinner I got the normal omakase instead of the Houston Restaurant Week one as well as the Tanin Bune (Japanaese Sea Urchin w/Ikura) , Tarabagani (King Crab), and Foie Gras. Everything that I had was fantastic. But the ones that stood out to me the most were the Kinoko Usuzukuri, all the nigiri (especially the Otoro) and the Foie Gras. The toppings on the Kinoko dish were crunchy yet balanced out with the softness from the mushroom itself. The flavors were refreshing which was a perfect way to start before I indulged on the nigiri's. I love how the toppings for the nigiri's were all slightly different yet complimented so well with the fish itself. The fish was fresh and the quality was fantastic. The otoro as you probably guessed is very rich and just melts in your mouth. Same thing for the Foie Gras- I still think about this dish from time to time from how good it was. Aside from the delicious food, the service here was wonderful. Everyone was very attentive and looked for ways to make my dining experience enjoyable. I am very happy that I finally got to try Aiko. I've been telling my friends about this spot all week and I cannot wait to visit again and try other dishes!

Aiko in Houston is a Japanese restaurant brought to life by the talented chefs, Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee, who have over 25 years of combined experience in Japanese cuisine and sushi. Their culinary journey in Houston has been marked by a series of successful ventures, including Kokoro in the Bravery Chef Hall and Handies Douzo in the Houston Heights. Their latest venture, Aiko, showcases a sushi bar and seated dining. From the moment you step in, the ambiance of Aiko is inviting and sophisticated. The valet parking is a convenient touch, though there's also a free parking lot beside the church in the back. [COCKTAILS] +House Old Fashioned (Toki-Scotch-Turbinado-Shiso Bitters) for $16 - This was pretty boozy. - 3.5/5 [MOCKTAILS] +N/A Shandy (Yuzu, Grapefruit, Calpico, Sparkling Water) for $12 - This was too sweet for me, but my wife liked it. - 3.5/5 [OMAKASE] The Aiko chef-curated omakase is $125 for the following: +Sunomono (Cucumber, Chili Garlic, Tomato) - The crispy shallots were an excellent addition. - 4.5/5 +Sake Crudo (BGB Salmon, Tosa Zu, Truffle) - I could taste the truffle, and it wasn't too overbearing. - 4/5 +Madai (Japanese Seabream) - I loved the shiso leaf addition under the seabream. - 4/5 +Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper) - I tasted garlic on top which was unique, and I enjoyed it. - 4.5/5 +Kanpachi (Japanese Amberjack) - This had a lemony taste. I usually don't like lemon much, but this was subtle and not too much. - 4/5 +Masu (Tasmanian Ocean Trout) - The fish was the best out of all 4 nigiri pieces. It melted the most out of all. The pepper on it was nice. - 5/5 +Kinoko (King Trumpet Mushroom) - This had a distinct brown butter taste, which I hate. My wife loves brown butter, so this was a 5/5 for her. Depends on your taste, but you may enjoy this. - 2/5 +Maguro Crudo (BF Tuna, Chili Garlic, Ponzu) - I liked the cucumber addition. - 3.5/5 +Kani Handroll (Crab, Yuzu Kosho Aioli, Shallot) - This was similar to Handies Douzo, their sister restaurant. - 4/5 +Akamutsu (Rosy Sea Perch) - 4/5 At this point of the meal, we found out there was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and there was a delay in the food. We paid the bill in advance as we had to leave. We waited on the rest of the food before dipping out including: +Masaba (Japanese Cured Mackerel) - 3.5/5 +Chutoro (BF Medium Fatty Tuna) - They added some sort of Asian sauce which ruined it. We were told it was garlic, green onion, and oil like Hainanese Chicken. It was gross for chutoro. This is usually my favorite item at sushi restaurants, but I thought it was the 2nd worst behind the Kinoko (King Trumpet Mushroom). - 2.5/5 +A5 Tartare (A5 Tartare, Caviar, Quail Egg) - 4/5 +Semifreddo (Matcha Semifreddo, Strawberry, Meringue) - 3/5 Overall, Aiko is a fun and great dining experience in Houston. It brings innovative and expertly crafted Japanese cuisine to the forefront, and I would highly recommend checking them out! You may not like every item, but there's a lot of thought and experimentation behind it all.

