Katami

For residents of Texas, particularly those within Houston's dynamic culinary scene, the search for an truly exceptional Japanese dining experience often leads to the discovery of a new benchmark. Katami, which opened its doors in Montrose in November 2023, has rapidly established itself as one of the city's most impressive and highly-regarded Japanese restaurants. Helmed by the four-time James Beard Award-nominated Chef Manabu Horiuchi, affectionately known as Chef Hori (also behind the acclaimed Kata Robata), Katami offers an experience that goes beyond mere dining; it's a meticulously crafted culinary journey.

Katami aims to deliver an "absolutely outstanding" meal by focusing on top-quality Japanese cuisine, presented with remarkable care and precision. From the moment guests walk in, they are enveloped in a serene and beautifully curated atmosphere, complemented by impeccable service. The restaurant prides itself on flavors that are "perfectly balanced" and "unlike anything I’ve tasted before," offering a sophisticated blend of traditional techniques and innovative twists. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or seeking a gourmet experience that caters to all your senses, Katami promises an unforgettable occasion that consistently receives rave reviews from those who appreciate the finest in Japanese culinary arts.

Katami is ideally situated in one of Houston's most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods, ensuring both prominence and convenience for diners. You can find this esteemed Japanese restaurant at 2701 W Dallas St, Houston, TX 77019, USA. This address places Katami squarely in Montrose, a dynamic district celebrated for its eclectic mix of art galleries, boutiques, and a flourishing culinary landscape.

The location on West Dallas Street offers excellent accessibility from various parts of Houston. It's easily reachable from downtown, the Galleria, River Oaks, and other surrounding areas, making it a central and convenient destination for a special night out. As a restaurant of Katami's caliber, it typically offers dedicated parking or convenient valet services to accommodate its guests, which is a significant advantage in a busy urban area like Montrose. The neighborhood itself is known for its inviting atmosphere, making the journey to Katami part of the overall elevated dining experience. Its integration into this lively community solidifies Katami's position as a top-tier dining establishment within Houston's competitive restaurant scene.

Katami offers a refined and comprehensive Japanese dining experience, emphasizing high-quality ingredients, expert preparation, and impeccable service.

• Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides an elegant, serene, and beautifully curated atmosphere for guests to enjoy their meal. It features various seating options, including a 20-seat bar, a 12-seat sushi bar as the focal point, and a main dining area with a total capacity of 182 guests, plus a 40-seat patio.
• Sushi-Focused Cuisine: At its core, Katami specializes in sushi, with fish often flown in almost daily from Japan, ensuring exceptional freshness. The menu includes a wide variety of expertly prepared sushi and sashimi.
• Omakase Experiences: Katami offers diverse omakase experiences, ranging from nine, 12, to 15-piece sashimi-focused menus, allowing diners to enjoy a chef-selected progression of exquisite dishes. They can also craft a personalized Omakase experience for private events.
• Premium Wagyu Selection: A highlight of the menu is their selection of Wagyu beef, including Miyazaki or Hokkaido A5 Wagyu, available by the ounce. It can be prepared Robata-style (traditional Japanese grilling over charcoal), Tataki-style (lightly seared and thinly sliced sashimi), or Kagoshima Wagyu prepared Shabu Shabu-style (hot pot) or Carpaccio-style (paper-thin slices).
• Unique Appetizers and Dishes: The menu features creative and gourmet quality appetizers such as Tuna Crispy Rice, Bone Marrow, Iberico Pork Shumai, and a "Southern Smoke Roll" with fatty tuna belly, caviar, shiso, wasabi, and sea urchin. Other notable items include Miso Sake Lobster and Foie Gras Nigiris.
• Artisanal Cocktails and Sake Program: Katami boasts a full sake program with almost 70 different selections, "unlike anything else in Houston," alongside a well-crafted cocktail menu. Drinks like the "She’s So Sad" and "Old Manhattan" are praised for their "great flavor profile."
• Exquisite Desserts: A tempting dessert selection is available, including their signature Kakigori (Japanese shaved ice with ice from Kanazawa, Japan) in flavors like strawberry Nutella and green tea with Azuki ice cream, as well as an Apple Caramel Bread Pudding.
• Private Dining and Events: Katami offers private dining options, including a Private Dining Room (up to 14-16 guests) and a Sunroom (up to 28-38 guests), with customizable pre-fixe menus or personalized omakase options for events. Full restaurant buy-outs are also available.
• Reservation Recommended: Given its popularity and high demand, making reservations is strongly advised to ensure a seamless dining experience.

