Kuu Introduce
For those of us in Houston with a discerning palate for exceptional Japanese cuisine, finding a restaurant that transcends the ordinary is a true delight. We seek not just a meal, but an experience – a place where artistry meets flavor, and every dish tells a story. Look no further than Kuu, a renowned Japanese restaurant that has firmly established itself as a culinary beacon in the heart of Houston.
Kuu, pronounced "Koo," translates to "the art of eating," a philosophy that permeates every aspect of this remarkable establishment. Under the guidance of acclaimed Chef Adison Lee, who honed his skills under the tutelage of master chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Kuu brings a sophisticated blend of modern cooking techniques and traditional Japanese artistry to the table. This isn't your everyday sushi spot; it's a destination for those special occasions, for business dinners, or simply for an evening when you crave truly exceptional food in a beautifully designed setting. Locals consistently rave about the innovative menu, the impeccable service, and the "pretty restaurant" ambiance, making Kuu a must-visit for anyone in the Texas region looking for an elevated Japanese dining experience.
Kuu is conveniently situated at 947 Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77024, USA, placing it in the vibrant Memorial City area. Its location makes it easily accessible for Houstonians from various parts of the city, whether you're coming from the Galleria, the Energy Corridor, or other surrounding neighborhoods. The restaurant is located behind the Westin Hotel and is part of the Memorial Gateway development, adding to its appeal as a sophisticated dining destination.
Accessibility is a key advantage for Kuu. Guests will appreciate the availability of both valet parking and an attached garage, taking the stress out of finding a spot in this bustling part of town. This ease of access ensures that your focus can remain on anticipating the exquisite meal ahead, rather than navigating parking challenges. The surrounding area offers a polished and upscale environment, complementing Kuu's refined dining experience.
Kuu is committed to providing a comprehensive and exceptional dining experience for its patrons, offering a range of services designed to cater to various needs and occasions.
- Dine-in Service: Experience the full ambiance and culinary artistry of Kuu in their elegant dining room, at the sushi bar, or on their patio. The restaurant offers a "Casual Elegant" dining style, perfect for a memorable evening.
- Lunch and Dinner Service: Kuu welcomes guests for both lunch and dinner, making it a versatile option for various schedules and dining preferences. Lunch is served Monday through Friday, and dinner is available seven days a week, with specific hours varying slightly.
- Private Dining Facilities: For intimate gatherings, special celebrations, or corporate events, Kuu offers a dedicated private dining space. This is ideal for those seeking a more exclusive and personalized experience, allowing for a focused and memorable event. They also offer partial dining area and patio options for events.
- Catering Services: Kuu extends its culinary excellence beyond the restaurant walls with catering options. This is perfect for those who wish to bring the sophisticated flavors of Kuu to their birthday parties, holiday gatherings, corporate events, or wedding festivities.
- Extensive Beverage Program: Complementing its exquisite food menu, Kuu boasts an "extensive list of imported sakes and wines," alongside a "hand-crafted cocktail menu" designed by their mixologist, ensuring the perfect pairing for every dish.
- Takeout Options: For the convenience of enjoying Kuu's dishes at home, takeout services are available, allowing locals to savor their favorite items on the go.
Kuu stands out in Houston's culinary landscape due to its distinctive features and unwavering commitment to quality.
- Acclaimed Chef Adison Lee: The restaurant benefits from the expertise of Chef Adison Lee, whose background includes training under Nobu Matsuhisa. This ensures a high level of culinary mastery, innovative techniques, and a commitment to flavor that is evident in every dish.
- Artful Presentation and Plating: True to its name, "the art of eating," Kuu emphasizes the aesthetic appeal of its dishes. Reviewers frequently note the "beautifully presented" items, highlighting the visual artistry that accompanies the exquisite flavors.
- Diverse and Creative Menu: Kuu offers an extensive menu that goes beyond typical Japanese fare. While sushi and sashimi are central, guests can explore a wide range of "Cold," "Hot," and "Agemono" (fried) dishes, as well as unique "Makimono" (rolls). Highlights include their flavorful "lobster pasta," "sea bass with a very light miso sauce," and innovative sushi pieces like "freshwater eel, flounder, and amberjack."
- High-Quality Ingredients: Kuu is dedicated to sourcing premium ingredients, including "responsibly fished seafood from local fishermen and the world famous Tsukiji Fish Market in Japan." They also feature high-quality meats like Wagyu beef, as praised by customers for dishes like the "sous vide Wagyu" and "Wagyu Gyoza."