Back at Aiko. Trying to understand why it's so easy to get into- blows our mind. Has some of the best nigiri Houston (or anywhere) has to offer. Highlights: sunomono app, nigiri across the board. Excited for their new cocktail venture in Autry Park!

Had the chance to experience Aiko for HRW and it didn't disappoint! Very nice vibe and atmosphere, the restaurant is cozy. The Nigiri tasted great, though one of our plates were missing some of the toppings. I didn't get pics of everything but I also tried the MAGURO crudo and HAMACHI crudo. I typically like yellowtail more than tuna but favored the maguro crudo for sure. The jumbo salad was ok but not something I'd order again. Lastly, the sake handroll was so delicious but all in all I wish they offered more food. I get it's a fancy restaurant but we left hungry lol. Not sure if the HRW week portions are smaller so we are up for trying this place again on a normal night!

A Culinary Gem Worthy of Michelin Recognition Dining at Aiko Sushi is nothing short of an extraordinary culinary journey. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance exudes a perfect balance of modern elegance and traditional Japanese warmth, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. The food is, without question, a testament to authenticity and craftsmanship. Each piece of sushi is a masterpiece, showcasing the freshest ingredients and an unwavering dedication to traditional techniques. The flavors are beautifully balanced, with subtle nuances that highlight the quality and care poured into every dish. The Omakase experience is particularly impressive, offering a thoughtfully curated progression of flavors that transports your palate directly to Japan. Equally remarkable is the service, which is nothing short of exemplary. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring your experience is seamless and memorable. They take the time to explain each dish, enhancing your appreciation of the artistry behind the meal. Their hospitality makes you feel like a treasured guest, adding a personal touch that elevates the entire dining experience. Aiko Sushi is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of Japanese cuisine at its finest. Every element--from the exquisite food to the impeccable service--comes together to create an experience that is undeniably worthy of a Michelin star. If you're seeking an unparalleled dining experience, Aiko Sushi is a must-visit destination. Bonus Tip: YOU MUST TRY THE KING CRAB NIGIRI! But, save it for last.

My friends and I are always checking out sushi restaurants and Aiko was great! We decided to come try it out after seeing it on the HRW menu. First off, service was excellent. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. We enjoyed everything from the HRW menu. Appetizers were nice and light. Crudos, hard to pick a favorite. Everything was fresh and the flavor profiles for each fish just worked. The nigiris were also fresh and delicious. Since we were enjoying ourselves, we ended up ordering 2 extra rolls: negitoro and kani. Along with saketoro nigiri as recommended by our waiter. They came out charred, hot, and deliciously rich. I'm craving more already. We enjoyed all of the sushi/nigiris. Can't wait to come back soon!

I been on 2 occasions and loved everything here! Everything was fresh and tasted exquisite. A bit price but the service was good. Highlights: Seared salmon belly - amazing!! Kaarage - loved the wag it was fried and seasoned. Beat I've had! Oyster shooters - fresh And everything else was amazing!! Writing this review is making me hungry and want to go back today! Kanpachi crudo Madai Kinmedai Kanpachi Masu Sake crudo Shima aji Chutoro Otoro Sake handroll Hamachi Crudo Maguro Crudo Foie Gras Negitoro Maki Spicy Tuna Maki Hamachi Maki Junmai - Tenbu Sake

Came for the amazing Houston restaurant week deal and absolutely loved this spot. The vibes inside are amazing for a fun sushi dinner on the weekend with your friends or a date! The fish is incredibly fresh, packed with flavor and each dish is carefully curated into an amazing bite. Their service was top notch & I will definitely be back to try their omakase!

