MF Sushi

"Leave things in chef Chris Kinjo’s hands (literally) at this lavish sushi restaurant that has an ultra-modern aesthetic that is just as Instagram-worthy as the premium cuts of fish. With indulgences like Hokkaido scallops and grilled eel, there is no shortage of melt-in-mouth moments to be had at this Museum District hideaway. Its sleek wood interior and extensive sake list make it a foolproof date-night destination, too." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Any partner would be impressed with the sleek and elegant MF Sushi. The Museum District’s premiere sushi spot serves up consummate fresh fish in the forms of high-quality sushi, nigiri, and sashimi. It now also offers an omakase service. The minimal woodsy decor is the perfect accompaniment to excellent service and an original drink menu. Make reservations because this place fills up fast." - Brittany Britto Garley, Nadia Gire

"MF Sushi executes one thing to near perfection: the nightly omakase. While the restaurant accommodates a full menu, the omakase experience is why you go to MF. Even though it’s expensive (roughly $300 per person), lasts most of the night (about three hours), and you will only hear electronic pan flute muzak the entire time, the omakase is totally worth playing endless phone tag with the hosts for a reservation. Most of the 20+ courses feature melt-in-you-mouth nigiri pieces you get to eat seconds after watching the head sushi chef masterfully create them. It’s immediate satisfaction dinner theater featuring some of the best nigiri in town." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene

"MF Sushi's a la carte menu is perfect for a regular ol' Wednesday dinner, but for momentous occasions (like an anniversary, or filing those pending back taxes) reserve a spot for the roughly $300 omakase. While you must physically call the restaurant to book a sushi bar seat (so analog), the relentless courses of beautifully crafted nigiri and resistance to AI taking over the world make it worth it." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene

"Getting to watch someone meditatively execute a craft—especially when the resulting work ends up as delicious food intended for you to eat—rarely happens. But that’s something you can experience every night by making a reservation for MF Sushi’s omakase. The Museum District restaurant routinely turns out one of the most stunning meals in the city. And even though it’s expensive (roughly $300 per person), lasts most of the night (about three hours), and you will only hear electronic pan flute muzak the entire time, the omakase at MF Sushi is totally worth playing endless phone tag with the hosts for a reservation .  You can, however, experience a more modest version of MF Sushi by checking out the a la carte menu by walking in most nights (or by making a reservation), with similar excellent selections of fish along with makimono rolls and cooked dishes. The paired down modern dining room, with its warm wood tables and booths, can feel casual or fancy, depending on whatever mood you happen to be in. But the real action (and the best service) happens at the sushi bar. During the omakase, watching the chef rock back and forth as he hypnotically knifes long, thin slices of fish and shaping each piece together with small balls of warm with laser technical and artistic proficiency, feels like performance art we can actually understand. Cue eyes rolling back into heads as every other guest at the sushi bar eagerly pops nigiri into their mouths, like some kind of synchronized swimming (eating?) routine. MF Sushi’s omakase goes down as one of Houston’s most stellar dining experiences, one because it’s usually over 20-courses long. And while you must physically call the restaurant to book a seat for a specific time—our condolences, phone anxiety sufferers—showing up to the restaurant at the same time as other omakase diners feels like some kind of restaurant power move. We encourage you to feel special, indulge for date night, and ring up the folks at MF. " - Chelsea Thomas