- Sophisticated Ambiance: The restaurant itself is described as "such a pretty restaurant," with a "sleek, modern dining atmosphere." The interior design, including "antique styling of our yakisugi wood tables," contributes to a "casual elegant" setting that enhances the overall dining experience.
- Small, Sharable Plates: Kuu's menu is designed with "small, sharable plates" in mind, encouraging guests to explore a variety of stimulating flavors and dishes, making it perfect for group dining and tasting multiple offerings.
Kuu regularly updates its special offers and events, ensuring there’s always something new for local patrons to discover. While specific, ongoing promotions may vary, it's recommended for Texans to check their official website or social media channels for the most current information. Kuu also features a "Specials" section on their website, encouraging guests to "Please stay tuned" for upcoming deals and seasonal offerings. They have been known to offer "Social Hour" (Happy Hour) specials in the past, providing a great opportunity to sample their exquisite menu at a more approachable price point. Additionally, gift cards are available, making it easy to share the Kuu experience with friends and loved ones.
Ready to embark on a memorable culinary journey at Kuu? Here’s how you can connect with them:
- Address: 947 Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77024, USA
- Phone: (713) 461-1688
- Website: For reservations, full menu details, and the latest news on specials and events, visit their official website, www.kuurestaurant.com.
For Texans in Houston, Kuu is more than just a Japanese restaurant; it's a culinary destination that truly embodies "the art of eating." We Houstonians appreciate quality, innovation, and an experience that leaves a lasting impression, and Kuu delivers on all fronts. Its commitment to sourcing high-quality, often local, ingredients resonates with our community's growing focus on fresh and responsibly sourced food. The masterful hand of Chef Adison Lee ensures that every dish, from the delicate sashimi to the rich lobster pasta, is a testament to flavor and precision.
The restaurant's elegant yet comfortable ambiance makes it an ideal spot for a variety of occasions, whether it's a celebratory dinner, a business lunch, or a sophisticated date night. The availability of private dining rooms further enhances its suitability for local events and intimate gatherings. Furthermore, the convenience of its Memorial City location, coupled with ample parking options, makes visiting Kuu a hassle-free experience.
Local reviews consistently highlight the enjoyment and satisfaction derived from dining at Kuu, often noting it as "worth the visit" and a "great place to celebrate." This strong local endorsement speaks to Kuu's ability to consistently meet and exceed the high expectations of the Houston dining scene. For Texans seeking an authentic, elevated, and truly artistic Japanese culinary adventure, Kuu is not just suitable—it's essential.
Kuu Menu
Nigiri
- Sake Toro US$5.50
Salmon belly, yuzu kosho, ikura.
- Tamago US$5.25
Egg custard.
- Akaushi US$7.50
Seared wagyu beef, yuzu kosho, green onion, ponzu.
- Suzuki US$4.75
Striped bass, yuzu citrus, shiso, ponzu.
- Avocado US$3.25
Avocado avocado, smoked sea salt.
- Portobello US$4.25
Portobello mushroom, yuzu kosho.
- Sake US$5.25
Scottish salmon, yuzu kosho.
- Tarabagani US$10.50
King crab, smoked sea salt.
- Nasu US$4.25
Eggplant, yuzu miso, sesame seeds.
- Blue Fin Tuna US$6.75
- Wasabi Tobiko US$4.25
Wasabi flying fish roe.
- Hotate US$6.25
Chopped scallop, green onion, golden tobiko, mayo.
- Hirame US$5.25
Flounder, lemon yuzu, smoked sea salt, shiso.
- Seared Hotate US$6.25
Seared whole scallop, smoked sea salt, shiso.
- Shime Saba US$5.25
Mackerel, yuzu kosho, shiso, gari.
- Kani US$4.25
Snow crab.
- Kunsei US$5.00
Smoked salmon, key lime.
- Kanpachi US$7.00
Amberjack, smoked sea salt.
- Yuzu Tobiko US$4.25
Yuzu flying fish roe.
- Ama Ebi US$7.25
Sweet shrimp, golden tobiko.
- Hamachi US$5.75
Yellowtail, green onion.
- Bincho US$5.25
Albacore tuna, ginger garlic soy, green onion, serrano pepper.
- Unagi US$5.25
Freshwater eel, sesame.
- Madai US$4.75
Japanese sea bream, yuzu citrus, smoked sea salt.
- Ikura US$4.25
Salmon roe.
- Maguro US$5.75
Ahi tuna.
- Tako US$4.25
Octopus, smoked sea salt.
Appetizers
- Shrimp Tempura US$14.50
Shrimp tempura, assorted vegetables.