The entire dining experience at Aiko was a 5/5! Starts off with friendly hostess staff and elegant posh decor at the front. The front waiting area is separated from the main dining area by a curtain. Inside the restaurant is fairly small but efficiently spaced. It can get slightly loud at times when it's super packed which makes it difficult for table talk. We got to meet the manager Joe who serviced us well as we were visiting for the healthcare worker promo. We sat at the sushi bar and our main servers were the maki boys who treated us well. Small talk was appreciated but not too overwhelming. We started off with a bottle of Dassai 45 sake recommended by Joe. The sake was smooth and not too bitter. It was such a huge bottle that we actually ended up sharing a shot with the owner and staff. Omakase Oyster shooter 4/5 refreshing tart flavor from the yuzu and great palette cleanser to start the meal. Sake crudo 5/5 I hardly see crudos in omakase so this was a nice surprise and plenty to eat. Truffle wasn't too overbearing. Madai 5/5 easily one of our favorites of the night. Great tasting white fish. Hirame/Aji/masu were all 3.5/5 good but nothing great. Kinoko deluxe 4.5/5 this was a surprise to me that I would like it this much. I have a sweet tooth so the brown butter flavor was nice and paired well with the caviar for a sweet and salty taste. Maguro crudo 5/5 absolutely amazing dish! We loved the chili garlic and ponzu combo! Sake handroll 4.5/5 Akamatsu --- unfortunately couldn't rate bc we were getting the dishes out of order and I lost track of what dishes we had, so they accidentally forgot to bring this dish out. Akami/chutoro 5/5 different cuts of tuna. Phenomenal! A5 tartare 5/5 second dish with caviar on it and it paired well with the tartare and quail egg which kept everything together and so moist. Semifreddo 4/5 very good and refreshing dessert to end the night! Other than one missed dish, we had such a fun dining experience and still left completely stuffed!

My recent food obsession has been omakase sushi. So hopefully you'll continue seeing more reviews around town. My wife and I are finally at a point where we feel comfortable leaving the twins at home and having periodic date nights. On this particular night we ended up at Aiko. They advertise their omakase for happy hour with a $10 discount at $45 per person. We sat at a table instead of the bar, so we did not get a chance to interact with the chefs, I do miss that aspect of omakase. So I'll state that yes it is chefs choice but it's more of a combo, comes with certain pieces but it comes out all at once and with not much discretion besides what is on the sheet. However, my wife and I don't mind as we really do most of our judgement via the actual taste. This omakase was solid value but we really only got exposed to one new fish that we wouldn't normally order, the Masu/ocean trout. This was delicious! And I will continue looking for this at other restaurants. We ordered additional items from both their happy hour menu and their normal menu since the omakase is smaller than other places. I did notice that they did offer Engawa on a limited basis, sadly they were out on this particular night. We added on fatty tuna, uni, and froi gras. The froi gras was one of the best pieces I have had at any restaurant and I can't wait to come back just for that alone! The service was very attentive and the pieces came out at a good pace. I didn't feel overwhelmed but I was not waiting around.

I had previously come for HRW and really enjoyed it, so wanted to come check out the omakase! There are several omakase options, and from 5-6:30 pm there's a happy hour version that's $45 for one starter, one crudo, four nigiri, and one hand roll. Started off with a lychee martini, which was really tasty and not too sweet. Everything I tried was fantastic and so fresh. We added the karage and a couple other hand rolls/nigiri, all of which were excellent. Service is also top notch- the dishes come quickly, the plates get cleared out from in front of you quickly, they give you fresh plates and are always refilling your water. Manager even came to check in on us a few times. The space is nicely decorated with comfortable seating and the music is good! You can see the chefs preparing the fish at the bar- next time I come I definitely want to sit there! Really can't say enough good things about this spot. It's probably the best bang for your buck omakase option in Houston. Will have to come back for the larger omakase menu! Definitely recommend a reservation especially for dinner on a Friday night. There's a small lot next to the building for parking as well as overflow parking.

A friend and I came to Aiko for a sake and sushi pairing event. All the sakes and sushi were excellent. The servers and sushi chefs were very knowledgeable and provided detailed information about all items served. The restaurant itself is also quite beautiful. I will definitely return to try there other offerings.

