Soma Sushi

For those in Texas seeking a Japanese dining experience that seamlessly blends tradition with modern flair, Soma Sushi on Washington Avenue in Houston stands as a true culinary highlight. This isn't just another sushi spot; it's an establishment that prides itself on elevating the dining experience through meticulous attention to detail, a diverse menu, and a vibrant atmosphere. Soma Sushi has become a favored destination for locals who appreciate fresh, high-quality Japanese cuisine served in a stylish setting.

Soma Sushi, led by Chef Omi Higa, embodies an "upscale casual" approach, successfully combining the technical execution of traditional Japanese sushi with a progressive kitchen that isn't afraid to push the boundaries of worldly flavors. This philosophy results in a menu that offers something for every palate, from exquisitely prepared nigiri and sashimi to inventive signature rolls and comforting, savory hot dishes. Diners can expect not just a meal, but a culinary journey that showcases the versatility and depth of Japanese cuisine.

Beyond the impressive food, Soma Sushi creates an inviting and refined atmosphere. While the exterior might hint at a casual establishment, stepping inside reveals a modern, sleek, and spacious interior that provides a comfortable yet elegant backdrop for your meal. The service is consistently praised for being polite, attentive, and perfectly paced, allowing guests to savor their time without feeling rushed. From the precise plating to the thoughtful table setup, every element is designed to enhance the dining experience, making Soma Sushi a highly recommended spot for a truly enjoyable Japanese meal in Houston.

Soma Sushi is conveniently located at 4820 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007, USA. This address places it squarely on Washington Avenue, one of Houston's most dynamic and well-known corridors, celebrated for its lively nightlife, diverse restaurant scene, and easy connectivity to other parts of the city. Being on Washington Avenue ensures excellent visibility and relatively straightforward access for residents across various Houston neighborhoods.

While the immediate exterior might appear unassuming, the central location on Washington Avenue is a significant advantage for locals. It's easily reachable from downtown Houston, Memorial Park, the Heights, and other surrounding areas. For those driving, Soma Sushi offers on-site parking, which is a valuable amenity in a bustling area, and street parking is also available. Public transportation options, such as bus stops, are also within a reasonable distance, further enhancing accessibility. The area around Washington Avenue is vibrant, making Soma Sushi a great starting or ending point for an evening out, contributing to its suitability as a local dining hotspot.

Soma Sushi offers a wide array of Japanese culinary experiences, catering to both traditional preferences and those seeking innovative flavors. Their services are designed to provide a comprehensive and satisfying dining journey.