- New Style Soft Shell Crab Tempura US$14.50
Soft shell crab, roasted tomato, guacamole.
- Wagyu Gyoza US$16.00
wagyu beef dumplings, celery, fennel leaf
- Truffle Sayaname US$9.50
Tempura green bean, black truffle aioli.
- Veggie Tempura US$9.50
assorted vegetables
- Creamy Rock Shrimp US$14.00
Rock shrimp tempura, shishito pepper kale chip.
Hot Tastings
- Wagyu & Unagi US$27.00
Wagyu beef, bbq eel, peach kimchi emulsion
- Miso Sea Bass US$47.00
chilean sea bass, maitake mushroom, cauliflower puree, asparagus, chili lemonb
- Sous Vide Wagyu US$44.00
12 hours sous vide wagyu beef (6oz) • figs • asparagus • fig red wine reduction
- Miso Black Cod US$28.00
yuzu miso black cod, rainbow carrots, carrot puree
- Chili Prawn US$29.00
Jumbo headless prawns, kohlrabi, chili garlic sauce, dehydrated kale.
- Sasami Yaki US$19.00
grilled chicken, crispy leeks, achoy
- Pulpo-Yaki US$25.00
grilled octopus • brussel sprouts • roasted cherry tomatoes • parsley chips • yuzu chile • miso romesco sauce
- Seared Sea Scallop US$29.00
Scallop, 60 degree egg, inoki mushroom, okar, house cured bacon
- Lamb And Foie Gras US$47.00
rack of lamb • foie gras • kinpara wine poached asian pear • red wine reduction
- Lobster Pasta US$39.00
lobster • cresto di gallo • oyster mushroom • miso garlic sauce
- Bento US$21.00
Serves with: miso soup or butternut squash soup, local mix green salad, white rice , seasonal dessert.
- Crispy Duck US$22.00
crispy duck breast • compressed apple scallop chip • wasabi beet reduction
- Truffle Fried Rice US$19.00
truffle, egg, green onion, mushroom
Sushi Rolls
- Vegetable US$8.50
Asparagus, cucumber, avocado, lettuce, yamagobo.
- Spicy Tuna US$10.50
Spicy tuna, cucumber.
- Spicy Salmon US$10.00
Spicy salmon, cucumber.
- Hot & Spicy US$14.00
Salmon, cream cheese, avocado, spicy, wasabi mayo, jalapeno.
- Crazy US$12.50
Shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber.
- Dancing US$14.00
Shrimp tempura, cream cheese, crab mix, eel sauce.
- Philadelphia US$10.50
Smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado.
- Shrimp Tempura US$11.50
Shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado, tobiko, spicy mayo.
- California King Crab US$16.50
Snow crab, cucumber, avocado, mayo.
- Yellowtail US$10.50
Yellowtail, wasabi, green onion.
- Spider US$12.50
Soft shell Crab, avocado, cucumber.
- Eel US$10.50
Bbq fresh water eel, cucumber, eel sauce.
- Eel US$10.50
bbq fresh water eel, cucumber, eel sauce
- Crunch Shrimp US$14.50
Shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado, snow crab mix, serrano pepper, spicy aioli.
- Cucumber US$6.50
- Avocado US$6.00
Avocado smoked sea salt. per pc.
- Scallop US$10.50
Chopped scallop, cucumber, avocado, tobiko, Japanese mayo, green onion.
- California US$10.50
Snow crab, cucumber, avocado, mayo.
Cold Tastings
- Kanpaccio US$23.00
amberjack • texas orange • thai chili yuzu garlic soy • garlic paste • cilantro pickled grapes
- Hamaccio US$23.00
yellowtail, ponzo, jalapeno, parmean cheese, cilanto
- Kunseitaro US$22.00
smoked salmon, taro chips, golden raisins, yuzu thyme, asian pear
- Tuna Tartarte US$22.00
tuna, texas orange, pistachio, avocado, taro chips, shiso edmame dressing.
- Madai Carpaccio US$19.00
madai • chili citrus • kimchi miso • candied red quinoa • lemongrass oil
- Otoro Tartare US$34.00
chopped otoro • rice crisp • thai chili • kizami wasabi • wasabi aioli • ponzu • raddish onion • micro cilantro
Soups + Greens + Sides
- Edamame US$7.50
Soy beans, sea salt, togarashi.
- Garlic Edamame US$9.00
Soy beans, garlic, lime zest.