My sister and I made dinner reservations for our younger sister's birthday here on a Friday night. We came to enjoy their curated "social hour" menu as well as other items on their regular menu. Parking is complimentary and is right next to the restaurant. The atmosphere inside is modern and clean. The restaurant is partitioned off by large curtains from any natural lighting so you will need to make do with the table light for my food photographers out there. Each of us tried their social hour omakase which was a really good deal. It came with 8 items for $45. All items were fantastic! The fish was fresh and nicely seasoned. We also ordered a few other items from their Social Hour menu. We ended with the foie gras gunkan which was chefs kiss* and our favorite! Service was superb! Our waiter was knowledgeable about each dish, very attentive, and came back to check on us frequently. If I lived in Houston I would no doubt be dining here frequently!

Outstanding food! If you're looking for an authentic experience this is it. This isn't your normal sushi place that has giant rolls with cream cheese and fried shrimp. Lots of sashimi and nigiri. Everything tastes amazing. The quality of fish has to be some of the best I've tasted. Our waitress was super helpful and was able to make us suggestions when we asked. They are very attentive, I would take a sip of water and within seconds someone was filling my glass. The restaurant is clean and neat. A little small, we went for lunch so not super busy, but I could see where dinner gets full quick.

We went during happy hour and had the $55 omakase. Sushi was fresh and flavorful. Worth it for the price. My favorite was the crudo and nigiri. Service was good. They have a bamboo pathway to the restroom! Super cool, had to get a pic there.

First timer tonight here at Aiko. We sat at the sushi bar with AK and Michael. Everything we put in our mouths was a 10/10 but AK and Michael both made our experience a million times better. The food was phenomenal... we decided on the omakase and the variety, freshness and creativity were all off the charts. We literally can't wait to come back!

Food was super good wow!! Comparable to Uchi and Soto in my opinion. The sushi chefs talked to my dining experience and gave me 3 free pieces they were so nice! Ambiance is quiet, but clean. Service was amazing!

Update: lot is now valet...but still not sure how consistent this is, but can self park on street behind and by church. I'm still obsessed with this place. Quality of fish here never disappoints. I will keep coming back for social hour and then proceed to order excess sushi. Favourites: maguro crudo Sunomono Spicy tuna hand roll, or maki Amberjack nigiri

Who doesn't like a nice green curtain to shroud your dining room in an aura of mystery? I know I do! Feeling a little pressured--because "you'll get better quality fish when you order the $55 omakase--I caved. The lemon dredged edamame, unsurprisingly, is a delightfully fresh way to start. Right on its heels was the crudo: mine had salmon and was rather revolting. However, my friend had the maguro and that was sublime. So, not all was lost early in the meal. Nigri--wow. Just wow: kanpachi, shima aji, and the chutoro were my favorite. Skip the mochi. The whiskey sour was good, but unremarkable. Our waiter was very helpful and the rubber duckies added an unexpected quirk.

WOW, I am so happy I discovered Aiko and their mouth-watering sushi. I first came here on a Thursday with my boyfriend, and the entire experience was absolutely amazing. We ordered a variety of nigiri, including sake (salmon), hirame (flounder), chutoro, bluefin akami, hamachi (yellowtail), shima aji, unagi, foie gras, muke hotate (scallops), and two handrolls (yellowtail and sake). We also tried the sake crudo. Everything was top notch, so tasty, and caused severe cravings for more even when I was so full already. The foie gras here is my FAVORITE. I don't normally eat too much salmon, but Aiko's sake was mouthwateringly good. I *highly* appreciate how they provide toppings to each piece of nigiri ordered, which many other high-end sushi places do not have (unless you pay extra for the special nigiri pieces that depends on each restaurant). We got Aaron as our server and Jason the manager checked up on us multiple times. They have both become our favorite people here and we look forward to seeing them when we go. The decor inside is beautiful, and they cover the dining room with a light-blocking curtain, so it truly feels like you're inside of a secret dining location. Aaron and Jason were so welcoming that we had to return that following Sunday. Unfortunately on Sunday, we did not get Aaron as our server and did not see Jason. The sushi was delicious as expected, but I did notice the happy hour nigiri pieces (as well as the nigiri we ordered on the normal menu, with normal non-happy hour prices) we ordered were a lot smaller compared to Thursday. I slightly understand the size difference due to happy hour prices, but the normal priced sushi we ordered were also a lot smaller than expected. Nevertheless, everything was delicious and we still had a pretty good experience. Aiko's customer service through Instagram is also amazing--they respond super fast to any problems you may have and offer super fast solutions. We will be returning again soon and hoping we see Jason and Aaron :)

