Haii Keii
Steak house · Upper Kirby ·
Cinematic Japanese spot with moody interiors, unique sushi, and creative cocktails
Cinematic Japanese spot with moody interiors, unique sushi, and creative cocktails
"Haii Kaii in Upper Kirby could be the backdrop of a futuristic action movie. One where the villain is sitting in an almost-too-dark dining room while synthy house music plays in the background. Eating at the two-story Japanese fusion place feels a little sexy. Somewhere after lobster dumplings covered in heaps of butter, you realize Haii Kaii is more than lighting and cool projector images on the walls. It stays with you and leaves you excited to return, even just to have an ube espresso martini at the bar under the inverted bonsai tree." - brooke viggiano, mai pham, nicolai mccrary, andrew ryce, gianni greene, chelsea thomas
"Haii Keii is now open in Upper Kirby. This Asian fusion restaurant features peking duck or otoro nigiri next to Japanese wagyu topped with truffle miso butter. You can have an ube espresso martini underneath an LED bonsai tree at the bar or in glowing red booths separated by velvet ropes." - brooke viggiano, gianni greene, chelsea thomas
"This new Asian diasporic restaurant in Upper Kirby first captivates with its neon-lit and bright decor. It includes the coolest, tiny booths with illuminated red-roped walls and a screen installation with mysterious figures walking by. Then, it captures diners with its creative cocktails, tapas-style dishes, and sushi, all displaying the chef’s precision and forethought. Ube is big here — so expect to find this vibrant, sweet starch making its way to various plates and drinks, including the creamy ube espresso martini, the fried spheres of purple sweet potato that are covered in an apple vinegar glaze with a dash of creme fraiche, and even the flavorful 48-hour braised short rib dish, which features sweet potato puree and a garnish of truffle and sweet potato chips. Whatever you do, splurge and order the Murakami. This $50 sushi roll comes packed with king crab and is topped with seared A5, Kaluga caviar, and gold leaf. The accompanying melting crab butter candle is a mind-blowing touch that adds flavor to every bite." - Brittany Britto Garley
"A dramatic, movie-set–like Japanese spot with dark, moody interiors lit by neon signs, sultry two-person booths roped off in red, an overhanging upside-down bonsai above the bar, and an LED display of shadowy figures that heighten the cinematic vibe. Cocktails and food are designed to match the atmosphere, from purple-hued ube espresso martinis to soft-shell crab fried rice and a focused sushi program. Standout bites include a delicate vegetarian nigiri made with thin slivers of eggplant and bell pepper and the decadent Murimake roll—stuffed with king crab and topped with A5 wagyu and kaluga caviar, finished with a touch of gold leaf and served alongside a crackling crab-butter candle that melts into a pool for dipping." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Blade Runner and Kill Bill meet Kyoto at this immersive Asian fusion hotspot in Upper Kirby. Diners enter through a darkened portal framed by glowing Plexiglas screens. Inside, metallic walls, crimson rope canopies, and an upside-down bonsai set a surreal, cinematic tone. The menu is just as striking, with dishes such as lobster dumplings filled with lobster mousse and topped with wasabi tobiko, crab and garlic fried rice, and an A5 Wagyu sushi roll adorned with caviar, gold flakes, and a burning crab butter candle that melts throughout the meal, adding rich flavor. Book a shadow-lit alcove for a cinematic touch." - Marcy de Luna