• Dine-In Service: Guests can enjoy their meals in a modern, sleek, and spacious interior that offers a comfortable and elevated dining atmosphere. The service is noted for being polite, attentive, and perfectly paced.
• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: A core offering featuring a wide selection of fresh fish for nigiri (2 pieces) and sashimi (5 pieces). This includes traditional favorites like Tuna (Maguro), Fresh Salmon (Nama Sake), Yellowtail (Hamachi), and Unagi (Fresh Water Eel), as well as premium selections such as Japanese Snapper (Madai), Alaskan King Crab (Tarabagani), and various cuts of tuna (Chutoro, Otoro).
• Signature & Traditional Rolls: A diverse range of maki rolls, from classic options like California Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll to innovative signature creations such as:
  • Soma Shrimp Roll: Shrimp tempura, salmon, spicy tuna, avocado, eel sauce, spicy aioli.
  • Crazy Irish-Man: Salmon, tuna, avocado, green soy bean paper, tempura fried, with eel and spicy aioli.
  • Aka - Hamachi: Seared Texas Kobe, spicy yellowtail, tobiko, cucumber, garlic, spicy ponzu.
  • Tuna & Truffle: Shrimp, tuna, avocado, yuzu tobiko, truffle shoyu.
  • TX Longhorn Roll: Panko shrimp, avocado, takuan, peppercorn salmon, spicy ponzu, truffle shoyu, chili garlic crunch.
• Appetizers & Small Plates (Izakaya-style): A rich selection of starters perfect for sharing, including:
  • Soma Salad (mixed greens, cashews, ginger miso dressing)
  • Soma Miso (quail egg, enoki, tofu, green onion, wakame)
  • Pork Chive Gyoza
  • Agedashi Tofu
  • Tempura (shrimp & assorted vegetables)
  • Sauteed Shishito Peppers
  • Korean Chicken Wings
  • Japanese Wagyu Shumai
  • Grilled Spanish Octopus
  • Chicken Chicharrónes
• Rice Bowls & Main Dishes: Hearty and flavorful options beyond sushi:
  • Texas Wagyu Beef Bowl: Akaushi short rib, fried egg, onions, mushrooms, garlic soy, pickled ginger, green onions, rice – praised as "pure comfort in a bowl."
  • Sukiyaki Pork Belly: With yakiniku soy reduction, poached egg, and vegetables.
  • Golden Curry Fusion (Ramen or Udon with beef and vegetables).
  • Poke Bowls and Spicy Sashimi Bi-Bim-Bab.
• Robata Grill: A selection of skewers including Beef, Gyutan (beef tongue), Pork Belly, Shrimp, Yakitori Chicken, and Japanese Sausage.
• Omakase (Chef's Tasting): Both Dinner Sushi Omakase and Dinner Sashimi Omakase options are available, where the chef selects premium cuts of the day for a curated experience.
• Beverage Program: A comprehensive selection of sake (Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo, Nigori), Japanese beers (Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin), and wine, complementing the food menu.
• Lunch Service: A dedicated lunch menu featuring various sushi plates, combos, specialty bowls (like Poke Bowl and Spicy Sashimi Bi-Bim-Bab), and ramen/udon options.
• Takeout & Delivery: For convenience, Soma Sushi offers online ordering for pickup and delivery through various platforms.
• Private Events & Catering: Soma Sushi is available for private events at the restaurant and off-site catering, with options for whole venue rental suitable for up to 35-40 guests.

Soma Sushi boasts a range of impressive features and highlights that contribute to its strong reputation and make it a preferred Japanese dining spot for Houston locals:

• Upscale Casual Modern Ambiance: Despite an unassuming exterior, the interior of Soma Sushi is described as "modern, sleek, and spacious," offering a sophisticated yet comfortable dining environment. The attention to detail in plating and table setup further elevates the experience.
• Outstanding Food Quality and Flavor: Customers consistently rave about the deliciousness of the food, using terms like "outstanding" and "pure comfort in a bowl." Dishes are noted for being savory, satisfying, and full of umami. The "Texas Wagyu Beef Bowl" is a particular highlight mentioned by diners.
• Diverse and Innovative Menu: Soma Sushi goes beyond standard sushi, offering a broad range of Japanese cuisine. This includes traditional nigiri and sashimi, a creative array of signature rolls, delicious small plates (like the highly praised "rice bowl topped with sautéed vegetables, beef, and a sunny-side-up egg"), various ramens, and items from their Robata grill. This variety caters to a wide range of tastes.
• Exceptional Service: The service is frequently highlighted as "polite and paced just right," allowing guests to enjoy their time without feeling rushed. Staff members, like the server Michelle mentioned in a review, are described as "super cool, very knowledgeable about the menu, and really attentive."
• Great Value for Price: Despite the high quality and elevated dining experience, customers often find the "price point so good," making it an excellent value. This allows diners to "order a ton" and explore the menu without hesitation.
• Chef Omi Higa's Culinary Philosophy: The restaurant is led by Chef Omi Higa, who combines traditional Japanese techniques with modern approaches and local influences, creating a unique and evolving menu.
• Perfect for Various Occasions: Whether it's a casual dinner, a special outing (as noted by customers who traveled from Austin), or a large gathering (with private event options), Soma Sushi is suitable for a wide array of dining needs.
• Attention to Detail: From the meticulous plating to the overall table setup, a strong attention to detail is evident, enhancing the aesthetic and sensory aspects of the meal.

Soma Sushi offers several promotions and special opportunities that Houston locals can take advantage of to enjoy their exquisite Japanese cuisine. These offers are designed to provide value and encourage a diverse dining experience.