I recently dined at Aiko, and it was nothing short of incredible. If you're looking for a place with fresh, high-quality sushi, this spot should be at the top of your list. Here's a breakdown of the amazing dishes and drinks I tried: - **Sunomono**: The cucumber and tomato salad was refreshing and crunchy. I wish I had more!    - **Maguro Crudo**: This tuna crudo was delicious and extremely flavorful. - **Hamachi Crudo**: The hamachi was equally fantastic. It was very well balanced. - **Nigiri & Sashimi**: The nigiri and sashimi selections were some of the freshest I've ever had. - **Sake Handroll**: The salmon in the sake handroll was incredibly tender, with a nice balance of fat and flavor. - **Hamachi Handroll**: The hamachi was velvety smooth, with just a hint of sweetness that played off the seaweed wrap perfectly. Absolutely delicious. - **Spicy Tuna Handroll**: The heat was just right--enough to add flavor but not overwhelm the fresh tuna. A must-try! - **Japanese Highball**: The Japanese highball was light, crisp, and refreshing. It's a good drink for those who don't like the taste of alcohol. - **Strawberry Lychee Spritz**: This cocktail was the star of the drink menu. The strawberry and lychee combination was bright and fruity. - **Semifreddo**: I'm not a fan of matcha, but this was one of the best desserts I've had. So many textures and a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. All in all, this meal was a fantastic experience and every dish was flavorful. I'll definitely be back!

I've been to aiko 3 times now and my first 2 experiences were amazing and consistent. The food and service were great! However I was a little disappointed for my recent visit. My all time favorite crudo Muki Hotate Usuzukuri tasted different this time around and was fishy. I was looking forward to their unagi nigiri because there's not any other sushi spot that torches it like aiko but when we got our nigiri pieces it was average. The other nigiri pieces we had were nice and buttery, and it was our first time getting the kaarage which was also really good and crispay Aiko is one of my favorite sushi spots so I will be coming back and hopefully my experience is better than the last.

We recently came across this place. First impression was a little scared bc of the sketchy looking parking lot. However, the inside of the place is beautifully decorated with a modern natural vibe. Their cute little hidden duckies around the place create such a cute statement! Also, the hallway to the restroom gives such an Alice in wonderland feeling. I won't said further bc you gotta experience it yourself. We chose their set omakase menu with the foie gras add on. It was a good portion of food. They were very accommodating given the fact I'm allergic to shellfish and they substitute the proteins with other fish or salad. I did mentioned I didn't like their first salad. Immediately, the waitress brought another kind for us that were pretty good and addicting. The fish tastes fresh and delicious. Our favorite are the king salmon belly/ foie gras/ o toro/ chutoro nigiri as well as the hamachi hand roll. Their salmon with yuzu jelly was to die for! Their dessert with the matcha ice cream top cookie crumble, strawberry sauce was also good with the right amount of sweetness. The whole food experience was amazing! Service was excellent. Our waitress knows the menu ins and out. She took her time to ask the chef for my shellfish allergy accommodation and ensure the staff who brought the dish out knows to give the non shellfish product to me. Overall, I'm happy with our dining here and would definitely come back as well as referring our friends and family to come support this business.