- Seared Wagyu Salad US$17.00
Seared wagyu, local greens, golden beets, compressed strawberries, miso vinaigrette parmesan cheese.
- Butternut Squash Soup US$12.50
Butternut broth, marshmallow, miso shio, king crab.
- Pepper Salmon Salad US$17.00
pepper salmon, local greens, Asian pear, miso vinaigrette, shiso edamame dressing.
- Steamed Rice US$2.50
- Shishito Pepper US$10.50
Mild shishito pepper, bonito flakes togarashi.
- Miso Soup US$3.75
Miso broth, tofu, wakame, green onion.
Sashimi
- Sake Toro US$23.00
Salmon belly, yuzu kosho, ikura.
- Kanpachi US$24.00
Amberjack, smoked sea salt.
- Madai US$22.00
Japanese sea bream, yuzu citrus, smoked sea salt.
- Maguro US$23.00
Ahi tuna.
- Blue Fin Tuna US$23.00
- Tako US$17.00
Octopus, smoked sea salt.
- Hirame US$19.00
Flounder, lemon yuzu, smoked sea salt, shiso.
- Kunsei US$19.00
Smoked salmon, key lime.
- Suzuki US$19.00
Striped bass, yuzu citrus, shiso, ponzu.
- Hamachi US$23.00
Yellowtail, green onion.
- Sake US$22.00
Scottish salmon, yuzu kosho.
- Shime Saba US$18.00
Mackerel, yuzu kosho, shiso gari.
- Bincho US$18.00
Albacore tuna, ginger garlic soy, green onion, serrano pepper.
Special Rolls
- Hama Yuzu US$22.50
King crab, yellowtail, scallion, yellow onion ,serrano pepper, yuzu garlic soy golden fish egg.
- Truffle Suzuki US$24.50
Striped bass, yellowtail, scallion, crunch, jalapeno golden tobiko, truffle yuzu vinaigrette.
- Kuu US$24.50
Tuna, Asian pear, yuzu kosho, avocado, lobster claw, edamame puree, peach kimchi emulsion.
- June US$20.50
Spicy tuna, fresh water eel, crunch, avocado, sesame, eel sauce.
- Rin US$20.50
Shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado, snow crab mix, serrano pepper, spicy aioli.
- Nanami US$20.50
Yuzu miso marinated cod, asparagus, avocado, soy paper, crispy leeks, yuzo miso.
- Portobello US$16.50
Portobello mushroom, asparagus, avocado, cucumber, kohirabi, yuzu kosho.
- Poseidon US$20.50
Chopped scallop, scallion, crunch diced tuna, salmon and yellowtail, truffle yuzu vinaigrette.
- Umi US$22.50
fresh salmon • lobster & crab mix • avocado • cucumber • spicy aioli • yuzu kosho • micro cilantro
- Gyu US$21.50
grilled wagyu ribeye • crispy bread stick • fried scallion • avocado • fried onion • thai miso sauce
Kuu Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar on site
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Cosy
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upmarket
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free multi-storey car park
- Free parking lot
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Kuu Photos










Kuu Location
Kuu Reviews
The lobster pasta had a great deal of flavor. The pasta was tender but still had a body with a rich light sauce. The lobster was tender and perfectly cooked. The sea bass was delicious with a very light miso sauce but held a lot of flavor.The meal was enjoyable and worth the visit.
May 23 · Xannari BaineWhat a great place to celebrate a birthday. The menu took some time to conquer, but I feel we ended up with every out of the box and tasty items. We got 3 pieces of sushi- freshwater eel, flounder and amberjack. We got the unami roll, the sous vide Wagyu and the tako in ponzu with cucumber and seaweed. Such a pretty restaurant too.
March 02 · Kat SpoffordIt was a good experience. There was not a crowd. I was seated immediately. The atmosphere was very pleasant and relaxing. It is well organized. The food was decent. I would have preferred more flavor, but it was still good. The staff were nice. The price was decent. I recommend everyone to try it.
March 11 · Jay PatI had the omakase and it was more of a pre set menu than anything else. Most dishes were boring and simple. Seared tuna salad was basic, the 5 types of almost the same sashimi in a bowl boring, the 5 nigiri was the only good part and was nothing more than the selection at a basic sushi restaurant.
November 19 · VuEverything was good, it was clean, I didn't know what to order and they recommended me things based on my preference, they were patient and checked up on me often, my water literally never ran out. The food was very good too. Also the restaurant itself is very nice, it's neat and has the perfect lighting to take someone of your family or go for a date.
May 29 · DG_DIDALATER_YT
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