• Happy Hour: Soma Sushi features a popular Happy Hour.
  • When: Monday through Saturday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and all day on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
  • What: The Happy Hour menu typically includes discounted prices on select appetizers, rolls, and beverages (house sake, beer, and wine). This is an excellent opportunity for locals to try a variety of Soma Sushi's offerings at a more accessible price point.
• Lunch Specials/Combos: Soma Sushi offers a dedicated lunch menu from Monday to Friday, generally from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM (though some online sources suggest 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM). This menu often includes special sushi plates, combos (e.g., Chirashi, Nigiri & Roll sets), and specialty bowls that provide a complete meal at a favorable price.
• "Soma Specials" Menu: Beyond their regular menu, Soma Sushi features a "Soma Specials" section. This can include:
  • Sushi & Roll Medleys: Chef's choice assortments of nigiri with a choice of a signature roll, available in 5, 8, or 10-piece options. These are great for experiencing a curated selection of their freshest offerings.
  • Sashimi Platters: Such as the "Sashimi Pentagon" or "Sashimi Trio" that offer a selection of premium fish.
  • Chef's Preferred Omakase: While not a discount, the "Dinner Sushi Omakase" and "Dinner Sashimi Omakase" allow guests to experience an assortment of the chef's preferred premium cuts of the day, offering a unique and often seasonal culinary journey.
• Rewards Program: Soma Sushi offers a rewards program where customers can earn points for every dollar spent. For instance, you might earn 1 point for every $1 spent and receive bonus points just for signing up. This is a great way for regular diners to accumulate savings.

For the most current details on Happy Hour menus, specific lunch specials, or any new limited-time offerings, Houston locals are encouraged to visit Soma Sushi's official website or call them directly at (713) 861-2726.

For Houston residents eager to experience the exceptional Japanese cuisine at Soma Sushi, here's their essential contact information:

• Address: 4820 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007, USA
• Phone: (713) 861-2726
• Mobile Phone: +1 713-861-2726

This information provides a direct line to the restaurant for reservations, inquiries about their menu or hours, or any other questions you may have. The physical address will guide you to their convenient and popular location on Washington Avenue, ensuring a smooth arrival for your dining experience.

For Houston locals, Soma Sushi on Washington Avenue emerges as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended Japanese dining destination. Its unique blend of refined cuisine, inviting ambiance, and attentive service truly caters to the discerning tastes and dynamic lifestyles of Texans, making it a place you'll want to revisit.

Firstly, Soma Sushi excels in delivering outstanding food quality and a diverse, innovative menu. Unlike many Japanese restaurants that might specialize in only one aspect, Soma offers a comprehensive culinary journey. From incredibly fresh and artfully presented sushi and sashimi to comforting, savory hot dishes like the lauded Texas Wagyu Beef Bowl, and a range of tantalizing appetizers and Robata grill items, there's a depth to the menu that encourages exploration. This variety ensures that every local, whether a sushi aficionado or someone seeking a hearty Japanese comfort meal, will find something to rave about.

Secondly, the "upscale casual" atmosphere coupled with impeccable service creates an experience that feels both special and welcoming. Despite its modern and sleek interior, Soma Sushi maintains a comfortable and unpretentious vibe. The staff, as consistently praised by diners, are polite, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring that meals are paced just right and every detail, from plating to table setup, enhances the overall enjoyment. This level of service transforms a meal into a truly memorable occasion, perfect for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a celebratory outing with friends and family.

Finally, the convenient Washington Avenue location and excellent value solidify Soma Sushi's appeal. Nestled on one of Houston's most vibrant streets, it's easily accessible with on-site parking available, a significant plus for locals navigating the city. Despite the high quality of food and service, customers find the "price point so good," making it an affordable luxury that allows for generous ordering and exploration of the menu. This combination of culinary excellence, a pleasant environment, and great value positions Soma Sushi as an ideal and highly suitable choice for any Houstonian seeking an authentic and elevated Japanese dining experience.

Soma Sushi

4820 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007, USA