Happy hour here is a must!!!! My husband and I made a reservation for Happy Hour and was very glad we did. We ordered $5 Sapporos, $5 Sake, $45 Omakase (x2), karrage and one more nigiri set. Total was about $150, which is pretty good for everything. The sushi is small, but very well made, I loved the salmon and pieces with truffle. The hand roll was absolutely delicious too. Bathroom is gorgeous. Tons of bamboo and gold lights make the walk to the toilet a cool experience. Service is top notch. The servers will constantly fill your water, make sure your table is clean and be available for anything at all. It was a great late Valentine's Day treat.

Had a lovely little lunch with a friend here and we ordered off the HRW menu. We loved the hand rolls the best (sake and spicy tuna) and the crudos had really unique flavors to them. We left feeling satisfied but not too full. Service was very attentive. Our waters were refilled regularly and tables cleaned in between courses. Would definitely come back to try more hand rolls. Parking - there's a lot next to the restaurant that fills up quickly on peak hours. There's also a nearby lot next to the Puttery that has plenty of free parking.

I came here on one of the super cold days in January for a friend, expecting to not enjoy it that much because of the weather, and left IN LOVE. Everything we had tasted amazing and had perfect texture. There was such a unique and clear combination of flavors but they all paired super well. One of the best parts of our experience is definitely the service. Our waitresses, Jo and Lisa, were such joys to be around. They explained all the dishes, how to eat them for maximum enjoyment, and were overall extremely patient and kind. I would definitely come back. There is even a convenient parking lot.

Exciting to try a new sushi spot inside the loop! They have happy hour omakase, which I've never seen before. We were able to walk-in on a Thursday around 5pm and get a seat at the sushi bar. We always enjoy watching the chefs prepare the meats and rolls. We loved the eggplant, hand rolls (especially spicy tuna), crudo, and semifreddo dessert. Service was friendly and ambiance was casual; would dine again.

We got recommended to try Aiko but a foodie friend of ours, so we decided to show up for the Houston Restaurant Week. Having eaten sushi pretty much all my life, I always look for what restaurants have to offer that makes their interpretation of the dish a little unique and memorable. Aiko did not disappoint. Our experience was also especially pleasant because of our chef, Andy. He is so friendly and welcoming, and you can just tell that he is very passionate about what he does. At the very end, he even offered us the semifreddo dessert on the house, which is his own creation and addition to the menu. The dessert itself balances the flavors of match and strawberry very well. The matcha flavor is just right so that it doesn't over power other elements in the dish. The texture of the frozen yogurt is spot on so that there's a lot of texture to every bite. As for the restaurant week menu itself: First course: Sunomono: the cucumber and tomatoes go so well with the chili garlic. Never thought I would like simple fresh and tomatoes so much, but the combination just makes so much sense. Second course: Hamachi Crudo: the coconut Tom-kha is a surprising familiar flavor profile that brings me back to the coconut dressings that I usually had with a Vietnamese river snail dish. I never had this combination with yellowtail before but it works so well on the plate. Would highly recommend trying this one for yourself for the uniqueness. Third course: We had the nigiri which came with salmon, tuna (medium fatty), and yellowtail. Not too much of a spin on these dishes but the salmon and tuna nigiri just melts in your mouth. This speaks more of the preparation technique of the chefs and the quality of the fish than anything. The restaurant itself is cozy with great ambience. All the staff are very friendly and helpful. It's safe to say that this would not be the last time I'll be visiting Aiko.

Big fan of this sushi bar. This was our first time sitting at the actual bar, however. We got some good recommendations from the chef, and got to eyeball everything coming out of the kitchen as it left. They even included a few free items as we were later in service, which was a nice touch. I'd maybe recommend against the foie gras tart. A little too much foie gras for me, not enough sweet. Will definitely be back!