Katami has quickly cemented its status as a top-tier Japanese restaurant in Houston, distinguished by several remarkable features and highlights:

• Impeccable Service: From the moment guests arrive, the "impeccable" service stands out. The staff is consistently described as "attentive, warm, and truly made us feel welcome," enhancing the entire dining experience. Specific mentions of staff like Travis highlight their helpfulness and positive attitude.
• Serene and Beautifully Curated Atmosphere: The ambiance at Katami is a significant draw, described as "serene and beautifully curated." The thoughtfully designed interior, with clean lines and soft colors, creates a perfect setting for a sophisticated meal, making it an ideal choice for both special occasions and an elevated everyday dining experience.
• Outstanding and Unique Food Quality: Every dish is "absolutely outstanding," "crafted with such care and precision," and the flavors are consistently described as "unforgettable." The emphasis on "gourmet quality, perfectly balanced, and unlike anything I’ve tasted before" highlights Katami's innovative approach while maintaining high standards.
• Expert-Led Culinary Experience (Chef Hori): The restaurant is led by Chef Manabu Horiuchi (Chef Hori), a four-time James Beard Award nominee. His expertise and reputation for excellence (known from Kata Robata) assure diners of a world-class culinary experience.
• Fresh, Japan-Sourced Ingredients: A key differentiator is the commitment to sourcing, with fish "flown in almost daily from Japan." This ensures unparalleled freshness and quality in their sushi and sashimi. The use of ice "from Kanazawa, Japan" for desserts further illustrates this dedication.
• Signature and Decadent Dishes: Highlights include the "Tuna Crispy Rice" for its beautiful plating and deliciousness, a wide variety of perfectly crafted sushi rolls, and unique offerings like Foie Gras Nigiris, Bone Marrow, and the complex "Southern Smoke Roll" with luxurious ingredients.
• Exceptional Wagyu Program: The availability of top-grade A5 Wagyu (Miyazaki, Hokkaido, Kagoshima) prepared in various styles (Robata, Tataki, Shabu Shabu, Carpaccio) offers a luxurious experience for meat connoisseurs.
• Unforgettable Shaved Ice Dessert (Kakigori): The "shaved ice dessert" is a must-try, described as "delicious" and "looks like a lot, but it is it because it’s nice." The use of ice from Japan adds to its authenticity and unique texture.
• Sophisticated Beverage Program: Katami boasts an extensive sake program with nearly 70 selections, and their cocktails are praised for their "great flavor profile," showcasing a well-rounded and high-quality drink menu.

As a high-end Japanese dining establishment with a focus on exceptional quality and a curated experience, Katami does not typically engage in widespread, publicly advertised "promotions" in the traditional sense of discounts. However, the value and unique offerings they provide can be seen as their form of special appeal.

• Diverse Omakase Options: While not a discount, the choice of nine, 12, or 15-piece sashimi-focused omakase menus provides a curated experience at a set price point. This allows diners to explore Chef Hori's selections of the freshest ingredients.
• Private Dining Experiences: Katami offers custom pre-fixe menus and personalized Omakase experiences for private events in their dedicated Private Dining Room or Sunroom. This allows for a bespoke and exclusive dining event, ideal for celebrations.
• Unique Seasonal Dishes: The menu's focus on "seasonal ingredients flown in almost daily from Japan" means that diners will consistently find unique and limited-time culinary creations, making each visit a fresh discovery.
• Extensive Sake Program: With almost 70 different sake selections, Katami provides a "special offer" to sake enthusiasts, allowing them to explore a depth of variety rarely found elsewhere in Houston.

For the most current information on any specific tasting menu pricing, seasonal highlights, or event opportunities, it is always recommended to check Katami's official website or contact them directly. Given its popularity and the demand for a dining experience of this caliber, securing reservations well in advance is highly advisable.

For those in Houston eager to indulge in the outstanding Japanese cuisine and serene ambiance of Katami, here's how you can get in touch:

• Address: 2701 W Dallas St, Houston, TX 77019, USA
• Phone: (713) 393-7376

Given Katami's reputation and its status as a top dining destination, it is highly recommended to make reservations, especially for weekend evenings or if you plan to visit with a larger group. The phone number is your primary contact for reservation inquiries, specific menu questions, or any other information you may need before your visit. You can also visit their official website for comprehensive details, including their full menu, operating hours (Monday-Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Friday-Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM; Sunday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM), and online reservation options.

For Houstonians, Katami represents more than just another Japanese restaurant; it embodies a sophisticated, high-quality dining experience that is perfectly suited for those seeking culinary excellence. Its strategic location in Montrose, a vibrant and accessible neighborhood, makes it a convenient choice for residents across the city looking for a special night out.

Katami's suitability for locals is profoundly rooted in its commitment to "top-quality Japanese cuisine and flawless service." The leadership of James Beard-nominated Chef Manabu Horiuchi ensures that every dish is "crafted with such care and precision," offering flavors that are "unforgettable" and "perfectly balanced." The consistent praise for the freshness of ingredients, particularly the fish flown in daily from Japan, speaks directly to a discerning local palate that values authenticity and quality.

Moreover, the "serene and beautifully curated" atmosphere provides an ideal setting for an intimate dinner, a celebratory occasion, or simply a luxurious escape. The impeccable, warm, and attentive staff further elevates the experience, making every guest feel truly welcome and cared for. For Houston residents who appreciate fine dining, an extensive sake selection, innovative dishes (including premium Wagyu and unique desserts like Japanese shaved ice), and an overall "incredible" experience, Katami is not just a recommendation—it's a must-visit destination that promises to be one of the "best dining experiences" in the city.

Katami

2701 W Dallas St, Houston, TX 77019, USA