I went during lunch because I needed a study break and I knew this was the last day of Houston restaurant weeks. Had made a reservation on OpenTable and so I was seated immediately, and they also still had a lot of space for walk-ins, but you never know these days. The service was moderately fast and I sat at the counter so they handed a lot of my food to me, which was nice. The konbu salad was really delicious and tangy. The HRW 2024 menu also came with your choice of Crudo and I picked the Hamachi because I love Hachi and this was in a unique presentation with coconut and Thai spices and a little bit of heat. I also picked the sake and spicy tuna hand rolls, which were very delicious. Honestly, I didn't expect anything less from this restaurant group because their sushi and Nigri and food items are always top-notch at any location that you go to. We started by going to Kokoro in bravery chef hall then Handies Douzo here in our Heights neighborhood. Himari in Garden Oaks has also been a win for us. And of course, we will be back for Aiko because they have a social hour from 12 to 7 which is essentially a dollar off of everything in multiple pieces. Winning. Parking was easy during lunch. There's a fairly large parking area next to taco deli.

Aiko is a MUST for all sushi lovers! My BF and I have been on a journey to find delicious/fresh sushi in the Houston area and Aiko checked all the boxes! We picked this place for Houston Restaurant Week date night and came without a reservation. The staff were very friendly and we sat at the sushi bar. The restaurant itself felt very intimate with ambient lighting. I ordered a matcha IPA and BF had the Asahi to pair with our meal. We both really enjoyed the sunomono (cucumber, chili garlic and tomato). It was a nice palate cleanser and I couldn't stop eating it! One of his favorites was the chirashi sushi bowl with furikake. We had to order our favorite sashimi: saketoro (salmon belly) and chutoro (medium fatty tuna). It was so fresh! And of course, I have to mention the entry to the restroom! You are surrounded by bamboo - I loved it! In comparison to other sushi restaurants I felt the food was priced fairly. Additionally, since it's HRW we got an even better deal. All in all, it was a wonderful experience and I can't wait to go back!

So I saw some guy from NYC listing this as the best-tasting sushi place among all the high-end sushi places in Houston that he has tried, and I felt obliged to try it out together with some of my unsuspecting friends. And, to that, I agree: This IS the best sushi in Houston. Strip mall sushi places and Uchiko are not even close. Which is why I will go into another long rant in this review because HOLY HELL Houston we got a problem (when it comes to sushi)! NOTE: I wrote a full review on this but ran into a technical problem with Yelp when posting it which ate my review. Clearly God doesn't want me to desecrate this place anyway so I'll just leave it at that. It tasted like every "fine dining" restaurant ever and was quite average for the price. Maybe I'll rewrite that full review some time shortly, but right now I am not in the mood.

First time at Aiko and it did not disappoint! I'm actually speechless because of how amazing everything was from the service, ambiance, and food. Our chef Jesus was awesome! Everything was 10/10! My boyfriend and I went for our anniversary and we made it just in time to catch the tail end of Houston Restaurant Weeks. My top picks were the Sunomono, Maguro Crudo, Chirashi, and the Matcha Ganash Cheesecake and Melon. We will definitely be making a trip back to Houston for this place!

First omakase experience and thoroughly enjoyed it! We came on a late Monday night (we had made the reservation a couple hours before) and only a few diners were present. My friends spoiled me with the $175 omakase while they got the $55 omakase. Aiko surprisingly gave pretty decent portions and I was very full afterwards. My friends' omakase also had a decent amount and they were also full afterwards. Everything was very fresh and presented well. I genuinely enjoyed every dish. (Although sometimes the wasabi topping overpowered the nigiri like in the tuna flight.) I loved the sake tigre. The kakuni or pork belly blew my mind. Hand roll was surprisingly very good. This was my first time trying Japanese river crab, foie gras, sea urchin, A5 wagyu (incredible)- my favorite probably being the river crab. The cheesecake sealed the deal on the amazing journey the food had taken me on - absolutely delectable. The chefs generously treated us to their special scallop dish which was delicious as well. The server was nice although a bit rushed in her descriptions of each dish. The restaurant isn't TOO fancy, a bit bare in the interior. Decent amount of parking when we were there. While this likely won't be a regular outing, I can see myself coming back and getting their cheaper omakases like the $55 one!